Supergirl
Supergirl (Kara Zor-El (Birth Name) Linda Kara Danvers (Legal Name)) is a DC Comics character from Prime Earth, first appearing in Flashpoint Vol 2 5, created by Otto Binder; Al Plastino.
Overview
Supergirl is the heroic identity of Kara Zor-El, a Kryptonian survivor and the first cousin of Kal-El, better known as Superman. Created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino, she debuted in 1959 and has since become DC Comics' most prominent female Kryptonian, headlining multiple solo series across decades of continuity. On Prime Earth she balances a public career as a super-powered protector with a civilian life under the name Kara Danvers, often exploring themes of displacement, grief, and finding a place on an adopted world.
Powers & Abilities
As a Kryptonian under a yellow sun, Kara possesses immense strength, invulnerability, flight, super speed, enhanced senses, heat vision, x-ray vision, and freezing breath, with a power set essentially equivalent to Superman's. Because she spent her formative years on Krypton, she is frequently portrayed as more knowledgeable about Kryptonian science, language, and history than her cousin. She shares Kryptonian vulnerabilities to kryptonite, magic, and red solar radiation, and during her stint with the Red Lantern Corps she wielded a rage-powered ring.
History
Born on Krypton to the scientist Zor-El and Alura In-Ze, Kara was sent away as her homeworld died and arrived on Earth years later, often after a prolonged period in suspended animation that left her a teenager while her infant cousin had grown into Superman. Her stories typically follow her adjustment to Earth, her mentorship by Superman, and her struggle with the loss of everything she knew. Notable modern arcs include her time as a Red Lantern, her service with the Department of Extranormal Operations, adventures with the Legion of Super-Heroes in the future, and her acclaimed cosmic journey in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.
Family & Relationships
Kara is the daughter of Zor-El and Alura In-Ze, the niece of Jor-El and Lara Lor-Van, and the first cousin of Clark Kent/Superman, which makes Lois Lane her cousin by marriage and Jon Kent her first cousin once removed. On Earth she has been fostered by Jeremiah and Eliza Danvers, taking the legal name Linda Kara Danvers. She also shares family ties with Conner Kent/Superboy and with the adopted Kryptonian children Otho-Ra and Osul-Ra.
Teams & Affiliations
Supergirl is a core member of the Superman Family and the House of El, and has served with the Justice League United and Justice League Unlimited. Her more unusual affiliations include the Red Lantern Corps, the Secret Six, and the 31st-century Legion of Super-Heroes. She has also worked as an agent of the Department of Extranormal Operations.
Notable Facts
Kara has held a wide range of civilian jobs, from barista and student to teacher, actress, and student advisor, reflecting her recurring search for identity on Earth. Her aliases include Kara Danvers, Kara Kent, and darker counterparts such as Satan Girl. Beyond comics, she has anchored a long-running television series and animated adaptations, and remains one of DC's most recognizable heroines.
Overview written by Waypoint (AI-generated).
- Real name
- Kara Zor-El (Birth Name) Linda Kara Danvers (Legal Name)
- Reality
- Prime Earth
- Gender
- Female
- Identity
- Secret
- Citizenship
- American
- First appearance
- Flashpoint Vol 2 5
- Creators
- Otto Binder; Al Plastino
- Also known as
- Kara Danvers, Red Lantern, Kara Kent, Phonygirl, Satan Girl
- Occupation
- Former D.E.O. agent, Barista, Student, Teacher, Actress, TV Camera Operator, Student Advisor
- Affiliations
- Superman Family,, House of El,, Steelworks,, Justice League Unlimited, Formerly Department of Extranormal Operations,, Justice League United,, Red Lantern Corps,, Secret Six,, Legion of Super-Heroes
- Relatives
- Zor-El (father, deceased), Alura In-Ze (mother, deceased), Nim-El (uncle, deceased), Kru-El (uncle, deceased), Jor-El (uncle, deceased), Lara Lor-Van (aunt, deceased), Jeremiah Danvers (adoptive father), Eliza Danvers (adoptive mother), Clark Kent/Superman (first cousin), Lois Lane (cousin in-law), Jon Kent (first cousin once removed), Conner Kent/Superboy (paternal half-cousin), Otho-Ra/Starchild (adoptive cousin/niece), Osul-Ra/Red Son (adoptive cousin/nephew)
Full details at DC Database (Fandom) → · CC BY-SA. Facts + summary by Waypoint.