Editorial
“Supergirl: Who is Superwoman?” is Optimal Kara Zor-El
Friday, July 10th, 2026
Each Friday, we’ll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they’ll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here’s this week’s suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape!
There’s a Supergirl tale for every comic reader, from the kid-friendly Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade to the Eisner-winning Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the basis for this summer’s film. But one of the most satisfying and underrated incarnations of Kara Zor-El is writer Sterling Gates and penciler Jamal Igle’s two-year run on 2005’sSupergirl,the first collection of which is the grippingWho is Superwoman?
By this point in her career, Kara had been reenvisioned for the Modern Age of comics as a teenager (her status when first introduced in 1959’s Action Comics #252). Like any 21st century teen, she’s got plenty of problems to solve as she navigates relationships with family and friends. In Kara’s case, one of those problems happens to be a hooded, super-powered mystery woman with a familiar “S” on her chest…
The Premise:
Looking for some time away from the spotlight, Kara creates a secret identity for herself—that of Linda Lang, the “niece” of Lana Lang. But things get complicated after Superman restores the Bottle City of Kandor and millions of Kryptonians arrive on Earth. Upon their relocation to what they begin calling “New Krypton,” Kara’s forced to deal with their leader, her mother Alurra, who demands she forsake her adopted planet and join her. Kara finds a sympathetic ear in a new hero, the mysterious Superwoman. But is this masked champion all she seems to be? Or is she somehow involved in the murder of Metropolis’s Agent Liberty? And how does the Gold Kryptonite-powered villain Reactron factor into all this? The answers forever alter the Girl of Steel.
Let’s Talk Talent:
Sterling Gates’ story is all killer, no filler. A meat-and-potatoes take on Supergirl that longtime fans will adore, it’s equally inviting to new readers looking for something neither twee nor grimdark. Penciler Jamal Igle, who worked wonders on The Ray and Firestorm, creates the perfect visual complement for Gates’ tale. Inheriting artist Michael Turner’s 2004 Kara Zor-El, he portrays her as less of a supermodel and more of a gawky teen trying to find her place in two worlds. Part Dave Gibbons, part Phil Jimenez, his work, like that of Gates, is lean and straightforward, though unafraid to bring the bombast when it’s called for.
A Few Reasons to Read:
- It’s always good to start from the beginning. While Who is Superwoman?isn’t the end of Gates and Igle’s Supergirl saga, it’s a complete story that can be read on its own. Of course, you don’t have to stop there. If you find yourself enjoying this take on the Maid of Might, there are three more collections you can dive into after this one.
- In addition to redefining Kara Zor-El, Who is Superwoman? shows how gloriously go-for-broke this era of Metropolis titles was. It’s not necessary to read DC’s entireNew Krypton Saga,which ran adjacent to it. However, after you read the collection’s first issue, check out the tie-in issues,Supergirl#35and#36,which aren’t included in the collection. And after reading the collection, be sure to readSupergirl Annual #1for the complete story of Superwoman’s past.
- Gates and Igles’ epic paved the way for the Rebirth era’s 2016 Superwoman title and inspired the 2015 Melissa Benoist-starring Supergirl TV show—particularly its depiction of Kara’s complicated relationship with her mother.
- Kara may not have the iconic rogues gallery her cousin does, but Who is Superwoman? gives her a very worthy foe. One whose tragic backstory strangely mirrors Supergirl’s own.
Why It’s Worth Your Time:
If you enjoyed Milly Alcock’s first Supergirl film or you just want to learn more about the character, then there’s no better time to explore Kara Zor-El’s rich history…especially when it’s as compulsively readable as Who is Superwoman?. Just don’t be surprised if you don’t want to come back to Earth after you’re done.
Supergirl: Who is Superwoman?by Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle, and featuring an introduction by Helen Slater, is available as a softcover graphic novel in bookstores, comic shops, libraries and digital retailers. It can also be read in fullon DC UNIVERSE INFINITE
Joseph McCabe writes about comics, film and superhero history for DC.com. Follow him on Instagram at @joe_mccabe_editor
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Joseph McCabe and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans
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