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Supergirl Reading Order (Kara Zor-El, Matrix, Cir-El)

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It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Supergirl! One of Superman’s happiest moments in life was discovering he had a long-lost living relative when Supergirl made her first appearancee in Action Comics #252 (May 1959). This was also one of the most important events in the development of the Superman Universe. Sent to Earth in a rocket by her father, Zor-El, Supergirl is Superman’s cousin from Krypton and she was chosen to star in the backup story of Action Comics even before making her debut.

The first adventures of the Girl of Steel were conceived with the idea of appealing to female readers who “were thought to be more interested in seeing a girl use super powers closer to home.” (American Comic Book Chronicles, The 1950s). While her earlier stories were clearly not as thrilling as the adventures of her more famous cousin, this was only the start for Supergirl, as the character would grow in popularity and complexity.

Since her creation, Supergirl has been killed off, replaced, rebooted, retconned and much much more. The Last Daughter of Krypton has used several names and been part of various teams, including the Legion of Super-Heroes, the Justice League, the Red Lantern Corps, and the DEO. Her history is not simple, complicated by the fact that Kara-Zor-El isn’t the only person to have taken on the mantle of Supergirl!

There’s also no doubt that the Girl of Steel gained popularity thanks to the several iterations of the character on the big and small screen. She first appeared in the film Supergirl (1984), played by Helen Slater. On TV, She has been played by Laura Vandervoort in Smallville and Melissa Benoist in the Arrowverse. Sasha Calle recently portrayed the character in The Flash (2023) while a new version of the character has been announced with Milly Alcock playing the character in Superman: Legacy (2025) and Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2026). Naturally, she has also appeared in several animated movies and television series!

Let’s now explore the comic book history of Supergirl, from her first appearance in Action Comics as the Supergirl from Krypton to her recent adventures in space and beyond! Check out our Supergirl Comics Order for a guide to the many stories featuring the Maid of Might!

Where to Start Reading Supergirl Comics? An Introduction to The Girl of Tomorrow

Become a little bit more familiar with Supergirl and more specifically Kara Zor-El with this selection of comic books offering you several origin stories for the character:

  • DC Finest: Supergirl – The Girl of Steel — You don’t have to start from the beginning, but for those who like old comics, you can discover right now the early stories of Supergirl!
  • Superman/Batman: The Girl from Krypton — Kara Zor-El is reintroduced in the DC Universe by Jeph Loeb and Michael Turner in the Post-Crisis era.
  • Supergirl: The Last Daughter of Krypton — Kara’s origin story for the New 52 era from Michael Green, Mike Johnson and Mahmud Asrar.
  • Supergirl: Being Super — An out-of-continuity and alternate origin story for Supergirl, quite derivative of Superman’s origins. By Mariko Tamaki and Joëlle Jones.
  • Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow — A recent space story from Tom King and Bilquis Evely following Kara as she accompanies a heartbroken alien warrior on her revenge quest (and containing a revisiting of her origins). The future live-action movie in the DC Universe is based on this comic book.
  • Supergirl by Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle (Supergirl Vol. 5 #34-67) — This is Kara Zor-El’s most celebrated run which truly fleshed out the character and developed her mythology.

There has been more than one Supergirl and we naturally invite you to discover the rich history of the Maid of Might with this fan-favorite run:

  • Supergirl by Peter David (Supergirl Vol. 4) — This is not your classic Supergirl run with no Kryptonian problems and no Kara Zor-El. During this period, Linda Danvers was Supergirl after her life was saved by Matrix, a protoplasmic Supergirl from a pocket dimension.

Supergirl Comics, the Complete Reading Order

Though Kara Zor-El is the most famous Supergirl, she is not the first one to appear, as DC tested the concept before. Those can be considered as her predecessors:

  • Superboy #5 introduced Lucy of Borgonia, a Queen not interested in ruling. She met Clark Kent after enrolling in Smallville High School and fight with Superboy. She never appeared again and was erased from continuity.
  • Superman #123 tells a Jimmy Olsen’s story in which he got three wishes. He created a magical Super-Girl to keep Superman company. This has not the intended result.

A note about Power Girl – Introduced in 1976 in All-Star Comics #58, Power Girl is often associated with Supergirl for a good reason—she is Supergirl’s Earth-2 counterpart. Known as Kara Zor-L, her origins are similar to Supergirl’s, with a few alterations (her capsule took more time to reach Earth). She wears a distinct costume and is a member of the ustice Society of America JSA. For more information, see our reading order dedicated to Power Girl!

I. Classic Kara Zor-El Comics, Pre-Crisis Era (1959-1987)

Kara Zor-El travels to Earth, where she meets Superman and adopts the identities of Supergirl and the orphan Linda Lee (later known as Linda Lee Danvers) in Action Comics #252. This is the beginning of the adventures of the Pre-Crisis Kara Zor-El who is during her first ten years a backup feature in Action Comics, before moving to Adventures Comics.

The 1970s brought a renewed interest in the character, leading to several changes in her costumes and careers. She also headlined her own title for a time, then teamed up with Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen in the Superman Family comics. The 1980s started off well with her second monthly solo series but this came to an end with the most famous Crisis…

While Supergirl has made guest appearances in various DC titles throughout this period, her most significant stories can be found in:

  • Action Comics #252-376 (1959-1969)
  • Adventures Comics #381-402, #404-424 (1969-1972)
  • Supergirl #1-10 (1972—1974)
  • Superman Family #182-222 (1977-1982)
  • Daring New Adventures of Supergirl #1-12, renamed Supergirl Vol. 2 #13-#23 (1982-1984)

New! With the new DC Finest line, DC Comics begins collecting the earliest stories of Supergirl in chronological order:

  • DC Finest: Supergirl – The Girl of Steel (1959-1962)
    Collects stories from Action Comics #252-288, Adventure Comics #278, Superman #139-140 and #144, Superboy #80, Superman’s Girl Friend Lois Lane #14 and #20, and Superman’s Pal, Jimmy Olsen #40, #46, #51, and #57.
  • More to come!

Some of the earliest Supergirl adventures were previously collected in:

Those issues have also been reprinted in the Archives Editions and the Showcase Presents line, though those collections are generally out of print and only available second hand.

Crisis on Infinite Earths LogoWith the conclusion of DC’s massive event Crisis on Infinite Earths, the entire DC Universe was rebooted and a new continuity was established. Supergirl died fighting during this event and disappeared from the timeline afterward. DC Comics wanted only one Kryptonian in this new continuity, leading to Kara Zor-El’s absence at the beginning of the Modern Age.

II. Post-Crisis Supergirl: Matrix & Cir-El (1988-2004)

After the conclusion of the Crisis, DC decided that Superman was once again the Last Son of Krypton. This means that Supergirl, Krypto, Superwoman, and other Kryptonians characters were erased from the timeline.

When John Byrne, who was in charge of the reboot of the Superman titles, decided to bring back Supergirl, he needed to navigate around this specific rule. The writer introduced the character called “Matrix”, a protoplasmic shape-shifting life form created by an alternate version of Lex Luthor. Matrix was brought into the mainstream universe by Superman and went to live with the Kents who called her Mae.

  • Superman: The Man of Steel Vol. 4
    Collects Doom Patrol #10, Superman (vol. 2) #16-22; Adventures of Superman #439-444; Action Comics #598-600; Superman Annual #2. This collection contains the Supergirl Saga where John Byrne introduces Matrix.
  • Superman: Exile and Other Stories (Omnibus)
    Collects Adventures of Superman #445-460, Superman #23-37, Action Comics #643-646 and Action Comics Annual #2. Matrix impersonates Clark Kent during this period and leaves Earth in AC #644.
  • Superman: Panic in the Sky
    Collects Action Comics #674-675; Superman: The Man of Steel #9-10; Superman (vol. 2) #65-67; Adventures of Superman #488-489. Matrix Supergirl returns.
  • Superman: They Saved Luthor’s Brain
    Collects Superman (vol. 2) #2; Action Comics #660, 668, 672, 676-678. Matrix falls in love with Lex Luthor.

Death and Return of Superman! This is the biggest Superman event! A creature called Doomsday has risen and only one man can stop his rampage—Superman. But the only way to stop him is by sacrificing his own life! During that time, Matrix Supergirl acts to protect Metropolis and plays a part in helping Superman/Clark Kent. For an issue-by-issue order (and other collected editions), check out our Death Of Superman reading guide!

  • Death and Return of Superman Omnibus
    Collects Superman: The Man Of Steel #17-26, Superman #73-83, Adventures Of Superman #496-505, Action Comics #683-692, Justice League America #69, Superman: The Legacy Of Superman #1 And Green Lantern #46.
  • Supergirl (Volume 3) #1-4.
    Available on Kindle. Published in 1994, this is the first Supergirl series post-Crisis by Roger Stern and June Brigman. It deals with Supergirl’s relationship with Lex Luthor.
  • New Titans #120-126
    For a short time, Supergirl joined the New Titans but didn’t stay long.
  • Superman: The Trial of Superman
    Collects Superman (vol. 2) #106-108; Adventures of Superman #529-531; Action Comics #716-717; Superman: The Man of Steel #50-52; Superman: The Man of Tomorrow #3.

Peter David’s run on Supergirl begins here. The Maid of Might was reimagined in the 1990s when a young Linda Danvers entangled with dark magic. A ritual cost her life, and to save her, Supergirl (Matrix) used her powers to fuse them together! Now, they share memories and superpowers, and Supergirl must learn how to balance between being Linda and fighting superfoes! This fusion also led to some complicated stories, such as Supergirl as the Earth-Born Angel of Fire.

  • Superman: City of Tomorrow Vol. 2
    Collects Action Comics #764-768; Adventures of Superman #577-581; Superman (vol. 2) #155-159; Superman: The Man of Steel #99-103. Matrix Supergirl appeared in the ‘Critical Condition’ storyline.
  • Superman: Emperor Joker
    Collects Superman (vol. 2) #160-161; Adventures of Superman #582-583; Superman: The Man of Steel #104-105; Action Comics #769-770; Superman: Emperor Joker #1 

We’re in 2003 and DC introduces a new Supergirl! Named Cir-El, she claimed to be the daughter of Lois Lane and Superman from the future. However, the public doesn’t like her and the truth about her origin is revealed to be quite different. In the end, she appeared in a limited number of issues:

  • Superman: The 10¢ Adventure #1
  • Superman Vol. 2 #190-193, #195, #197-198
  • Adventures Comics #807-808
  • Superman Vol. 2 #199-200
  • Superman / Batman #5
  • Superman / Batman #24-25

III. Modern Kara Zor-El (2005-2011)

New Starting Point for Kara Zor-El! Kal-El’s cousin is finally back in the DC Universe! The character is reintroduced in Superman/Batman under the creative team of Jeph Loeb and Michael Turner with a new origin story—though not the definitive version for this period. Afterward, she headlines her own new comic series, also written by Loeb.

Supergirl was barely back and she was already recruited to help prevent an incoming cosmic crisis in Infinite Crisis. She’s one of the characters who disappeared during the event (see Infinite Crisis #6). So where did she go? In the 31st century with Legion of the Super-heroes! If you’re interested, you can read her adventures with the team from the future here if you want. It has no impact on her main story and can be enjoyed independently.

After the Infinite Crisis and her detour in the 31st Century, Kara Zor-El returned one year and one month after her disappearance, during World War III #2 (part of 52).

Jumping on Point with Sterling Gates and Jamal Igle’s run on Supergirl! This is one of the most celebrated runs for Kara Zor-El that starts as part of the New Krypton Saga, an event that shook up the Superman World when 100,000 Kryptonians are now living on Earth and see the planet as the New Krypton. All the Superman titles, including Supergirl, were affected by that event, and to follow Kara’s story, we invite you to check out her appearances in other Superman comics:

IV. New 52 Supergirl (2011-2016)

Another Starting Point! Following the conclusion of Flashpoint, The DC Universe was relaunched for the New 52 era. Kara Zor-El’s origin story was revisited with some changes. After decades of suspended animation, she finally landed in Siberia and found herself alone and confused by her new environment. Kara now must grieve and adapt to her new life on Earth under the creative team of Michael Green, Mike Johnson, and Mahmud Asrar.

Superman Logo - Superman New 52 Reading Order

Supergirl becomes involved in several crossover events with the Superman Family. The first of these revolves around a powerful Kryptonian being known as H’el, in the Superman: H’el on Earth crossover story. While this event received mixed reviews, the Supergirl comic issues do not make complete sense without the other parts of the story.

Not long after, the Super-family team up again to take on H’el once more as he has returned to Krypton’s past to change history

Red Daughter of Krypton! She’s done with people pushing her around, taking advantage of her and betraying her. She’s done feeling helpless, lost and discarded. She’s done with hope, faith and acceptance. Now, all that’s left is rage. And she’ll burn the universe down before she lets another person tell her who she should be. This is the crossover between Supergirl and the Red Lantern Corps!

Superman Logo - Superman New 52 Reading OrderAfter going all-out fighting a brutal battle to stop Doomsday, Superman undergoes a transformation that puts the world and all those he cares about at risk in another Supes crossover in Superman: Doomed.

  • Superman: Doomed
    Collects Superman: Doomed #1–2, Action Comics Vol. 2 #30–35, Superman/Wonder Woman #7–12, Superman Vol. 3 #30, Action Comics Annual Vol. 2 #3, Superman/Wonder Woman Annual #1, Supergirl Vol. 6 #34–35 (also collected in Supergirl Vol.6), Batman/Superman #11

During the end of this period, Supergirl also joined the Justice League United and played a supporting role in Batman/Superman Vol. 4: Siege. Also, several Supergirls fought during the Convergence event. There’s also a story with Supergirl Matrix (Convergence: Zero Hour Book Two), though they make the mistake of calling her Kara.

V. Supergirl during the Rebirth Era (2016-2021)

New Jumping-on point! With the start of her own TV series, Supergirl moves to National City as part of DC Rebirth! There’s a lot of synergy with the television series going on, setting the action in the same city, using the same alias, working for the DEO, etc.

But there are also some differences as Kara Danvers starts as an average American teenager and high school student who must learn how to balance her superheroine life with her new life on Earth. But some demons from her Kryptonian past are coming back to haunt her, and Kara will find herself face-to-face with her father: the sinister Cyborg Superman! This new Supergirl comic is coming from Steve Orlando, Jody Houser, artists Brian Ching, Robson Rocha, and al.

Another jumping on point! Supergirl goes on a soft reboot after the events of Man of Steel by Brian Michael Bendis. The new creative team of writer Marc Andreyko (Death of Hawkman, Manhunter) and artist Kevin Maguire (Justice League International) blast Kara off on a brand-new mission after she learned that her home planet of Krypton wasn’t destroyed by natural forces. Now, she is determined to obtain answers, even if some powerful forces don’t want the truth to be discovered…

Batman who laughs Icon Reading Order

Evil is winning in the DC Universe! After the introduction of the Dark Multiverse in Dark Nights: Metal, Lex Luthor is working to empower villains, the group Leviathan wants to take power, and Batman Who Laughs is determined to infect heroes. It’s a lot to deal with, and Supergirl finds herself in the middle of it all! First, Kara plays her part at the beginning of the Event Leviathan (though she has no role in the event itself), before being one of the characters infected by the Batman Who Laughs. For more information on this particular period, check out our Year of The Villain Reading Guide.

The Rebirth era comes to an end with Dark Nights: Death Metal. You can learn more about the event with our dedicated reading order.

VI. The Woman of Tomorrow: The Infinite Frontier Era (2021-2023)

Once Dark Nights: Death Metal ended, the DC Universe explored once again a possible future with Future State before entering the Infinite Frontier era. Supergirl heads out into space under the creative team of Tom King and Bilquis Evely, before tragedy strikes the superhero community with a Dark Crisis…

In Justice League #75, Superman and the other members of the Justice League are “killed.” This is how the Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths began and how the Infinite Frontier era concluded. During this event, Supergirl joins Jon Kent’s League of Justice, though this is totally optional reading for the Girl of Steel! See our Dark Crisis Reading Order for more information.

VII. Supergirl Dawn of DC (2023-2024)

Dawn of DC is the continuation of Infinite Frontier. Supergirl doesn’t headline any comic series during this short period, but can be found in Action Comics with the rest of the Super Family.

Superman Logo - Superman New 52 Reading Order

House of Brainiac! When Brainiac invades Metropolis, it’s time for a Superman crossover event coming from Joshua Williamson! Brainiac has unleashed an army of Czarnians on Earth, leading to an unlikely team-up between Superman and Lobo!

  • Superman: House of Brainiac
    Collects Action Comics #1064-1066, Superman (2023) #13-15, and the Superman: Superman: House of Brainiac Special

After those events, the DC Universe is put in shambles by Amanda Waller who created the perfect situation to steal the metahuman abilities of every hero and villain on planet Earth. Coming from Mark Waid and artist Dan Mora, Absolute Power sees our superheroes take a last stand against Waller to help relaunch the DC Universe!

VIII. Supergirl DC All In Reading Order (2024-)

The conclusion of Absolute Power led to the DC All-In Special #1 establishing the new status-quo for our superheroes and a new jumping-on point for new readers! Supergirl is starring right now in the Action Comics backup stories from Mariko Tamaki and Skylar Patridge, with the title released weekly!

The story continues…

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