Superman Reacts as DC Retires Original Supergirl After Kara Loses Her Powers
Kara’s powers are gone
Introduced in Action Comics #252 in 1959, Kara Zor-El became Superman’s cousin and the first original character to use the Supergirl name. She followed his example by using her abilities to protect people and inspire hope.
In Supergirl #18, Reactron attacked Kara and her allies as they prepared the new Fortress of Solidarity after the Kingdom of Zod crossover. He exposed Kara to gold kryptonite, which removes Kryptonians’ powers. A preview of issue #19 shows her allies driving Reactron away, but Kara has lost her super strength, speed, flight and heat vision.
Superman pledges to help
Lena Luthor explains that gold kryptonite stops Kryptonian cells from processing yellow sunlight. Superman joins the conversation by video call and tells Kara the situation is not over.
He and Lena will work around the clock to seek a way to restore Kara’s abilities. Superman says he feels responsible because very few people can do what she does.
A successor has returned
Nightflame, a sorceress tied to Kara’s darkest thoughts and dreams, argues that Supergirl is defined by superhuman deeds. She warns Kara that choosing to experience life without powers would mean giving up the mantle to someone else.
That possibility has already emerged: Supergirl #18 brought back Matrix, who held the title from the late 1990s into the early 2000s. Lena revived her using the new S-Matrix suit as her body. It remains unclear whether Matrix will take over as the comic’s lead or Kara will regain her powers.
Key points
- Reactron’s gold kryptonite attack left Kara without her Kryptonian abilities.
- Superman and Lena Luthor plan to search for a way to restore Kara’s powers.
- Nightflame warns Kara that life without powers could cost her the Supergirl mantle.
- Matrix has returned, but her future in the role is uncertain.