Supergirl’s “Sidekick” Is the Best Thing DC Ever Did for Her Character

Supergirl has always seemed to lack that definitive element that would propel her beyond Superman’s shadow and into her own spotlight. Tom King, however, appears to have discovered the key to this transformation by giving Kara a much-needed ‘sidekick.’ Though it might seem counterintuitive that a companion could be the catalyst for her individual brilliance, King’s choice has proven to be incredibly effective and also stands as one of DC’s smartest decisions in decades.

From start to finish, Tom King, Bilquis Evely, and Mat Lopes’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow centers on Kara and her new companion, Ruthye Marye Knoll—a determined young girl on a mission to avenge her father’s murder, a mission that Kara soon becomes deeply entangled in.

Throughout the series, the duo journeys across the universe, sharing heartfelt and adrenaline-fueled moments that forge an exceptionally unique and profound bond—one that transcends the typical mentor-mentee relationship and evolves into something more akin to sisterhood. However, it isn’t until issue #8 that readers truly grasp the depth of their connection and realize that Supergirl’s evolution as a character is deeply intertwined with her relationship with Ruthye.

Ruthye Marye Knoll Was the Best Thing to Happen to Supergirl in DECADES

In a tear-jerking moment, Supergirl reveals that her decision to join Ruthye on the mission to hunt down her father’s killer, Krem of the Yellow Hills, was driven by a desire to prevent Ruthye from being haunted and consumed by vengeance, much like how Kara herself is tormented by the destruction of Krypton. She explains that she hoped their time together would teach Ruthye crucial lessons about good and evil—lessons Kara herself struggles to grasp due to her unresolved grief over her lost home planet. This moment becomes especially heartbreaking as Ruthye realizes that, despite her stance against killing, Supergirl is willing to kill Krem to ensure Ruthye can find peace and avoid being consumed by her quest for revenge.

Not wanting Kara to lose this part of herself by killing Krem, Ruthye begins to scream, “I learned it!” desperately trying to show Supergirl that she has moved beyond her thirst for vengeance and doesn’t need the hero to exact revenge on her behalf. Ruthye then starts listing all the things she has learned from Supergirl during their time together. Beyond its narrative purpose of stopping Supergirl from murdering Krem, this scene brilliantly showcases the deep bond between the two felmales and their relationship. It highlights the profound impact Kara has on people, not just as a hero, but as a friend.

Tom King Gives Supergirl’s Character the One Thing She Was in Desperate Need Of–A Bond Of Love

This emotionally charged moment between Kara and Ruthye is a testament to Supergirl prioritizing her love for her ‘sidekick’ over her mission and morals—something exceedingly rare in DC Comics (yes, Batman, I’m looking at you)—and also marks a significant full-circle moment for Kara. At the start of the series, Supergirl was mired in depression, grappling with her sense of purpose and place in the world. Ruthye’s presence gave Supergirl her purpose back and played a crucial role in her character evolution through the deepening of their relationship. This character growth was undoubtedly intentional on King’s part, as he is a well-known advocate for developing strong female characters.

In an interview with Screen Rant concerning his ongoing Wonder Woman run, King referenced Kelly Sue DeConnick’s advice on writing women, where DeConnick suggests, “The first thing I do is pretend they’re human.” King expanded on this, explaining that part of treating female characters as human involves developing robust relationships with others. While King’s focus was on romantic connections at the time of the interview, he also applied this principle to the platonic bond between Kara and Ruthye. This approach has resulted in the most compelling portrayal of Supergirl to date.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #8 is available now from DC Comics!