The Inspiration for Supergirl’s New Movie Finally Got Me to See Kara as More Than Just “Superman’s Cousin”

I used to be exceptionally indifferent to Supergirl, always dismissing her as nothing more than Superman’s overly fiery and impulsive cousin. However, after diving into Tom King’s Supergirl run, I now realize how wrong I was. Kara is so much more than just ‘Superman’s cousin.’ In fact, I now believe she is one of DC’s best characters, and I completely understand why she’s getting her own movie.

Tom King, Bilquis Evely, and Mat Lopes’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is best described as a love letter to the character of Kara Zor-El, weaving a story of friendship, grief, and perseverance amidst adversity. This series has fundamentally changed how I view Supergirl, turning my previous indifference into deep admiration.

King’s masterful portrayal of Kara as a fully realized character, complete with complex emotions, internal and external struggles, and, most importantly, transformative relationships, made me fall in love with her and, more importantly, allowed me to see her as an individual who wasn’t defined by her cousin.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Helped Me See Kara as Her Own Person and Hero

Each issue of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow allowed me to connect with Kara on a deeper level, revealing her palpable grief and her emotionally impactful acts of kindness. Tom King explored numerous facets of Supergirl, yet one constant remained: her unwavering persistence. This defining trait was woven throughout the series, but it wasn’t until a particularly illuminating monologue from Ruthye Marye Knoll in issue #8 that it truly hit me. Ruthye described Kara as a woman who kept walking even after she lost everything, a woman who will be waiting to meet tomorrow’s malice.

I instantly fell in love with this description of Supergirl, and in that moment, she was entirely distinct from Superman in my mind. While Kal-El, as the Man of Tomorrow, symbolizes the hope of working towards a better future, theWoman of Tomorrow embodies the promise to face whatever tomorrow brings, even if it is filled with malice and horror. This perspective of Supergirl has reshaped my view of her, making me see her as a unique individual and also as someone I now favor over the Man of Steel. I have a deep admiration for unrelenting tenacity, and Supergirl’s unwavering spirit truly resonates with me.

I TOTALLY Get Why James Gunn Is Using Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow as Inspiration for His Live-Action Movie

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is undeniably a masterpiece in storytelling, offering a fresh and compelling take on Kara’s origin story. It’s no surprise that James Gunn has chosen this exceptional comic as the inspiration for his upcoming live-action film, set for release in 2026. This comic represents the pinnacle of Supergirl’s characterization in DC’s history, making it the ideal choice to set the tone for Gunn’s future projects involving the character. While there’s a palpable mix of nerves and anticipation about whether the Supergirl film will measure up to the comic, I’m confident that Gunn’s commitment to this story will deliver a compelling and faithful adaptation.

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