Supergirl experiences a resurgence in popularity. The 2002 series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow revitalized the character and inspires an upcoming DCU film. Kara Zor-El appears frequently in Action Comics starting with issue #1050, paving the way for her dedicated 2025 series. This marks her return to stardom, echoing her pre-Crisis prominence in the Superman family before her death in Crisis on Infinite Earths.
Post-Crisis Evolution: From Matrix to Linda Danvers
That event symbolized the end of DC’s Silver and Bronze Ages. Post-Crisis continuity altered Krypton’s lore, positioning Superman as the lone survivor. Eventually, a new Supergirl emerged: Matrix, a protoplasmic shapeshifter created by Lex Luthor. Matrix assumed the Supergirl mantle on her Earth, later merging with Earth’s reality. She developed a romance with Lex Luthor II, a younger clone of the villain.
This fusion culminated in the standout Linda Danvers Supergirl from Supergirl (Vol. 4) issues #1-80, crafted by Peter David.
Supergirl Vol. 4 Reinvents the Heroine
In Supergirl (Vol. 4) #1, Matrix bonds with teenager Linda Danvers—Kara Zor-El’s pre-Crisis civilian identity. The merger conceals Linda’s memories, driving the narrative around Matrix uncovering her true self. This mirrors the series’ exploration of Supergirl’s convoluted history, blending Silver Age quirks with modern depth.
Peter David, paired initially with artist Gary Frank, delivers stunning action and emotional visuals. Their prior collaboration on The Incredible Hulk informed this dynamic storytelling. The series delves into Linda’s dark secrets, evolving her powers and identity.
Supergirl’s adventures outshine even Superman’s oddities, incorporating elements like Comet the Super-Horse—a centaur infatuated with Kara. David modernizes these Silver Age tales, proving the ’90s DC era’s strength in revitalizing classics.
The Legacy and Shift in DC Continuity
As DC eyed a multiverse revival in the 2000s, Matrix’s arc concluded to reintroduce classic Kara Zor-El in Superman/Batman: The Supergirl from Krypton. David’s narrative persisted in the creator-owned Fallen Angel, spanning 20 issues at DC, 33 at IDW, plus two miniseries.
The Matrix-Linda Danvers Supergirl defined the post-Crisis era over 80 issues. She transforms outdated concepts into timeless stories, blending innovation with heritage. Much of this run remains out of print, yet it stands as essential reading for fans of Krypton’s daughter.
