(Image Source: DC and Warner Bros.)
Sometimes characters differ radically in the translation from the source material to an adaptation. Supergirl is one of the best examples of this in the world of superheroes. Depending on the writer and the medium, Kara Zor-El has been portrayed as a naive innocent, a bold idealist, and a jaded cynic with no apparent drive to be a hero. This last interpretation serves as the core of the DC Universe Kara Zor-El played by Milly Alcock. However, the current monthly comic starring the Girl of Steel offers a dramatically different take on Kara Zor-El.
Written by Sophie Campbell, with art by Joe Quinones, Supergirl #9 finds Kara trying to relax. Recent troubles sent her heading home to Midvale; the small town where she first lived as Linda Danvers after coming to Earth. The homecoming allowed Kara to reconnect with her foster parents and old friends from high school. It also brought about new friendships with Lena Luthor (Lex‘s estranged daughter) and Lesla-Lar, a young Kryptonian woman from the Bottle City of Kandor, who was placed into Kara’s care after after she impersonated Supergirl.
(Image Source: DC / Joe Quinones)
As the story opens, New Year’s Eve is approaching and Kara wants to get new outfits with her friends for an upcoming booze-free party. When Lesla inquires as to what “booze” is, Kara tries to defuse her interest. However, this sparks an idea for an experiment in Lena Luthor’s mind — one that ultimately highlights a major difference between the comic book Supergirl and her DCU counterpart.
What Supergirl comic reveals about Kara Zor-El
Lena creates a liquid extract of Perwinkle Kryptonite, a color of Kryptonite that causes Kryptonians to lose their inhibitions. Lena thought she could dilute it enough to allow Lesla to experience something akin to a slight beer buzz. Unfortunately, her calculations were off. To make matters worse, Kara accidentally ingested some of Lesla’s spiked drink.
(Image Source: DC / Joe Quinones)
Utter chaos ensued. Lesla quickly began trying to impress everyone with her super-strength, risking her and Kara’s secret identies. Kara immediately began flirting with a cute guy and trying to make out with him. The crowning touch came when Kara drunkenly changed into her Supergirl costume to deal with Lesla’s showing-off. This ended in a brawl that wrecked the host’s house.
(Image Source: DC / Joe Quinones)
While Supergirl #9 shows Kara Zor-El in an intoxicated state, it is not played for laughs as it has been in the DCU. It is also made abundantly clear that the comics’ Kara, if not a non-drinker, is entirely aware of the dangers her powers might pose if she were rendered insensible. In any case, her anger over the incident leads her to end her friendships with both Lena and Lesla.
Supergirl #9 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
