Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape!
 

How much do we love Supergirl here at DC.com? So much that this weekend, we’re doubling down! Supergirl: Many Happy Returns is a story that celebrates the legacy of Supergirl, as the Kara Zor-El of 1959 teams up with Linda Danvers, the Supergirl of the ’90s. The storyline also serves as the grand finale of writer Peter David’s epic run on Supergirl, which spanned from 1996 to 2003.

Many Happy Returns originally ran in 2002’s Supergirl #75-80. The storyline was collected in a trade paperback in 2003, and although it’s out of print (at least for now!), you may be able to find it at your local comic shop or at selected online retailers. However, the easiest way for you to experience it is on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE, where the entire storyline has been compiled for all subscribers.
 

THE PREMISE:

Many Happy Returns was published in 2002, which due to Crisis on Infinite Earths, was a time when Kara Zor-El didn’t exist in the DC Universe. Instead, Supergirl was a young woman named Linda Danvers—a fact that’s complicated when a rocket lands in Linda’s hometown of Leesburg and a young Kara Zor-El emerges, proclaiming herself to be Supergirl. Not only is she indeed Kara, but she’s the version of the character from 1959, with all her Silver Age sensibilities and innocence. Linda helps the time-displaced Kara adapt to the world of 2002, but things take a turn when the Supergirls learn that Kara must be sent back to her proper place in the multiverse in order to save reality. But that’s only the start of this surprising (and poignant) tale, as we soon discover that no matter where they go in the timeline, neither Supergirl can escape the looming tragedy closing in on them.
 

LET’S TALK TALENT:

Supergirl: Many Happy Returns is written by Peter David, a gifted writer who is responsible for some of the most important stories in the DC Universe. In addition to his long run on Supergirl, David was responsible for remaking Aquaman in the 1990s, transforming him into the long-haired harpoon-handed version of the character. David is also known for his work on Young Justice, an entertaining series about the next generation of superheroes. Peter David was truly a special writer, and Many Happy Returns shows how lucky DC was to have him.

The pencils in this storyline are provided by Ed Benes, who’s known for his work on Birds of Prey, Justice League of America and Superman. Benes has always been particularly good at drawing powerful women kicking ass, and Many Happy Returns is no exception. The way he visually contrasts Linda’s jaded nature with Kara’s naivete is great storytelling. If you pay attention to the way he draws the Silver Age Kara, you’ll see some fascinating character progression, as she becomes angrier and more corrupt the longer she stays in the post-Crisis 21^st century. Plus, you can tell Benes had a ball drawing all the Silver Age scenes.
 

A FEW REASONS TO READ:

• This storyline is like a cross between the films Pleasantville and Blast from the Past. We see the 1959 version of Kara trying to adapt to the world of 2002, and Linda bringing her Gen X attitude to the Silver Age. It’s fun and leads to some humorous moments like Kara trying to move the Earth out of its orbit, and Linda rejecting the norms of the Silver Age.
   
• Nobody does humor quite like Peter David. This storyline has plenty of fun one-liners and moments that will make you smile. Yes, the drama does get heavy, but I guarantee that you will be amused by some of the comedic beats throughout this comic.

• If you’re a fan of Kara Zor-El and Supergirl history in general, this book is a great love letter to the comics of yesteryear. The storyline has some fun pointing out the ridiculousness of Kara’s early appearances. However, Many Happy Returns also serves as a love letter to that era and reminds us of what made Kara special. It’s a parody at times, but an affectionate parody that celebrates the original comics.
   
• Many Happy Returns is the culmination of Peter David’s seven-year run on Supergirl, ending the character on a high (but tragic) note. Don’t worry, even if you haven’t read the previous 74 issues, David does a good job at making the story new reader friendly so you can appreciate Linda’s swan song as Supergirl.
   

WHY IT’S WORTH YOUR TIME:

There is so much to love about Many Happy Returns. The concept is fun, and the dynamic between Kara Zor-El and Linda Danvers is great. Whether they’re having a late-night talk about the meaning of life or teaming up to fight a villain, every moment that Kara and Linda spend together will entertain you. Plus, if you’re a Supergirl fan, you get two of them, which means double the fun.

Beyond the jokes, the Silver Age Easter eggs and the gorgeous Ed Benes art, Many Happy Returns is a story about what it means to be a hero. This is a question Kara asks Linda one night before bed, and it isn’t long before both Supergirls learn the hard way. For Kara, being a hero means putting yourself in danger to help others, and for Linda, it means making unspeakable choices in the name of good. The final pages of the story will tug at your heartstrings and make you want to read it from the beginning again. Now that’s a good comic.

Supergirl: Many Happy Returns by Peter David, Ed Benes and Alex Lei can be found in bookstores, comic shops, libraries and digital retailers as a softcover graphic novel. The storyline can also be read in full on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.

Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, movies and comics for DC.com, is a regular contributor to the Couch Club and writes our monthly Batman column, "Gotham Gazette." Follow him on Bluesky at @joshualapinbertone and on X at @TBUJosh.

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Joshua Lapin-Bertone and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.