No character in comics (with the possible exception of Betty and Veronica) has worn as many different outfits as Kara Zor-El of Krypton. Ahead of Milly Alcock’s debut as the Girl of Steel in this month’s Supergirl, let’s take a look at Kara’s fashionable history and what each new costume teaches us about her and the era she was in.
The Silver Age
Unlike Superman, Supergirl arrived on Earth grown, garbed and ready for action when she first appeared in May 1959’s Action Comics #252. She sported a long-sleeved blue shirt and skirt with red boots—designed by artist Al Plastino—a costume reminiscent of her cousin’s.
The Bronze Age, Part 1
Supergirl’s original look endured for more than a decade. But starting with September 1970’s Adventure Comics #397, it would be followed by a frequently changing assortment of costumes. The first of which—a swinging number highlighted by go-go boots, courtesy of penciler Mike Sekowsky—was hand-picked by Wonder Woman herself, who at the time ran a clothing boutique.
The Bronze Age, Part 2
Though it appeared in only one issue—Adventure Comics #409—Supergirl’s next look could only be called her “grooviest”: a fan-designed gravity-defying outfit reminiscent of those worn by any number of far-out ladies in the original Star Trek.
The Bronze Age, Part 3
The issue that followed—Adventure Comics #410—found the Girl of Steel wearing what would become her signature look for the next several years, as designed by artist Bob Oksner: a cape-bearing choker, hot pants and slippers.
The Bronze Age, Part 4
It’s worth noting that penciler Art Saaf tried giving Kara a less revealing outfit in Adventure Comics #412, but two issues later, the bare legs and shorts returned. It wasn’t until the later seasons of TV’s live action Supergirl that this issue’s look would earn mainstream acceptance.
The Bronze Age, Part 5
By the late ‘70s, the Maid of Might had traded her slippers for a pair of boots, and in Supergirl #17, acquired a much-criticized head band. Though she wore it to honor her Kryptonian heritage, it befitted the aerobics-crazed ‘80s. This was her look when Kara sacrificed herself to save Superman in her last Bronze Age appearance, the landmark Crisis on Infinite Earths #7.
The Modern Age
Following Kara’s death, DC decided that Superman should be the only Kryptonian on Earth. And so, when a new Supergirl was introduced in February 1988’s Superman #16, it was the shape-shifting Matrix. A new version of Kara would debut in Superman/Batman #8 and first sported her now legendary midriff-baring costume in September 2004’s Superman/Batman #12. (The costume, despite what Superman may say, was actually designed by artist Michael Turner.)
The New 52
When the DC Universe was rebooted in the New 52 era, yet another new version of Kara was introduced in September 2011’s Supergirl #1. This Kara wore a more elegant cape and emblem, along with ornate boots and a controversial crotch covering.
Rebirth
Kara adopted a more classical look for DC’s Rebirth era, starting with September 2016’s Supergirl #1. This borrowed from the best of what came before, including the red skirt introduced in 1984’s Supergirl movie and used at the time in the Melissa Benoist TV series.
Current Look
Supergirl’s look evolved a bit further, this time once again incorporating her famous abs, for her current ongoing comic series. While the series is written and drawn by Sophie Cambell, and it’s her work that has truly brought this new version of Kara Zor-El to life, the design of the costume was by Stanley “Artgerm” Lau, who provided a series of variant covers for the title’s return.
Supergirl, directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Milly Alcock and Jason Momoa, is in theaters June 26.
Joseph McCabe writes about comics, film and superhero history for DC.com. Follow him on Instagram at @joe_mccabe_editor.
NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Joseph McCabe 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.
