Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) Reading Order

This reading order is designed to give an outline of major storylines featuring Supergirl (Kara Zor-El) throughout DC Comics. It may not encompass every one of her appearances, but is an outline of the major ones and the stories that affect them.

The continuity details relating to each specific storyline are explained in the “Review” of each storyline. Every “Review” link will provide a detailed continuity breakdown of that story and will explain any reference the story makes to other aspects of the DC Universe. All of this can be found under the “Continuity” section of each link.

New 52

With the beginning of the New 52, the DC Universe’s continuity was reset. Supergirl’s history was wiped clean and all of her prior appearances were removed from the current continuity. In this new continuity, her history is rewritten right from the start and continued to be rewritten throughout the era.

Supergirl is reintroduced through her solo series, Supergirl, in which the majority of her appearances take place. Through this series, she also participates in crossover events relating to the “Super-Family”, including: H’el on Earth (Reading Order), Krypton Returns (Reading Order), and Superman: Doomed (Reading Order). After Supergirl’s solo series ended, her appearances in the Final Days of Superman (Reading Order) event establish her status quo that goes on to build the foundation for her Rebirth era appearances.

Earth 2 issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Supergirl issues are from the Vol. 6 series
Suicide Squad issues are from the Vol. 4 series
Batman/Superman issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Harley Quinn issues are from the Vol. 2 series
Secret Origins issues are from the Vol. 3 series

Notes

1. Supergirl only has a supporting role in this issue but it helps further elaborate upon her relationship with Superman (Reading Order) at this point in time.
2. These issues only feature brief appearances from Supergirl, which are mostly explained in other issues from this event. However, they may help give a larger picture of this whole event for interested readers.
3. Supergirl only has a supporting role in this issue. However, it helps elaborate on her relationships with Superman and multiple other characters. Plus, the events of this issue are mentioned later on in the Supergirl series.
4. These issues mostly focus on Superman (Reading Order). However, they give another picture of Supergirl as a Red Lantern that may be interesting for some readers.
5. Supergirl's role within the Justice League United (Reading Order) is pretty minimal. However, she does end up being a member of the team for a while. Plus, her pre-New 52 relationship with Brainiac 5 is hinted at in a way that may be fun for some readers to see.
6. Supergirl has a small role in these issues but the role helps give some resolution to her time with the Red Lanterns.
7. Supergirl only has a supporting role in these issues. However, the way they relate to the Bottle City of Kandor gives them additional intrigue.

Rebirth

The transition from the New 52 to the Rebirth era introduces almost no changes for Supergirl. Many elements from her New 52 history are mentioned throughout this era, specifically her origin story and her relation to Cyborg Superman. Plus, Supergirl's role in The Final Days of Superman (Reading Order) helps establish the status quo present at the beginning of this era.

Supergirl's appearances here are mostly confined to her solo series. This comic explores Kara's role on Earth and has her develop deeper relationships with many of its inhabitants. Outside of this series, Supergirl makes small appearances in other comics, most of which have little impact on her solo story.

Supergirl issues are from the Vol. 7 series
Batgirl issues are from the Vol. 5 series
Action Comics issues are from the Vol. 1 series
Wonder Woman issues are from the Vol. 5 series

Notes

1. Only the "World's Finest" story from Batgirl Annual #1 is relevant to this reading order.
2. This arc features Supergirl as a supporting character. It also features the return of a character from the "Crucible" story arc in the New 52. Note: Supergirl only makes an extremely brief appearance in Superwoman #13 that simply sets up her role in the next issue.
3. This arc features brief appearances from Supergirl that show her connection to the rest of the Super-family. Note: Supergirl only makes an extremely brief appearance in Action Comics #981-982 that simply sets up her role in the next two issues.
4. These issues are mostly about Wonder Woman (Reading Order) and have little connection to Supergirl's main storyline.

All DC Comics Reading Orders