Supergirl (Cir-El)

Last updated
Supergirl
Cir-El.jpg
Cir-El from Superman/Batman #5.
Art by Ed McGuinness
Publication information
Publisher DC Comics
First appearance Superman: The 10¢ Adventure #1 (2003)
Created by Steven Seagle
Scott McDaniel (based upon the Kara Zor-El created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino)
In-story information
Alter egoMia (Human persona)
Cir-El (Kryptonian persona)
Species Human/Kryptonian hybrid
Abilities

Supergirl (also known as Cir-El or Mia) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. [1] The character is best known as one of the characters to have assumed the mantle of Supergirl. Created by writer Steven Seagle and artist Scott McDaniel, she first appeared in Superman: The 10¢ Adventure #1 (2003) as the alleged daughter of Superman. She is later found to be a human girl who was genetically altered by the villain Brainiac to appear Kryptonian. The character dies thwarting a plot involving Brainiac 13. Superman (vol. 2) #200 implies that when the timeline realigned itself, Cir-El was erased from existence.

Contents

Fictional character biography

Superman: The 10¢ Adventure

When a crazed villain named Radion attacks Metropolis, a young girl in a costume leaps into battle and throws the villain into a nuclear reactor (in front of a TV news crew and Lois Lane). The girl identifies later herself as Supergirl , Superman's daughter. Upset, Lois confronts Superman, accusing him of having an affair (even listing Wonder Woman and Zatanna as possible lovers), and refusing to believe his claim of innocence, since "Supergirl" looks just like him. However, after a cup of the new "Yes" coffee, Lois suddenly calms down and dismisses "Supergirl" as a villain's hoax, until she lands in front of Lois and calls her "Mommy". Superman confronts the girl, who argues that she is his daughter with Lois, and that her name is "Cir-El". Cir-El says that she is from the future, brought to the past by the Futuresmiths. When Superman encounters the Futuresmiths, they show him a horrific future, with robotic monsters attacking civilians, and he sees himself as a cybernetic Superman attacking civilians as well. The Futuresmiths tell him that Cir-El's death will prevent this future, and as they turn to attack her, Superman flies her to safety. S.T.A.R. Labs confirms that she is his daughter, but that Lois is not her mother. Regardless of her identity, Superman comes to regard Cir-El as family.

Cir-El helps Superman fight off a diseased Bizarro. [2] Later, with the aid of Natasha Irons and Girl 13, she fights off a vengeance-crazed superhuman ninja who is trying to kill Superman. When Superman and Batman are said to be "captured" by President Lex Luthor in Superman/Batman "Public Enemies", Cir-El teams up with Superboy, Krypto, Natasha Irons, and the Batman Family to rescue them. Batman, not actually having been captured, is the one to save Cir-El and Superboy from a White House death trap.

Superman has a shock when, while talking to Cir-El, she changes into an angry young woman named Mia, who hates her Cir-El persona. Superman's Kryptonian robot Kelex subsequently confirms that Cir-El is not the Man of Steel's biological daughter (despite the evidence from S.T.A.R. Labs). While the girl's D.N.A. has some Kryptonian attributes, she is primarily human.

Rewritten history

Disaster strikes when a future Superman appears and shows Superman a devastating future with Lois dying, Wonder Woman and Batman turned into cyborgs by a nano-tech virus concealed in coffee, and Cir-El trapped in a giant Brainiac robot. Brainiac reveals that Cir-El is his "Trojan Horse", that he has concealed part of himself in the one thing he knows Superman would never harm: his 'child'. Cir-El was created by Brainiac by grafting some Kryptonian DNA onto the body of Mia. He then implanted false memories in Cir-El and had his servants, the Futuresmiths, send her out into the world (along with the nano-virus, which was placed in coffee to proliferate the virus and infect the population) in order to unknowingly alter the future, and lead Superman to create a synthetic body to save Lois from her "Yes" infection in the future (for Brainiac to inhabit). Horrified, Cir-El throws herself into a time portal to prevent herself from being born, and thus, prevent the future from ever happening.

The return of Cir-El

Natasha Irons, Girl 13, and Cir-El form "The Supergirls". Art by Mike Deodato, Jr. Supergirls.jpg
Natasha Irons, Girl 13, and Cir-El form "The Supergirls". Art by Mike Deodato, Jr.

Thanks to the time-traveling efforts of Bizarro in Superman/Batman #24, Cir-El is able to join Linda Danvers, Kara Zor-El (both Modern Age and Pre-Crisis versions) and Power Girl to rescue Superman from the Source Wall. The girls are successful, but Superman only recognizes Kara, Power Girl, and Linda, due to Cir-El and pre-Crisis Kara Zor-El coming from previously erased timelines.

Cir-El and the other Supergirls then assist Superman and Batman in a reality-altering fight against various menaces from many alternate dimensions. At the conclusion of the fight, Mister Mxyzptlk sent Cir-El and everyone else involved back to their appropriate locations.

Powers and abilities

A hybrid of human/Kryptonian origin, Cir-El can absorb yellow sunlight to gain immense strength, durability, speed, and hearing. Originally, Cir-El was able to leap great distances, but later she eventually displayed her flying capabilities. [3] Cir-El's "trademark" power is the ability to release stored energy from her hands as blasts of red solar radiation (the very wavelength of sunlight that Superman loses his powers under) that strike an enemy with intense heat and force she named "Red Sunbursts". Like Superman, she is also vulnerable to Kryptonite. [4]

Costume

Cir-El's outfit appeared to be a legless black leotard, not unlike Power Girl's classic white leotard, but with short sleeves instead of long. Also similar to Power Girl, Cir-El wore gloves and boots, both black. Her uniform was topped off with a dark blue, knee-length cape. Instead of the traditional S-Shield, Cir-El instead sported a simple large red letter S that went down the length of her upper torso.

Other versions

In other media

Injustice 2

In the video game Injustice 2, Cir-El is referenced as the name of two of Supergirl's alternate costume color palettes.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supergirl</span> Fictional superheroines in DC Comics

Supergirl is the name of several fictional superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original, current, and most well known Supergirl is Kara Zor-El, the cousin of superhero Superman. The character made her first appearance in Action Comics #252 and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phantom Zone</span> Fictional dimension in the DC Universe

The Phantom Zone is a prison-like parallel dimension appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. It is mainly associated with stories featuring Superman. It first appeared in Adventure Comics #283, and was created by Robert Bernstein and George Papp. It was frequently used in the Superman comics before the continuity was rebooted in the 1980s, after Crisis on Infinite Earths, and has appeared occasionally since.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brainiac (character)</span> Supervillain in the DC Universe

Brainiac is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character was created by writer Otto Binder and artist Al Plastino, and debuted in Action Comics #242. He has since endured as one of Superman and the Justice League's greatest enemies. The character's name is a portmanteau of the words brain and maniac.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kryptonian</span> Fictional race native to the planet Krypton

Kryptonians are a fictional extraterrestrial race within the DC Comics universe that originated on the planet Krypton. The term originated from the stories of DC Comics superhero, Superman. The stories also use "Kryptonian" as an adjective to refer to anything created by or associated with the planet itself or the cultures that existed on it.

Power Girl, also known as Kara Zor-L, and Karen Starr, is a superheroine appearing in American comic books by DC Comics, making her first appearance in All Star Comics #58. Power Girl is the cousin of the superhero Superman, but from an alternate universe in the fictional multiverse in which DC Comics stories are set. Originally hailing from the world of Earth-Two, first envisioned as the home of DC's wartime heroes as published in 1940s comic books, Power Girl becomes stranded in the main universe where DC stories are set, and becomes acquainted with that world's Superman and her own counterpart, Supergirl.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fortress of Solitude</span> Location featured in Superman comics

The Fortress of Solitude is a fictional fortress appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with Superman. It is the place where Superman first learned about his true identity, heritage, and purpose on Earth. The fortress functions as a place of solace/occasional headquarters for Superman and is typically depicted as being in frozen tundra, away from civilization. Its predecessor, Superman's "Secret Citadel", first appeared in Superman #17, where it was said to be built into a mountain on the outskirts of Metropolis. By issue #58 it is referred to as the Fortress of Solitude, seems at a glance to be a freestanding castle, and is said to be located in a "polar waste". When the Fortress reappears in 1958 and for the first time takes center stage in a story, it is again an underground complex in a mountainous cliffside.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">General Zod</span> DC Comics character

General Zod is a supervillain appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly as an adversary of the superhero Superman. The character, who first appeared in Adventure Comics #283, was created by Robert Bernstein and initially designed by George Papp. As a Kryptonian, he exhibits the same powers and abilities as Superman and is consequently viewed as one of his greatest enemies alongside Lex Luthor, Darkseid and Brainiac. He is also well known for his famous catchphrase, "Kneel before Zod!".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lara (character)</span> Fictional character from DC Comics

Lara is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She first appeared in the Superman comic strip and was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Lara is the biological mother of Superman, and the wife of scientist Jor-El. Lara Lor-Van is Lara's full maiden name, as "Lor-Van" is the name of Lara's father. Most depictions of Kryptonian culture show that Kryptonian women use their father's full name as their last names before marriage. After marriage, they usually are known simply by their first names, though various versions show they use their husband's full name or last name as their married last name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supergirl (Kara Zor-El)</span> Superhero appearing in DC Comics publications and related media

Kara Zor-El (Supergirl) also known by her adoptive names of Linda Lee Danvers, Kara Kent, Linda Lang, and Kara Danvers, is a superheroine appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. She was created by Otto Binder and designed by Al Plastino. Danvers first appeared in the story "The Supergirl from Krypton" in Action Comics #252. Kara is the biological cousin of Kal-El, who went on to adopt the name of Clark Kent and the superhero identity Superman. Her father, Zor-El, is the brother of Superman's father, Jor-El. During the 1980s and the revolution of the Modern Age of Comics, Superman editors believed the character's history had become too convoluted, thus killing Supergirl during the 1985 Crisis on Infinite Earths event and retconning her out of existence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zor-El</span> Fictional character in the DC Comics Universe

Zor-El is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. A Kryptonian, he is the brother of Jor-El, husband of Alura, father of Supergirl, and paternal uncle of Superman.

The Superman dynasty, an extension of the House of El, is a lineage of DC Comics superheroes. The term is used for the descendants of Kal-El, the original Superman, who continue to uphold his legacy of heroism well into the 853rd century, as depicted in the DC One Million crossover. Repeated references to members of the Superman dynasty as Superman's "descendants" and at least one reference to them as the "blood of his blood" would seem to indicate that they are, in fact, the biological descendants of Superman in some fashion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alternative versions of Superman</span> Various incarnations of comic book superhero

The character of Superman was created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and has been continually published in a variety of DC Comics book titles since its premiere in 1938. There have been several versions of Superman over the years, both as the main hero in the stories as well as several alternative versions.

Kelex is a fictional robot appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics, commonly in association with the superhero Superman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Kent (character)</span> Fictional superhero in DC Comics

Christopher Kent (Lor-Zod) is a superhero appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The character first appeared in Action Comics #844 and was created by Richard Donner, Geoff Johns, and Adam Kubert.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Supergirl in other media</span>

The fictional superheroine Supergirl has been adapted into pop culture several times since 1984. This includes a feature film and several animated and live-action television programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alura (DC Comics)</span> Fictional character in the DC Comics Universe

Alura In-Ze is a character appearing in media published by DC Comics, usually those involving Superman. Alura is the Kryptonian daughter of In-Zee, wife of Zor-El, mother of Supergirl, and paternal aunt of Superman. Created by writer Otto Binder and artist Al Plastino, the character first appeared in Action Comics #252.

"H'El on Earth" is a Superman crossover story arc published by DC Comics. Written primarily by Scott Lobdell, it details the appearance of H'El, a mysterious Kryptonian. The plot of "H'El on Earth" follows H'El's plan to restore Krypton and the Superman family's attempts to stop him.

<i>Superman: Unbound</i> 2013 film directed by James Tucker

Superman: Unbound is a 2013 animated direct-to-video superhero film based on the 2008 comic book story arc "Superman: Brainiac" by Geoff Johns. It was directed by James Tucker and scripted by Bob Goodman. It is the 17th film of the DC Universe Animated Original Movies. The film's sneak preview was included with Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 2 and Injustice: Gods Among Us.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jon Kent (DC Comics)</span> Comic book superhero

Jon Kent is a fictional character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. Created by Dan Jurgens, the son of Superman/Clark Kent and Lois Lane, he first appeared in Convergence: Superman #2. Jon is the newest character in the DC Universe to assume the superhero persona of Superboy, and later Superman. As Superboy and Robin, Jon and Damian Wayne appeared in several Super Sons comic book series featuring their shared adventures. Jon later takes on the Superman mantle and stars in the comic series Superman: Son of Kal-El.

References

  1. Greenberger, Robert; Pasko, Martin (2010). The Essential Superman Encyclopedia. Del Rey. p. 56. ISBN   978-0-345-50108-0.
  2. Superman (vol. 2) #198 (December 2003)
  3. Superman/Batman Vol 1 #24 (January 2006)
  4. Superman/Batman Vol 1 #5 (February 2004)