With the hype surrounding James Gunn’s upcomingSupergirlmovie, it’s no surprise that people are becoming more interested inSuperman’scousin. However, it’s well past time for fans to get to know Kara Zor-El beyond just her relation to the Man of Steel. Whether you’re new to Woman of Tomorrow or simply looking for the bestSupergirlcomic to dive into, you’ve come to the right place.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is, without a doubt, one of DC’s most brilliantly executed stories.

Supergirl has her arms crossed and her eyes closed as flames dance and writhe all around her.

Supergirl has 66 years of comic history, along with a wealth of live-action and animated adaptations that have further cemented her place in pop culture. With so much content out there—plus her appearances in other characters' storylines—it can feel overwhelming to know where to begin when diving into her comics.

Thankfully,DC offers the perfect starting point for those looking to truly understand and connect with Kara Zor-El–Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrowby Tom King, Bilquis Evely, and Mat Lopes. This series captures the heart of her character and offers an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and growth.

Supergirl and a young woman plummet downward toward the open jaws of a massive red dinosaur.

Tom King’sSupergirl: Woman of TomorrowIs the Perfect Kara Zor-El Story for New Fans

Main Cover by Bilquis Evely & Mat Lopes forSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrow#5 (2021)

WhileTom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrowis a relatively new addition to Supergirl’s comic discography, it is already considered by many to be a quintessential title.It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to truly understand Kara, as it may be the greatest portrayal of the character to date.Woman of Tomorrowoffers an in-depth, introspective exploration of Supergirl, revealing the core essence of her character as it follows her on a journey that forces her to confront her past traumas, insecurities, and grief, all while providing essential background information for new readers. This makes it the perfect starting point for anyone new to the character.

However,Woman of Tomorrowisn’t just for newcomers; it’s a transformative reading experience for long-time fans as well, offering a fresh perspective that elevates Kara beyond simply being"Superman’s cousin.“This series allows readers to truly fall in love with her, getting to know her not just as a hero, but as a woman with depth and complexity. It is, without a doubt, one of DC’s most brilliantly executed stories.It allows readers to dive right in without needing prior knowledge of Supergirl, building her character from the ground up. At the same time, King seamlessly weaves in classic Supergirl lore that long-time fans will surely appreciate.

David Corenswet suits up as Superman on the left, with Milly Alcock from House of the Dragon in the middle and Supergirl from the comics on the right

The Inspiration for Supergirl’s New Movie Finally Got Me to See Kara as More Than Just “Superman’s Cousin”

This is my formal apology to Supergirl for always just seeing her as ‘Superman’s cousin.’ Thanks to Woman of Tomorrow, I now realize how wrong I was.

Yes, King’sSupergirl: Woman of TomorrowIs the Core Inspiration For James Gunn’s Upcoming Movie

Main Cover by Bilquis Evely & Mat Lopes forSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrow#6 (2021)

The titleSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrow may sound familiar, even to those who have never read aSupergirlcomic, and that’s likely because James Gunn’s upcoming Kara Zor-El-centric movie also carries the same name. In fact, this isn’t a mere coincidence—the comic directly serves as core inspiration for the film. So, if you’re planning to seeGunn’sSupergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, you now have even more reason to dive into Tom King’s comic series. One of the best aspects of this series, beyond its epic portrayal ofSupergirl, is that it has a relatively low time commitment, coming in at just eight issues—each one phenomenal in its own right.

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrowis available now from DC Comics.

Supergirl

Supergirl is a popular DC character that made her debut in May 1959 in the pages of Action Comics #252. Many characters have taken on the mantle of Supergirl over the years, but the most popular iteration of the character is Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin. Supergirl has appeared in many comics, video games, movies, and TV shows over the years, most notably the 1984 Supergirl movie starring Helen Slater and The CW’s Supergirl show with Melissa Benoist.

Supergirl sits atop the back of Cosmo, a white horse with a red cape. Above her, the stern visages of her parents stare down at her, noble and austere.

Supergirl Comic Art by Talavera