Director James Gunn recently described Supergirl as “kind of a mess” in reference to her upcoming DC Universe debut, contrasting her journey to that of her cousin, Superman. This observation aligns closely with the character’s depiction in DC Comics canon, where Kara Zor-El’s history is marked by more turmoil and difficulty adapting to Earth than Clark Kent’s.
Supergirl’s origin and subsequent story arcs reveal a deeply complex and sometimes troubled hero, shaped by trauma and the pressure of living up to Superman’s legacy. Her struggles make her stand out within the DC Universe not as a flawless icon but as a relatable, multifaceted character.
How Supergirl’s Most Influential Comic Series Illustrates Her Challenges
The 2005 Supergirl series remains one of the most definitive portrayals of Kara Zor-El, especially during the run by writer Sterling Gates and artist Jamal Igle, which began in issue #34. Unlike Superman, who is widely embraced and admired throughout the world, Supergirl faced significant hurdles in gaining acceptance and confidence as a hero.
This run highlighted Kara’s vulnerabilities, including her impulsive and risky actions when confronting villains—once even throwing a truck during a baseball game to stop a threat. These rash moments underscored her difficulty in balancing heroism and self-control.
Adding to her challenges was public scrutiny, exemplified by Daily Planet reporter Cat Grant, who frequently published biased critiques that eroded Kara’s self-esteem. Constantly measured against the near-perfect image of her cousin, Supergirl struggled to find her own identity while carrying the burden of Superman’s reputation as the standard for Kryptonians.
The series captivated readers by portraying Kara as deeply flawed yet resilient. Despite making mistakes and hurting those she cared about inadvertently, she refused to be defeated by setbacks or harsh judgment, consistently stepping up to protect the world.
The More Tragic Origins of Supergirl Compared to Superman
Superman, as an infant when Krypton was destroyed, lacks personal memories of his home planet. In contrast, Supergirl was a teenager who experienced Krypton’s destruction firsthand, losing her family, friends, and cultural roots. This traumatic loss fundamentally shaped her character and continued to impact her mental and emotional state.
Throughout various storylines, DC Comics chronicled how Kara suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, survivor’s guilt, and intense anger connected to the obliteration of Krypton. These struggles would surface unexpectedly, especially during battles or encounters triggering memories of her lost world.
While Superman grew up on Earth and eventually became a symbol of hope, Supergirl faced the daunting task of adjusting to an unfamiliar environment while carrying the heavy weight of trauma. Moreover, as Superman’s closest living relative, she endured continuous comparisons that intensified feelings of inadequacy.
This tragic origin serves as a crucial context for understanding why Supergirl’s story is often marked by inner conflict and why her resilience is all the more remarkable.
Why Supergirl’s Imperfections Add Depth to Her Humanity
Labeling Supergirl as “a mess” reflects the flaws and complexities that make her story engaging and relatable, especially as a young hero in the early stages of her career. James Gunn’s comment resonates with the canon portrayal of Kara as a character whose experiences vastly differ from Superman’s, leading to a less polished heroic persona.
Supergirl’s imperfections and struggles are what bring a human dimension to her character, making her far more accessible to readers than an untouchable paragon of virtue. She openly acknowledges her mistakes and failures, striving to improve despite setbacks.
This messiness does not diminish her heroism; instead, it highlights her determination and optimism as she continually works to overcome her challenges. Her flaws enrich the narrative, illustrating a realistic hero’s journey rather than an idealized one.
Ultimately, the comics affirm that Supergirl’s challenges and “messiness” contribute to a richer, more complex character who embodies hope and perseverance in the face of adversity, just as James Gunn suggested.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Does James Gunn believe in God?
A. Gunn grew up in a Catholic household and has talked about the ongoing importance of prayer in his life. However, he has also described himself as “somewhat against religion.”
Q. Why is James Gunn leaving Marvel?
A. When Gunn took on the role of co-CEO at DC Studios, he focused only on that brand. This means he stopped working with Marvel Studios.
Gunn, who wrote and directed the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, developed strong relationships with the actors from those films.
