DC Comics has revived a classic Supergirl villain just as the character prepares for a major cinematic appearance this summer. With director James Gunn‘s reputation for reimagining characters, the revival of this old foe carries fresh significance for fans anticipating the new film featuring the Maiden of Might and her adversaries.
The Return of a Legendary Adversary in Supergirl’s Latest Comic
Sophie Campbell’s ongoing Supergirl comic series continues with issue #9, where Kara, surrounded by new allies, contemplates her New Year’s resolution and the bonds of found family. The story takes a dramatic turn as the tension between Kara and the antagonist Lesla intensifies, leading Kara to exile Lesla back to the Bottle City of Kandor. However, the issue’s cliffhanger steals the spotlight with the unexpected reappearance of the classic villain Zora Black Flame Vi-Lar.
Classic Villain Zora Black Flame’s Origins and Potential Role in the Upcoming Movie
First introduced in Action Comics #304 in 1963, Zora is a well-known Silver Age villain and a notorious criminal from Kandor who has long opposed Supergirl. Her latest comic return hints at a renewed threat, particularly as she seeks an alliance with Lesla. Given this development, speculation grows about how James Gunn might adapt Zora’s character for the big screen.
Gunn’s approach to villains in the DC universe has previously included creative reinterpretations, as seen in his 2025 Superman film. There, he merged the backstory of Ultraman—a classic Earth-3 evil counterpart to Superman—with elements of Superboy, framing Ultraman as a Lex Luthor creation. This inventive blending of mythology made the villain particularly distinct, signaling Gunn’s willingness to reshape familiar characters.
Opportunities for Unexpected Villains in James Gunn’s Supergirl Adaptation
While the upcoming Supergirl movie is primarily inspired by Tom King’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic series, Gunn has indicated the film will not stick rigidly to the source material. He stated the movie
doesn’t follow [the comic series] religiously.
James Gunn, Director
This flexibility suggests the possibility of incorporating classic Supergirl villains not originally part of King’s storyline. Characters such as Zora Black Flame, whose comic resurgence is timely, could make a significant impact on audiences in the cinematic universe. Fans eagerly await how these villains will be reimagined through Gunn’s distinctive vision.
The Significance of Villain Revivals for the Supergirl Franchise
The revival of Zora Black Flame ahead of the film underlines a larger trend in DC’s storytelling strategy—connecting classic comic lore with contemporary adaptations. This not only enriches the narrative for existing fans but also introduces iconic adversaries to new audiences. As James Gunn’s Supergirl movie approaches, the return of such villains raises expectations about the complexity and depth of the challenges facing the Maiden of Might.
Looking forward, the way these characters are brought to life on screen could redefine Supergirl’s cinematic lore and broaden the scope of her story beyond the comics. The interplay between fresh narrative choices and established villainy will likely keep viewers engaged and buzzing well beyond the film’s release.
