The short answer
The short answer
Power Girl is Kara Zor-L, the Earth-Two version of Superman's cousin. She first appeared in All Star Comics #58 (January–February 1976), created by Gerry Conway, Ric Estrada and Wally Wood. She has the same Kryptonian powers as Supergirl, but she's older, uses the identity Karen Starr and wears a different costume. She had new solo series in 2009 and 2023.
Meet the family
The rest of the family.
How it has changed
Every era, a different story.
Earth-Two (1976–1985)
Earth-Two (1976–1985)
Debuts in All Star Comics #58 as the cousin of the Earth-Two Superman, the Golden Age version of the character.
Post-Crisis to Infinite Crisis (1986–2006)
Post-Crisis to Infinite Crisis (1986–2006)
Her Earth-Two origin is lost when the worlds merge, and is restored in Infinite Crisis (2005–06).
Modern (2009–)
Modern (2009–)
New solo series in 2009 and 2023.
In depth
The full story.
Power Girl is one of the most popular members of the wider Super-family, and one of the most confusing. Here’s who she is and how she differs from Supergirl.
Who is Power Girl?
Power Girl is Kara Zor-L, Superman’s cousin from Earth-Two, the alternative world of DC’s original Golden Age heroes. She has the same Kryptonian powers as Superman and Supergirl. In everyday life she goes by Karen Starr.
| Real name | Kara Zor-L |
| Everyday identity | Karen Starr |
| Home | Earth-Two |
| First appearance | All Star Comics #58 (January–February 1976) |
| Created by | Gerry Conway, Ric Estrada and Wally Wood |
| Powers | The same Kryptonian powers as Superman and Supergirl |
Power Girl vs Supergirl
| Power Girl | Supergirl | |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Kara Zor-L | Kara Zor-El |
| World | Earth-Two | The main DC universe |
| Age | Older | Younger |
| Fighting style | A harder hitter and a more level-headed fighter | Varies by era |
| Costume | Her own, different from Supergirl’s | Based on Superman’s |
Both are Superman’s cousin; they’re versions of the same idea from two different worlds.
Her story through the eras
Power Girl was created in 1976, in All Star Comics. Her Earth-Two roots were later set aside and then restored in Infinite Crisis (2005–06). She has headlined new solo series in 2009 and 2023.
For other alternative Supermen and Superwomen, see Superman versions and Elseworlds, and for where she sits in the family, the Superman family tree.
Questions
Fans ask.
Is Power Girl the same as Supergirl?
Not quite. Power Girl is Kara Zor-L, the Earth-Two version of Superman's cousin, while Supergirl is usually Kara Zor-El of the main DC universe. They share Kryptonian powers and an origin, but Power Girl is older, has her own identity, Karen Starr, and a different costume.
When did Power Girl first appear?
In All Star Comics #58, cover-dated January–February 1976, created by writer Gerry Conway and artists Ric Estrada and Wally Wood. She was introduced as the cousin of the Earth-Two Superman.
Is Power Girl stronger than Supergirl?
They have the same Kryptonian powers. Power Girl is older and is usually written as a harder hitter and a more level-headed fighter, but there's no official ranking between them.
Next in family
Superboy.
Clark, Conner and Jon: every Superboy.
Family treeBorn on Krypton. Raised in Kansas.