Almost seven decades after introducing Kara Zor-El’s Supergirl, DC is depowering Superman’s cousin and handing the codename to another hero. Here’s everything we know about her replacement.

In May 2025, DC launched a new Supergirl comic series from Sophie Campbell. While following the adventures of Kara Zor-El, the new series has expanded her world, even giving Kara her own team in Super Force.

Now, as Kara Zor-El loses her superhero codename, DC reveals that one of the series’ breakout characters will become the new Supergirl…

A New Supergirl Will Replace Kara Zor-El

In recently released solicit information for Supergirl #19, DC reveals that the Supergirl name will have a new holder. The move comes as Kara is depowered by Gold Kryptonite – a substance which permanently depowers Kryptonians, making it impossible to absorb the solar radiation that feeds their powers.

In response, Kara Zor-El will retire as Supergirl, with a new hero taking the codename. The issue’s summary and Campbell’s art teases her replacement, showing characters Nightflame, Matrix and Thundergirl in Supergirl costumes.

Supergirl #19
Release Date:	November 11, 2026
Writer:	Sophie Campbell
Artists:	Sophie Campbell
Cover Artist:	Sophie Campbell
SUPERGIRL NO MORE? Kara Zor-El’s exposure to gold Kryptonite has left her without superpowers but not without super friends. The recently reborn Matrix and gloriously goth Nightflame get into a fight to prove themselves worthy of the Supergirl mantle, but another of Kara’s Super Force might surprise everyone. Meanwhile, Kara’s not just going to sit on the sidelines: She’s re-enrolling at Stanhope! But will she make it past orientation with Reactron still on the loose?

However, even as Kara loses her powers, the comic will still focus on her journey. While a new superhero becomes Supergirl, Kara plans to return to college. While comic fans assume that Kara will eventually return to the Supergirl name, Gold Kryptonite is supposed to permanently depower her species. That means that Kara is beginning a new chapter of her life with the assumption she’ll never be a superhuman again.

Who Are The New Supergirl Candidates?

As shown in Campbell’s art, there are three main contenders for the Supergirl name: Nightflame, Matrix and Super Force’s Thundergirl. Thundergirl and Nightflame have been appearing in prior issues of Supergirl, while Matrix is planned to appear in the upcoming Supergirl #18.

Matrix is a bizarre piece of Supergirl history – a shapeshifting synthetic being who held the ‘Supergirl’ title during a point in time when DC editorial mandated that Superman should be the only true Kryptonian in comic lore. Matrix famously dated Lex Luthor at a time when Superman’s nemesis was posing as his own son, and eventually merged with ally Linda Danvers.​​​​​​​

However, all of that took place before DC’s most recent reality retcons, meaning Matrix could theoretically take any form as she returns. Given Matrix’s legacy as the ‘fake’ Supergirl, it would make ironic sense for her to take the name from Kara.

Meanwhile, Thundergirl is a result of a cloning program within the bottled city of Kandor, possessing traditional Kryptonian abilities as well as particular skill at utilizing her superloud voice as a weapon. Her ally on Super Force, Nightflame, is a classic character retconned as a manifestation of Kara’s inner darkness and trauma, now a separate individual seeking redemption.

Who Will Take On The Supergirl Legacy?

As original Supergirl Kara Zor-El loses her powers to Gold Kryptonite, the classic hero will embark on a new era as a regular human. Meanwhile, some of her most powerful allies will compete for the ‘Supergirl‘ name, continuing her heroic legacy – but only after a major rivalry to decide who’s worthy of the title.

Supergirl #19 is coming November 11, 2026, from Marvel Comics.

Created By

John Byrne, Peter David, Wally Wood, Otto Binder, Gary Frank, Al Plastino

Alias

Kara Zor-El

Age

May 1959