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Power Girl

Power Girl is a DC Comics superheroine and the Earth-Two counterpart of Supergirl.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Power Girl is a DC Comics superheroine and the Earth-Two counterpart of Supergirl. She first appeared in *All-Star Comics* #58 in 1976 and is best known by the Kryptonian name Kara Zor-L, though she has also used the civilian identities Karen Starr and Paige Stetler. In her original continuity, she is the cousin of Superman.

Publication history

Power Girl debuted in *All-Star Comics* #58 and was created for DC’s Justice Society of America stories. Her character has remained prominent through multiple continuity changes in DC Comics.

Fictional biography

Power Girl originated as Kara Zor-L from Earth-Two, an alternate version of Superman’s family. In later stories, DC revised and restored parts of her backstory, making her one of the company’s most continuity-shifted characters.

Powers and abilities

As a Kryptonian, Power Girl has abilities associated with Superman’s species, including super-strength and flight. Her powers and capabilities are generally presented as comparable to other Kryptonian heroes in DC Comics.

Character significance

Power Girl is notable for her long association with the Justice Society of America and for her ongoing search for identity within DC continuity. She is also recognized as one of DC’s best-known female superheroes.

Key facts

  • Power Girl is a DC Comics superheroine and the Earth-Two counterpart of Supergirl.
  • She is the cousin of Superman in her original continuity.
  • Her first appearance was in *All-Star Comics* #58 in 1976.
  • DC describes her as a refugee from another universe who became part of the main DC continuity.
  • Her stories have repeatedly revisited and retconned her origin and identity.
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Canadian context

Power Girl has no specific Canada-only connection, but she is a well-known character in DC Comics, which has a substantial readership in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Power Girl?
Power Girl is a DC Comics superheroine, usually identified as Kara Zor-L, the Earth-Two counterpart of Supergirl.
When did Power Girl first appear?
She first appeared in *All-Star Comics* #58, published in January/February 1976.
Is Power Girl related to Superman?
In her original continuity, she is Superman’s cousin. DC later revised parts of her history through multiverse and continuity changes.
What is Power Girl’s real name?
Her Kryptonian name is Kara Zor-L. She has also used the civilian identities Karen Starr and Paige Stetler.
What team is Power Girl most associated with?
She is most closely associated with the Justice Society of America.
Is Power Girl the same as Supergirl?
They are related characters from alternate continuities. DC describes Power Girl as the Earth-Two version of Supergirl.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_Girl
    Supports: First appearance, alternate names, Earth-Two counterpart status, DC Comics origin
  2. DC — https://www.dc.com/blog/2023/06/01/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-power-girl-but-were-afraid-to-ask
    Supports: DC’s description of Power Girl as Earth-Two/Kara Zor-L, identity themes, continuity background
  3. DC Database (Fandom) — https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Power_Girl
    Supports: Character identity, creation credits, Justice Society association, first appearance