An unexpected team-up in the Summer of Supergirl Special realizes an ideal pairing for the Girl of Steel’s next cinematic adventure. Little has been said about where Kara Zor-El might appear next after her DC Universe debut. However, the comic “Lost Girls” suggests something so natural it is shocking nobody suggested it before.
Written by Gail Simone with art by Emma Kubert, “Lost Girls” teams Supergirl with Mary Marvel of the Shazam Family. The two heroes meet while fighting a new Amazo robot constructed by disgruntled LuthorCorp employees. While having the ability to replicate any power and transform into Kryptonite, the new “Amazonia” can’t match Kara and Mary together.
Afterward, the two heroes talk. At first, Mary is nervous, fangirling out over meeting Supergirl. Kara is skeptical, however, as most people are more interested in her cousin than her. In the end, the two young women bond over who they are outside of saving people.
Why Supergirl’s newest comic partnership works so well
On the surface, Supergirl and Mary Marvel have a lot in common. Historically, both were modeled on an existing male hero and created to give girls a role model. Both also experienced storylines in the early 21st century where they turned evil, necessitating they wear far more revealing costumes. Tellingly, while meeting in earlier comics, it was always within a fan-service driven cat-fight or to settle who was stronger
By contrast, Simone’s story in Summer of Supergirl Special #1 explores what the heroes have in common in a way no writer has before. Both of them are orphans, who had to grow up fast because of their shared traumas. They also have complicated relationships with their superpowered relatives, loving them even as they’re “overshadowed by the ones who love us most.” The story ends with Kara agreeing to be Mary’s big sister and the two declaring themselves “Girls of Today (and) Women of Tomorrow.”
Mary Marvel was introduced into the DCEU and played by Grace Caroline Currey as a teen and Michelle Borth as a hero. However, there are currently no plans for the Shazam family in the DCU. “Lost Girls,” however, suggests a natural introduction and setup for such a partnership in a Supergirl film sequel. Even if that isn’t in the cards, this story makes a case for more comics teaming the two heroes up.
Summer of Supergirl Special #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
Originally reported by Matt Morrison for SuperHeroHype.