Character Name: Supergirl

Real Name: Matrix, Kara, Linda Danvers (alter ego)

Team Affiliation: none

First Appearances:

Active Comics #252 "The Girl of Steel" (comic book--1959 to present)

Supergirl (movie--1984)

Superhuman Powers: Supergirl has super strength and super speed. She can also fly, manifest wings of fire, and project fire vision.

Biography: Supergirl was born as Kara on the planet Krypton, and she is cousin to Superman. With a group of Kryptonians Kara escaped to and settled in Argo city, and she was soon discovered by Superman and began training with him. Kara was raised by the Kent family. However, her life was drastically changed by Linda Danvers. Supergirl promised Linda's parents that she was save Linda from a cult. Supergirl fulfilled her promise to the Danvers when Linda was injured in a cult ritual and Supergirl, sacrificing herself, merged her protoplasmic body with Linda's. This action saved Linda's life and merged the two women into one subsequently producing Linda Danvers as Supergirl's alter ego. Essentially, Linda gave Supergirl a human soul, and from that point on Supergirl has been considered an earth-born angel that protects the interest of both mankind and god.

Supergirl's Evolution of Identity. Supergirl possess many qualities that make her an interesting Superheroine figure, such as being an earth-born angel and a relative of a Superhero (Superman). However, one characteristic in particular makes her unique among her Superheroine colleagues. Since her creation in 1959 Supergirl has undergone several identity changes. Supergirl was first introduced as Kara-the young cousin of Superman who is destined to follow in his footsteps. After her training with Superman is completed she officially earns the title of Supergirl. Shortly afterwards she leaves the identity of Kara behind and takes on the alter-ego of Linda Danvers-making her part human, which is interesting and unusual in itself. Finally, in her more recent storylines she has taken on the identity of Matrix. One may argue that Batgirl has experienced similar changes in her identity; however, Supergirl is quite different, because throughout the evolution of her identity the core of Supergirl's character has remained unchanged as well as her appearance. Supergirl has remained the blonde hair, blue eyed bomb shell that her original creators intended her to be. This gives evidence to the argument that regardless of the name she goes by Supergirl has found her place among popular American Superheroines. Furthermore, it could be argued that the American audience are more supportive and more reluctant to lose interest in a character that reinforces society's stereotype of beauty.

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