Supergirl: Exploring the Magical World of DC Comics
Enter the enchanting world of DC Comics where magic and superheroes collide. From the mischievous Mr. Mxyzptlk to the powerful Princess Projectra, Supergirl’s universe is filled with mystical characters and thrilling adventures.
Beyond Lori, other magic-based characters frequent Superman’s world time and again…
Beyond Lori, other magic-based characters frequent Superman’s world time and again. The fifth-dimensional imp Mr. Mxyzptlk is one of Kal-El’s oldest and strongest adversaries, a trickster who can only be defeated by being tricked in turn to say his name backwards. Supes regularly fights the Silver Banshee, victim of an Irish curse. As a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, Superboy served alongside the magical Princess Projectra of Orando and battled the wizard Mordru. The oddball comics of the postwar, early code era dabbled in many other genres as well, including fantasy stories that saw Superman face off against mythical heroes Hercules and Samson, or joining King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table.
The fantasy aspects are even more pronounced in Supergirl’s stories…
Dunaway’s Selena may have been invented for the movie, but she’s very much in line with these eerie antagonists. Supergirl writer David Odell and director Jeannot Szwarc follow the tone and world established by Silver Age DC Comics. The Argo City of the film may look like the science-focused Krypton of Richard Donner’s movies, but it counts among its citizens the wizard Zoltar (Peter O’Toole), who holds a powerful MacGuffin called the Omegahedron. When Kara arrives on Earth and masquerades as human girl Linda Lee, Selena and the sniping warlock Nigel (Peter Cook) use their powers not just to find the Omegahedron but also to mess with Kara’s romance with groundskeeper Ethan (Hart Bochner, playing a very different type of white knight than he did in Die Hard).
The mixed-up identities, goofy romance, and earnest emotional outbursts in Supergirl fit right alongside the stories of the era, stories that formed the bedrock of the character…
In fact, the next Supergirl movie will likely continue this fantasy turn…
In fact, the next Supergirl movie will likely continue this fantasy turn. Written by Tom King and illustrated by Bilquis Evely, the 2021-2022 comic book series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow certainly has its sci-fi elements, as Kara and Superman’s dog Krypto go across an alien planet, and even some aspects of a True Grit–style Western, as it is narrated by a young girl who wants revenge against the man who killed her father.
But Evely presents the story as high-fantasy, as announced by the cover of the first issue, which shows Kara raising a sword into the sky. The series imagines Supergirl as a type of wandering warrior or a knight of old who walks into a situation and helps the defenseless, pledging her allegiance to a quest. She even reunites with Comet, albeit back in horse form.
Conclusion
Supergirl’s magical adventures bring a unique and captivating element to the world of DC Comics. With a rich history of fantastical characters and storylines, the future looks bright for fans of the Girl of Steel.
FAQs
1. Who is Mr. Mxyzptlk?
Mr. Mxyzptlk is a fifth-dimensional imp and one of Superman’s oldest adversaries. He can only be defeated by being tricked into saying his name backwards.
2. What is the Omegahedron?
The Omegahedron is a powerful MacGuffin held by the wizard Zoltar in the world of Supergirl. It plays a significant role in the storyline of the film.
3. Who is Selena in Supergirl?
Selena is a character in the Supergirl movie who uses her magical powers to interfere with Kara’s adventures on Earth. She is portrayed as an eerie antagonist.
4. What is the premise of the comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow?
The comic series follows Supergirl and her dog Krypto as they embark on a sci-fi adventure across an alien planet, with elements of a Western-style revenge story intertwined.
5. What role does Comet play in Supergirl’s story?
Comet is Supergirl’s flying horse who, through a spell from the witch Circe, can transform into a human. He becomes a central character in Supergirl’s adventures.
6. How does the Supergirl movie tie into the broader DC Comics universe?
The Supergirl movie follows the tone and world established by Silver Age DC Comics, incorporating magical elements and characters that have been part of Superman and Supergirl’s stories for decades.
7. What are some of the iconic magical characters Supergirl encounters?
Supergirl interacts with characters like Mr. Mxyzptlk, Mordru, Zond, Nightflame, and the Emerald Empress, all of whom have mystical powers and play significant roles in her adventures.
8. How does the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic series reimagine the character?
The comic series presents Supergirl as a wandering warrior in a high-fantasy setting, emphasizing her role as a protector and champion of the defenseless.
9. What can fans of Supergirl expect from future adaptations?
Future adaptations of Supergirl are likely to continue exploring the character’s magical and fantastical elements, drawing inspiration from the rich history of DC Comics.
10. How does Supergirl’s character development evolve throughout the different versions of the comic?
While various versions of Supergirl have appeared since the original version, adaptations often return to the original character introduced in 1959, focusing on her magical fantasy adventures and iconic storylines.