Despite all her years of experience, Supergirl has yet to lead the Justice League, a long overdue feat that would elevate the character. Kara Zor-El is among the most prominent member of the Super-Family and one of the most active. As Superman’s cousin, they were the only family the two of them had for a while. Supergirl has been around since 1959 and in all her years of development, she has not been the forefront face of a team. However, her cousin has been the Justice League's leader for as long as many readers can remember. Supergirl has learned a lot from Superman, enough to strike out on her own and become her own hero in the eyes of the DCU.
The beginning of Kara’s journey to hero-hood is highlighted in the story, Supergirl: Being Super, by Mariko Tamaki, Joëlle Jones, Sandu Florea, Kelly Fitzpatrick, and Saida Temofonte. In this charming, coming-of-age miniseries Supergirl is faced with the impossible challenge of Kryptonian puberty and villainous threats. Her first encounter with another Kryptonian shook her up and in the end, she chose to protect the people around her instead of giving in to her fears. Already, she was proving herself to be a hero and a quick-thinker. After getting into contact with Superman, she would learn exactly what it means to wield her power and save people.
Superman may have guided her at first, but Kara evolved past the need for his help. In fact, she had evolved so much that she was even chosen to lead the House of El in Action Comics 2021 Annual #1 by Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Siya Oum, Scott Godlewski, Dave Sharpe, and Jamie S. Rich. The members of the House of El were told of her feats as their leader. She showed compassion and emotional maturity that others would not have. Kara was celebrated as a hero and was seen as the perfect choice for leadership. She proved her worth and finally got to change her name to Superwoman. It was a perfect reflection of her wisdom and experience making her a strong and compassionate leader.
However, that was one of the few times she was shown to lead a team. Despite her experience and ability as a hero, she was overlooked as a potential team leader for the Justice League. In the ongoing Dark Crisis on Infinite Earths event – written by Joshua Williamson with art by Daniel Sampere – Jon Kent's Superman takes up the mantle of leadership for the Justice League. Kara is chosen to be on the team, but her abilities show that instead of being a member she could just as easily lead the team. If anything, she’d have more respect throughout the DCU based on her already established connections and the respect she’s earned through her work. She has gone through many crises and taken up Superman’s responsibilities for him when he’s gone off to deal with another event.
Kara Zor-El deserves the chance to become a leader after she’s proven herself many times over. It’s time for her to shine, and she’d become just what this current Justice League lineup needs. With a strong will, sense of justice, and the experience to back it all up, Supergirl could become one of the best leaders the Justice League has ever seen.