Warning! Preview pages ahead for Batman/Superman: World's Finest #8!It looks like Supergirl's unfortunate origin story is officially canon in the DC Universe, and she isn't letting Superman forget it. A preview for Batman/Superman: World's Finest #8 reveals that Kara's Silver Age backstory has been brought back, and it's really pissing her off.
Superman fans know that, like the Man of Steel, his cousin also survived Krypton's destruction. Kara Zor-El is Clark's older cousin, but due to some fluctuations in time and space, she arrived on Earth younger than Superman. In the Silver Age, Superman accepted Kara as his family and agreed to help train her as Supergirl. But in order to protect both of their identities, he gave Kara the fake persona Linda Lee and dropped her off at the Midvale Orphanage. This origin story was completely ignored in the Post-Crisis era, which interpreted Kara as slightly older and had Superman much more involved in helping her acclimate to Earth.
However, it seems that what was once old is new again, and it's causing some strife between the two superpowered cousins. In a preview for Batman/Superman: World's Finest #8 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, everyone in Batman and Superman’s orbit is helping the new sidekick Boy Thunder get used to his new home universe. The Teen Titans welcome Boy Thunder, aka David Sikela into their group with open arms, save for Donna Troy who attempts to keep her guard up. And Superman mentors his new ward on the necessary precautions he must take in being a hero. After assisting Superman in taking care of an active volcano in Costa Rica, the two begin to ponder on what to do with David's private life. Clark asks Supergirl for suggestions, who curtly replies that they should put him in an orphanage.
What Does Supergirl's Origin Mean for Her and Superman?
It’s interesting to see such a bizarre thing become DC canon after so many years. Batman/Superman: World’s Finest is set in the past and wears its Silver Age influences on its sleeves. And while it seems like it could be an out-of-continuity title at first, readers know that this book is canon as the antagonist of the series’ previous arc, the Devil Nezha, has reappeared in the Batman vs. Robin event. For better or worse, Supergirl's old origin story is canon once more, which means that Superman may finally be taken to task over the poor treatment over his cousin.
While odd, Superigirl’s origin in the Silver Age of Comics was in line with some of the era's more curious storytelling choices. That said, it was a poor reflection on the hero, and it was better for Superman's character that it was left behind in the Post-Crisis generation. But now that DC acknowledges almost all its history as canon, Supergirl's feelings on the orphanage have room to be explored. It's no doubt that Kara would resent her cousin for her treatment when she arrived on Earth. Before Superman deals with Boy Thunder, he may want to make up with Supergirl for his past actions.