Supergirl

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A trial run

In the years following the first appearance of Superman there had been numerous one-off stories dabbling with the notion of a female Superman. Probably the first being Lois Lane - Superwoman, a story published in Action Comics #60 (May 1943), in which a hospitalized Lois Lane dreams she had gained superpowers thanks to a blood transfusion from the Man of Steel, and begins her own career as Superwoman complete with copycat costume.

Related Topics:
Superman - 1943 - Superwoman

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Superwoman was reborn in Action Comics #156 (May 1951) when Lois accidentally gains superpowers thanks to an invention of arch Superman foe, Lex Luthor. This time, Lois employs a short blonde wig in her crime fighting identity, thereby giving Superwoman an almost identical look to the later Kara Zor-El version of the Supergirl. (Interestingly, Superman suggested the same idea to Kara for her brunette Linda Lee alter-ego.)

Related Topics:
Superwoman - 1951 - Lex Luthor

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In the years that followed both Lois Lane and Lana Lang would continue to infrequently don cape and boots for one-off gimmick stories, although no longer such obvious clones of Superman, nor sporting a 'super' nom de plume. But none of these throw-away characters would model themselves so directly on the Man of Steel himself (for example, adopting his costume) until the arrival of the first 'Super-Girl'.

Related Topics:
Lois Lane - Lana Lang

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In Superman #123 (August 1958), Jimmy Olsen used a magic totem to wish a "Super-Girl" into existence as a companion and aid to Superman. However, the two frequently got in each other's way, and Jimmy eventually wished her out of existence. DC used the story to gauge public response to the concept of a super-powered female counterpart to Superman.

Related Topics:
1958 - Jimmy Olsen

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