DC Publicity just confirmed what many of us have felt for a long time: the Girl of Steel is no longer playing second fiddle to her cousin. Supergirl is officially taking over Superman Day on April 18, 2026, marking the start of a massive “Summer of Supergirl.”
While some traditionalists might find it sacrilegious to pivot a day historically reserved for the 1938 debut of Kal-El in Action Comics #1, this is a calculated and frankly necessary move. With Kara Zor-El, DC is looking to bridge the gap between her 1959 debut in Action Comics #252 and her impending cinematic arrival from DC Studios.
Is Supergirl Replacing Superman Day?
The short answer is no, but she is definitely the guest of honor this year. While Superman Day has always been a cornerstone for fans, DC is using the April 18 milestone to highlight the “Summer of Supergirl” slate. This includes a heavy focus on retail activations and digital rewards on DC Universe Infinite. It is a bold strategy to pivot the spotlight, but considering the theatrical film arrives in June, the brand needs to ensure that general audiences understand Kara is a heavyweight in her own right, not just a spin-off character.
For those looking to catch up before the movie, the reading list is becoming very clear. The centerpiece of this announcement is the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow Deluxe Edition. This story, crafted by the visionary team of Tom King and Bilquis Evely, has become the definitive modern text for the character. Its inclusion in this slate is no accident, as it serves as the primary inspiration for the new film. Beyond the high-concept sci-fi of the King run, we are also getting a revamped version of Supergirl: Being Super. This coming-of-age story from Mariko Tamaki and Joëlle Jones is being re-released in a new format, offering a more grounded, emotional look at Kara’s early years on Earth.
DC is also making it easier than ever to track the transition from page to screen. Following the release of the comics, they are launching From Comic to Screen: The Art of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. This volume is essential for anyone obsessed with the visual language of the DC Universe. It promises to chronicle how the ethereal, almost psychedelic art of Bilquis Evely was translated into a live-action blockbuster.
Supergirl Steals the Spotlight This Summer, But Her Cousin Superman Still Shines on April 18 for Superman Day
Fans can celebrate both Supergirl and her favorite cousin, the Man of Tomorrow, on Superman Day, April 18. DC has curated an epically heroic and heartwarming lineup of titles for comics shops, bookstores, and fans everywhere, all available while supplies last.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1 Superman Day 2026 Special Edition
At the heart of Supergirl’s Superman Day offerings is the Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1 Superman Day 2026 Special Edition. This exclusive Superman Day sampler reprints the acclaimed first chapter of Tom King, Bilquis Evely, and Mat Lopes’s character-defining sci‑fi fantasy epic; the story that inspired DC Studios’ upcoming Supergirl film arriving in June 2026. As Kara Zor-El, a loyal dog, and a furious, heartbroken child embark on a cosmic journey that will reshape Supergirl’s destiny, this Superman Day 2026 Special Edition gives fans the perfect entry point into one of the most celebrated modern Supergirl stories. In addition to the Superman Day Special Edition, fans can also pick up two Superman Day–exclusive versions of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1 at their local comic shop while supplies last: a foil‑enhanced Special Edition ($9.99 US) and a blank sketch cover ($4.99 US), ideal for signings, sketches, and collectors.
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow — *New* Superman Day 2026 Deluxe Edition Hardcover, DC Compact Comics, and Trade Paperback
And for anyone ready to experience the entire story, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is available in multiple collected formats, from several hardcover Deluxe Editions, including a new Superman Day–exclusive dustjacket, to the DC Compact Comics and trade paperback editions, offering a complete path from first chapter to full collection as the Summer of Supergirl begins.
Supergirl: The World—Superman Day 2026 Special Edition
Superman Day also offers fans an early look at Supergirl: The World, a landmark anthology celebrating Kara Zor-El’s global impact. This limited-edition Superman Day comic sampler features two preview stories from the upcoming hardcover, which brings together writers and artists from 15 countries to explore how Supergirl’s legacy resonates across cultures. The full anthology arrives in June 2026, making this sampler a perfect way for fans to discover the project early and for retailers to build excitement and preorders throughout the Summer of Supergirl.
Supergirl #1 Superman Day 2026 Special Edition
Supergirl’s takeover of Superman Day continues with the Supergirl #1 Special Edition, a reprint of writer/artist Sophie Campbell’s bold new launch issue. This sampler introduces readers to a fresh chapter in Kara Zor-El’s life as she returns to Midvale—only to discover someone else has already claimed the Supergirl mantle. Forced to confront her identity and forge an uneasy alliance with Lena Luthor, Kara steps into a new costume and a new era for the Maiden of Might. The Special Edition supports the upcoming Supergirl Vol. 1: Misadventures in Midvale graphic novel, arriving in March 2026, giving retailers a powerful way to drive immediate interest in Supergirl’s latest ongoing adventures.
Action Comics #1 Facsimile Edition — Superman Day Release
Superman Day wouldn’t be complete without honoring the hero who started it all. Fans can celebrate the debut of the world’s first Super Hero with the Action Comics #1 Facsimile Edition, a reprint of the landmark 1938 issue by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Available for $3.99 US on Superman Day, this faithful reproduction brings Superman’s first appearance back to comic shops nationwide, offering readers a chance to experience the moment that introduced the Man of Tomorrow as a global symbol of hope and heroism.
Action Comics #252 Facsimile Edition — Superman Day Release
Supergirl’s takeover of Superman Day continues with the Action Comics #252 Facsimile Edition, available for $3.99 US. This faithful reprint of Supergirl’s 1959 debut showcases the moment Kara Zor-El rocketed onto the scene and forever changed the Superman mythos. Featuring her first appearance and the origin of Metallo, this historic issue is an essential addition for fans celebrating the Summer of Supergirl and a perfect companion to the day’s modern Supergirl offerings.
Superman’s Good Guy Gang: Follow the Leader #1—Superman Day 2026 Special Edition
Younger readers can jump into the fun with the Superman’s Good Guy Gang: Follow the Leader #1 Superman Day Edition, featuring previews of two all-ages graphic novels: Supergirl’s Zoo‑per Heroes: Krypto’s Big Break and Superman’s Good Guy Gang: Follow the Leader. With one graphic novel available now and the other arriving later this summer, this sampler gives families a perfect way to discover new adventures starring Supergirl, Superman, Krypto, and the Good Guy Gang—and offers retailers a kid‑friendly title to hand out during Superman Day festivities. And families can continue the adventure with Book One of Superman’s Good Guy Gang, available now!
DC Finest Presents Superman: Time and Time Again #1 Superman Day 2026 Special Edition
Superman Day also features the DC Finest Presents Superman: Time and Time Again #1 Special Edition. This sampler previews the upcoming DC Finest: Superman—Time and Time Again collection, arriving in March 2026, which follows Superman as he becomes the one constant in a fractured timeline, hurled across eras from Nazi‑occupied Europe to Camelot, prehistory, and the distant future. With the full volume available ahead of Superman Day, this sampler gives retailers a perfect way to drive immediate interest in a high-stakes, time-spanning adventure that showcases the Man of Steel’s unwavering resolve—ensuring Superman remains a central part of the celebration even as Supergirl takes the spotlight.
Superman #1—Superman Day 2026 Special Edition
Superman Day also features the Superman #1 Special Edition, a reprint of the blockbuster first issue of DC’scurrent Superman series by Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell that launched Superman’s current era. This sampler introduces readers to a bold new chapter for the Man of Steel as Superman returns to Metropolis, Lex Luthor lands behind bars, and a mysterious new “Supercorp” rises from Lex’s final gambit. The Special Edition supports the upcoming Superman Vol. 1: Supercorp collection, arriving in April 2026, giving retailers a powerful way to drive interest and giving fans a perfect jumping-on point for Superman’s latest adventures. For Superman Day 2026, Superman Vol. 1: Supercorp will be offered with a direct market exclusive dust jacket featuring art by Dan Mora.
All-Star Superman: The Deluxe Edition — Superman Day Exclusive
Rounding out the Superman Day lineup is All-Star Superman: The Deluxe Edition, a premium hardcover featuring an exclusive Superman Day dust jacket and a digital code for DC’s All-Star Superman animated movie. Available for $39.99 US exclusively at local comic book shops while supplies last, this special edition celebrates one of the most acclaimed Superman stories of the modern era and offers fans a collectible centerpiece that pairs perfectly with the day’s historic facsimile editions and Supergirl-focused releases.
Stock Your Shelves with More Supergirl Titles for DC’s Summer of Supergirl!
Supergirl: Being Super
From writer Mariko Tamaki and artist Joëlle Jones, this acclaimed coming-of-age story follows Kara Danvers as she juggles high school, friendships, and the strange dreams hinting at her Kryptonian past. When an earthquake rocks Midvale, Kara must finally confront who she is, where she comes from, and what it truly means to be super.
Supergirl’s Family Vacation
In this middle grade adventure, preteen Kara Zor-El plans the perfect summer trip to Argo City with Clark, Lois, and her best friend Natasha. But when an unexpected detour strands them on a mysterious planet with a dangerous secret, Kara must once again step out of her cousin’s shadow and prove she’s a hero in her own right.
Supergirl: The Silver Age Omnibus Vol. 1
Supergirl’s earliest adventures return in this collection of her classic Silver Age stories, beginning with her debut in Action Comics #252. These tales follow Kara Zor-El as she adjusts to life on Earth with the Danvers family, hones her powers, and embarks on time-traveling escapades, all while secretly aiding Superman in his fight for justice.
DC Finest: Supergirl: Die and Let Live
This volume spotlights Supergirl in a high-stakes saga of survival and identity. As Kara Zor-El confronts cosmic threats and personal revelations, she’s pushed to the limits of her power and resolve. Die and Let Live showcases Supergirl at her most fearless, blending action, emotion, and bold storytelling.
DC’s Supergirl Next Door
Love is in the air for Kara Zor-El in this charming anthology. Supergirl navigates crushes, chaos, and every rom-com trope imaginable as heroes and villains alike find themselves caught up in unexpected romance. A playful, heartfelt celebration of Supergirl’s life beyond the cape.
And more…
Look for more Supergirl news to break as DC’s Summer of Supergirl heats up! DC’s publishing plans include the one-shot comic book Summer of Supergirl Special, the launch of the new DC Elseworlds comic book series Supergirl: Survive,facsimile editions for Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #23 and Lobo #1, an artbook-sized DC W.I.P.: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1, Supergirl-themed variant covers publishing across DC’s line of comic books, and more.
Coming Soon for DC’s Summer of Supergirl:
From Comic to Screen: The Art of Supergirl: The Woman of Tomorrow is an in‑depth look at the creation of both the comic and the film it inspired. This deluxe hardcover art book traces the journey from the pages of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow to its cinematic adaptation, exploring how the comic shaped the vision for DC Studios’ Supergirl. Featuring concept art, production visuals, and new interviews with the comic’s creators and the filmmakers, this volume offers a comprehensive look at how Kara Zor-El took flight in the DC Universe. With a foreword by DC’s Jim Lee, the book is written by James Field with a cover by Bilquis Evely.
