Supergirl Key Issues: All Essential Comics to Collect

Supergirl is one of DC Comics' most iconic female characters, with a storied editorial history since her creation in 1959. Dying during Crisis on Infinite Earths in 1985, reintroduced in various forms in the '90s, then permanently reinstated in 2004, each iteration of the character has generated distinct key issues for collectors.

The Supergirl market has seen a major resurgence of interest with the television series (2015-2021) and the planned film in the new DCU. The first appearances of each version of the character have become prime targets for investors, as historical collectors seek to complete classic runs that are increasingly hard to find in high quality.

Action Comics #252 — The First Appearance (1959)

Action Comics #252 (May 1959) is the absolute holy grail for any Supergirl collector. This issue features "The Supergirl from Krypton", written by Otto Binder and drawn by Al Plastino, in which Superman discovers his cousin Kara Zor-El. This is one of the most important issues of Silver Age DC.

CGC valuation by grade

• CGC 9.0— $100,000-150,000 (only 2-3 examples known at this grade)
• CGC 8.0— $40,000-60,000
• CGC 6.0— $15,000-25,000
• CGC 4.0— $8,000-12,000
• CGC 2.0— $3,500-5,500
• CGC 1.0— $2,000-3,000

The CGC Census lists around 450 graded examples, with a strong concentration in grades 2.0-5.0. Examples above 7.0 are exceptionally rare and face intense competition at auction. The trend has been clearly upward since 2020, with an appreciation of 40-60% in the middle grades.

Adventure Comics #381 — First solo title (1969)

Adventure Comics #381 (June 1969) marks a turning point: Supergirl takes control of the Adventure Comics title, which was previously dedicated to the Legion of Super-Heroes. This is the first issue where she is the main star of a series regular.

• CGC 9.6— $600-900
• CGC 9.4— $300-500
• CGC 8.0— $100-180
• Raw VF— $50-80
• Raw VG— $20-35

The Supergirl run in Adventure Comics (#381-424, 1969-1972) is increasingly sought after as a cohesive set. A complete series in VG-FN sells for around $400-700, but high quality copies are becoming rare on the market.

Supergirl vol. 1 #1 (1972)

Supergirl's first proper title (November 1972) had a short life of only 10 issues. #1 remains accessible and undervalued in relation to its historical importance.

• CGC 9.6— $400-700
• CGC 9.4— $200-350
• Raw VF/NM— $60-100
• Raw FN— $25-40

Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 — The Death of Supergirl (1985)

Crisis on Infinite Earths #7 (October 1985) is one of the most iconic issues of DC Comics. George Pérez's cover showing Superman holding Supergirl's body became a defining image of American comics. This issue has a double value: key issue Supergirl and pivotal moment in the DC universe.

• CGC 9.8— $250-450
• CGC 9.6— $100-180
• CGC 9.4— $60-100
• Raw NM— $25-40
• Raw VF— $10-18

This issue benefits from cross-demand: Supergirl collectors, Crisis fans, George Pérez fans. Its price in CGC 9.8 doubled between 2019 and 2023.

Superman/Batman #13 — The Modern Return (2004)

Superman/Batman #13 (October 2004) reintroduces Kara Zor-El into post-Crisis DC continuity, under the pen of Jeph Loeb and the drawings of Michael Turner. This version is the one that dominated the character for the next two decades.

Editions and variants

• Cover A (Turner) CGC 9.8— $80-150
• Cover A CGC 9.6— $40-70
• Cover B (Turner variant)— $100-200 in CGC 9.8
• 2nd printing— $15-30 in CGC 9.8
• Raw NM— $15-25

With Michael Turner passing away in 2008, his covers enjoy a growing sentimental and artistic premium. Superman/Batman #13 combines major first appearance and Turner cover — a double valuation driver.

Supergirl #1 (2005) — The modern solo series

Supergirl #1 (October 2005), by Jeph Loeb and Ian Churchill, kicks off Kara Zor-El's first solo series since her reintroduction. The number has benefited from multiple variations, each of which has its own market.

• Cover A (Churchill) CGC 9.8— $50-90
• Michael Turner variant CGC 9.8— $100-200
• Raw NM (cover A)— $8-15
• Raw NM (Turner variant)— $20-40

Other Key Supergirl Issues to Watch

First appearances and notable moments

• Superman #123 (1958)— “Super-Girl” prototype (not Kara), first exploration of the concept — $300-2,000 depending on grade
• Action Comics #276 (1961)— Supergirl's first appearance as Legionnaire — $80-400
• Superman #376 (1982)— First appearance of the new Supergirl costume (headband) — $10-40
• Supergirl #1 (1996)— Linda Danvers/Matrix version by Peter David — $5-20 in CGC 9.8
• Supergirl #1 (2011, New 52)— Relaunch New 52 — $20-50 in CGC 9.8
• Supergirl #1 (2016, Rebirth)— Costume inspired by the TV series — $10-30 in CGC 9.8

Undervalued numbers with potential

• Daring New Adventures of Supergirl #1 (1982)— Bronze Age solo series, $5-15 raw — historically undervalued
• Supergirl #12 (2006)— First meeting Supergirl/Power Girl (Turner cover) — $15-40 CGC 9.8
• Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1 (2021)— Basis of planned DCU film, Tom King — $15-40 CGC 9.8, strong speculative potential

Supergirl Collection Strategy

The Supergirl catalog is divided into three clearly distinct investment tiers.

• Tier 1 (grails, $5,000+)— Action Comics #252 in any readable grade, Adventure Comics #381 in high quality
• Tier 2 (mid-range, $100-500)— Superman/Batman #13, Crisis #7, Supergirl vol. 1 #1 in CGC 9.4+
• Tier 3 (entry, under $100)— Supergirl #1 (2005), Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1, New 52 #1

For a budget collector, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1 (2021) is currently the best potential/price ratio. With the DCU film in development based directly on this Tom King story, this issue could see significant appreciation as casting is announced.