Supergirl is the name of several fictional superheroines appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. The original, current, and most well known Supergirl is Kara Zor-El, the cousin of superhero Superman. The character made her first appearance in Action Comics #252 and was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino.
Iterations of Supergirl: the Silver Age original (top left), the Matrix version from the 1990s (top right), Linda Danvers (bottom left), and Cir-El (bottom right)
Super-Girl on the cover of Superman #123: Super-Girl (August 1958) Art by Curt Swan
Supergirl, Art by Curt Swan
"Supergirls", from Superman/Batman #24. Kara Zor-El, Linda Danvers, Cir-El, and Power Girl.
A superhero or superheroine is a stock character who typically possesses superpowers or abilities beyond those of ordinary people, is frequently costumed concealing their identity, and fits the role of the hero; typically using their powers to help the world become a better place, or dedicating themselves to protecting the public and fighting crime. Superhero fiction is the genre of fiction that is centered on such characters, especially, since the 1930s, in American comic books, as well as in Japanese media.
Whiz Comics cover featuring Captain Marvel, published by Fawcett Comics in 1940
America's Best Comics #7 October 1943