Kryptonite poisoning is killing Supergirl. But a journey into space to save a troubled world may grant her the chance for a cure. Or, at the very least, learn about her past…
Minor Crossover: The Villains Month issue works as a flashback to explain the origin of our main villain, following certain revelations.
Spoilers: The issue descriptions and fallout section contain spoilers, so be warned!
Previous events that directly impact this story:
- H’EL ON EARTH (2012-2013) – Kryptonite poisoning almost kills Supergirl
- HUNT AND BE HUNTED (2013) – Dr Veritas’ attempt to cure Supergirl fails
Want to keep it simple? Here’s the chronological reading order without story descriptions, or spoilers:
- Supergirl #21-23
- Action Comics #23.1: Cyborg Superman
- Supergirl #24
| Must Read | Title, Issue & Synopsis |
| ✔ | Supergirl #21 Supergirl tries and fails to tell her only friend, Siobhan Smythe, that she’s dying. Supergirl steals Dr Veritas’ KR-1 Space-Bike to answer a distress call on I’noxia. She defeats the attacking Crix creature and gains the adoration of the I’noxians. While it appears as though their world is designed to emulate planets that have been destroyed as a means of preserving their cultures, this is just a ruse. Kara Zor-El has been lured I’noxia by the planet’s master, who looks oddly like a ‘Cyborg Superman’… New identity: [redacted] as Cyborg Superman |
| ✔ | Supergirl #22 The Cyborg Superman wants Supergirl to help him find his true identity. The I’noxian Delacore helps Supergirl recall her past and ‘reunite’ with a facsimile of her mother. Cyborg Superman suggests she merge with I’noxia and give her flesh to him so that he can once again become whole. Supergirl fights back and flees the Cyborg, but he sends her own memories after her… |
| Must Read | Title, Issue & Synopsis |
| ✔ | Supergirl #23 Supergirl is brought down by I’noxian-spawned versions of Wonder Woman, Superman, Silver Banshee, Reign, H’el and others. Just as Cyborg Superman’s claims Supergirl’s physical form, his master, Brainiac, arrives on I’noxia. Cyborg Superman’s memories return and he learns he’s Zor-El – Supergirl’s father… |
| ✔ | Action Comics #23.1: Cyborg Superman Decades ago, before Krypton was destroyed, Zor-El rejected Jor-El’s offer to save his family from the planet’s imminent demise. Instead, he tried to adapt illegal Brainiac tech, which temporarily allows the city of Argo to survive Krpton’s end. Nine months later, Brainiac found Argo and its last survivor Zor-El who he ‘rebuilt’ in the image of his superior brother as a cyborg with no memory of his past. Brainiac sent the cyborg out into the universe to seek perfection… Also see VILLAINS MONTH |
| ✔ | Supergirl #24 Brainiac is seeking out Supergirl to study her Kryptonite poisoning. Her consciousness has been absorbed into the planet, allowing her to use the world’s abilities to create a physical forms. Zor-El convinces Delacore to repel Brainiac in return for the resurrection of Supergirl and the I’noxians’ freedom. With Supergirl back in her own body – now free of the poison – though Cyborg Superman’s memories are lost again. To save his daughter, he confronts Brainiac, granting Supergirl a chance to quickly depart. However, Supergirl flies straight into the space-faring Oracle… |
| Must Reads | Issue(s) & Fallout | Event/ Crossover |
| Action Comics Annual #2 (2013) Supergirl is joined in the Oracle’s presence by Superman and Superboy; it appears Krypton has returned. | KRYPTON RETURNS | |
| ✔ | Supergirl: Rebirth #1 (2016) Cyborg Superman is revealed to have survived his battle with Brainiac. Supergirl #2 (2016) The outcome of Cyborg Superman’s clash with Brainiac is revealed. | REIGN OF THE CYBORG SUPERMEN |
| Superman #979-980 (2017) Hank Henshaw is revealed to have become a second Cyborg Superman. | ||
| ✔ | Supergirl #13 (2017) Cyborg Superman is killed by Mister Oz (Jor-El). | THE GIRL OF NO TOMORROW |
| Collected Edition Title | Collects… |
| Supergirl vol.4: Out of the Past | Action Comics #23.1: Cyborg Superman Supergirl #21-26 Superman #25 |
| Supergirl: The New 52 Omnibus vol.1 | Action Comics #23.1: Cyborg Superman Green Lantern/Red Lanterns #28 Red Lanterns #29 Supergirl #0-40 Supergirl – Futures End #1 |
| Collected Edition Title | Includes… |
| DC Comics: The New 52 Villains Omnibus | Action Comics #23.1: Cyborg Superman |
Reading Order © Omniverse Comics Guide 2025
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