I Finally Understand Why Supergirl Earned the Nickname "Woman of Tomorrow"

Summary Supergirl's title symbolizes endurance and strength, contrasting with Superman's hopefulness, making her an even more inspiring hero.

Kara Zor-El truly earns her title as the "Woman of Tomorrow" through her resilience.

The emotional conclusion of Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #8 showcases Kara's reputation as an intergalactic hero who never gives up.

Tom King’s Supergirl run has revealed that the "Woman of Tomorrow" title isn’t merely a clever play on Superman’s "Man of Tomorrow" nickname; it’s a designation Kara Zor-El has truly earned. Before diving into this series, I hadn’t given much thought to the nickname. However, now that I understand its significance, I will always view Kara as one of the greatest DC heroes.

Supergirl's resilience and perseverance are even more inspiring and badass than Superman’s hopeful outlook for the future.

Tom King, Bilquis Evely, and Mat Lopes’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #8 marked the powerful conclusion to their Kara Zor-El-centric story, and it stands as one of my favorite comics of all time—quite a feat considering I wasn’t always the biggest Supergirl fan.

I spent hours poring over lines I found particularly well-crafted and admiring the stunning art and covers. Though the covers varied, they all featured bold letters proclaiming “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.” Despite seeing these words numerous times, it wasn’t until one of the most memorable panels in issue #8 that I truly grasped the significance of the nickname.

Supergirl Is the ‘Woman of Tomorrow’ Because She Will Always Rise to Fight For Another Day

In an emotionally charged scene between Kara and Ruthye Marye Knoll, the younger girl delivers several enlightening lines in an attempt to bring a distraught Supergirl back to herself before the hero makes the mistake of killing the villain Krem of the Yellow Hills. Ruthye’s intention is to remind Kara of who she is and what she means to others, and in doing so, she also reveals how Supergirl earned the Woman of Tomorrow title—by being an intergalactic hero known for never giving up and always standing to fight for another day, another tomorrow.

Specifically, Ruthye says to Kara: "In that moment of doubt, they will learn, as I have learned, of the legend of Supergirl, who lost everything and kept on walking. Then they will settle themselves, content in their power, knowing someone out there has survived the storm. That tomorrow, when malice will make its attempt and help is begged from the heavens, there is a woman waiting." This powerful excerpt helped me truly understand why Supergirl is referred to as the Woman of Tomorrow and how her actions and reputation have made this a more than deserving nickname to describe the Kryptonian.

The Woman of Tomorrow vs. The Man of Tomorrow: Supergirl and Superman Symbolize Two VERY Different Things

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The “Woman of Tomorrow” and “Man of Tomorrow” titles—despite being similar—symbolize two completely different things to me. In my eyes, Superman is the physical embodiment of hope, so his title suggests a promise of a better tomorrow or at least working toward one. In contrast, I think Supergirl’s Woman of Tomorrow title speaks more to endurance and perseverance, conveying that no matter what horrors tomorrow brings, she will be there to face them. To me, Supergirl's resilience and perseverance are even more inspiring and badass than Superman’s hopeful outlook for the future.

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Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #8 is available now from DC Comics!

SUPERGIRL: WOMAN OF TOMORROW #8 (2022) Writer: Tom King

Artist: Bilquis Evely

Colorist: Mat Lopes

Letterer: Clayton Cowles

Cover Artist: Bilquis Evely & Mat Lopes