Power Girl and Supergirl are two of the most powerful female superheroes in the DC universe. But who is stronger? Let’s take a deep dive into their origins, abilities, and key matchups to determine which Kryptonian heroine packs more of a punch.
Origins
Power Girl is the Earth-Two counterpart of Supergirl, meaning she originated on an alternate Earth in a different dimension. Her Kryptonian name is Kara Zor-L and she is the cousin of Superman (Kal-L on Earth-Two). After Crisis on Infinite Earths collapsed the multiverse, Power Girl became stranded on the main Earth that we know as the DC universe.
In contrast, Supergirl is Superman’s cousin Kara Zor-El from the main DC universe planet Krypton. She was sent to Earth to protect her infant cousin Kal-El, but her spacecraft was delayed in the Phantom Zone before eventually making it to Earth years later. This meant Supergirl arrived after Superman was already grown up and a superhero.
So while their origins are similar, there are some key differences. Power Girl hails from an alternate universe and is older and more experienced as a superhero. Supergirl originated on the main DC Earth and is younger with less time as a superpowered champion.
Powers
As Kryptonians, Power Girl and Supergirl have the same basic set of abilities under a yellow sun like Earth’s:
- Super strength
- Invulnerability
- Super speed
- Superhuman senses
- Flight
- Heat vision
- Freeze breath
However, Power Girl is generally depicted as stronger due to being older and having greater experience harnessing her powers. For example, Power Girl is considered one of the physically strongest female characters in the entire DC universe next to Wonder Woman. Her strength has allowed her to overpower Supergirl in some of their matchups.
Power Girl can also utilize her energy projection abilities more skillfully, especially by firing precision heat beams from her hands and eyes. This acts almost like a laser or concussive force.
In terms of raw power potential, Supergirl may be able to match Power Girl at some point as she grows older and trains more. But for now, Power Girl has greater strength, skill, and control of her Kryptonian abilities.
Key Matchups
Power Girl and Supergirl have fought each other several times in the comics, with Power Girl usually coming out on top:
Justice League: Cry for Justice (2009)
Power Girl initially defeated Supergirl when they fought over leadership of the Justice League.
Superman/Batman #24 (2005)
Brainiac’s programming caused Supergirl to attack Power Girl. Power Girl tried to reason with her but eventually knocked her out to break Brainiac’s control.
Supergirl Vol 7 #2 (2012)
Power Girl defeated Supergirl again in battle, lecturing her afterwards that she needed more training and experience.
Based on these key matchups, it’s clear Power Girl’s superior strength and skill has given her the edge over Supergirl thus far in the comics.
Advantages and Weaknesses
Let’s break down the key advantages and weaknesses of each heroine:
Power Girl
Advantages:
- More experienced with powers
- Physically stronger
- Better fighter
- Precise energy projection
Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable to Kryptonite
- Magic can affect her
- Overconfident at times
Supergirl
Advantages:
- Younger with potential for growth
- Solar energy absorption
- Can turn unbreakable as Supergirl Blue
- Freeze breath can drop temperatures dramatically
Weaknesses:
- Inexperienced with full power scope
- Reckless fighting style
- Vulnerable to Kryptonite
- Magic can affect her
This overview shows that while Supergirl has plenty of untapped potential, Power Girl currently gets the edge for combat experience and precise control of her abilities.
Conclusion
Based on their numerous matchups in the comics, Power Girl consistently proves herself stronger than Supergirl due to her greater experience, skill, and precision with her Kryptonian abilities. However, Supergirl is still young and has tremendous room to grow into her full power levels one day. For now though, Power Girl is the clear winner in any battle between these two superpowered cousins.
