Supergirl #18: Kara Depowered, Matrix New Supergirl
In Supergirl #18, Reactron uses Gold Kryptonite to strip Kara Zor-El of her abilities, and Kara names Matrix as the new Supergirl.
Supergirl #18, written by Sophie Campbell with art by Tamra Bonvillain, is available now from DC Comics. In the issue, Kara Zor-El is attacked by the mercenary villain Reactron, who shoves Gold Kryptonite in her face. The attack strips her of her powers, and Gold Kryptonite robs Kryptonians of their ability to absorb yellow sunlight, meaning they can never regain their powers.
Kara then gives Matrix permission to use the Supergirl name, telling her there is room for more than one Supergirl. Matrix is a synthetic being who previously used the Supergirl identity and was frozen by Superman before being freed by Kara.
The cover of the next issue shows Matrix with pink skin, purple hair and her own Supergirl costume. Supergirl #19 teases that Kara will re-enroll at Stanhope College and potentially continue to clash with Reactron.
Recently, DC announced it would depower Kara Zor-El, handing the Supergirl name to a new hero. DC had teased that three heroes — Thundergirl, Nightflame and Matrix — would compete for the Supergirl role, according to Screen Rant.
Quick answers
What happens in Supergirl #18?
Kara Zor-El is attacked by Reactron, who uses Gold Kryptonite to strip her of her powers, and she gives Matrix permission to use the Supergirl name.
Who is the new Supergirl?
Matrix, a synthetic being who previously used the Supergirl identity, is given permission by Kara Zor-El to use the name.
Who created Supergirl #18?
The issue is written by Sophie Campbell with art by Tamra Bonvillain.