Since her official debut in 1959, Supergirl has struggled to emerge from the shadow of her cousin, Superman. So it’s a bold move that the second cinematic release in the newly rebooted DC Universe will be Supergirl.

Milly Alcock first appeared as Supergirl in the epilogue to Superman (2025). Her Supergirl is a brash “party girl” – an immediate contrast to David Corenswet’s squeaky clean rendition of Superman. Based on the comic book Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2021) by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, she is a traumatised character, dealing with the destruction of her home planet of Krypton. “I have no people,” Supergirl laments in the trailer.

However, Supergirl was not always so introspective. The character and her alter ego, Kara Zor-El, first appeared in 1938, to cash in on the popularity of Superman. She was a preppy teenager who played a supporting helpmate role, allowing Superman to display his paternal side.

Publishers DC Comics also flirted with the concept of Superwoman. A 1943 story had Superman’s girlfriend, reporter Lois Lane, dream that she was Superman’s female counterpart. In her book Supergirl: Contemporary Feminist Reboot of a Hapless DC Comic Helpmate (2022), Batya Weinbaum suggests this moment reflected the “changing position of women in wartime”.

In a 1947 story, Lois Lane, Superwoman! from Superman issue #45, Lane is convinced she has superpowers, only to discover she is the victim of a ruse where Superman is using his influence to simulate the experience. This prompts her frustrated exclamation: “You men who try to keep women weak and defenceless – I hate you!”

Lane may well have been addressing the DC editors who published her adventures. In his cultural history of comic book heroines, comic book historian Mike Madrid outlines an excerpt from 1950s-era DC Comics’ editorial policy which reluctantly accepts stories featuring women, but only if the female characters are “secondary in importance”.

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The ever-changing Supergirl

Nevertheless, as Supergirl developed through the 1960s there were signs that she could develop an identity of her own.

Two years after her secret arrival on Earth, in issue #285 of Action Comics, Superman finally reveals Supergirl to the world. She appears in public in an act that cultural historian Gerard Beritela interprets as her “emergence from male domination”. But ultimately Madrid’s take on this era is that “she is a girl, not a woman, and therein lies the secret of her appeal”. Supergirl isn’t a threatening Superwoman who might develop ideas of her own.

This was the model followed in the 1984 attempt to bring Supergirl to cinema screens. In his DVD commentary, director Jeannot Szwarc discusses his intention to convey Supergirl’s grace and intelligence.

Whereas Superman (played by Christopher Reeve) was introduced in 1978 by the same producers with a daring rescue of a plummeting helicopter, Helen Slater’s Supergirl performs an aerial ballet and frolics with woodland creatures. In comics, Supergirl fared even worse. The character was killed off in 1985’s Crisis on Infinite Earths storyline, partly because of her threat to Superman’s unique status as “the last son of Krypton”, and partly because of the film’s disappointing box office takings.

Various incarnations of Supergirl have been explored following the obliteration of the original version. This regular rewriting has encouraged creators to experiment.

Danny Fingeroth describes a 1996 example, when fellow comic book writer Peter David developed a version of Supergirl to explore Jewish identity, revising the character as an Earth-bound angel based on the concept of Shekhinah, or the divine feminine. This Supergirl’s stories integrated themes of redemption and spirituality.

In comic books, however, death is never permanent. Kara Zor-El and Supergirl were resurrected in 2004 in The Supergirl from Krypton. There was an attempt to add nuance to the character, with a greater emphasis on the trauma she suffered from witnessing the loss of her home planet. But this was rather undermined by various revealing costumes clearly designed to satisfy the male gaze.

It wasn’t until 2015 and the six season Supergirl television show that creators began to deal head on with the character’s agency. Another updated origin story saw Kara (played by Melissa Benoist) being sent ahead to help her baby cousin acclimatise to life on Earth. But after her spaceship arrives late, she has no clear purpose, finding an already adult and established Superman.

In the pilot episode she finally strikes out on her own with the dramatic rescue of an airliner, assuming the mantle of Supergirl. In a show that employed several female writers and became known for its positive representation of LGBTQ+ issues, problematic topics such as Supergirl’s infantilising name and costume were directly addressed.

Kara refuses to wear revealing versions of the costume from the character’s comic book past. In discussions with her employer, CatCo Worldwide Media CEO Cat Grant, she is told: “I’m a girl. And your boss. And powerful. And rich, and hot, and smart. So, if you perceive Supergirl as anything less than excellent, isn’t the real problem you?” Significantly, Grant is portrayed by actor Calista Flockhart, known for the Ally McBeal series – a show that sparked debates about feminism and women in the workplace in the late 1990s.

The 2021 comic book Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow follows the young alien Ruthye Marye Knoll, who recruits Supergirl to seek revenge after her father is murdered. The story is told from Ruthye’s point of view, the fractured narrative lending the story a fatalistic quality. The narration also emphasises the mythic quality of Supergirl, “who lost everything and kept walking”.

It remains to be seen how closely the film will follow the philosophical source material. Meanwhile, in the pages of the latest DC comic book, writer and artist Sophie Campbell has returned to the brighter tone of the 1960s version of the character, merged with the sensibilities of the 2015 television series. The many interpretations of Supergirl continue to reveal the character’s durability and versatility.

This article features references to books that have been included for editorial reasons, and may contain links to bookshop.org. If you click on one of the links and go on to buy something, The Conversation UK may earn a commission.

SINGER-songwriter Tom Bright returns to York this weekend for an intimate live show at Rise, the creative space inside Bluebird Bakery in Acomb.

Bright will perform on Saturday, June 13, following a sold-out appearance at FortyFive Vinyl Café last October, where he supported his latest album Young Old Bloke.

That show was praised for its authenticity and warmth, with Bright described as a classic urban folk artist likely to appeal to fans of Paolo Nutini and Frank Turner.

His last York performance saw him share stories of honing his craft through a decade of personal and professional challenges, balancing life as a pub landlord with hundreds of gigs, record label setbacks, the pandemic and a life-threatening illness. Despite this, Bright has gone on to perform alongside artists including Tom Grennan, Ed Harcourt and The Libertines, and has played venues such as the London Palladium, Shepherd’s Bush Empire and Glastonbury Festival.

Read more:

Bright has previously cited influences ranging from Bobby Darin and Frank Sinatra to Ray Davies, Jarvis Cocker and Cherry Ghost’s Simon Aldred.

Rise aims to be a vibrant, independently run creative hub.

A limited number of tickets remain, available via bluebirdbakery.co.uk/rise and See Tickets.

The Northern Ireland Secretary has hit out at “racist thuggery” in Belfast as he said: “This is not the true face of Northern Ireland.”

Hilary Benn said it is unacceptable that people are being targeted because of the colour of their skin. He said he was appalled at reports that people were being stopped on their way to work by thugs demanding to know their nationality.

He told Sky News: “I’ve talked to a number of community organizations, and it’s really important to convey the sense of fear that has been created, above all for those who were intimidated, burned out of their houses by masked thugs on the basis of the color of their skin.

“But talking to those community organizations, everyone else in Northern Ireland who is an ethnic minority is thinking is somebody going to come for me? We’ve had reports of people being stopped in their cars to be asked what their nationality is on their way to work, and this is completely unacceptable.

“And we all feel very strongly about the appalling attack on Stephen Ogilvie and which was captured, of course, on that awful, awful video.

“An individual has been arrested. He has now been charged. We need to let the criminal justice process take its course. But there is no justification for the kind of violent thuggery that we have seen.”

And he continued: “I have joined with all of the political leaders in Northern Ireland in calling on people to desist, because this is not what Northern Ireland – a great place – is about. This is not the true face of Northern Ireland.”

Asked if the violence in Northern Ireland should be categorised as racist riots, Mr Benn said: “Well, if you are targeting people on the basis of their colour, of their skin, how else can you describe them? This is racist thuggery. There’s no question about it at all.”

Strictly Come Dancing have announced the second name set to take to the dancefloor this Autumn and Winter, after EastEnders actress Lacey Turner

Strictly Come Dancing have revealed the name of their second star – and it’s a familiar face.

The BBC show is back for a new series this Autumn and Winter and a new face has now signed up for the programme. Dani Dyer will make her glorious return to the show following her early exit last year due to injury.

Dani said of her return: “I am so excited to be back in the ballroom this September! I just cannot wait to get my dancing shoes back on and hopefully this time around I can actually make it to week one!

“I’m just over the moon and cannot wait to find out who else is doing it!” Dani withdrew last year due to injury before the show even began and there had been hope she’d make her return again.

Lacey Turner was the first star to be confirmed for the show. Speaking about signing up for the show, she said: “I am so excited to being making my way to the dance floor this year to be a part of Strictly Come Dancing! I am a huge fan and can’t quite believe I will be taking part and not watching at home this year! I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a new skill!”

Strictly has also had a change up top when Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman both stepped down from their hosting roles.. Emma Willis, Josh Widdecombe and Johannes Radebe have been confirmed to replace them.

Speaking about joining the show, Emma said: “It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Strictly – I’ve cheered and danced along from my sofa for years – so to be stepping into the Strictly ballroom is something I can’t quite comprehend.

“It’s impossible to fill the shoes that Tess and Claudia have left behind – two wonderful, iconic women who have been the beating heart of Strictly for so long. I can only hope that we are able to help to steer the ship as beautifully as they have, into this new chapter. I can’t wait to spend my weekends with Josh and Jojo, the incredible dancers and the judges.”

Johannes added “To be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in this new role is beyond anything I ever imagined. This show has always stood for joy, heart, and togetherness, and I feel deeply honoured to now help carry that magic forward.

“To do it alongside the formidable Emma Willis and the utterly brilliant Josh Widdicombe makes it even more special. I’m ready-sequins, nerves, and all…please bear with me. Love Jojo.”

Josh said: “Dancing the Charleston dressed as a penguin for the 2024 Christmas Special of Strictly remains my career high point, so I am giddy with excitement, honoured and a little overawed to be given the chance to step into the biggest shoes in television. I adore Emma and Jojo and can’t wait to spend my weekends with them. I’ll dust off the penguin costume.”

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.

Jonathan, 50, was last seen at a family address in Gateshead on June 2.

Officers say Jonathan, originally from the Consett area, has links to Bishop Auckland.

He is described as 5ft 10in tall, of slim build, with dark brown shaved hair and a stubbly beard.

Jonathan was last seen wearing a flat cap, a black tracksuit top with white stripes down the arms, cargo trousers and walking boots. He was also carrying a rucksack.

Police are appealing for information as concerns grow for his welfare.

Anyone who has seen Jonathan, or who has information about his whereabouts, is asked to call 999.

​A Chief Inspector of North Yorkshire Police has said the force is prepared for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on Thursday, June 11, and will “wait and see” what demands it faces.

​With 13 different kick-off times, some matches will start at 5pm (BST) while others will not get underway until 5am.

​Speaking to coastal councillors last week, Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Lucy McNeill said: “It is a real unknown, because we have never had one like this, with matches at such different times over the course of the night.”

​Chair of the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee, Cllr Liz Colling, asked how the force would address cases of domestic abuse.

She said: “With the World Cup and lots of drinking, are we expecting a peak in domestic abuse, is that the pattern, and how do we resource support for that?

​Chief Inspector McNeill said: “I think it is a bit of an odd World Cup this year as the matches are happening at really strange and different times.

​“It is a bit of an unknown as to what impact that is going to have on spikes in domestic abuse, the level of drinking, and the demand on police and other agencies as well.”

​She added that North Yorkshire Police will have “some additional staff on for some of the key matches, that we think will be very popular, but really a lot of it is wait and see”.

​Anyone experiencing domestic abuse is encouraged to contact NYP at https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/.

​Chief Superintendent Fiona Willey, of North Yorkshire Police, said fans and residents could expect “firm, fair and friendly policing” which was particularly focused on keeping the nighttime economy safe.

​Anti-social or criminal behaviour will not be tolerated, she added.

​Chief Superintendent Willey commented: “As we approach the start of the World Cup, it’s important to remember that our town and city centres are shared spaces, with people celebrating, working, visiting and going about their lives. A little respect goes a long way towards making sure everyone can enjoy a safe and enjoyable night.

​”Sadly, for some people, major football tournaments can also be a time when the risk of domestic abuse increases. While football itself doesn’t cause domestic abuse, certain behaviours linked to these events, such as alcohol use, can make abuse more likely.

​“Our priority is to support and protect anyone who may be at risk, and to use all available powers to identify and arrest those who cause harm.”

​According to the women’s aid charity Solace, when England lose a World Cup game, incidents of domestic violence increase by 38 per cent and by 26 per cent when they win.

​The charity said that major sporting events are “the catalyst for a rise in domestic violence”.

In 2024, Women’s Aid launched the ‘No More Years of Hurt’ campaign highlighting the spike in domestic abuse during big football games.

​Women can call The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night. The staff will offer confidential, non-judgemental information and support.

​Men can call Respect Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm) for non-judgemental information and support.

World shares were mixed on Thursday following another sell-off of artificial-intelligence stocks that dragged the U.S. market sharply lower.

Oil prices fell after rising earlier as the U.S. launched a second round of airstrikes against Iran.

In early European trading, Germany’s DAX was nearly unchanged at 24,188.88 and the CAC 40 in Paris gained 0.4% to 8,192.55. The FTSE 100 in London added 0.5% to 10,307.39.

The future for the S&P 500 was up 0.8%, while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.7%.

Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 edged up less than 0.1% to 64,217.27 after falling earlier in the day, while the Kospi in South Korea gained 0.4% to 7,763.95.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell 0.7% to 24,249.29, while the Shanghai Composite index was down 0.2% to 3,987.01.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 likewise shed 0.2% to 8,633.20.

Taiwan’s Taiex slipped 0.2% and India’s Sensex rose 0.2%.

On Wednesday, Wall Street’s former superstars continue to face heavy scrutiny.

The S&P 500 dropped 1.6% for its first back-to-back drop in three weeks. Closing at 7,266.99, it’s back to where it was in early May.

The Dow tumbled 1.9% and the Nasdaq composite led the market lower with a 2% slide.

Wall Street has been shaky since last week, when AI stocks went from roaring to records to suddenly turn lower. Among the worries is that their prices may have shot too high, too fast because of AI mania. The question now is whether the break lower has cleared out excessive optimism that may have built into their stock prices, or if it’s the start of a longer downturn.

Micron Technology swung from an early loss of nearly 4% to a modest gain and back to a loss of 4.7%. It’s coming off a wild stretch where it sank 7.7% last Thursday, then plunged another 13.3% Friday and rallied 9.9% Monday.

Nvidia, the chip company that’s grown into a nearly $4.9 trillion behemoth because of the AI boom, was the heaviest weight on the S&P 500 after falling 3.7%. The second heaviest was another AI winner, Broadcom, which fell 5.1%.

Some of the pressure on AI stocks could also be coming from investors pulling cash out to prepare for high-profile debuts on the U.S. stock market for several AI giants. SpaceX’s initial public offering could come later this week, for example.

Oil prices climbed on Wednesday after President Donald Trump warned Iran would “pay the price” for stalled negotiations between the two sides. The war in the Middle East has been keeping the Strait of Hormuz effectively shut to oil tankers, which has prevented the delivery of crude from the Persian Gulf to customers worldwide.

High oil prices have sent inflation higher, and a report on Wednesday showed that prices for U.S. consumers jumped in May at the highest speed in three years.

Traders are betting the Federal Reserve will have to hike its main interest rate at least once this year, given price pressures and the strength of the U.S. job market.

High yields can slow entire economies and undercut prices for all kinds of investments, including stocks and cryptocurrencies. They hit investments seen as the most expensive in particular, and some critics are calling AI a bubble where investment inflated too far.

In other dealings early Thursday, the dollar slipped to 160.54 Japanese yen from 160.56 yen. The euro fell to $1.1534 from $1.1537.

​The Wackers fish and chip establishment in Scarborough is seeking a new pavement licence from the council.

​David Atkin’s application to North Yorkshire Council proposes siting three tables and nine chairs outside the town centre restaurant at 1 Vernon Road.

​Representations are currently open regarding the proposal and members of the public have been invited to comment on the scheme.

​The deadline to contact the licensing authority is Wednesday, June 24.

​Wackers is rated 3.9 out of five on Tripadvisor based on more than 400 reviews, and is listed as 21 out of 99 for ‘quick bites’ in Scarborough.

​Anyone wishing to make representations regarding the application should give notice in writing to: North Yorkshire Council, Licensing Services, Town Hall, St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, YO11 2HG.

​The authority can also be contacted by email at licensing.east@northyorks.gov.uk.

Vernon Road, Scarborough. Google Maps

​The council’s website states: “It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application punishable on summary conviction by an unlimited fine.”

Emergency services were called to Eastgrove Avenue at around 9.20pm on Wednesday, June 10, after reports of a suspected arson attack at a property.

The family have been left in shock after the incident.

Greater Manchester Police said all occupants were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. Detectives believe the incident was targeted and have launched an investigation.

The incident is being treated as a “targeted” attack and the family believe it may have been racially motivated.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough, of Astley Bridge, said: “Obviously everyone would be disturbed by what happened.

“I hope we can all work together and get something sorted. I will liaise with the community safety team.”

The fire happened last night at roughly 9.15 pm. (Image: Public)

Police have said officers will carry out reassurance visits in the area while enquiries continue.

Cllr Fairclough said incidents of this nature were unusual for the area, although there had been reports of other crimes nearby in recent weeks.

She added: “It isn’t usual; there have been a few different things, not racially, but I know recently around Rainshaw Street in a similar area, they’ve had a few cars broken into.”

The councillor encouraged anyone worried about the incident to seek support and report concerns.

Cllr Fairclough added: “If residents are concerned or worried, then contact me by all means, or the police, and I’ll work with them to make sure they feel safer.”

Words from another local representative have been said from a civic leader of Bolton.

Saeed Atcha MBE DL, Chief Executive Officer of Youth Leads UK: “The reported fire bombing at an Imam’s house in Bolton is deeply disturbing and sickening. My thoughts are immediately with the Imam, his family, and the wider community.

(Image: NQ)

“Incidents like this shake our sense of safety, community and belonging – and every civic and community leader in this borough needs to say so, loudly and clearly.

“I am calling on Greater Manchester Police to investigate this swiftly and thoroughly. The community deserves answers quickly.

“To everyone in Bolton feeling anxious or afraid right now – I stand with you. We need to come together, stay vigilant, and make clear that attacks like this have no place in our town.”

Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact police quoting log 3561 of June 10, 2026 to police.

Police said officers were called to Eastgrove Avenue in Sharples at around 9.20pm on Wednesday, June 10, after reports of a suspected arson.

Emergency services attended and all occupants were safely evacuated from the home. No injuries were reported.

The Patel family said they were left terrified after the attack on their home.

The fire happened last night at roughly 9.15 pm. (Image: Public)

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples said: “Incidents like this are not acceptable in our community and no one should be made to feel threatened or intimidated. Thankfully, no one was injured, however, the consequences of this suspected arson attack could have been very different.”

Police said they believe the incident was targeted, but stressed there is no wider risk to the public.

Officers will carry out reassurance visits in the community as enquiries continue.

DCI Sharples added: “We understand this incident may cause concern within the community; we are working to find those responsible and bring them to justice. We believe this was a targeted attack, and there is no risk to the wider public. Officers will be providing reassurance with visits in the community throughout the day.”

The attack happened at a family home with footage showing a masked person throwing a lit object through a front window.

Homeowner Hassan Patel previously said his son had just taken the bins out when he saw two people on a motorbike nearby moments before the explosion.

His son, Umair Yusuf, described the fear felt by the family after escaping the blaze previously, saying they had a sleepless night following the shock

Fire crews from Bolton North and Farnworth stations attended the scene and worked alongside police to make the area safe, according to Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Police are now appealing for witnesses, CCTV and dashcam footage.

DCI Sharples said: “Our enquiries to identify those responsible are ongoing, and we urge anyone with information that may assist our investigation to please come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting log 3561 of 10/06/2026, or contact police via the LiveChat service at gmp.police.uk. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.