Movies News Talk
Superman's cousin Kara Zor-El/Supergirl was just featured in My Adventures With Superman, and its updated version gave DC their own take on the MCU's Winter Soldier narrative. In its second season, the new animated series has already deviated significantly from its comic-book equivalents on multiple occasions.
The most significant departure from conventional wisdom to date may be seen in My Adventures With Superman's Lex Luthor, although Supergirl's own origin narrative modifies much of the canon, creating a unique and unusual path for the character.
The Kryptonian empire's killing pawn, Kara, was indoctrinated by Brainiac, as shown in My Adventures With Superman season 2, episode 6. This is practically a direct parallel to the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, as HYDRA likewise brainwashes Bucky into being a villain.
The antagonists in this case have even more in common as Arnim Zola's digital form and Brainiac's AI roots are strikingly similar. In the last moments of the show, Kara remembers eradicating multiple civilizations and is shocked, exactly like Bucky is when he thinks back on his own transgressions.
Because of her relationship with the enemy Brainiac from season 2, Kara from My Adventures with Superman presents a far more gloomy version that hints at a significant path for the program. The timeline of the Winter Soldier in the MCU already seems to be reflected in this and her subsequent personal journey, which is anticipated to be further developed in upcoming episodes and possibly in the recently revealed My Adventures With Superman season 3.
The show makes connections to the Winter Soldier plot in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, giving Supergirl a more nuanced and sorrowful backstory. Supergirl is given a distinct character in My Adventures with Superman by departing from conventional narrative; this includes giving her a villain storyline and the possibility of redemption in the future.
Now that the show has accurately portrayed Bucky's villainous beginnings, it appears that it is also planning to mimic his redemption story, given Kara's shock at learning she may soon be completely free of Brainiac's influence. How Kara handles her remorse and whether her acts have any repercussions would make for an interesting character study.
This completely different version offers Supergirl a more complex overall story and gives her a unique identity that goes beyond just copying Superman's journey. The turbulent tale of a mainly good-hearted character realizing that they have been brainwashed really has more in common with one of Marvel's own heroes than it does with the Winter Soldier tale.
Given that a Green Lantern and a Thanagarian were among the victims of the Empire, it's also feasible that future episodes will feature persons connected to the civilizations Kara assisted in destroying, much like Tony Stark was to one of Bucky's victims. Furthermore, because Kara is now his complete opposite, it will be intriguing to watch how their connection grows.
The common narrative of Supergirl's origins has been that it is fairly similar to Superman's, with the primary difference being that she arrived on Earth later. Both Dc Comics and their adaptations often adhere to this, with even more recent reboots maintaining the same essential themes. This portrayal has been mostly upheld by both animated and live-action adaptations, with minor adjustments made to better fit the current narrative. This strategy might be continued in the Dcu Supergirl adaptation.
Even though the two have just recently met, they already have a connection that is similar to what Bucky had with Steve Rogers; the difference is that this time the connection is based on a familial bond rather than a long-standing friendship. As the remainder of season 2 plays out, hopefully, My Adventures With Superman will keep delving deeper into Supergirl's narrative and its intriguing connections to Winter Soldier.
As the remainder of season 2 plays out, hopefully, My Adventures With Superman will keep delving deeper into Supergirl's narrative and its intriguing parallels to Winter Soldier.