The 2005-2011 Supergirl series was originally collected in nine volumes, which excluded a number of issues that were part of crossovers. A tenth volume collecting the final eight issues of the series was solicited but cancelled.
DC Comics began reprinting the series (minus crossover appearances in Superman comics) in double-sized trade paperbacks with all the issues. However, the series seems to have stalled before the final collection could be released, following DC Comics’ reduction in collection publishing announced in early 2019.
The titles of the original volumes are listed here for reference. They are available in digital editions on Comixology and other retailers.
Supergirl Vol. 1: The Girl of Steel
On sale Feb 2, 2016
Collects Supergirl #0-10 & #12 (originally published 2005-2006). Supergirl #11 takes place AFTER #12 in-story. The series picks up after the 6-issue origin story in Superman/Batman #8-13 (the animated movie was better).
The first 19 issues of this series were poorly received, leading to a soft reboot starting in Supergirl #23 when Matt Idelson replaced Eddie Berganza as Superman group editor. These issues run from mediocre and uncomfortable under Jeph Loeb (#0-5, #12) to terrible under Joe Kelly (#6-10). The next volume is even worse.
Written by Jeph Loeb (#0-5); Greg Rucka (#6) Joe Kelly (#7-10), Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray (#12); Art by Michael Turner, Ian Churchill, Ed Benes (#6), Ron Adrian, Ale Garza, Amanda Conner (#12).
Supergirl Vol. 2: Breaking the Chain
On sale Aug 16, 2016|
Collects Supergirl #11, #13-22 and a short story from DCU Infinite Holiday Special (also available digitally).
The Joe Kelly issues are the absolute nadir of this series. Nearly all his terrible ideas were, mercifully, retconned away by Sterling Gates in issue #34 as being the result of kryptonite-induced hallucinations. The Tony Bedard-written & Renato Guedes-pencilled issues (#20-22) are wonderful, despite being part of the Amazons Attack! crossover. Save your money and just buy those digitally.
Written by Joe Kelly (#11,13-19), Tony Bedard (#20-22); Art by Joe Benitez (#11), Ian Churchill (#13-15), Alé Garza (#16-#19), Renato Guedes (#20-22).
Supergirl Vol. 3: Ghosts of Krypton
On sale June 6, 2017
Collects Action Comics #850 and Supergirl #23-33. The series turned around immediately in these issues. Early issues feature a soft reboot of Kara’s origin story that paint her parents in a much more heroic light than the Loeb/Kelly run. For the first time in Supergirl comics, we see Alura as the brilliant scientist who built Kara’s ship rather than her father, and Zor-El is restored to being a normal, caring father and husband. The art is also fantastic for most issues. On the other hand, the second storyline featuring a young boy with cancer to whom Supergirl makes an impossible promise, wasn’t well received by some readers.
Written by Kelley Puckett, Will Pfeifer, James Peaty (Supergirl #23-33), Kurt Busiek, Fabian Nicieza, Geoff Johns (Action Comics #850); Art by Drew Johnson, Lee Ferguson, Rick Leonardi, Ron Randall, Brad Walker (Supergirl) #23-33, Renato Guedes (Action Comics #850).
Supergirl Vol. 4: Daughter of New Krypton
On sale Jan 16, 2018
The beginning of the Sterling Gates/Jamal Igle run and the long-running “New Krypton” storyline that would intertwine the Super books from 2008-2010. Collects Supergirl #34-43. Reprints #35-36 for the first time in a Supergirl trade.
Written by Sterling Gates; Art by Jamal Igle, Matthew Clark, Jon Sibal and Keith Champagne; Cover by Joshua Middleton.
Supergirl Vol. 5: Hunt For Reactron
COVER NOT FINAL
On sale Jan 22, 2019
Reprints Supergirl #44-50, Action Comics #881-882 (crossover appearances), and Supergirl Annual #1 of this series. Amazon continues to incorrectly list the contents, which is typical of the retailer.
It’s the end of the road! The violent escalation of Supergirl and Flamebird’s blood feud! Kara’s first encounter with Nightwing! And the conclusion of Supergirl’s hunt for the man who killed her father – Reactron!
Supergirl Vol. 6 (To Be Announced)
This long-anticipated volume would complete the 2005-2011 Supergirl series by reprinting the excellent (and now out of print) Supergirl Vol. 9: Bizarrogirl plus the never-collected issues #60-67. As of spring 2020, the release of this volume appears very uncertain.
Old Trade Paperbacks
Published April 15, 2009
