Supergirl is front and center this year as DC turns April 18 into a full-blown launchpad for the “Summer of Supergirl.”
Timed alongside the buzz surrounding James Gunn’s upcoming Supergirl movie, DC announced a massive retail and publishing push that puts Kara Zor-El in the spotlight for Superman Day 2026. April 18 marks the historic debut of Superman in Action Comics #1 back in 1938. Now, nearly 90 years later, his cousin is taking over the celebration.
Supergirl Headlines Superman Day on April 18
DC is rolling out global retail activations, in-store events, signings, exclusive editions, loyalty promos, and digital tie-ins across comic shops and participating retailers.
The goal is clear: build momentum for June’s theatrical release of the new Supergirl film while reintroducing fans to some of the best Supergirl stories ever published.
Expect:
- Talent signings
- Limited-time promotions
- Curated Supergirl collections
- Fan events at local comic shops
- Exclusive Superman Day editions
DC is also directing fans to DC.com/Superman and @DCcomics for updates.
Woman of Tomorrow Leads the Charge
At the center of the push is Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the acclaimed sci-fi epic by Tom King and Bilquis Evely that serves as the inspiration for DC Studios’ upcoming movie.
For Superman Day, DC is releasing:
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1 Superman Day 2026 Special Edition (reprinting the first chapter)
- A foil-enhanced Special Edition ($9.99)
- A blank sketch cover edition ($4.99)
- Multiple deluxe hardcover formats, including a Superman Day–exclusive dust jacket
DC is also teasing From Comic to Screen: The Art of Supergirl: The Woman of Tomorrow, a deluxe hardcover art book featuring concept art, production visuals, and interviews tied to both the comic and the film. The book includes a foreword by Jim Lee.
Historic Facsimiles Return
Superman Day wouldn’t be complete without going back to the beginning.
DC is offering:
- Action Comics #1 Facsimile Edition – $3.99
- Action Comics #252 Facsimile Edition – $3.99
Action Comics #252 marks Supergirl’s first appearance in 1959 and the debut of Metallo. It’s a key issue in Superman lore and a natural fit for the Summer of Supergirl.
Supergirl #1 Special Edition and Global Anthology
DC is also pushing new-era Supergirl material.
A Supergirl #1 Special Edition reprints Sophie Campbell’s launch issue, kicking off Kara’s return to Midvale and setting up the Supergirl Vol. 1: Misadventures in Midvale collection.
There’s also a preview sampler for Supergirl: The World, a global anthology featuring creators from 15 countries, highlighting how Kara resonates worldwide. The full hardcover arrives in June 2026.
Superman Still Gets His Moment
Even as Supergirl headlines the event, Superman remains a major part of the lineup.
Superman Day releases include:
- Superman #1 Special Edition (Joshua Williamson and Jamal Campbell)
- DC Finest Presents Superman: Time and Time Again #1 Special Edition
- All-Star Superman: The Deluxe Edition (with exclusive dust jacket and digital movie code)
The celebration balances legacy with momentum — honoring the Man of Steel while pushing Kara to the front.
More Supergirl Titles This Summer
DC confirmed additional Summer of Supergirl plans, including:
- Summer of Supergirl Special (one-shot)
- Launch of Supergirl: Survive (Elseworlds series)
- Facsimiles for Supergirl and the Legion of Super-Heroes #23 and Lobo #1
- DC W.I.P.: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow #1 (artbook-sized edition)
- Supergirl-themed variant covers across DC’s line
There are also graphic novels for younger readers like Superman’s Good Guy Gang and Supergirl’s Zoo-per Heroes.
DC Builds Toward the Supergirl Movie
All of this lines up with the June 2026 theatrical release of Supergirl. DC is clearly treating Superman Day as the ignition point for a full summer campaign.
It’s a smart move. Superman Day already carries historic weight. Now, DC is using it to pass the torch — or at least share it — with the Girl of Steel.
Supergirl isn’t just celebrating her cousin’s milestone this year.
She’s taking it over.
