SUPERMAN FAMILY 171 (1975)
by Elliot S! Maggin & Curt Swan
cover by Ernie Chan
In the 70s, for several DC series there was a distinct attempt to move away from silly Silver Age shenanigans and into more grounded stories.
And then Supergirl teams up with Batgirl to fight Cleopatra.
I have no idea why Supergirl seems to be trying to karate chop Cleopatra.
We begin with an art exhibit showing off Cleopatra’s scepter (donated by Hawkman’s secret identity, in a clever bit of cross-reference).
Meanwhile Barbara Gordon, a.k.a. Batgirl, is visiting the college where Supergirl’s secret identity works. This is the period where Barbara was a congresswoman (!!!); while the two girls have been friends for a long time at this point, they don’t know each other’s identity yet.
Both heroines show up when the student admiring Cleopatra’s scepter inadvertedly summons a storm.
Turns out the student is a descendant of Cleopatra (???), and that the scepter had hypnotic powers.
Nice job, Supergirl.
I’m no expert on US law, but I have the tiniest suspicion that is not how anything works.
Supergirl and Batgirl are the only ones immune to the powers of the scepter, but Supergirl doesn’t seem to realize it yet.
Supergirl does steal the scepter back (AGAIN, after losing it in the first place).
I guess now we know why Cleopatra was so fond of the vibrating rod. ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Naturally Superman can’t let Supergirl enjoy herself.
So this turns into a big dumb fight between Supergirl and the mind-controlled Justice League.
Not exactly Supergirl’s proudest moment. It would be one thing to be defeated by Superman, Green Lantern or even Flash… but no, it was Black Canary of all people!
Batgirl revives her in a very cool silent page. I love this approach! Instead of narrating every little thing, this leaves everything to Curt Swan’s excellent storytelling.
Phrasing, Supergirl, phrasing!
This SHOULD be the moment Supergirl realizes that Batgirl is actually Barbara Gordon.
But no, she doesn’t put two and two together.
You might think it’s a little ridiculous to have the descendant of Cleopatra getting herself declared Queen of America…
…but wait until ANOTHER Cleopatra shows up!!!
And THIS Cleopatra is stronger than Supergirl!
The first Cleopatra can’t bear to see Supergirl being beaten up (even though SHE was the one to send the Justice League after her!!!), and so gives her back her full strength.
Because apparently she took away part of Supergirl’s powers? Why not all of her powers!?
And so Supergirl throws the scepter into the Sun, the student gets her mind back, and of course it turns out that the second Cleopatra was actually Batgirl.
And that’s how it ends!
Unless Supergirl didn’t actually send the scepter into the Sun and somehow retrieves the vibrating rod.
Hey, no judging.
Historical significance: 0/10
Not exactly the most famous Supergirl-Batgirl teamup.
Silver Age-ness: 8/10
Two Cleopatras!!! Congress magically turning the US into a kingdom!
Does it stand the test of time? 5/10
Gloriously silly and full of questionable decisions (Supergirl’s obliviousness, the Black Canary insanity, the super-fast inauguration, the inconsistent powers of the scepter)… it’s still a fun read, but it would need serious work. Especially in the villain: this Cleopatra is very dull.
Curt Swan is awesome as always, and that silent page is a testament of just how much sheer talent he brings to the table.