Will the Superteam really split up?  Learn more….

ADVENTURE COMICS Vol.1,  No.382,  July 1969;  Cover Art:  Curt Swan,  Neal Adams; Writer:  Cary Bates;  Penciler:  Kurt Schaenberger; Inker:  Kurt Schaenberger

In a story that demonstrates just how far the comic book portrayal of a female hero had yet to progress,  a Kryptonian robot teacher originally tasked by Jor-El to train Superboy and test his worthiness now shows up to evaluate Supergirl.   Kara is told that “no female is t to use super-powers wisely,”  and the robot – calling itself Topar – uses Supergirl and Linda Danvers robots against her.

Putting Kara through her paces,  the robot leads her to wonder if Superman is disappointed in her because of her miscalculation in capturing a super-scientific crook known as Vulinec,  which led to Superman being temporarily injured.   Supergirl teams up with a student named Nick Gray,  who is studying vandalism in the guise of the Red Rebel,  and captures the robot,  who admits that she has indeed passed his tests.  Superman apologizes too,  and readers realize we still have a long way to go.

Kudos to Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg for his expert commentary above and to the talented artists and writers of DC Comics who captivated and inspired millions of readers during this magical Golden Age. 

Dr. Arnold T. Blumberg is an educator,  publisher,  author,  comic book and pop culture historian, and former museum curator.  He is the author or co-author of Zombiemania,  The Big BIG LITTLE BOOK Book,  and Howe’s Transcendental Toybox.   He was the editor of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide and also wrote for Cinescape,  The International Journal of Comic Art,  Fandom,  and IGN.com.  He holds a doctorate in Communications Design from the University of Baltimore and teaches courses in everything from comics and superhero mythology to zombies to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.  You can find him on Twitter at @DoctoroftheDead