Kara Zor-El, known as Supergirl, is older than her cousin, Kal-El, who is widely known as Superman or Clark Kent.
While Superman is often perceived as the more established hero and typically presented as older in appearance, the reality of their Kryptonian origins reveals Kara's seniority. She was born and spent time on Krypton before its destruction. This significant period allowed her to develop memories and a deep understanding of Kryptonian culture, including personal recollections of her cousin's parents, Jor-El and Lara.
Understanding Their Relative Ages
The difference in their ages stems from the circumstances of their escape from the doomed planet Krypton. Kal-El was sent to Earth as an infant, effectively arriving as a baby and growing up on Earth. Kara, however, was older when she departed Krypton, sometimes depicted as a teenager or young adult, and experienced a form of suspended animation or a delayed journey to Earth, meaning she arrived much later than Clark but had already accumulated years of life on Krypton.
This foundational difference shapes their perspectives and connection to their homeworld.
Key Differences in Kryptonian Heritage
The time Kara spent on Krypton provides her with unique knowledge and a personal connection to their shared heritage that Clark, having left as an infant, does not possess.
Aspect | Kara Zor-El (Supergirl) | Kal-El (Superman/Clark Kent) |
---|---|---|
Chronological Age | Older than Clark Kent | Younger than Kara Zor-El |
Kryptonian Upbringing | Lived on Krypton for years before its destruction | Sent from Krypton as an infant, raised on Earth |
Memories of Krypton | Possesses vivid memories of Kryptonian society and life | No direct memories of Krypton |
Knowledge of Parents | Remembers Clark's biological parents, Jor-El and Lara | Never knew his biological parents personally |
Cultural Understanding | Inherently understands Kryptonian customs and language | Learned about Krypton primarily through Jor-El's archives |
Ultimately, Kara's seniority and experience on Krypton provide her with a distinct perspective and a deeper, more direct link to their shared past compared to her younger cousin, Clark.