Was Black Orchid Supergirl? What Is The Verdict?

Over the last couple of months I have been running a series of posts looking at the pre-Crisis Black Orchid stories through the lens of a fan theory that she was Supergirl undercover.

The stories have all been reviewed here, each one dissected to see if the tale bolstered the theory or weakened it. I know this is all just a fan's musings but it sure has been a lot of fun. And whether intended or not, a strong case could be made that the Black Orchid was indeed Supergirl. 

But with the evidence all submitted, it is time for closing statements. And then the verdict is in your hands. 

So let's review some of the high points.

First let's look at the timing.

When Adventure Comics #428, the first appearance of Black Orchid, was on the stands, Supergirl's solo series was on its sixth issue. 

Where was Supergirl at that time? 

She was trying to find herself, having graduated college, worked on a news team, and trying to establish herself as a hero in her own right. What better way to get out from under the weight of the S-shield than establish a whole new identity.

Moreover, from the beginning, Supergirl always had this fierce response when she saw injustice. The crimes we see in the Black Orchid stories are just the things Supergirl would bristle over - human trafficking, blackmail, bilking people out of their riches, and setting someone up as a patsy. These human stories would appeal to Supergirl's sense of justice.

She had just started attending Vandyre University. Linda Danvers was trying to achieve her life-long goal of becoming an actress. 

Now let's think about the Black Orchid and her modus operandi. 

We have seen the Orchid go undercover as waitresses, girl molls, sleazy barflies, and elderly flower peddlers. 

Who better to be able to take on so many roles than someone with training in acting!

Now it is true that Black Orchid's last story in this period was in Phantom Stranger #41 at which time Supergirl was starring in Superman Family and acting as a guidance counselor for the New Athens Experimental school. But it doesn't take away the background.

The Orchid displays powers consistent with Supergirl.

Her first display of powers is hoisting a car in the air, reminiscent of the famous cover of Action Comics #1.

She's bulletproof.

It's even implied she has access to x-rays, perhaps x-ray vision?

Now we never see any true display of super-speed or heat vision. But if you are trying to hide your Kryptonian identity maybe you don't want to show all the powers you have and tip your hand.

When taking on specific roles, the Orchid often would utilize lifelike plastic masks and costumes.

We have seen Supergirl do the same in her own stories as well. 

What about fashion sense?

Well, as pointed out by Mart Gray, Supergirl has already donned a mostly purple and burgundy costume in an alternate identity already. As Satan Girl, Supergirl wore something almost reminiscent of the Orchid's more flowery wardrobe.

Lastly, there are the subtle metatextual clues that writers Sheldon Mayer and Michael Fleisher put into the stories, like comparing her tough skin to Kryptonite. Perhaps they were having some fun with us.

Now you might say that Black Orchid's slow tempo in stopping crimes, with deception and wiretaps and goading crooks into self-incrimination might seem ridiculous when Supergirl could swoop in at super-speed and just mop everything up.

But if you are Kara, and trying to find yourself, and maybe trying to have a little bit of fun while crime-fighting, isn't this the perfect way?

Now you might ask why I am ignoring the Black Orchid story in Super Friends #31 a story where she seems unaffected by Kryptonite, casts force fields, and claims she is from Earth. Well, it is up to you to decide if the Super Friends comic is in official continuity. While this is an interesting adjunct to the Orchid's history, even bringing back an old foe, you can say this didn't happen in pre-Crisis Earth One history.

If you are inclined to include it and you think the Orchid is Kara, you can find easy reasons to explain these irregularities away. You can say her declaration of being from Earth was a feint to keep her super-cousin from discovering her second identity. And perhaps a certain green-skinned boyfriend of Kara's lent her a force field device?

For me it is clear. I rest my case.

The pre-Crisis Black Orchid WAS Supergirl.

But now I leave it in your hands. I want to hear your thoughts. Was Black Orchid Supergirl? Or was this just a theory?