In "Public Enemies" (first stroyarc in Superman/Batman), there was a girl with black hair, dressed in a black shirt with a red S on it teaming with Superboy and Steel. I haven't seen her before or since, so I was wondering if anyone could tell me who she is. I'd also like to know why Steel is suddenly a girl, if that's okay.
Okay, now you have me googling. That black costume Supergirl was the supposed son of Clark Kent fro mthe future. Fans didn't like her and she disappeared. The female Steel is actually John Henry Irons' daughter.
The story with the female Steel is basically that John Henry (original Steel) had a few weird turns, ending up with his death at the hands of Doomsday, resurrection by Darkseid in the "Aegis" armour, a suit built from Imperiex (Our Worlds at War). The suit poisoned John Henry's mind and he ultimately broke free of it, but the stress made him retire. He built the female Steel suit for his neice knowing she'd carry the torch, but made some improvements, like the ability to grow to giant size. I'm not at all disappointed by the lack of use that version of Steel has received at all. In fact I'm gald to hear John Henry might be back in the armour someday soon.
Yes, I screwed up the son/daughter thing. Sue me. This might give you an answer to when. The cover of 52 #8
Yeah, thanks. Kinda upset they messed with Steel like that, but glad to see he'll be back. Always really liked his character.
