Warning: Spoilers for Action Comics #1072Supergirl just revealed that she can't use one of her most powerful abilities anymore, setting her apart from other Kryptonians in DC lore. As the cousin of Superman, Kara Zor-El usually shares most of his powers, but that's changed with the loss of a major Kryptonian power. Supergirl's power-set has been rewritten, and time will tell whether this change is permanent.

The back-up story of Action Comics #1072 by Mariko Tamaki, Skylar Patridge, Marissa Louise, and Becca Carey follows Supergirl as she embarks on a mysterious quest through space. The Woman of Tomorrow has traveled across the stars to the High Court of Thanagar as part of a covert operation to track down a prisoner, and she ends up surrounded by enemies after trying to save a kidnapped judge. To defend herself, Kara charges up her heat vision, only for nothing to happen.

When her heat vision fails, Supergirl says, "Still doesn't work." In a shocking reveal, Supergirl has lost access to her heat vision, redefining her power-set with major implications for her Kryptonian ties.

It's Official: Supergirl Can No Longer Use Her Heat Vision

Supergirl Has Lost One of Her Most Iconic - And Powerful - Kryptonian Abilities

Supergirl has lost her heat vision, depriving her of a superpower that's long been a staple of Kryptonians. First given its name in 1961's Action Comics #275 by Jerry Coleman, Wayne Boring, and Stan Kaye, Superman's heat vision is a power he shares with every Kryptonian he's encountered, and Kara was included in that group - until now. This power loss can be attributed to the events of Absolute Power #4 by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, when superheroes suddenly switched powers. Since Black Canary is seen shooting lasers from her eyes when the power changes are revealed, it can be assumed that she has Supergirl's heat vision.

Supergirl losing her heat vision is a notable blow to her battle power, but there's also an element of tragedy to this change. Kara Zor-El has always had Superman escaped from Krypton when he was a baby, whereas Kara has memories of the planet and can properly miss it. As a result, powers like heat vision keep her connected to her Kryptonian heritage, but now that link has been partially severed. The situation isn't entirely a loss for Supergirl, though, as she's also gained a new superpower.

Supergirl Replaces Heat Vision with a Terrifying New Power in DC's New Era

Instead of Firing Lasers, Kara Zor-El Can Now Control Minds

With the loss of one Kryptonian superpower, Supergirl has unlocked another ability that grants her power in a much different way than her straightforward heat vision. In Action Comics #1070 by the same creative team, Kryptonians like Power Girl. It even comes in handy on Supergirl's current mission.

Supergirl may have lost her heat vision, but the power she's obtained in its place just might make up for it.

When embarking on her quest, Supergirl's allies on Earth attempt to uncover her plans, so she uses her brand-new mind control abilities to ward them off her trail. The effects of this are shown in Power Girl #14 by Leah Williams and Adriana Melo, when Power Girl incorrectly explains Supergirl's absence with the false memory of her attending a concert. This gives Kara a strategic advantage she didn't have before, as she can manipulate allies and enemies alike. Supergirl may have lost her heat vision, but the power she's obtained in its place just might make up for it.

Action Comics #1072 is available now from DC Comics.