Warning: Spoilers for Power Girl #17! In a stunning turn of events, the DC Universe has introduced a brand-new Fortress of Solitude, but this time it belongs to Power Girl rather than the iconic Superman. Traditionally, the Fortress has served as a Kryptonian refuge for the Man of Steel, but it met its demise during the DC event known as Absolute Power, marking the end of an era that has lasted over 67 years.
However, fans of Power Girl need not despair. The latest issue, Power Girl #17, penned by Leah Williams and illustrated by David Baldeón, guarantees that the legacy of such sanctuaries continues. In a creative twist, Power Girl joins forces with her trusted allies—Natasha Irons, the “Daughter of Steel, ”her best friend Omen, and her romantic partner Axel Gust—to transform a neglected warehouse in Metropolis into a sanctuary evoking the spirit of the Fortress, albeit set in a more urban location.
The establishment of this new sanctuary, which Power Girl purchased in a prior issue by Leah Williams and Adriana Melo, aligns perfectly with the dawn of a new chapter—for both Power Girl and DC Comics as a whole. Understanding the origins and evolution of this headquarters adds further depth to its significance within the narrative.
How Power Girl Created Her New, Fortress-Like Home Base
Power Girl #17 by Leah Williams, David Baldeón, Romulo Fajardo Jr., and Becca Carey
In the preceding issue, Power Girl concluded her tumultuous rivalry with the complex antagonist known as Ejecta. This fierce battle left one of her allies, Omen, severely injured. In an effort to reclaim the site of this chaos, Power Girl invests her resources as Karen Starr—reflecting her past identity before she adopted the mantle of Paige Stetler—purchasing the dilapidated warehouse and turning it into a meaningful project alongside her friends.
The connection to the Fortress of Solitude goes beyond mere exterior similarities; it is also the embodiment of a shared purpose designed for refuge and solidarity.
In this latest issue, Power Girl and her core team dedicate themselves to remodeling this new base. Axel, her Asgardian boyfriend, contributes his magic by introducing the Mars Bell—a unique premonition alarm intended to alert inhabitants to potential threats. The efforts of Steel, Paige, and Omen are visually impactful, as they utilize their powers to incorporate steel panels and ramps into the building, assisted by Mariposa, a colleague from the Daily Planet. The end product emerges as the Star, a new safe haven for heroes.
The Star Puts a New Spin on the Fortress of Solitude
A Modern Twist on a Classic Superman Concept
The parallels between the Star and the traditional Fortress of Solitude illuminate a new layer of storytelling, as the Star not only serves as a sanctuary for its occupants but also undergoes a significant transformation in its origin story. This repurposed battlefield, once marred by violence and despair, becomes a beacon of hope, offering reassurance and safety to the heroes who dwell within its walls. Omen’s act of planting seeds in the Star’s courtyard symbolizes the rebirth of her agency and a commitment to new beginnings, quite literally cultivating a place where healing and growth can blossom.
As Power Girl embarks on a fresh narrative journey—complete with the return of her classic costume—the emotional resonance of rebuilding is palpable. The synergy of past and future themes suggests that Superman would undoubtedly be proud to see his multiverse counterpart redefine her own refuge in such a compelling way.
Power Girl #17 is now available from DC Comics, marking an exciting evolution for both the character and the wider universe.
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