The first series featured the original Supergirl, Superman's cousin Kara Zor-El. It began publication in 1972, following a 44-issue run of Supergirl stories in Adventure Comics, ending with issue #424 (October 1972). The series lasted for 10 issues until 1974, after which the character began appearing regularly in Superman Family commencing with issue #165. The release of the last issue of Supergirl was delayed for several months due to a nationwide paper shortage.