ZorEl

Zor-El is a fictional character in DC Comics, a Kryptonian scientist and a prominent member of Krypton’s scientific community. He is commonly depicted as the elder brother of Jor-El and the husband of Alura, with Kara Zor-El, who is better known as Supergirl, as their daughter. Across multiple depictions, Zor-El is portrayed as an accomplished inventor and scholar who contributes to Krypton’s technology, space travel, and planetary defense.

In many storylines, Zor-El serves on Krypton’s Science Council and is associated with efforts to advance Kryptonian science and safeguard the planet’s inhabitants. His work often frames him as a forward-thinking and sometimes cautious scientist who weighs the consequences of rapid technological progress. During Krypton’s crisis, Zor-El and Alura are shown taking steps to preserve their family and their civilization, most notably by guiding Kara Zor-El to Earth for her safety and potential future role among humans.

The character’s fate varies by continuity. In the most common versions, Zor-El dies when Krypton explodes, though some adaptations reimagine his fate or downplay his death. His relationship to Kara Zor-El as her father remains a central element in the character’s portrayal, even as other details—such as his exact role within Krypton’s politics or his interactions with Jor-El—shift across different media.

Zor-El has appeared in a range of DC media, including comic book series, animated adaptations, and live-action representations. While specific backstories and relationships differ between versions, the core aspects—his Kryptonian scientific legacy and his connection to Kara Zor-El—remain defining features of the character. See also Kara Zor-El, Supergirl; Jor-El; Krypton (DC Comics).