'Supergirl' season 5: Andrea Rojas' Acrata is nothing like her comic character, but will she be a friend or foe to Kara?
This article contains spoilers for episode 1: 'Event Horizon'
The season premiere saw Lena Luthor (Katie McGrath) sell off CatCo to Andrea Rojas (Julie Gonzalo), a sharp businesswoman who has plans to change the way the media house works, much to the chagrin of the editorial team. DC fans will also know Rojas as Acrata from the comics. Her character was created as part of the Planet DC annuals event. Her first appearance is in Superman Annual (vol.) 2 #12. Acrata's powers come from an ancient Mayan symbol which represents the shadows in the night, which allows her to teleport whenever in shadow. Her alter-ego, however, hasn't made an appearance as yet.
The comic portrayal is a far cry from the Acrata we see in the series. She appears alongside Mexican superheroes Iman and El Muerto in the #12 comic while trying to thwart a terror attack in Mexico City. They run into Clark Kent aka Superman. While she works the case separately, she eventually teams up with Superman to get the job done. She is also looked at as a vigilante like Batman and wears a full head cowl on a black outfit. Her shadow powers coupled with top-class hand-to-hand combat expertise makes her a deadly vigilante.
The question is whether or not Acrata will be an ally to Supergirl like she is in the comics, or if she'll end up being one of her greatest foes. While it is a bit premature to judge soon after the first episode, it sure looks like Rojas and Kara (Melissa Benoist) have gotten off on the wrong foot. Acrata was previously Superman's ally in The CW's 'Smallville' where she was a Batman-like ally to the Man of Steel. With Lena relentlessly plotting revenge, Acrata may just be what Team Supergirl needs as well.
What are your thoughts on Acrata's appearance and the role she'll play over the course of the season?
'Supergirl' airs Sundays, 9 p.m. ET on The CW.