There’s a fun new hero to love in the comic book universe: Stargirl. She’s the high-spirited child hero of the DC comic book “Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.” and heroine of the CW’s hit TV series “Stargirl”, both of which are the brainchild of executive producer Geoff Johns. Stargirl’s spunky golden tresses, easy smile, and classic star-spangled costume are just a hint at her winning personality. Here are a few reasons to love this unusual young superhero.
She’s A Typical Teen
At first glance, Courtney Whitmore (the civilian name of Stargirl) is just an ordinary high school sophomore. And, in many ways, she really is. She has no powers of her own, other than her skills as a trained gymnast and kickboxer. But with the help of a superpowered uniform and cosmic staff, she can fight for justice. Since she’s not the product of some supernatural event or mad scientist’s experimentation, Stargirl feels down-to-earth and relatable. She encounters the same scenarios today’s teens are faced with: divorced parents, moving away from her hometown, fitting in at a new school, and the like. Yet, her superhero abilities are inspiring. She successfully inhabits both the civilian and the superhero world while staying grounded in both.
She’s Based On A Real Hero
Johns modelled Courtney’s character off of his real-life sister by the same name: Courtney Elizabeth Johns, who died tragically in the TWA 800 plane crash in 1996. Geoff Johns infused her traits into Stargirl’s character, highlighting his late sister’s boundless energy, good humor, courageousness, and limitless optimism. While Johns admits that the TV version takes on a personality all her own, she still manages to keep the spirit of his sister alive and yet brings her story into a new light for fans worldwide. The richness of her background keeps Stargirl’s character authentic and believable, while providing plenty of space to expand on that vision.
She’s A Nod To Golden-Age Superheroes
While much of Stargirl’s character is drawn from Johns’ own comics and memories of his sister, he also draws elements from all the way back in 1941. The concept of a child hero with an adult sidekick (which is the case in both the comic book and the TV series) originates in DC’s “Star-Spangled Kid and Stripsey” comic series. True to form in a World War II-era comic, the vintage series features a teenage hero fighting for justice and defeating Nazis. While Johns’ adaptation doesn’t delve too much into political commentary, it does flesh out the concept of a young hero and even brings back the sidekick Pat Dugan (also featured in the show under the same name) in a fresh version of Stripesy. Johns pulls in other classic characters as well, including favorites such as Wildcat, Doctor Midnight, and Hawkman.
With nostalgic origins, relatable traits, and a heart-warming legacy, Stargirl is everything you could possibly want from a superhero. Her character manages to be fresh and classic all at once, keeping with the times while fitting right in with heroes from days gone by.
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