When a television show or movie is based on a book, plenty of people want to take advantage of the opportunity to read the work before diving into the screen interpretation. Should the particular piece of media be based on a comic series, character, or concept, however, looking over the source material can prove a bit more challenging. With superhero stories remaining popular on big and small screens, fans of the genre are curious about which comics to check out to learn more about their favorite characters. If you want to check out “Stargirl,” these comics will get you on the right track.
The Early Years
The character of Stargirl has been around for a considerable amount of time now. Though she might not have the same lengthy history as Superman, the character was introduced more than 20 years ago in 1999. In her early years, Stargirl was simply the name taken by teenager Courtney Whitmore as she fought crime alongside her stepfather. Her stepdad, who was once a superhero sidekick known as Stripesy, would don a suit of robotic armor and help Courtney learn the ropes.
Those interested in reading about these exploits should check out the comic series “Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E.” and see how Whitmore’s story began. Individual issues can be read online or in collected formats, with back issues often being available at local comic shops.
The Justice Society
After her introduction, Stargirl was worked into the newly formed Justice Society of America. It was during her time on this team that comic writer Geoff Johns fleshed out many of the details of Whitmore and her journey to become a hero. It was also during this time that she received the Cosmic Staff from teammate Jack Knight, who has been operating as the latest Starman for around a decade. With the Cosmic Staff as her guide, Courtney was able to reach new heights and prove herself in the eyes of her heroes and mentors.
The Justice Society run featuring Stargirl is quite extensive and has been collected in various ways. Those interested should look into graphic novels collecting the series “JSA” and its follow-up “Justice Society of America.”
The Later Years
Though many Justice Society characters were temporarily removed from DC publication from 2011 until 2016 as a part of the “New 52” relaunch, Stargirl was not one of the casualties. During this period, she became a member of the Justice League of America and its associated team Justice League United. As of the “Infinite Frontier” relaunch in 2021, Stargirl is set to appear alongside her JSA friends and family once more.
While “Stargirl” might only be starting its second year, the character is a seasoned veteran of the page. From her days learning the ropes with her stepfather to becoming a charter member of one of the most established teams in the DCU, Stargirl has had a long journey. Anyone interested in reading more can easily find a plethora of digital issues, graphic novels, and more material featuring Courtney Whitmore. Once you’ve read your fill, you’ll be ready to dive into the latest episodes of this popular new series.
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