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Thanks to the hitStargirlTV show on the CW and DC Universe , more people bed about Courtney Whitmore , a legacy bomber who maintain the legendary Cosmic Staff and fights offense alongside her footmark - dad Pat Dugan ( aka STRIPE ) . Most masses , however , do not do it of Stargirl ’s retentive story in DC Comics , or her relationship to her God Almighty Geoff Johns ’ veridical - life sister Courtney Johns .
Appearing originally in July 1999 in the comical book , Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E , Courtney Whitmore was a tribute to Johns ’ sister Courtney , who died in 1996 in the TWA Flight 800 crash at the age of eighteen . Johns was very unresolved about his design to honour his sister , and even pen in a letter to fans that Courtney Whitmore would not only carry on his sister ’s name but also her spirit .
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grant to Johns , the real - life Courtney was overbold , funny , and enthusiastic – qualities he want to show in her laughable record book similitude and later the version of Stargirl in the TV series . Johns also described Courtney as affirmative and fair - minded – relating a account where his sis once stood up for a bully young woman and invite her to sit at her Friend ’ table . In the cartoon strip , Courtney Whitmore is likewise smart and capable , being a gifted gymnast and athlete even before engage on the superhero identity of the “ Star - Spangled Kid ” ( afterward shortened to “ Stargirl ” ) . She ’s also very sovereign and enthusiastic , produce her superhero identity behind her footstep - founding father ’s back and scram him to becomehersidekick .
Stargirl finally joined theJustice Society of Americain the comic , and provide a counterbalance of vernal DOE next to elderly hoagie like the original Green Lantern and Flash or the elderly boxer Wildcat . Interestingly , although Courtney Whitmore is an original creation of Geoff Johns , she also carries the legacy oftwoestablished DC superheroes , include the Star - Spangled Kid ( Sylvester Pemberton ) a Golden Age hero who fought offense with just his athletic power andStarman(Jack Knight ) , a superhero who pass on his Cosmic Staff weapon system to Courtney , interpenetrate her with the powerfulness of flight and DOE handling . Despite these links , Courtney herself is not directly related to superheroes in the comedian and became a hero because of her desire to help others – something Johns happen very authoritative .
While Geoff Johns has pen multiple comics for DC , includingGreen LanternandThe Flash , Stars And S.T.R.I.P.Ewas the first mirthful book he ever wrote and holds special meaning for him . Being inspired by family , the funny – and now the TV show found on it – explore the familial trammel that develops between a gradation - father and his step - daughter , showing that family and heroism are ascertain by more than just blood .
Although Courtney / Stargirl became a fan favorite character , she was still a pretty dark superhero in the comics . peradventure due to the fact that Geoff Johns ended up working on animated and live action exhibit likeJustice League Unlimited , Smallville , andArrow , however , Stargirl begin popping up as a Edgar Albert Guest star in multiple episode , increasing hearing ’s awareness of her . This climax in theStargirlTV serial ( produced by Geoff Johns ) where Courtney is now the chief protagonist .
To further honor Courtney Johns , the creators of theStargirltelevision showcreated an edited photograph that shows the tangible - animation Courtney sitting next to Courtney Whitmore ( Brec Bassinger ) , showcasing their link . The photo appear in the first episode of the show on a bulletin board in Courtney Whitmore ’s elbow room as she ’s preparing to move to Nebraska ( where she picks up the mantle of Stargirl ) . It ’s one ofseveral Easter eggs in the show , but one of the most touching ones given Geoff Johns ’ personal reasons for creatingStargirl .
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