10 DC Characters Who Survived Terrible Debuts

Everybody has to start somewhere. The origin is an integral part of every comic character’s story. Many are iconic and famous stories that stick in the collective consciousnesses of the readers and paint a compelling story that resonates to this day. But there are some stories that introduce a character that will one day become iconic and beloved figures in the comic world, but you’d never know from their origin story.

In some cases, it is just the time period. A number of DC Comics' most famous heroes and villains were created in the Golden Age of Comics. As fertile as the late 30s and 40s were as far as creative ideas and concepts, the writers of the period were still limited by the technology, science, and culture of their age. If they wanted to tie a character to a real-world science idea, they could only go so far because the understanding of science was just beginning the incredible rise it would see in the subsequent decades.

Another reason is the vision of the creator. Some characters are created for a very specific reason or with a specific idea in mind. Often it works out because that strong focus means that the story captivates the reader because they are drawn to the positive qualities of the main character. But if the main character lacks qualities that the reader can embrace, it takes time and additional layers to help that character become the success it deserves.

Stargirl was a case of a character written for a touching reason in reality and a ridiculous reason in the comic. Courtney Whitmore was created by Geoff Johns and Lee Moder for Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. #0. The character was patterned in name appearance and personality after Geoff John’s sister Courtney, who tragically died in 1996 in the explosion of TWA Flight 800.

Courtney’s mother married Pat Dugan, the Golden Age hero Stripsey and the chauffeur and sidekick to the original Star-Spangled Kid, Sylvester Pemberton. His gear came to Dugan after the then Skyman was killed by Solomon Grundy. The teen found the equipment, fashioned a costume for herself, and started wearing it to annoy her stepfather, who she hated for moving the family from California to Blue Valley, Nebraska. A skilled mechanic and designer, Pat made the S.T.R.I.P.E. Robot armor to keep track of her and keep Stars safe.

Despite wearing a mask, Stargirl is far too casual with her secret identity. She is often referred to by her first name while in costume. However, after some harrowing battles, and receiving the Cosmic Rod from Jack Knight, Courtney became more serious about her super-heroics. She joined the Justice Society of America and became a distinguished member. She also became a member of the government-sanctioned Justice League and Justice League United.