A Closer Look at Stargirl’s Star-Spangled Kid

DC’s “Stargirl” is gearing up for another season of excitement and now is the perfect time to take a closer look at some of the heroes and villains that help to make the show the spectacular, action-packed hit that it is. Following the events of the first season, fans have many questions surrounding the nature of Joel McHale’s Starman. Though comic fans know the character as the Star-Spangled Kid, McHale’s role has been shifted a bit in order to fit the narrative of the show. Take a look at the history of the character to learn what to expect.

Stars and Stripes

In the world of DC Comics, the title of Starman has been passed from one individual to another over the generations. In “Stargirl,” McHale plays Sylvester Pemberton, who went under the superhero name Starman for a time. However, in the comic books, Sylvester Pemberton’s name is the Star-Spangled Kid and he has a slightly different story. While he shares the common trait of working as the partner to the hero Stripesy (played on screen by Luke Wilson), almost everything else about his story has been altered to better align with the story being told on TV.

The Golden Age of Comic Books

“Stargirl” executive producer and DC legend Geoff Johns has a deep love for the lore and characters of DC Comics and often delves into the publisher’s history to find lost or forgotten bits of continuity for new stories. Sylvester Pemberton is a great example of this. First introduced in 1941’s “Action Comics” #40, the character was one of many heroes introduced to bolster American confidence during World War II. With a name and costume embodying the nation’s flag, the Star-Spangled Kid was a popular and patriotic hero during the Golden Age of comics. 

A Heroic Life and Death

The Star-Spangled Kid would join with other heroes and fight on teams like the Seven Soldiers of Victory and the All-Star Squadron. Unfortunately, like many war-era heroes, Sylvester Pemberton didn’t have the staying power of Superman or Wonder Woman and would disappear into obscurity for many decades. He would resurface in the 1980s as a part of Infinity Inc., a team comprised of the proteges, children, and sidekicks of various Golden Age characters. He eventually changed his name to Skyman and died heroically on what would be Infinity Inc.’s final mission.

Unlike many comic heroes, Sylvester Pemberton has never been resurrected in any capacity. His legacy has lived on in both his former partner Stripesy and the young heroine Stargirl. This angle is what was focused on for the television series, with Pemberton apparently dying in front of Stripesy during the final days of the Justice Society of America.   

Check Out Season 2 of Stargirl

While the story of the Star-Spangled Kid might be over in the pages of DC Comic, his tale has come to life for new audiences on “Stargirl.” Without revealing any key plot details, Pemberton’s influence on Stargirl in the first season is integral to the plot and uncovers some unique mysteries that the show’s fans are eager to learn more about. Be sure to binge the entire first season to get ready for the upcoming second installment of this exciting story!