Stargirl

Courtney Elizabeth Whitmore burst onto the DC scene in 1999, making her first appearance in DCU Heroes Secret Files #1 — a landmark debut that introduced one of the most refreshing legacy heroes in modern comics. Created by Geoff Johns as a tribute to his late sister, Courtney initially took on the mantle of the Star-Spangled Kid after discovering the cosmic converter belt of the original Kid — Sylvester Pemberton. Her irreverent attitude and genuine heart immediately set her apart, and collectors who snagged that first issue early recognized they were witnessing the birth of something special.

Courtney's evolution from scrappy teen hero to the cosmic powerhouse known as Stargirl is one of DC's most satisfying character journeys. After being gifted the Cosmic Staff by the legendary Jack Knight — who was passing the torch on his own Starman legacy — she became Stargirl, channeling stellar energy to fly, project blasts of light, and create constructs of pure power. Her adoption by Pat Dugan, the original Stripesy who built the S.T.R.I.P.E. armor to watch over her, gives the character a warmth and grounded family dynamic rarely seen in superhero comics. Her tenure with the Justice Society of America is the heart of her publication history, and the Geoff Johns JSA run from 1999 through the mid-2000s remains some of the most celebrated team storytelling DC has ever produced.

Stargirl has anchored several major storylines worth tracking down. Her roles in JSA storylines like "Princes of Darkness" and "Stealing Thunder" showcase her growth from sidekick-adjacent newcomer to genuine team leader. She also plays pivotal roles across DC's universe-wide events, appearing in Infinite Crisis tie-ins and the sprawling Justice Society of America relaunches that followed. Her connection to legacy characters — Star-Spangled Kid, Starman, the original JSA — makes her a thread that ties together decades of DC history, giving collectors a reason to dig deep into Golden Age back issues alongside her modern appearances.

For collectors, Stargirl represents one of the best value propositions in DC back issues. Her first appearance in DCU Heroes Secret Files #1 remains surprisingly affordable given her cultural footprint, especially after her acclaimed television adaptation brought new eyes to the character. Key issues from the Johns-era JSA run, her early Star-Spangled Kid appearances in Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E., and her standalone spotlights are all books that reward patient hunters. As DC continues to lean into its legacy heroes, Stargirl's books are well-positioned to appreciate — both in sentimental and market value.