DC's Stargirl is set to have her own show but there's a lot you may not know about the latest superhero to be making their way to live-action. The character has a relatively long history in both the comics and indeed on television.

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Although certain aspects of Stargirl are actually very well known, there are other details that casual readers or even hardcore fans might not know about the character and her background. Here are 10 things you may not know about Courtney Whitmore, AKA Stargirl.

10 HER LEGACY

The character of Stargirl is obviously linked to a larger legacy. She is following in the footsteps of those that have wielded these cosmic powers before her. Most notably, the original Starman Ted Knight and all those that came after.

Although she is from a long line of star-people, she is actually the first woman in the main continuity to take on the star name. There are others from different universes and indeed Starman's girlfriend took on the role for a day, but Stargirl is the first of her name.

9 THE COSMIC STAFF

The powers of any of these heroes come from the cosmic staff which can be wielded only by a select few. The cosmic staff itself has an incredibly long history, although it is slightly unique for Stargirl and her needs.

The cosmic weapon can actually shift and change, as it was originally a cosmic rod. It has become a staff that Stargirl wields most of the time during battle; the staff itself will be making an appearance in the upcoming show and will be the source of Courtney's powers.

8 COURTNEY WAS THE STAR-SPANGLED KID

Stargirl wasn't actually the first superhero name that Courtney chose to use. During her early days fighting crime she took a different legacy name; one that actually had a very personal connection to her and her family.

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Courtney chose the name of the Star-Spangled Kid, who was a golden age superhero. Her stepfather, Pat Dugan, was the sidekick to the Kid during the old days, fighting off Nazis and stopping crime. The name was therefore used to honor and wind up her step-father.

7 SHE WAS OFTEN ACCOMPANIED BY S.T.R.I.P.E.

Pat Dugan couldn't put the superhero days behind him especially since his stepdaughter had become involved in the business. He sought a way in which to aid her in battle, although needed something that could help him in his older age.

When he was a sidekick himself, he was named Stripesy. Therefore, it seemed appropriate to call the robot armor he built for himself S.T.R.I.P.E. The huge suit would accompany Stargirl into battle and would become invaluable in the battle for justice.

6 STARGIRL IS A NOT SO SECRET IDENTITY

Of course, like any other superheroes, Courtney has her secret identity, which is there to protect her. However, she might just have one of the worst kept secrets in all of comics. In fact, so many people know her real identity we've actually lost count.

She reveals it to her friend moments after becoming Stargirl and there are even some villains who know her real name. However, her cosmic abilities will shield her from some of the danger, although she clearly doesn't think about the consequences of her actions on her family.

5 SHE HAS A CRIMINAL FATHER

Stargirl's blood family is less than heroic, which is why she's officially started calling Pat 'dad'. Her real father actually has some criminal ties, although he isn't exactly a big player in the underworld of villains and crooks.

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He's actually more of a henchman, having been part of a couple of different crews before finally settling into the Royal Flush Gang. This is what puts Courtney over the edge, removing him from her life, although he later dies. Perhaps this will be included in the show.

4 SHE WAS A PROMINENT FACE OF THE JLA

The Justice League of America has been through plenty of reboots and sometimes the PR just needs to be right. When Amanda Waller was looking to relaunch this team and show the world what they were all about, there was only one girl she could turn to.

Stargirl became a huge part of the campaign to reboot the JLA and was featured on posters and in advertisements. She has since been a part of the team on and off and is therefore a crucial part of its history; even if she isn't the most famous member of the team she's better placed than many others!

3 THERE IS AN ARROWVERSE STARGIRL

There are actually a couple of live-action versions of Stargirl, one of which has been featured in the Arrowverse. We've seen this version of the character a few times, partnering with the Legends in her own team, the Justice Society of America.

This version of the character is a bit of a throwback to the classic days of superheroes. She isn't placed in the modern world and she likely won't be turning up again in the new future; especially since there's now a new version on the block.

2 HER CW ARRIVAL

The upcoming TV show is set to feature many of the comic book elements of Stargirl, although with a number of twists. The original release was for the DC Universe streaming service, however, there have been some changes since then.

Not only will this new version be featured online, but it will also be making its way to the Arrowverse. It's surprising this project wasn't canceled before its release, due to the status of DC Universe, however, the CW gives it a stable home and a place for potential crossovers.

1 STARGIRL WAS IN SMALLVILLE

Another TV show has also seen a version of Stargirl, although she obviously wasn't as heavily featured as the version we will be getting in this solo series. Courtney Whitmore has previously appeared alongside Clark Kent in Smallville

During the series, we actually see Courtney in her full Stargirl costume and wielding the cosmic staff with all her power. Unlike other Smallville characters, this version of Stargirl is actually a lot more accurate to the comics.

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