DC's Stargirl

DC's Stargirl is a captivating superhero drama series that premiered in May 2020 from DC Universe, an exclusive streaming service for DC content. Created by acclaimed comic book writer, Geoff Johns, the show falls into the superhero and teen drama genres, and stands out for its creative blend of captivating storytelling, engaging character development, and high-octane action with a compelling teenage spin.

The series is centered on the life of Courtney Whitmore, a high school sophomore whose world is flipped upside-down after she uncovers a powerful artifact tied to her stepfather's past. Moving to the small town of Blue Valley, Nebraska is far from an easy transition for Courtney, but as she explores her new environment, she stumbles upon a powerful Cosmic Staff, a piece of equipment originally wielded by the superhero and Justice Society of America member, Starman.

Stargirl often explores themes of family, identity, and legacy throughout its story. Upon discovering her stepfather, Pat Dugan, was once the sidekick to Starman, played by Joel McHale, Courtney takes on the mantle of Stargirl, using her newfound super abilities to fight for justice, while also juggling the typical challenges of teenage life.

Pat, who is also known as the former superhero "Stripesy", becomes Courtney's reluctant mentor as they navigate the world of superheroes and super-villains. This dynamic duo's bond forms the emotional core of the series, adding depth and poignancy to the frequently exciting and dangerous world of super-powered beings.

Although Stargirl is a teenager, the show does an excellent job crafting a relatable and authentic character. Her struggles, whether coming to terms with her new blended family or grappling with her newfound responsibilities and identity as Stargirl, feel very real, driving the emotional throughlines of the series and keeping viewers invested in her journey.

This is not just a story about superheroes; it's also a coming-of-age tale. It expertly handles the dichotomy between the world of high school – with its dramas, romances, and rivalries – and the world of vigilante justice, weaving these threads together into a cohesive narrative.

The lip-service paid to the Golden Age of comic books throughout the series gives it an endearing nostalgic feel. The Justice Society of America (JSA), a superhero team of significant historical importance from the Golden Age of Comic Books is prominently featured. Courtney revives the JSA by recruiting an eclectic band of young heroes, many of whom also have connections to the original JSA members, further exploring the themes of legacy and responsibility.

The series doesn’t shy away from the action sequences that a good superhero show requires, and it excels at them. When Courtney takes the mantle of Stargirl, she's thrown into a turbulent world of supervillains and larger-than-life physical threats. Thankfully, her gymnastics background and the staff's mysterious capabilities make her a worthy adversary to a wide range of threats.

Well-produced special effects, coupled with thrilling choreography, makes for some truly exciting action sequences. The Cosmic Staff's powers, depicted as a blend of light and energy manipulations, are especially visually dazzling, becoming a highlight of the series for many.

With a cast that includes Brec Bassinger, Luke Wilson, and Amy Smart, the character-driven show is as much about family as it is about superheroism. It successfully balances heart, humor, and high-energy action sequences, all presented within well-crafted storytelling and beautifully-crafted visuals.

DC's Stargirl offers a fresh, emotionally honest look at superhero life, rooted in grounded reality while still reveling in fantastical elements that makes this genre so compelling. It sparks a engaging experience sure to enthrall both teens and adults alike, and it makes a worthy addition to any DC fan's watch-list.