Star-Spangled Kids

Sylvester created by Jerry Siegel & Hal Sherman
Courtney created by Geoff Johns & ??

+ History

Sylvester Pemberton was born into a wealthy family, but his desire to become a costumed adventurer took his life far from the "life of leisure." His parents, banker Sylvester Pemberton Sr. and his wife, both are presumably long dead. He had an older brother, apparently also deceased, whose son, Arthur Pemberton, became the heir to the Pemberton fortune after Sylvester's disappearance in 1948. Syl also had an adoptive sister, Merry Pemberton (born Merry Creamer), who briefly worked with him as Merry, Girl with 1,000 Gimmicks. Merry later married Henry King, the Brain Wave, and had a son, Hank King (Brainwave Jr.), Syl's nephew. Merry was believed to have committed suicide after her husband's return to crime, but she recently resurfaced as a member of Old Justice. Syl himself never married, although he had romantic relationships with Power Girl and with Los Angeles private detective Jonni Thunder (no relation to the JSA's Johnny Thunder) for several years before his death.

Another woman, who was also allegedly Merry's child, Jacqueline Pemberton, appeared calling herself Gimmix. She joined on as a member of the Vigilante's new Seven Soldiers of Victory. She also had red hair and made several references to meetings with other Golden Age heroes. Though she appeared young, her age was also questioned. She appeared only once and perished along with all its members after defeating the Miracle Mesa Monster; they were slaughtered by the Gods of the Miracle Mesa. (Seven Soldiers Special #0, SS: Bulleteer #2)

Courtney Whitmore is the step-daughter of Pat Dugan, who fought crime in the forties alongside Sylvester as Stripsey. Dugan married Courtney's mother, Barbara in California and the family then moved to Blue Valley, Nebraska. Courtney is still a high school student and also lives with Pat's son from a previous marriage Michael Dugan and her new baby sister, Patricia. (JSA #68) She initially discovered Sylvester's old cosmic belt and began fighting crime as the second Star-Spangled Kid, much to Pat's dismay. She quickly began adventuring and was welcomed into the new Justice Society as well. When Jack Knight retired as Starman, he bequeathed his staff to Courtney.

In the JSA there were some romantic sparks between Courtney and her colleague, Captain Marvel. She briefly dated Captain Marvel after she learned that he was also sixteen years old. (#48) This ended when Cap was forced to leave the JSA. (#59) She has also shown affection towards Albert Rothstein (Atom-Smasher), but this relationship was strained when Al allied with Black Adam and took to using questionable methods. (One account suggested that Courtney will marry Albert sometime in the future. [JSA #15])

Her biological father was a criminal who ultimately threw in with the Royal Flush Gang. Courtney took the name Stargirl after defeating the Gang and returning her father to jail. (JSA All-Stars #4)

Apparently, Patricia will one day succeed Courtney as Starwoman. (#72)