Star-Spangled Kid
The Star-Spangled Kid is the name of two DC Comics superheroes.
Golden Age Star-Spangled Kid
The first Star-Spangled Kid was Sylvester Pemberton, a Golden Age character. He became the Star-Spangled Kid in order to battle Nazi spies and fifth columnists during World War II. He was unique in that he was a kid superhero who had an adult sidekick, Stripesy a.k.a. Pat Dugan. The Kid and Stripesy were members of the Seven Soldiers of Victory. The Kid eventually changed his name to Skyman and led the team Infinity Inc. He was later killed.
Modern Age Star-Spangled Kid (Stargirl)
The second Star-Spangled Kid is Courtney Whitmore, stepdaughter of Pat Dugan. She was created by Geoff Johns, who is said to have based her personality on that of his sister who died tragicly.
Courtney Whitmore found Pemberton's gear in her stepfather's belongings and donned the costume in order annoy him. Dugan, a skilled mechanic, designed and built S.T.R.I.P.E., an armored robot which he rides in to accompany and protect her. Eventually, she joined the Justice Society of America and, after being given Starman's (Jack Knight) gravity rod, changed her identity to Stargirl.
Despite a glimpse into the future, which showed an adult Star Woman married to Albert Rothstein also known as the super hero "Atom Smasher," Courtney has been seen dating recently admitted fellow JSA member Captain Marvel , who in actuality is a teeange boy named Billy Batson. However, Captain Marvel was, by all appearances to those not knowing Billy's secret, an adult, and the seemingly pedophiliaic relationship between the hero and Stargirl drew the attention of JSA members J. J. Thunder and Jay Garrick. After being confronted by Garrick over the issue, Marvel chose to leave the JSA, and Courtney, instead of telling the team his secret. Marvel has recently reappeared in the JSA and revealed he can't give his identity due to the wisdom of Solomon blocking him. He seems determined to get it out in the open, but time will tell if he suceedes and if he can return to Courtney's side.
Recently, Courtney's family was murdered by agents of Per Degaton. She travelled with the rest of the JSA back to 1951, in a time-travelling adventure, which had the newest versions of classic JSA members meeting and fighting alongside the originals to try to save her family and the future. While there, she found herself forced to work with Atom Smasher again, for the first time since he defected to Black Adam's rival team. Following this, she apparently forgave him, but Atom Smasher was then nearly murdered by The Spectre. Though he was saved, the events clearly revealed the depth of feeling she has for him.
Personality
Stargirl is one of the more powerful members of the JSA thanks to her cosmic rod and coverter belt, and has developed from a bit of a brat to well rounded hero. She is best friends with Hawkgirl and is also close to Power Girl. Courtney often trusts and stands up for those who other members of the team distrust, such as Atom Smasher. She has also developed good leadership skills, sometimes throw herself directly in harm's way, and is also quite violent when angered.
Courtney and S.T.R.I.P.E. have also appeared in the Justice League Unlimited animated series. She has guest stared in various DC Comics and, though her own series is long cancelled, she is still said to be Geoff Johns' favorite character.