'Starman' writer James Robinson introduces The Shade to 'Stargirl,' but who is the mysterious anti-hero?
Spoilers for 'Stargirl' Season 1 Episode 4 'Wildcat'
In this episode, 'Stargirl' gives us our first look at another member of the Injustice Society of America in Dragon King (Nelson Lee) but another one has been hiding in the shadows, getting his first mention this episode. The Shade is seen in the darkness of an Injustice Society portrait, and he's apparently been a traitor to the ISA. His appearance is especially fitting this episode, as it was written by James Robinson, who has his own history with both the Shade and the Starman legacy.
First introduced in 'Flash Comics #33', the same comics that introduced Starman to the world, 'The Shade' was created by 'Starman' creator Garnder Fox, and Hal Sharp. The Shade truly rose to prominence, however, in the 'Starman' series starring Jack Knight, written by James Robinson. The Shade operated on both sides of the hero/villain spectrum, never quite fully belonging on either side. The Shade ended up serving as a mentor to Jack Knight in his career as Starman.
The Shade controls shadows and was originally a Flash villain as his role grew to become a serious threat for the entire Justice Society. James Robinson completely revamped the character's origin, turning him from a one-note villain to a genuinely complex character in his own right - not to mention the most stylishly dressed in the DC Universe.
If the Shade betrayed the Injustice Society, it's not too much of a stretch to think that he may end up serving as a mentor to Stargirl (Brec Bassinger) herself as the show goes on. Though there has been no casting for the Shade mentioned in the series, it's not beyond the show to surprise us with an appearance of the character from an avenue we weren't expecting or, at least, becoming a focal character for Season 2.
The episode was a wealth of references for fans of Robinson's comics, continuing to honor the show's comic book legacy in the best ways.
The next episode of 'Stargirl' airs June 15 on DC Universe and June 16 on the CW.
