Warning: SPOILERS for DC’s Stargirl season 1, episode 2, “S.T.R.I.P.E.”
DC’s Injustice Society of America. Following the series premiere, Courtney had her first encounter with one of the principal , Henry King Sr. a.k.a. Brainwave, who has been obsessed with finding out who is now wielding Starman’s cosmic staff.
One of the characters at Courtney’s high school is Henry King Jr., the son of the original Brainwave. While he is currently a regular bully for Courtney to tackle in her non-superhero life, her actions in Stargirl season 1, episode 2, “S.T.R.I.P.E.” potentially positioned Henry Jr. to go from high school brat to super-villain. In DC Comics, Henry Jr. becomes the second Brainwave as he tries to redeem his family name after the crimes that Henry Sr. committed. Forming Infinity, Inc, Henry Jr. does eventually cross over to the dark side, especially after his father's death grants the new Brainwave all of his abilities.
DC Universe iteration of Henry Jr. has so far only appeared in Stargirl as one of the regular characters at Blue Valley High. But the events of “S.T.R.I.P.E.” possibly foreshadow Henry Jr’s larger role within the world of Stargirl. Following the series premiere, the original Brainwave spends the majority of the episode trying to track down the new owner of Starman's cosmic staff, believing that a new Starman has come to life. However, it’s also established that Henry Sr. is trying to see if his son has possibly gotten any psychic abilities as he asks him to read his mind. While he doesn’t demonstrate having any powers currently, it might only be a matter of time before things change for Henry Jr.
As Brainwave Sr. discovers who has Starman’s cosmic staff, a showdown takes place between him against Stargirl and S.T.R.I.P.E. While he almost wins, Courtney manages to use the staff’s cosmic energy to defeat Brainwave. Even though he doesn’t die, Henry Sr. is later seen in a coma, with the doctors declaring that he suffered from some kind of seizure. Having encountered the mystery person with the staff himself, Henry Jr. seems to realize right away who is responsible for his father’s condition. Based on this moment alone, it sets up Henry Jr’s path to evil. It remains to be seen how Stargirl will tackle Brainwave Jr’s powers in manifesting, whether they begin to come to the surface on their own or if he’ll inherit them entirely from his father, should Brainwave Sr. away. With this being a subtle way of giving birth to a new generation for the Injustice Society, Henry Jr. may find his allies sooner rather than later.
At Blue Valley High, there are several other characters with roots to the DC Universe as Stargirl has introduced Cindy Burman who goes by Shiv in the comics and is Dragon King’s daughter. While she hasn’t had a big part yet, Artemis Crock, the daughter of Paula Brooks/Tigress and Crusher Crock/Sportsmaster, is also a Blue Valley High student who may or may not eventually evolve into her comic book counterpart. Additionally, there is also Joey Zarick, The Wizard’s son as well as Isaac Bowin, Principal Bowin’ son, who is better known to DC readers as the villainous The Fiddler. While the original Injustice Society is the main antagonist this season, with Henry Jr. possibly getting closer to embracing his comic book destiny, Stargirl could already have another Injustice Society in the makings that may come into play in a possible season 2 as the other teenagers begin discovering their legacies as potential future super-villains.