Even die-hard superfans of DC Comics’ Teen Titans heroine. But once they discover the truth, they’ll be kicking themselves—because it’s undeniable that this Puerto Rican legend, renowned for her dazzling talent, bold fashion, and stunning beauty, served as the muse for Starfire’s creators, George Pérez and Marv Wolfman.

...Chacón is seen wearing a dark purple, tassel-embellished stage costume that could very well have served as the inspiration for the Titan’s own iconic purple outfit...

Reddit Modusros has sent shockwaves through the Starfire fandom by revealing a fascinating factoid that has taken the Teen Titans community by storm—Starfire was inspired by none other than superstar Iris Chacón.

For those unfamiliar with Chacón, she was famously known as "La Bomba de Puerto Rico" and "La Vedette de América," a celebrated Puerto Rican dancer, singer, actress, and entertainer. Rising to prominence in the 1970s and early 1980s, Chacón became a cultural icon, mesmerizing audiences across Latin America, the United States, Europe, and Japan with her dynamic performances, magnetic stage presence, and stunning beauty.

Puerto Rican Superstar, Iris Chacón, Inspired DC Comics Starfire

Main Cover by Eduardo Barreto & Romeo Tanghal for THE NEW TEEN TITANS Vol. 10 TP (Collecting NEW TEEN TITANS #10-15 and ANNUAL #1)

It’s easy to see what about Chacón inspired Starfire, as comparing photos of the Puerto Rican icon to early depictions of the Tamaranean princess answers the question almost immediately. Just looking at Chacón, it’s clear she served as a visual reference for Starfire. With her vibrant red, voluminous curls teased to perfection, flawless skin, stunning curves, and a presence that seemed larger than life, Chacón embodied ethereal beauty, both inside and out. It’s no wonder that when George Pérez and Marv Wolfman set out to create a character whose beauty was otherworldly and whose fierceness matched that beauty, they chose Chacón as their reference.

Side-by-side photos of Chacón and Starfire art by the late, legendary Eduardo Barreto further emphasize the similarities between the Titan’s design and Chacón’s overall presence. For instance, it’s clear that Barreto not only captured Chacón’s iconic hair in his depiction of Starfire, but also the innate sensuality with which Chacón carried herself. This is particularly evident in how Starfire is posed in Barreto’s artwork, mirroring some of Chacón’s most memorable stills. However, it wasn’t just Chacón’s presence that Pérez and Wolfman drew inspiration from, but also her iconic stage fashion sense.

Iris Chacón Video Highlights the Jaw-Dropping Similarities Between the Icon & Starfire

“Latin Disco Onstage America – Iris Chacón” on YouTube (ed by Iris Chacon TV)

Chacón's fashion sense was bold, glamorous, and unapologetically extravagant, often featuring vibrant colors, figure-hugging designs, and dazzling embellishments that perfectly complemented her larger-than-life stage persona. These same descriptors can easily be applied to Starfire’s style, making it clear that Pérez and Wolfman drew inspiration from Chacón's iconic looks. In the video above, Chacón is seen wearing a dark purple, tassel-embellished stage costume that could very well have served as the inspiration for the Titan’s own iconic purple outfit, as the similarities are unmistakable.

This Starfire factoid about Iris Chacón is undoubtedly one of the coolest revelations to surface recently.