Shvaughn Erin
| Shvaughn Erin | |
|---|---|
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | DC Comics |
| First appearance | Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #241 (July 1978) |
| Created by | Paul Levitz Jim Sherman |
| In-story information | |
| Species | Human |
| Place of origin | Earth (31st century) |
| Team affiliations | Science Police |
| Notable aliases | Sean Erin |
Shvaughn Erin is a fictional character in the 30th and 31st centuries of the DC Comics Universe, appearing primarily as a supporting character in the various Legion of Super-Heroes series. A native of Earth, she is a member of the Science Police, the law enforcement arm of the United Planets. She was one of the first characters in superhero comics to be identified as transgender.[1][2]
Fictional biography
Original continuity
Shvaughn Erin is an officer of the Science Police who helps the Legion of Super-Heroes battle Mordru, the Khunds, and the Dark Circle during the "Earthwar".[3] Afterwards, she becomes the Police's liaison to the Legion and begins a relationship with Element Lad,[4][5] a character whose sexual orientation had previously been ambiguous, and many readers had interpreted as a gay man.[1][6]
"Five Years Later"
During The Terra Mosaic storyline, Shvaughn breaks up with Element Lad.[7] It is revealed that she is a transgender woman and was originally named Sean Erin.[8][9][10] Deprived of the medication Profem – which transforms her physical appearance to female – she reverts to presenting as male.[1]
Post-Zero Hour
In post-Zero Hour continuity, Shvaughn Erin is again a female Science Police officer. Shrinking Violet, controlled by the Emerald Eye of Ekron, transports Shvaughn and several others to the 20th century before they eventually return home.[11][12]
Notes
- ^ a b c Plummer, Jessica (2023-05-04). "Queer Superhero History: The First Trans Characters in Comics". BOOK RIOT. Retrieved 2025-01-02.
- ^ Guharauth, Poushali (2023-05-29). "20 Trans characters in Marvel & DC universe". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 2025-01-02.
- ^ Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #241-245 (July–November 1978)
- ^ Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 2) Annual #1 (1982).
- ^ Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 2) #298-305 (April–November 1983).
- ^ Finn, Charlotte FinnCharlotte (2015-11-24). "Lost in Transition: LSH and the Uneven Footsteps of Progress". ComicsAlliance. Retrieved 2025-01-02.
- ^ Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 4) #29 (May 1992).
- ^ Reinhard, Carrielynn; Olson, Christopher (2017). Heroes, Heroines, and Everything in Between: Challenging Gender and Sexuality Stereotypes in Children's Entertainment Media. Lexington Books. p. 240. ISBN 9781498539579.
- ^ Cronin, Brian (February 26, 2012). "The Abandoned An' Forsaked - Who's That Element Lad's Dating?". Comic Book Resources. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
- ^
- Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 4) #31 (July 1992)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 4) #38 (December 1992)
- Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 4) #41 (March 1993)
- ^ Legion of Super-Heroes (vol. 4) #84-100 (September 1996-January 1998).
- ^ Companik, Chris. "Element Lad & Shvaughn Erin". GayLeague.com (Internet Archive). Archived from the original on December 17, 2007. Retrieved December 22, 2009.
