Comic Strip Heroine Brenda Starr Returns

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This time around, America's favorite comic strip heroine (at its peak the strip appeared in 250 newspapers and drew 60 million fans) will headline a mystery novel series created by bestselling author J.J. Salem . The first title, , is set for publication in Spring 2016.

" Brenda Starr is an iconic character with a rich history and strong following," J. Scott Cameron , Director of Tribune Content Agency said. "We're excited to re-engage old fans and introduce Brenda Starr to a new audience."

Brenda Starr's creator, Dale Messick (1906-2005), shattered the glass ceiling for female cartoonists and adventure-seeking heroines in the daily and Sunday comic sections. The 21st century version finds the character in her early 40s working as a TV pundit and visiting college professor. She returns to hard news at a digital start-up when a series of murders targeting Chicago's elite hits too close to home, all while navigating the complexities of modern life with a younger lover, a tycoon ex-husband and a head-strong, college-aged daughter showing signs of becoming Brenda Starr 2.0.

Renowned pop culture historian Trina Robbins ( ) views Brenda Starr as an important feminist figure. " Lois Lane was pretty but pesky and always needing Superman to rescue her," Robbins said. " Brenda Starr was the heroine of her own stories. She got out of dangerous scrapes using her courage and intellect."

Announcement of Brenda Starr's return follows a wave of reboot plans for beloved properties, including Nancy Drew , and : . Salem is excited to march Brenda Starr into the nostalgia parade. "I can't wait to get her new stories out there. Brenda always had a lot to say about the culture around her, and that's not going to change."

For more information about Brenda Starr Mysteries, visit www.BrendaStarrMysteries.com. A free newsletter and bonus gift is available to all email subscribers. Follow Brenda Starr on Twitter @NewBrendaStarr.