Updated on December 10, 2021
This week’s minorities in cartoons entry is the superhero duo Superstretch and Microwoman. The duo appeared as a segment in the 1977 CBS series “Tarzan and the Super 7,” a Filmation animated series featuring Tarzan and various other characters.
Background
Superstretch (real name: Chris Cross; no relation to the 90s hip-hop group) and Microwoman (real name: Kristy Cross) are a married superhero couple.
Their origin states the Crosses found a way to give themselves superpowers. (Chris is mentioned as being as a scientist at a university.) Superstretch had the ability to stretch or shape-shift his body, similar to Quality/DC Comics superhero Plastic Man. Microwoman meanwhile could shrink to a tiny size, similar to the Atom. Accompanying the two on their adventures was their pet dog, Trouble.
The heroic duo fought an assortment of criminals in their short-lived run. Their villains included their own evil counterparts from a “mirror” universe: “Superstarch,” who could turn his body to diamond; and “Magnawoman,” who could grow to giant size, similar to Apache Chief.
On TV/home video
Superstretch and Microwoman haven’t been seen anywhere, even on DVD, since their series’ original run. The reason might be DC Comics filing a lawsuit against Filmation.
The suit claimed Superstretch and Microwoman (and several other “Tarzan and the Super 7” characters) violated DC’s trademarks. Superstretch was accused of being a Plastic Man knockoff.
Voice actors
Ty Henderson voiced Superstretch.
Actress Kim Hamilton voiced Microwoman.
(Updated 11/25/16)
