I’ve said in a previous review of the lengthy Starman saga that writer James Robinson doesn’t simply pen a title about one hero – nor just one hero and his family for that matter. Starman (vol 2) is about a name – a title shared by many with similar ideals but different personalities. Starman is an incredibly common name for a superhero, especially within the world of DC Comics. During Robinson’s run, we have witnessed three Knights don the various costumes of the Starmen, but there have been others too. Several times Mikaal has starred as a core character of the title, while even Prince Gavyn and his demise was depicted by Robinson in the title’s first annual. But there has been one occupier of the title who hasn’t appeared, let alone even won a mention. Robinson’s Starman is the second run with that name; only a few years prior, there was another Starman title with a different leading man. Created by Roger Stern and Tom Lyle in 1988, Starman was once Will Payton, protector of the south-western states of the USA. Whatever ever happened to him?
Starman (vol 2) 36-38 was published from November 1997 to January 1998, with the title’s second annual being released in November. Meanwhile, a one-off entitled Starman: Secret Files and Origins was published in April 1998. Written by James Robinson, with art by Richard Pace, Wade Von Grawbadger, Tony Harris, Dusty Abell, Dexter Vines, Norman Lee, Mitch Byrd, Drew Geraci, Stefano Gaudiano, Gene Ha, Steve Yeowell, Lee Weeks, and Phil Jimenez. These stories have been reprinted in Starman Omnibus Volume Three – no longer multi-part tale is included, but the issues make for a nice break after the lengthy story of Infernal Devices!
1990 – A Hero Once… Despite Himself --- Written by James Robinson with art by Richard Pace and Wade Von Grawbadger
Tales of Times Past has always been a great source of creative deep-sea diving. Robinson has the chance to explore the uncharted and forgotten waters of the past, and Starman (vol 2) 36 is no different. Will Payton is the focus, but he isn’t a hero covered in glory. One of the first questions Will Payton asks in the story is “why doesn’t anybody like me?” Is this question posed to the characters of Will’s world, or to the readers of the DC Universe? Perhaps both; Robinson pens a story about Will’s Starman hunting Aaron and Lupe Bodine, a mercenary couple who have kidnapped an innocent soul. Throughout, the theme is that Will Payton is no hero of the second rank, let along standing in the pantheon among Superman and Batman. This, combined with Payton’s negative thoughts about himself, the cruelty of the Bodines, and even the hostage not displaying much confidence in Starman, leads to a pretty depressing story for this issue. Of course, Robinson pulls the carpet from under out feet and Will Payton finishes a hero by rescuing the hostage, thereby solidifying his heroic reputation, but I cannot help but feel Starman (vol 2) 36 is one of the duller issues in the saga. The negativity becomes tiresome, but perhaps the more noticeable theme is this – Will Payton is just a boring character with little that makes him interesting. It’s one thing to write a boring character interestingly, but it’s another to write a boring character boringly. More than anything, this issue is a teaser for events to come in the future. Sure, Will Payton died during the Eclipso: The Darkness Within crossover event in 1992, but when did death mean much in comics?
Richard Pace and Wade Von Grawbadger recreate the barrenness of Tom Lyle’s art during his stint on Will’s adventures in the 1980s. It contains its dose of drama, but the exaggerated art and psyche of some of the characters is overpowering. It has its moments, but overall it’s plainer than exciting.
Talking with David ’97 --- Written by James Robinson with art by Tony Harris and Wade Von Grawbadger
Finally, another Talking with David. These are true highlights of Robinson’s run and Starman (vol 2) 37 doesn’t disappoint! Meeting in that monochrome ghostly realm readers have come to love, Jack and David come face-to-face with some iconic heroes of the past – the deceased among the Justice Society! For Jack – as for readers too – this is a moment of true excitement and that, in turn, makes the heart of the reader beat a little faster too. Jack is met with tales of the past by Mr Terrific, Hourman, Zatara, Black Canary, Doctor Mid-Nite, and the Atom. Many of these characters died in the Zero Hour event, but there are some exceptions (such as Mr Terrific in Gerry Conway’s Justice League of America (vol 1) 171 and Zatara in Alan Moore’s Swamp Thing (vol 2) 50). Each character gets a few pages to reminisce of the past as Robinson explores retrospectives of these golden age giants. Doctor Mid-Nite’s tale of accepting his blindless and using it for good is inspiring stuff, while Jack’s surprise at learning of his father’s affair with Black Canary during those brief – but highly memorable – Brave and the Bold issues in 1965 is shared by us readers! But with all the surprises, laughs, and cries, the prize for ‘best character’ goes effortlessly to the Red Bee. Even some of the most seasoned DC fans wouldn’t have heard of this character who debuted in Hit Comics 1 in 1940! A district attorney by day and trainer of bees by night, the Red Bee tackled the crimes of Oregon with his honey-loving friends. Maybe you can see why he is yet to receive his own standalone DC film. Throughout the issue, he delivers snide remarks and rude comments to the other heroes, but he shines at the story’s conclusion by paying tribute to the kindness and respect of Ted Knight. He treated all heroes equal – whether they were Superman or the Red Bee, Ted treated them all with equality and respect. It’s the Red Bee’s monologue paying respect to the Knight family – along with Robinson’s exploration of memories and the legacies that heroes create – that make Starman (vol 2) 37 flawless.
Harris and Von Grawbadger use their magic as greatly as ever and the monochrome world are conveyed stunningly. What’s more, the duo pioneer their skill with new tools, with Harris using graphite to depict some of the JSAers in their prime – these moments, tinged with colour, look beautiful.
La Fraternite De Justice Et Liberte (The Brotherhood of Justice and Liberty) --- Written by James Robinson with art by Dusty Abell, Dexter Vines, and Norman Lee
Throughout the Starman saga, a dark deep shadow has lurked. A villain looms large over Jack Knight’s world – who should it be but Nash, the daughter of the Mist. A word to the wise – if you are going to build up the ultimate villain of a long ongoing series, the secret is to make their appearances a rarity. This is the trouble recent writers of the Batman titles – excluding Tom King – have had with the Joker. Happily, James Robinson has made Nash into an enigmatic figure ever since Sins of the Child earlier in the run. All we know is that she has given birth to Jack’s son and is plotting full-scale revenge against the Knights for the death of her brother and the breakdown of her father. Starman (vol 2) 38 provides a rare glimpse into Nash’s world. She has two roles – one is as a mother, and the other is as a murderer who destroys the sad remnants of DC’s greatest team. Justice League International stands as one of my favourite comic books runs of all time. Although that world wrapped up in 1996 when Grant Morrison returned to the scene with a revitalised and mainstream JLA, Starman (vol 2) 38 marks the true end of Justice League International. The Crimson Fox, Firestorm, Ice Maiden, Blue Devil, and Amazing Man are what is left of Justice League Europe, and they have been employed on a secret mission to protect a diamond. Although Robinson isn’t a regular writer of these characters, he pens their humour and relationships well. But ultimately, the mission is a rouse – it’s a chance for Nash to kill the remaining members of the team and – barring Firestorm – she succeeds by disguising herself as Ice Maiden.
Why does Nash do this? Simply to prove her worth and the power she has. Think of Starman (vol 2) 38 as Nash’s training spar before her big fight with Jack. Because Nash rarely appears, Robinson uses this as an opportunity for readers to witness her power and strength, thereby setting her up for the battles to come in Grand Guignol. Overexposing a villain cheapens their danger; Robinson’s good judgement over Nash’s appearances means that Starman (vol 2) 38 is a highly memorable tale for Nash.
Despite an array of artists, none of them seem to enthuse the excitement and rush that this story deserves. Abell, Vines, and Lee have their moments, but overall the visuals are pretty flat and uninspiring sadly.
Stars In My Eyes --- Written by James Robinson with art by Mitch Byrd, Drew Geraci, Stefano Gaudiano, Gene Ha, and Steve Yeowell
Starman (vol 2) Annual 2 is the second and final annual of the saga. Although Jack’s romance with Sadie features as the focus, in essence it is a compilation of different stories shifting between familiar faces of Opal City. The theme of the 1997 annuals was Pulp Heroes, a theme aimed at recreating old crime and adventure stories from pulp magazines. Excluding a pulp-ish cover, Starman (vol 2) Annual 2 side-steps past the annual theme and heads straight for a story that fundamentally shakes up Jack Knight’s world.
Am I the only one who thinks that Sadie – Jack’s love interest of only a few issues ago – has been added far too late into the story? Sure, she appeared in a few previous stories as a background character, but it feels as if her relationship with Jack has suddenly hit the seas full steam ahead. This second annual chronicles how Sadie slowly begins to learn more about Jack Knight and the world of Starman. It’s due to this that we get a selection of different stories, the first featuring Scalphunter. The point of these stories? To show how superheroics are often incompatible with personal love.
Scalphunter – the protector of Opal City in the dying days of the nineteenth century – once fell in love with a woman called Margaret after she became the victim of a theft. Unsurprisingly, Scalphunter was well-acquainted with many women at the time, but Margaret becomes his live partner until she becomes a witness to Scalphunter’s dangerous lifestyle fighting crime. Jack conveys this gritty story to Sadie because it is an example of the burning fires that surround superheroes and how innocents can be burned by such risk. As with Jack, Scalphunter falls in love far too quickly with a woman he has barely met, but such must be the way of the people of Opal City. This flashback tale – drawn with suitably gritty art by Stefano Gaudiano – establishes the themes of risk and loss, and Jack’s fear that his love may leave him in fear of his lifestyle.
The next tale of the past is one beautifully conveyed with colour by Gene Ha. We go back to those Brave and the Bold tales mentioned in Starman (vol 2) 37 and learn more of the affair between Ted and Black Canary. Again, Robinson pens a plot of how love gets in the way, with a gangster secretly taking photographs of the heroic duo in private and blackmailing them with it. The fight scene resulting from that crime are presented with the energy of a silver age duel, and in the end, Starman and Black Canary can rest peacefully. But again, the risk was there.
The final tale from the past is the most tragic in the annual. Its focus is on the Starman who never had his chance – David Knight. When Robinson wrote those opening pages to Starman (vol 2) 0 at the very beginning, we knew very little about David and we still don’t really. But finally, Robinson uncovers some of the past – it’s revealed that David was planning to marry a woman and settle down for a quiet life, but then the cosmic rod was forced into his hands after the events of Zero Hour. Robinson writes a truly heart-breaking scene where David is forced to put legacy over love, and it’s that personal tragedy that – even over three years on from the title’s first issue – makes the impact of David’s premature death even heavier. Steve Yeowell works his usual magic in creating this terrible world, but as with the previous two tales, it aids in establishing the theme of the annual.
The truth about Jack Knight is that he is a lover of history and a great admirer of those heroes of the past. He envies their adventures, but he loathes their personal tragedies. It’s that fear which marks him out in his relationship with Sadie. Robinson provides a grand whistle-stop tour of the more human side of the Starman history – it isn’t all glory and fame. Jack fears that Sadie will leave him due to this lifestyle, but this is when Robinson drops the biggest bomb of the story. Sadie reveals that she has been on a mission this whole time – a quest of personal importance. Sadie isn’t even her real name. She is Jayne Payton, the sister of Will, the fifth Starman. She claims he isn’t dead; he is alive! Her whole mission has been to locate her brother and bring him home. Robinson concludes the annual with this genuine moment of surprise and shock. Jack is obviously not pleased, feeling used, but as for the consequences, they are left for the future. As I said, I do feel like their relationship has been launched too late and too quickly – really it should have started earlier on and the build up should have been slower and more enjoyable, especially because Robinson may have begun to leave hints about Sadie’s true intentions in earlier stories. That all said – after the Times Past tale of Starman (vol 2) 36 – Sadie’s revelation came at the right time! For now, with Mitch Byrd and Drew Geraci delivering much of the tepid art, Starman (vol 2) Annual 2 stands as one of the most important tales in the run because of its themes and revelation – it’s a shock that literally changes the direction of Jack’s life!
Talking with Ted… Talking with Jack --- Written by James Robinson with art by Lee Weeks, Phil Jimenez, and Robert Campanella
During much of the nineties and noughties, DC published a range of Secret Files and Origins issues. Their purpose? To add more lore and back information to titles. Starman Secret Files and Origins is a fun collection featuring a brilliant tale from the Shade’s Journal, profiles of the faces of Opal City, and some great other features. But featuring as the main story is a tale by Robinson biographing the lives of Ted and Jack Knight. That may sound ordinary, but Robinson’s magic comes with structure and characters. It starts with Jack getting another tattoo done, and the artist inquires into his father – the well-known former hero of Opal City. As for Ted, it is Sadie who asks her potential father-in-law about Jack’s past. The use of flashbacks, facilitated by the creative method in which Robinson conveys the past through discussions between characters in the present, are effective. Naturally, some of the predictable details are revisited and examined once again, but there are new elements. For instance, we finally get to witness Jack’s rebelliousness in his teenage years, an area spoken much of but never explored sufficiently in the past. Small aspects of this are noticeable in the early issues of the saga, but nothing quite like this. Robinson looks at the concept of guilt and how superheroing and science removed Ted from his fatherly duties. But happily it isn’t all depressing. A scene in the story revolves around a scrapbook featuring newspaper clippings of Ted’s adventures as Starman. As an angsty teenager, Jack burned the scrapbook to mark out his anti-establishment temperament, but on the final page of the story, we return to the present. Jack didn’t burn the book; he cherishes it, and what’s more, his father has one chronicling the adventures of his son. It’s a sweet story which adds depth and flavour to the Knight family and thankfully does more than retread old ground. It does far more than just that – it solidifies our love of the characters that Robinson has pioneered since 1994.
The use of two different art styles to distinguish between Ted’s scenes and Jack’s scenes is effective and not too jarring. Phil Jimenez draws a surprisingly gritty appearance for his pages, but it captures the mystery and wonder of the golden age flashbacks with skill. Meanwhile, Lee Weeks and Robert Campanella present smoother art, but their storytelling is just as effective as Jimenez’s.
VERDICT
Overall, these stories make for a much-needed break after the long Infernal Devices tale. But that isn’t to say these issues lack importance at all. The Times Past tale may not be the most enjoyable of the series, but it certainly is crucial. Starman (vol 2) 37 is easily the best of the Talking With David series, while Nash’s killing spree sets up her as the ultimate foe of the saga. The Secret Files and Origins tale adds more brilliance to the lore of the Knight family, while the title’s second annual sets up the promise of an exciting future for not just Jack Knight, but all the Starmen…
Next Week: TBC
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