Starman: Sins of the Father

Starman (1994)

by James Robinson, Tony Harris, Wade Von Grawbadger

This collection presents an unforgettable tale of all consuming hatred and cynical heroism. During the Golden Age, Ted Knight, the original Starman, continually found himself in battle with his archnemesis, the Mist. Decades later, this old foe looks to continue this ancient vendetta against the elderly Knight as he returns and takes the life of the hero's oldest son. Now Ted's rebellious younger son Jack is forced into a role that he does not want and has spent a lifetime denying. Wielding his father's power staff, the reluctant youth takes on the guise of a new Starman as he looks to avenge his brother and end the threat of the Mist once and for all.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Superheroes, Comic Book, Graphic Novels Comics, Fiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

About the author

James Dale Robinson is a British writer of American comic books and screenplays.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm just not sure about this one.
This was recommended to me by people whose taste in comics is far better than my own, but I really struggled with James Robinson's Starman for several reasons.
The character reminds me of an annoying hipster.
Is hipster still a thing? I don't know. But you know the kind of person I'm talking about. A whining champion of counterculture who wears thrift store clothes and only likes jazz.
That's Starman.
Or at least, the original Starman's son, Jack.



The art was a hard pill to swallow for me, as well. Urgch.
Not the worst stuff I've ever seen but definitely not my jam.



I guess this is the intro to this new Starman's adventures and things might pick up, but nothing about it made me want to read more. It's dated in that way that only happens when an author tries to be too clever and cram as many pop culture references as they can into a story. Added to that is the stink of a character who seems like he is only one classic vinyl collection away from being completely unbearable.



I'm not even sure what his powers are supposed to be or why his city is any safer than one that just has cops. He has this rod that he uses to fly around and I think he can somehow shoot beams out of it. There are a couple of these floating around, as his dad apparently left one of the old crusty prototypes in his junk shop, along with a belt that gets stolen before we find out what it does.



Ok, now that I've bitched it all out, I feel better. There was an interesting character named Shade, an immortal (I think) villain who isn't very villainous. I'd like to see where all of that goes.
I don't know.
Is this one worth continuing? Or do I need nostalgia glasses that I don't have to appreciate it after all these years?
No, seriously. I'm asking.
Do you recommend?

[Sam Quixote · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some guy was a superhero called Starman once upon a time. Then he got old and one of his sons became Starman. Then that son died and his other son became Starman. But he doesn’t want to be Starman. Uh huh. And this shit gets interesting… when??

For the longest time I’ve heard how Starman is James Robinson’s magnum opus. Don’t believe it - this comic buh-lows!

I hated the main character. I have no idea who Starman is and we’re not really told, probably because there isn’t much to tell. Unlike Neil Gaiman, who a few years before also took an obscure Golden Age character and reimagined him for a modern audience in his iconic, bestselling series The Sandman, James Robinson, while attempting the same thing, instead came up with a bland, generic superhero character. He can fly, he wears a bright silly costume and he’s called “Starman”. Because he’s an alien from the stars? Nope – he’s just a dude. With a magic sceptre which, I think, makes him fly. And that’s it. He’s a bargain basement Green Lantern knockoff. Uninspired, uninteresting rubbish.

I can’t even recall the name of the dude who inherits the mantle, that’s how little I cared, but I remember that he’s a douchebag. He collects and sells kitschy memorabilia and he’s a dickhead about it. He’s selfish, annoying and desperately trying to seem cool by being overly aloof. I lost count of the number of times he whined “I didn’t ask to be Starman!” and “I don’t even want to be Starman!”. Yeah, I wish you weren’t Starman either, you wanky little crybaby. The rest of his dialogue is full of loathsome hipster statements like “I’m the only guy in the city who prefers The Two Jakes over Chinatown” – oh fuck off you pretentious twat! WHO CARES? He’s such an inane character.

The story’s as unmemorable and unoriginal as can be. Generic villain wants Starman dead – repeat multiple times. It’s such an awful, boring comic to read. Tony Harris’ art is quite nice, which was the only saving grace of this one, though it’s not as polished as it is in Ex Machina.

I was quite disappointed with Starman, Volume 1: Sins of the Father after knowing its reputation for so long. It’s definitely not James Robinson’s best comic – for that, check out Airboy instead.

[Artemy · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Robinson's Starman is a fascinating comic. At first glance, it's yet another DC 1990's invigoration of a classic series by a young and promising British writer, a-la Sandman, Swamp Thing, Shade the Changing Man, Doom Patrol, etc. Unlike all of those titles though, Starman is a straighter superhero book, at least judging by this first volume. Gaiman, Moore, Morrison, Milligan and others all leaned towards more psychedelic and abstract storytelling (with varying results), but Robinson wrote his series much more accessible and straightforward.

Everything about the premise is clear and relatable. We have a hero, a villain, some complicated relationships and basically everything else we're used to seeing in capes and tights stories nowadays. Jack Knight is just a regular dude who loves his regular job collecting and selling vintage stuff. He just happens to be the son of the retired superhero, and he gets dragged into the life of super-heroics against his will. His heart is in the right place though, so when the duty calls, he takes up the mantle of Starman and fights the evil that threatens his family.

So what makes it different from hundreds of other superhero comics, then? The details and the execution. Robinson's character work is very strong from the start. Jack is a complicated guy. He's not instantly likeable, he's a bit stuck up and selfish, he doesn't embrace his father's superhero past even when he decides to become one, too. And he doesn't want to be a full-time hero, either — he has his junk shop, after all. His relationship with his brother David is another strong part of this volume, although it's easy to spoil and I won't go deeper into it. And even the villain of the book turns out to be more complex and not all what he seems at first.

The book isn’t perfect, of course. Some of Robinson‘s writing hasn't aged well — some scenes feel overwritten, some lines of dialogue are a bit clunky, some story beats either feel too predictable or seemingly come out of nowhere. But none of that breaks the book, and all of these problems are understandable coming from a relatively new (then) writer and considering it’s just the first volume of an 80-issue series. I’m sure all the rough edges are smoothed out as the series progresses.

I was surprised to realise that Tony Harris was the regular artist on Starman. The art looks good here, but it's virtually unrecognisable when compared to Harris's style in Ex Machina. In Starman, his work reminded me more of Mike Mignola's style, particularly in the very first volume of Hellboy. A lot of solid blacks and shadows make for a very moody look, and his work depicting Opal City's architecture is very impressive. The style does noticeably change as the volume progresses, though, and towards the last couple of issues it starts looking more and more like the familiar Tony Harris.

Overall, despite some minor complaints, the first volume of Starman was very enjoyable and made me excited to read the rest of the series.

Thanks to Chad for the recommendation!

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

So kind of get the tone of this one right off the bat when Starman, david, is shot and killed.

Somebody is coming after Ted Knight's kids, the original starman, and trying to murder them. In doing so with David they try to kill Jack too. Luckily Jack is able to escape the clutches of The Mist and his goons. In doing so he's on the run to survive but he can't help but turn to face the enemies eventually as he reluctantly takes up his father's mantel.

Good: The tone is near perfect. Just dark enough but not overly moody. I love Jack, as he feels like a regular dude thrown into a shitty situation. Starman's powers are pretty cool too so that's always a plus. I also thought the art was pretty great.

Bad: It can be a little long-winded at points. Too much talking and repeating the same things. I also thought the middle story shifted the pacing and slowed it down too much.

Overall a pretty damn good opening in to the world of Starman. I'll have to check out more. A 4 out of 5.

[Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent 90s superhero comics almost along like a Vertigo series.

I love James Robinson's sense of history and family that makes Jack Knight as Starman feel so real.

Very unique. The mythology grows and grows from this first volume. As a whole, definitely worth rereading.

[Rod Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

#ThrowbackThursday - Back in the '90s, I used to write comic book reviews for the website of a now-defunct comic book retailer called Rockem Sockem Comics. From the December 1997 edition with a theme of "Offbeat Superheroes":

INTRODUCTION

Even though the field of comic books is dominated by superheroes, I have yet to write a column devoted entirely to the superfolk. Well, let's get down to it, bunky. Here are a few of the more interesting supertitles being published. Not the best, mind you, just interesting. For the best, pick up Kurt Busiek's ASTRO CITY (Homage/Image Comics)(Grade: A+). Meanwhile, here's the good, the bad and the ugly of comic book superheroes: STARMAN, THUNDERBOLTS, and HITMAN. STARMAN is highbrow; HITMAN is lowbrow; and THUNDERBOLTS would be right in the middle if not for its sinister twist.


CATCH A RISING STAR

STARMAN #0-37 (DC Comics)
STARMAN ANNUAL #1-2 (DC Comics)

Little boys want to grow up and do what their daddies do. For David Knight that meant becoming Starman, the resident superhero of Opal City. It meant patrolling the city, fighting crime, and righting wrongs. Unfortunately, the father's calling was the son's undoing. David Knight is shot and killed on the third page of the first issue of STARMAN. Daddy's mantle is then reluctantly assumed by David's brother, Jack. Jack doesn't want to do what his daddy did, but, thank the stars, he is good at the job regardless.

James Robinson, the writer of STARMAN, has created a literary (by this I mostly mean wordy) superhero book which not only explores the fascinating inner-workings of the protagonist and surrounds him with intriguing supporting cast, but also creates an engrossing setting for them all to operate within. (Don't let me mislead you into thinking this is too cerebral, though; every so often something blows up real good.) Jack Knight is forced by guilt to take up his role, but he quickly discovers a natural affinity for it. He refuses to patrol the city seeking out crime -- after all, what are cops for? -- but he will put himself at the disposal of the police whenever they need him. Mostly, he tries to concentrate on his nostalgia shop.

Helping to keep Jack's life interesting are the people with whom he has surrounded himself. Despite the tension between them, Jack's father, Ted Knight -- the original Starman -- provides him with technology. Jack is aided in his crimefighting by a family of cops, the O'Dares. His father's archenemy, the immortal Shade, has reformed from his life of crime and adopted Jack as his protege. Jack's own archenemy, Nash -- daughter of a supervillain known as the Mist -- has spared his life twice and offered a truce as they both perfect their abilities in preparation for a final showdown.

All these folks, and many more, come together in Opal City. Until the arrival of the Mist and his children, Opal City had been spared the ravages of crime that have struck Gotham City and Metropolis, allowing it to develop a timelessness and sense of innocence not found elsewhere. It has a weird and rich history, dominated by the presence of the Starmen who have been its protectors. As visualized by artists Tony Harris and Wade Von Grawbadger, Opal City is a stunning combination of soaring art deco skyscrapers and dank back alleys. The heavenly and the hellish are equally at home on its streets.

STARMAN is one of the more complex superhero books being published today. A careful and long-sighted plotter, Robinson is only now in issue #37 beginning to unfold events that were hinted at in the first four issues. Robinson handles the nuisance of company-wide crossover events and superstar character guest appearances adroitly, never missing a beat in his storytelling symphony.

Robinson infuses STARMAN with his great love for the past, a strong grasp on the reality of the present, and high hopes for the future. "Times Past" is a regular feature of the book, telling untold tales of the history of the supporting cast and members of the Justice Society. Robinson includes text pieces in some issues which are excerpts from the centuries-long diary of the Shade. "Talking with David" is an annual event wherein Jack spends an entire issue talking with his dead brother in a surreal dreamscape. By constantly acknowledging the past and dealing with his unresolved feelings toward his brother, Jack can discover truths which help him deal with his present and help him set ideals which will carry him into the future.

The beauty of STARMAN is in its unique tone. I have never read a comic which is sadder, more somber, or more tragic. One of my favorite recurring characters, David, is DEAD for goodness sake. The book constantly refers to tragedies which have befallen the previous five entities who have used the name of Starman (two have been aliens). Members of the Justice Society are retroactively given feet of clay. The circumstances which draw Nash deeper and deeper into villainy are downright depressing. Even longtime supervillain Solomon Grundy is cast in a new, sympathetic but pitiful light. Yet a thread of hope and light weaves through this darkness in the shape of Jack Knight. STARMAN is dark and moody, sure, but not unrelentingly so, and the victories that are won seem all the sweeter in contrast.

A superb writer with a strong vision needs artists with equally strong vision to bring his work to fruition. Robinson is fortunate to have Harris and Grawbadger rising to his challenge. They match him step for step. Robinson is fortunate enough to snare an amazing line-up of guest artists for his "Times Past" issues. The distinctive stylings of Teddy Kristiansen, John Watkiss, Craig Hamilton, Ray Snyder, and Richard Pace are a pleasure to behold.

Just as Jack Knight is constantly growing as a hero in the eyes of those around him, STARMAN continues to grow in my esteem every month. If you try this book, I bet you will become starstruck also.

Grade: A-

[J.G. Keely · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always been fond of the Britwave movement, not that I'm alone in my appreciation. The great blossoming of American comics after that infusion of European style created some of the most legendary comics and writers of the modern age, like Moore, Gaiman, and Morrison.

But there are a lot of other, lesser-known authors who are part of the same movement, some of whom are remarkable and unique in their own right. So, when I heard about Robinson's 'Starman', I was surprised I hadn't heard of it before. Then again, Robinson's story is very late in the movement.

But another late entry by a lesser-known author, Peter Milligan's Shade, The Changing Man is one of the best comics I've ever read, even when compared with Moore or Gaiman. So I felt excited to come across another recent entry.

Unfortunately, this one hasn't snagged me yet. Though he has some interesting ideas, Robinson seems to lack the literary sparkle I expect from Britwave or Vertigo. The book is similar in tone and concept to what Milligon, Gaiman, and Moore were doing, but lacking the same verve.

I hope that, given time, he'll come to distinguish himself with an original voice. After all, even Milligan took an arc and a half to get into his groove.

The dark, artsy, angular art is very cliche 90's, right out of a Vampire roleplaying book, but it's fun and well-executed, despite its dated style. Luckily, Tony Harris wasn't left behind when comic art changed, as his more recent art in Transmetropolitan and Planetary attests.

My Suggested Reading In Comics

[Chris Lemmerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

James Robinson's lauded Starman run begins here, and after absolutely loving Stargirl, I thought I'd dig in for some more background reading. It's a bit of a rocky start, if we're being honest.

The main problem I have is that the main character is probably the least interesting person in the book. I get that Jack's meant to be unlikeable; he's the black sheep of the family, but it definitely makes it hard to root for him even when he does the right thing.

In contrast, the villain The Mist, and the anti-hero/anti-villain/whatever he is The Shade are far more interesting. You can tell how much fun Robinson has writing The Shade especially, and I'm super excited to see what his role is going forward.

Otherwise this is a typical origin story kinda thing. The first four issues (#0-3) bring Jack to the fore and establish who he is and what he's like, while issue 4 is a one-and-done, and issue five looks like the first in a recurring theme for the series as Jack and his (deceased) brother have a chat. I wish books were able to do long-term planning like this these days, but when most books don't even get to 12 issues, it just doesn't happen anymore.

The art is also a bit divisive. Tony Harris's landscapes are beautiful, but his character work leaves a lot to be desired. He's like a less impressive Phil Hester, and the colouring feels very blocky at times. It was probably very different to a lot of what else was on the stands back in the mid-90s since it's definitely not a DC house style, but it also hasn't aged particularly well I don't think.

Starman's initial flight hits some turblence out of the gate, but it's not a bad introduction to the character. It's just a shame that he's not as interesting as many other things in the book, and that the artwork's kinda dated. Still, onwards!

[Daniel Sevitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read James Robinson's series Firearm as it was being published and it was notable for its noir-ish sensibility and pop-culture-tastic letters page. I was never a big fan of Golden Age heroes including the Justice Society and so I just skipped this series when it came out. It's been critically acclaimed ever since and I thought it high time I start picking up some of the collections to see what's what.

This is a six-issue establishing shot and while some of it is a little clunky, Ted Knight is a different enough model of a superhero to make me want to read more. Luckily I already have the next two volumes.

[Stano Várady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Na superhrdinský komiks z 90. rokov prekvapivo hlboká štúdia smrti blízkych, trúchlenia a vyrovnávania sa. Aha, veď on to pre DC napísal ďalší šikovný britský scenárista.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trade was recently featured as a book club selection on a comic podcast I listen to (Matt And Brett Love Comics) and seemed the perfect excuse to revisit it.
I've lost track of how many times I've read through this series as whole, and this volume in particular (which I first picked up WAY back in 2000 before a trip abroad, knowing nothing about it). What is it about Jack Knight that still remains so relevant and engaging? Obviously, he looks cool (one of two comic characters I've ever put the effort into making a Halloween costume of) but a cool design can only carry a title so far. I'm hard pressed to think of another title where the main hero spends the whole first arc (and even some past that) trying to NOT be the hero everyone but him see he should be. Usually when that premise is thrown about, it's some kid inheriting the mantle of an established character (Blue Beetle and Nova come to mind). In this case it's a guy in his twenties assuming a legacy. Beyond that, though, Jack Knight has character traits that so many people can identify with. His collector mentality immediately resonates with most comic book fans (especially at the time he debuted). His aesthetic qualities appeal to the types of readers who maybe thought themselves too "cool" for comics (the type who would frequent coffee houses in the nineties).
I may be projecting much of my feelings on this first volume based on how the series as whole plays out, but the arc these characters take (including Opal City, which may be the most important character James Robinson ever created) is still to this day my favorite super-hero series ever. Thankfully DC has left Jack Knight, and the Starman name itself, out of all their new universe building. I'd hate to see this character's legacy tarnished along with the rest of their line.

[Ignacio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Se me ocurren pocos inicios de etapa mejor cerrados que este. Robinson se saca de la manga una serie de personajes y un lugar narrativo, Opal City, y los adhiere a un superhéroe, Starman, con una tradición, digamos, discreta para crear una mitología deslumbrante. Deja sin palabras cómo, mientras cuenta la historia de un hijo que se niega a coger el manto de su padre y se ve empujado a ello, siembra continuas referencias al pasado de lo que ha sido Starman (y alguna a lo que está por venir) pero, también, lo que no había sido hasta que él lo puso en esa página. Y articula una ilusión de profundidad, de que aquello viene de y va a algún sitio, que multiplica el potencial de arraigo de una colección como cada año salen decenas (mientras cierran las aparecidas el año anterior). Todo un canto de amor por los superhéroes, de recuperación por la ilusión tras los años de dientes apretados, la oscuridad y la violencia por la violencia, que en España ha quedado eclipsado por otros tebeos de la época mejor publicados (Marvels, Astro City...). Obra maestra.

[Mati G. W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una de las mejores series-legado de la Historia de DC.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack Knight is more interested in amassing and trading various collectibles than in picking up his father's mantle and become the next Starman. But when his older brother David is killed, and Opal City is threatened by the machinations of the Mist family, he finds himself taking on a role he never envisioned: that of Superhero...

No great connoisseur of comic books, I am usually indifferent to the genre, put off by the feeling of having entered a work in medias res, and uncomfortably aware that the story in question is usually part of a larger created world (whether of DC Comics, Marvel, or some other) of which I know very little. While Starman: Sins of the Father definitely had something of that feel for me (I am convinced that regular DC readers must already be familiar with characters like the Shade, and therefore better able to appreciate the significance of his actions) I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this first installation of Robinson's series.

Recommended by an online friend for a reading group, this first installation of the Starman series is a promising beginning. I found myself involved in Jack Knight's story (something I did not experience while reading Neil Gaiman's Sandman ), and empathized fully with the familial conflicts which form such an important part of the narrative. Overall, I am glad to have read this, and look forward to the next two issues.

[Printable Tire]

I picked this collection up just because this Starman made an appearance in the Power of Shazam comics I read recently and one highly dubious letter writer in the back of the book made the comic sound interesting, and I just happened upon it in the library.

And it was pretty good! Starman is a junk-dealer turned superhero, though he's less Sanford and Son (which would've ruled) and more hipster pop culture hoarder with a streak of 90's slacksterism. You'd think he'd have designed a better costume (the one he has just screams proto-steam punk 90's "bad ass") but he's got a lot more on his mind, fighting his Dad's archvillain's children and trying to win pop's respect, while all the while wanting to be left alone. And that's just the first storyline! The second storyline's very Grant Morrison's Doom Patrol, what with a Hawaiian shirt that opens a portal to Heaven and whatnot. There's also a dandy "villain" named Shade and a surplus of pop culture references.

It's clear the writer likes his character and the long kooky history of the Starman universe, and enjoys incorporating the old history in his own "modern" work. His writing is crisp and sharp, though sometimes a bit choppy and confusing.

I had a few problems with this book, though. I didn't really like the art, although it does seem Art Deco in that particularly 90's way. I dislike Starman's character design (the old costume, cheesy as it is, is way more vibrant and exciting), and there were too many "cool shades" on display. Story-wise, it seems unbelievable to me that Starman would be able to kick so many bad guy's asses just because he took jujitsu classes ten years ago. The fight scenes, in general, are not that interesting to look at.

This seems like the kind of thing that would've been made into a syndicated television series in the 90's (Nightman, M.A.N.T.I.S.) and enjoy a cult status now. It would be properly deserving of one, as it's pretty fun stuff.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was going to give this a 3, but upped it to a 4 due to the last pages, which really tied everything together. I foresee me bumping this down to a 3 in the future, though.

Solid storytelling, a little throughout. As mentioned, the last pages brought everything together. Total 90s book, but great stuff. Family legacy book, sibling jealousy, collector/hoarder porn throughout.

Ultimately, though, I don't quite know why my comic book store owner loaned this to me when we were talking about Batman, but hey, free comic that turned out to be a decent read.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freaking loved it.
A superhero who isn't really a superhero.
One who has no issues with leaving police work to the police.
Who understands the only way to truly get rid of an enemy... well if it's me or them I'm with Jack, I'll always pick me.
Awesome comic about a character I had never heard of before, so pleased the Heroes & Villains Collection included Starman, hoping for more down the track.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Robinson is not afraid to question comic industry norms. He's not afraid to point out how stupid some industry tropes are. When one thinks about the absurdity of superpowered adversaries fighting in their underwear over major cities, it's a ridiculous thought. If people had the sort of powers displayed in comic books, why would they use them to fight each other instead of helping those in need? That question is the heart of Starman's theme.

After taking over the Starman mantle from his father, Jack Knight tells his dad, "You've played around with your science... squandered it inventing cosmic powered weapons for fighting silly, sad villains. You should have been inventing cosmic-powered cars and heating and... ecologically safe technology for mankind." Jack then concludes, "Superheroes. Supervillains. It's all self-propagating kids stuff."

Even though Robinson's message is valid, he can be a bit ham-handed. When It feels like he's beating the reader over the head with his message at times.

Issue five, "Talking with David, '95," is an exceptional single issue and is the highlight of this collection.

Tony Harris' artwork is fantastic. It has a graphic feel that is reminiscent of Mike Mignola. His panels alternate between bright, vibrant colors and hauntingly atmospheric. His cover gallery is something to behold. Because of the change in medium, Harris' covers look as if they were done by a different artist than the interiors.

Overall, Starman: Sins of the Father is a solid graphic novel. The series seems to find its footing just as this collection ends, so I can't wait to read volume two!

[Caleb Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great intro to Jack Knight becoming Starman. You really get a feel for him as a character before he reluctantly becomes Starman. His design shines who he is versus previous Starmans, Starmen? His relationship with his family is a big focus of this book. It sets up themes of legacy, loss, and finding your own way. I'm looking forward to reading more!

A FANTASTIC book over all. I'm not sure why more people don't know about it

Notes/spoilers:
Loved the issue with him and his brother in the graveyard

Also loved the issue with the poetry of Opal City ending with Jack Knights' love for this odd town

I read his dad being a little too harsh on him in the beginning. I understand he's upset about his other dead son, but I feel he went a little too far to be realistic for how good of a man he is.

Jack owning an antique shop says so much about him as a person, then to lose that shop and his brother bringing up past and unresolved trauma was incredibly beautiful. For Jack to try and rebuild the antique business to resume his normal life, say a lot of who he is.

The issue with the fortune teller is a great way to get your hooked in for the long run of the comic, fortelling the adventures he will go on in the run.

[Andrew Sorrentino · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the villain more compelling than the protagonist. (He’s not a hero, he’ll tell you and tell you again.) The epilogue was somewhat interesting like they were trying to telling what might be happening soon and then later. But not interesting enough that I want to continue to read the next volume. I have enjoyed some other projects by this artist, but Starman isn’t some of his best in my opinion. Altogether, not so … stellar … for me.

[Liz Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deco!

[Sananab · Rating 2 out of 5]

Five stars for the colourist. Five stars for that one issue. I found everything else pretty dull.

[John Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting concept but the style is very 90s and I’m not sure the tone will keep me invested beyond this.

[Versus Tai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starman (Jack Knight) contra su legado, contra su pasado, contra sus miedos pero sobre todo contra todo lo que se le va a venir encima y que me temo que no vamos a ver editado acá jamás.

[Jacob Jones-Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are very few books or graphic novels that I have more affection for than this particular book.

The entire Starman run is near magical in both its style and substance. James Robinson and Tony Harris are both unique talents and they both shine very brightly here.

The story is an Art Deco tale of Fathers and Sons and the legacies that are unique to families. It begins with the Death of Jack Knight's older brother, Ted Knights eldest son, at the hands of Ted Knight's oldest enemy. The story unfolds as both a generational story of revenge and angst.

Jack Knight's journey from black sheep to reluctant hero is something everyone will be able to relate to. The blossoming relationship between Ted and Jack is also something every father and son will understand.

I've read a lot of comics and graphic novels and this is easy one of the top five. It's right there with Watchmen, From Hell, Kingdom Come, and the Dark Knight Returns.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

No comic story means as much to me personally as James Robinson's Starman series, which begins in this volume. Jack Knight, iconoclastic son of a retired superhero, is written as a human being with human problems. Throughout the series, he strives to balance the need to live up to his family's heroic legacy with the need to find his own path in life.

I've realised that any story where the main character is an outsider trying to find his place in society is a story that will mean a lot to me. That's my life right there. My list of favorite and highly-rated books will make it terribly apparent.

Starman was one of the few stories to ever make me cry - multiple times.

(i even own the goggles. and the jacket, but I had to make that.)

The books do have their weaknesses - inconsistent art, slowdown in story toward the middle - but they mean the world to me nonetheless.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Robinson's series was very much under the radar at the time it started, and eventually it became a critical and commercial success. Here in the first volume (there's 10) we meet Jack Knight. Jack deals in collectables, or what his father, a former super hero, calls junk. When his father;s arch foe returns, Jack's brother is murdered, and attempts are made on Jack and his father's life. Jack reluctantly enters the world of the weird, and is a more human character than most in these types of books. We meet recurring characters who will continously pop up during the series run such as the O'Dare clan of the Opal City PD, The Shade and the Nash, the Mists's daughter.

[H. Givens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quietly good. Quirky but dark, darker for the geekiness somehow, but not dark enough to be anything but a straight-up hero.

[Index Purga]

Futuro tomo 36 de la Colección Héroes y Villanos. Seguro traduzca los números 0 a 6 de Starman.

[Variaciones Enrojo]

Tomo 36, dedicado al Starman de Robinson y Harris.