Starman: A Wicked Inclination

Starman was one of the best comicbook series written during the 1990s. One of the reasons for this was because Robinson had an ending to the story in mind and Jack Knight (the main character) grew towards this ending. This is the third trade in the series and you can clearly see definate signs of growth. Not to spoil it for anyone but Jack's interaction with the original Sandman and the act of charity towards his father's arch nemesis, the Mist, help to show his development into the hero he eventually becomes at the end of the series.

Volume 3 of James Robinson's well-written Starman series, starring Jack Knight(son of of the original Golden Age Starman,Ted Knight). This trade collects issues 17, and 19-27. Here's how the back cover describes the contents: "This collection features the final team-up between Starman and the Golden Age Sandman in the Eisner Award-winning story "Sand and Stars". Also included is "Hell and Back", Jack's terrifying battle within a demon-possessed poster, as well as the touching tales "Talking With David '96" and "A Christmas Knight"."

There is a great scene in this collection where Wesley Dodds, the original masked crime fighter in DC's reconfigured universe, thinks back to a time when the original Starman saved his life. Now planning to help Jack Knight, he is faced with his own age and moratlity and he rises to the occasion with the words: "Life should be measured by quality. And so...if this must be the last thing I do, I am content." To be moved by comic book dialogue is a rare thing, and it is even less likely when it is a super hero comic, but this is just one more example of how well Robinson has crafted this series. It's just great fun to watch this hero grow up, and I think all comic fans should give this series a try.

This trade paperback of probably one of the *best* books on the market also contains "Sand and Stars", in which the "next generation" (Jack Knight" teams with the one who "started it all" (Wesley Dodds, aka Sandman). A well-written meditation on life, growing old, and age, it even features a "cameo" by Guy Davis, who drew the late, lamented SANDMAN MYSTERY THEATER. Plus, you get the "Demon Quest" arc, a Christmas story with a difference, *and* a "Talking with David" segment. Trust me, at this price, it's a *bargain*. And after reading this, begin reading STARMAN. You'll be glad you did.