Finally, the trade dress became very confusing, as the numbering of parts was not consistent (i.e. Furthermore, reading the series in trade paperback would mean that the flashback issues were consolidated into a book of their own, instead of being inserted in publication order, which changes the pacing of the series. First, there is the question of where to start reading: from the first appearance of Jack Knight, The first issue of Starman (numbered #0 no less) or from Robinson’s not-canon-yet-kind-of-after-the-fact Golden Age which inspired the back story to Starman? Also, there were mini-series featuring the Shade and guest appearances in books like Showcase, in addition to an eventual membership with the JSA that occurs between the panels of a single issue. He did return to Opal City, however, in the Shade mini-series.ĭespite a short run of about 80 issues plus a few spin-offs and guest appearances, the reading order is a bit confusing. After his run, he retired the character, with no plans for a return, regardless of the wishes of DC Comics. James Robinson struck deal hardly seen in mainstream comics in that only he can write the character of Jack Knight. Robinson was able to flesh out the city that eventually felt so familiar that it fit right in with Gotham and Metropolis. Starman, the series, was as much the story of Jack Knight as it was about Opal City itself. In Jack Knight, the new Starman, Robinson injected a part of himself, both being avid collectors of vintage items, which helped to instantly create a both honest and unique characterization. After having revisited the Golden Age Justice Society during his Golden Age mini-series, James Robinson was tasked with reviving Starman, a hero of that era.

James Robinson’s Starman was truly groundbreaking run. Go directly to the Starman Reading Order > Starman Reading Order from Zero Hour to the Shade

The Shade by James Robinson