The 1990s Starman comic book is widely regarded as one of the best limited series in DC history. Despite this, the series’ canonicity throughout most of the modern age has been called into question. However, a recent comic confirmed that Starman is indeed considered canon to the Dawn of DC timeline.
This confirmation came in Justice Society of America #8, by Geoff Johns and Mikel Janin. The JSA is still expanding its ranks, trying to recruit and reform various villains. This effort is being spearheaded by Helena “Huntress” Wayne, a daughter of Batman from the future. Unfortunately, Helena’s knowledge of the future Justice Society has often been at odds with the present.
One example of this was Helena’s insistence that they had to find Kyle Knight, who was destined to become the next Mist. Stargirl politely pointed out that Kyle was currently five years old and his father, Jack Knight, was a retired superhero. While seemingly a throwaway continuity note, this line confirmed the 1990’s Starman series is canon to the current timeline.
The 1990’s Starman series, explained
Written by James Robinson and illustrated by Tony Harris, Starman was simultaneously timeless and a product of its time. On the surface, the book seemed to be a classic Dark Age revival, introducing Jack Knight as a hipster hero too cool for tights and capes. However, the series soon developed into a love letter to the Golden Age, and the values of classic comics.
Running for 80 issues, Starman is also a rare example of a superhero story with a definitive ending. The comic closed with Jack Knight retiring, passing on his mantle to Stargirl, so that he could focus on being a father. He also left his hometown of Opal City behind, so that he could follow the girlfriend who refused to ask him to choose her over heroism.
The brief scene in Justice Society of America #8 does not confirm that Jack Knight ever got back together with the love of his life. It does, however, affirm that he was a superhero, however briefly, in the Dawn of DC timeline. It also implies that the former Starman is not about to come back into action anytime soon.
Justice Society of America #8 is now available at comic shops everywhere.
