The Spectre once again pulls back the curtain, this time on Courtney Whitmore, Stargirl. The latest in the very long Starman line. Thanks to James Robinson, the Starman family tree has many branches and has been very fruitful. Not just Ted Knight, but the departed David Knight, as well as the late Sylvester Pemberton, who was both the Star-Spangled Kid and Skyman, and Courtney's near predecessor Jack Knight.
Geoff Johns and David Goyer's Stargirl story is kind of a bummer. Only because Courtney's biological father is a down-on-his-luck grifter who ends up an F-list henchman for The Royal Flush Gang. He doesn't even get a cool costume. He's not even a high card. He's the "Two of Clubs". Or maybe just Number Two.
It's a pretty simple story. Courtney and Pat head off to Atlantic City. They beat up on The Royal Flush Gang, put Courtney's biological dad behind bars and have a bonding moment. It's pretty cool.
As far as the Starman family goes, this is a treat and delight. Pat and Courtney bond. The story fits into the ongoing "Father-Child" theme that Robinson established with Ted and Jack.
Even better, the back-up story is a Tale of Times Past courtesy of Robinson and Tony Harris spotlighting Ted Knight fighting Nazi spies posing as FBI Agents.
These stories are entertaining as character-profiles. Your mileage may vary, but for fans of James Robinson and Tony Harris, as well as the Ted Knight Starman connection this is definitely a highlight. Still, what's missing is a thread or shred of connection to the main narrative. All well and good, but how does this story fit into rescuing Jay, Alan, Carter, Ted and presumably The Spectre from Legacy and the Injustice Gang? That whole line seems to be forgotten in each one of these stories.
On their own and as a pair, the Stargirl and Starman stories are enjoyable. However, what's missing is the connection these stories have in the series as part of any larger picture.
JSA: All Stars 4 earns three stars.
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