The Secret Origin of... STARMAN

Though there were other comics series with similar names before and after, the longest-running Secret Origins comic book was published by DC Comics from April 1986 to August 1990.  It included 50 regular issues, three annuals, and one special edition.  This series of blog posts focuses on the stories that would have, should have, or otherwise follow the spirit of that series.      

The Secret Origins anthology, which would debut with an issue cover dated April 1986 featuring the Golden Age Superman, prominently featured the origins of Golden Age "mystery men."  This issue of  All-Star Squadron came out over a year prior to Secret Origins #1. It served as a sample of sorts of what Secret Origins would become.    

The Secret Origin of... STARMAN

"Catch a Falling Starman!" from All-Star Squadron #41 (January 1985) by Roy Thomas, Paul Kupperberg, and Arvell Jones

Synopsis from The All-Star Companion Vol. 2: An unconscious Starman falls from the sky over Squadron HQ.  Tarantula recounts Starman's origins.  Discontented playboy Ted Knight used the Gravity Rod, an invention of the missing Prof. Davis, to become the costumed Starman.  His cousin Sandra, meanwhile, used Davis' black light ray to become Phantom Lady.  Starman rescued Davis from Dr. Doog and his Brotherhood of the Electron, and earned Davis' blessing to continue as Starman.  In the present, Starman wakes--with a dire warning on his lips.   

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