Story: "Talking With David (and Ted)" (22 Pages)

Credits:

James Robinson (plot, script)
Peter Snejberg (pencils, inks)
Bill Oakley (letters)
Jason Wright (colors)
Jamison (color seperations)
Peter Tomasi (edits)

Feature Character:

Starman VII

Supporting Characters:

Ted Knight (last in issue #72; as a spirit)
David Knight (as a spirit)
Kyle (Mist I's son; as a spirit)
Starman II

Guest Appearances:

Kent Nelson
Inza Nelson (as spirits)

Comment: This issue also includes two pages from the Shade's journal

Synopsis:

As has happened every year, Jack is visited by his deceased brother David, whose soul, like so many others, had been trapped in Opal City by the Black Pirate's curse. Now that curse has been lifted, and this is the last time that David and Jack will meet, though he's brought a companion this time - their father Ted, the original Starman. The two former Starmen explain that the meetings were also facilitated by the former Dr Fate, Kent Nelson, who still retains some magic in spirit form. However, even he does not have enough power to make one of these meetings happen again.

The three Knights then review the history of Starman: from the days when Ted first discovered cosmic energy and became a hero - alone and with the Justice Society; through the intermediate Starmen - Mikaal, Gavyn and Will; to David's embarrassing confrontation with Will Payton and his tragic early death and Jack's career as Starman. They look at good times and bad, the bad best pictured in the moments when Jack was forced to kill. The man he killed in desperation: Kyle, who had killed David, has changed since death, and apologises to Jack for driving him to kill.

The three Knights bid each other goodbye, Jack getting the final chance to tell his dad that he loved him. Jack suddenly realises that they didn't talk about the Starman of 1951, but discovers why, as on his return to Opal he discovers that the cars and fashions are even more retro than normal and he is greeted by the only Starman he has never met...