At a time when tensions due to war were at their peak, publishers came up with colorful, costumed vigilantes and enthusiastic sidekicks who would punch bad guys and call it a day. Thus began the Golden Age of Comic Books. With his latest endeavors, Geoff Johns has been resuscitating the JSA and the Golden Age heroes in the post-Rebirth era continuity. The latest focus is on Stargirl and Red Arrow, who try to unravel the mystery of missing sidekicks from the Golden Age. Written by Johns with artwork from Todd Nauck, colors by Matt Herms, and letters from Rob Leigh, Stargirl: The Lost Children #1 begins a new adventure through time.
Stargirl: The Lost Children #1 opens in 1942 in Washington. D.C. as the Golden Age hero TNT and his trusty sidekick Dan the Dyna-Mite are in hot pursuit of bank robbers. In the present, Dan reminisces about that day. The story then cuts away to Courtney Whitmore, also known as Star Girl, who is going through a rough patch in her private life. With her grades falling and chores piling up, her parents ground her, which includes superhero activities unless it’s an emergency from JSA. Courtney accepts the conditions for her imprisonment, but her friend Emiko has other plans.
The Golden Age was a time when superhero stories were brazen and carefree. Stargirl: The Lost Children #1 captures the same spirit, hooking the reader in from the very first panel. But as it steps into the modern timeline, the burden of responsibilities becomes the counterweight in an issue that is a bit of a mess. Instead of guiding the reader through the story, the heroes seem as clueless as the audience. However, it is to be anticipated in a Geoff Johns story that shifts back and forth between the past and present so frequently while catering to two narratives that it becomes difficult to keep track of the various plotlines. In all fairness, the Johns has created a clear structure that moves deeper into the intriguing mystery.
Stargirl: The Lost Children #1 is full of swashbuckling artwork. From the panels adapting to the swerving movements of rushing cars to the intricate contour lines detailing Stargirl’s escapades, there is an exuberant energy in the pages. It is a fun kind of line art from artist Todd Nauck. He’s respectful of proportions and anatomy while using exaggerated motions and big eyes to channel the aforementioned energy. Colorist Matt Herms’ flamboyant palette is a big part of why the issue is so eye-catching in the first place. While he is not afraid to use flashy colors, the sepia overlay in the flashback scenes sets the tone apart.
Stargirl: The Lost Children #1 is full of energy from start to finish. Readers familiar with the Seven Soldiers of Victory or The Old Justice, this is a book filled with nostalgia. Perhaps, that is why Geoff Johns portrays his characters with respect. With the first issue hectically scrambling to get the world-building out of the way, there is hope for something great on the way as the series continues.
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