DC Universe Classics Starman Jack Knight Action Figure

It’s pretty rare for The Blot to get really excited over an action figure, but it happened last week when Mattel announced the characters included in DC Universe Classics Wave 15. Not only does Wave 15 include the Martian Manhunter, Jemm, OMAC and the Golden Pharaoh (from DC's Super Powers), but it also includes one of my all time favorite super heroes, Starman Jack Knight!


James Robinson and Tony Harris’ DC comic book Starman ran for 81 issues in the 90’s and quickly became one of my all time favorite books. To me, it personifies what a great comic book should be, and I can’t recommend it enough to both comic book fans and those who’ve never read an issue. You can pre-order the Jack Knight action figure as a two figure Starman set from Entertainment Earth (Jack comes with his father, the Classic Starman Ted Knight) here for $33.99. The figures are scheduled to ship in August 2010.


The Classic Starman Ted Knight action figure, the traditional version of Starman, comes equipped with his Cosmic Rod and a Stellar Energy Pistol. The Modern Starman Jack Knight action figure, comes with his trusty Cosmic Rod and features contemporary translucent parts.

Collectors can expect DCUC Wave 15 action figures to begin showing up at retailers this summer. These figures will first appear at Kmart in late August/early September, then retailers everywhere in the fall.

James Robinson’s New Justice League of America Line-Up Debuts Today

DC Comics unleashes Justice League of America #41 on the world today, and it features an all new line-up handpicked by writer James Robinson. Robinson’s JLA line-up features an interesting mix of new and old members, including JLA stalwarts like Green Lantern Hal Jordan, Green Arrow, The Atom (Ray Palmer) and the female Dr. Light. The team also includes four former New Teen Titans members, Batman (Dick Grayson), Donna Troy, Starfire and Cyborg. Rounding out Robinson’s League is future Legion of Super-Heroes member Mon-El, the Guardian (a long time Superman ally) and Congorilla.


This moment is bittersweet for The Blot, because if DC had announced this line-up 10 years ago I’d be ecstatic over Robinson writing a JLA team that included four of my favorite Titans. Sadly, it’s come a little too late to evoke any kind of excitement now. This would have been a dream line-up for The Blot as a kid/young adult. Growing up, the New Titans, JLA and the Legion of Super-Heroes were three of my favorite books, but after years of mismanagement I’ve lost interest in all three titles. I have no idea why DC Comics continues to squander the Teen Titans franchise, but they seem incapable of capitalizing on the characters’ mainstream success.


And don’t even get me started on James Robinson! You see, ten years ago Robinson was my favorite comic book writer. Everything he touched turned to gold, especially his amazing 80 issue run of the Zero Hour spin-off, Starman. But his most recent work gets a colossal “Meh!” from me now. I’ve hated Justice League: Cry For Justice and I'm pretty ambivalent to his Superman stories. The truth is, I’ll pick up #41 because I love the idea that the Titans have finally grown up and are taking their rightful place among the DC Universe elite. It’s just sad Robinson had to have Red Arrow’s arm torn off to make this happen. As any long time Titans fan would agree, Roy Harper, as the first Teen Titan to join the JLA, should be on the team along with his childhood friends instead of Oliver Queen.

Justice League of America #41 by James Robinson and Mark Bagley hits newsstands today, January 27, 2010.