Our next profile is on one of the better-known Good Guys,...

Starman

Early 1941

    Ted Knight, a wealthy playboy and amateur astronomer, is in his private observatory in Federal City when he makes a startling discovery. Seeing that certain radiation frequencies are visible when viewed through his special telescope, Ted sets out to find a way to use this new form of energy, which he dubs "stellar" energy. Upon creating a metal collector cylinder, Ted captures this stellar energy in the metal rod. Like many young men of his generation and status, Ted is dissatisfied with his way of life. Upon reflection, he decides to emulate the new breed of costumed mystery men that have been appearing over the last few years. And so he creates an identity for himself as the Starman. Using his new invention, now called the "gravity rod," Starman can fly, melt metal like butter, and create gravity shields to protect him from any harm.

    Still discovering what his gravity rod is capable of, he sets out on his first case against the Brotherhood of the Electron led by the evil genius, Dr. Doog. Defeating—and seemingly destroying—Dr. Doog further spurs the new hero to continue as a crimefighter against the evils of mankind.

    His exploits do not go unnoticed. When a fellow mystery-man (Hourman) decides to take a leave of absence from the prestigious Justice Society of America, Starman is invited to take his place, which he does in December 1941. After a short trial period, he is made an official member in January 1942. Here he serves on and off for the next several years while he continues his solo crime-fighting career. Without his gravity rod Starman is as vulnerable to harm as any normal person would be, but he is in excellent physical shape and skilled in hand-to-hand combat.

    Starman retires from the Justice Society in the winter of 1944-45 for unknown reasons. He continues his solo career until early 1946, when he decides to end his adventuring days.