Continuing with Starmen for my #SupermanAnalogue series, let's move on to Mikaal Tomas. As with most Starmen, I know the character mostly from the James Robinson series from the 90s, but this one dates back to the 70s... Obviously. 
The short version is that Mikaal is DC's version of Mar-Vell: he's an alien warrior, sent to infiltrate Earth, then discovers that he's cool with Earth and sides with humanity. He's powered by a star amulet which he at first wore around his neck before it was fused into his chest
The amulet gave him the standard space hero package of flight, protection from damage, some physical augmentation, and beams of stellar radiation. As with similar characters (Nova, Moonstone, the Darkstars, etc) the idiosyncracies of those powers were developed by later writers.
Now, one thing that separates this character from the myriad space heroes is that THIS is a Starman who FUCKS! He's had numerous serious relationships and casual flings, with no concern for gender or species. Also a fan of the drugs. So rock on.
Mikaal disappeared after his own series ended in the 70s. When he showed up in the Robinson series, he had been held hostage as a circus freak show. Jack Knight, the seventh Starman, freed him and helped him get back on his feet. In their adventures, Mikaal's powers were restored
After the Robinson run ended, Mikaal was looped into the "Cry For Justice" series that was meant to launch a new Justice League... But... Didn't.
This is not a particularly spicy take, but Cry For Justice was fucking terrible. @Linkara19 did a great run of videos on the series, if you wish to know precisely why: atopthefourthwall.com/justice-league…
Now days, I'm not sure what happened to Mikaal Tomas. I think Will Payton is the current one and Stargirl is the closest we're getting on the TV shows.
So that's Mikaal Tomas. Alien wielder of an energy superweapon and party animal all in one!
Please unroll @threadreaderapp
