Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape!


Just as Batman triumphed over the Joker, you have defeated the long and treacherous workweek! Give yourself a pat on the back because we know how rough that battle is. So, now that it’s over, why not celebrate your victory by devoting the weekend to some comic book reading?

For this week’s Weekend Escape, we’re spotlighting Stargirl: The Lost Children. It’s basically a superhero version of The Goonies, that also recaptures the fun of the Stargirl television series. Stargirl: The Lost Children is now available as a trade paperback collection, or each of its six individual issues can be read on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE. Stargirl Spring Break Special #1 serves as a prologue to the series, kicking off Courtney Whitmore’s latest adventure, so start with that.
 

The Premise:

The Golden Age of Heroes was filled with costumed adventurers and their kid sidekicks, but decades later, the sidekicks have been mysteriously forgotten. Whatever happened to Dyna-Mite, sidekick to TNT, or Boom, daughter of the original Flash? Or the countless other kid sidekicks whose youthful energy and idealism made the world a brighter place?

Something is drawing young heroes to Orphan Island, a place that exists outside of time. The island is ruled by the Childminder, a terrifying creature who collects kid sidekicks for her own sinister purpose. As Stargirl: The Lost Children kicks off, Stargirl and Red Arrow embark on a quest to save the forgotten sidekicks, unaware of the dangers awaiting them on the mysterious island.
 

Let’s Talk Talent:

The series is written by Geoff Johns, a man who is one of the most consequential creators in DC history. In some ways, this limited series brings Johns full circle, as Courtney Whitmore first appeared in 1999’s Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E., the first comic Geoff wrote for DC. He’s the author of some of DC’s most pivotal events, including Infinite Crisis, Blackest Night, Flashpoint and more. He also served as showrunner for the Stargirl television series, and executive producer for many of DC’s other superhero dramas.

So yeah, he’s a pretty big deal.

Todd Nauck is a DC legend who has penciled Young Justice, Teen Titans, Legion of Super-Heroes and more. His lively pencils give every scene a sense of fun and each character their own distinctive personality. Just look at Dyna-Mite in the opening flashback. The youngster doesn’t say much during the scene, but we get a full sense of his personality from his body language and facial expressions. Ladies and gentlemen, the talent of Todd Nauck.
 

A Few Reasons to Read:

  • If you’re a fan of coming-of-age adventure films like the The Goonies, then this book will leave you grinning ear-to-ear. Stargirl: The Lost Children is cut from the same cloth. We have a mysterious island setting, a scary villain, colorful personalities, a few laughs and wall-to-wall action.
     
  • Are you a fan of the ‘90s Young Justice comic? If so, this book will feel like a blast from the past. Nauck was a longtime Young Justice penciler and Stargirl: The Lost Children has a distinctive Young Justice feel. As you turn the pages, you’ll swear you’re looking through a lost Young Justice back issue. Plus, we get the return of Secret, a former Young Justice member who has been in limbo for years.
  • Speaking of ‘90s nostalgia, if you’re a fan of Grant Morrison and Howard Porter’s JLA run, don’t sleep on this comic. I won’t spoil the big surprise, but I can tease that somebody big shows up. Somebody unexpected, who hasn’t been seen in a while. This character isn’t just fanservice for ‘90s fans, they play a major role in the final act.
     
  • If you miss the Stargirl TV series and wish we could have gotten another season, then this comic is the next best thing. First of all, it’s written by Courtney Whitmore co-creator Johns, who served as showrunner for the CW series. As a result, the script has the same feel as the beloved (and missed) superhero drama. Nauck also adds in some fun extra touches for fans of the show. For example, Courtney’s bedroom is designed the same way and downtown Blue Valley is lifted directly from the series (trust me, I’ve been there).
     

Why It’s Worth Your Time:

When it comes down to it, we read comics because we want to feel good and Stargirl: The Lost Children is a feel-good comic that will brighten your day. The kid sidekicks never lose their youthful optimism or the sense of wonder that makes them idolize their mentors. In many ways, it’s refreshing.

Do you remember the first superhero story you experienced as a child? It doesn’t matter if it was a comic book, cartoon or a film. Try to remember the joy you felt as you watched the heroes overcome adversity and triumph over evil. Stargirl: The Lost Children is a fun adventure story that gets to the root of why we started reading comics in the first place. It’s a heartwarming and exciting comic, making it the perfect choice for this weekend…or any one!
 

Stargirl: The Lost Children by Geoff Johns, Todd Nauck and Matt Herms is available in print as a softcover graphic novel and can be read in full on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.

Joshua Lapin-Bertone writes about TV, movies and comics for DC.com, is a regular contributor to the Couch Club and writes our monthly Batman column, "Gotham Gazette." Follow him on Twitter at @TBUJosh.

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Joshua Lapin-Bertone and do not necessarily reflect those of DC Entertainment or Warner Bros., nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.