Jack Knight, holder of the Cosmic Rod, and hence Opal City's champion, Starman, is still coming to terms with the changes in his life...as is the daughter of Starman's most deadly nemesis, The Mist. Now Jack must face a deadly freak-show mystery, and unearth secrets about the past holders of the Starman role; but moreover, he must face a terrifying crimewave, a lethal series of assassins, and the crazed Mist herself, in a twisted, labyrinthine duel to the death! But, as ever, help is at hand - albeit from the mysterious, immortal ex-villain, the Shade...