The countdown continues with 1996's "Christmas Knight" from Starman #27 by James Robinson, Steve Yeowell and Wade Von Grawbadger...

The issue centers around two concurrent plots. One, the large O'Dare family (the red-headed cops who were major supporting characters in Starman) gather together to celebrate Christmas with each other (as well as with Ted Knight and the alien Starman, Mikaal) while Jack Knight, on his way to the party (while first getting ingredients for a punch), runs into a down on his luck Santa Claus...

The rest of the issue intercuts between Jack trying to find the man's locket from the people who stole it from him and the various O'Dares ending up at the party (as we get updates on each of their respective lives). Along the way, though, the homeless Santa discovers a certain spark as old parts of his life long forgotten kick into action and he becomes just as much of a hero as Jack is during the night. Finally, when the day is "saved," the two men part, as he lets Jack know his name is Pete. Of course, Jack can't leave it at that...

So great.

Yeowell (whose name is spelled incorrectly in the credits, which is odd) does a striking job with all of the character work in the issue. Those facial expressions! Just outstanding. Robinson's story is warm and heartfelt. A brilliant recipe for a Christmas classic.