Last month (June 2015) DC introduced new super heroes. One of these new heroes was Starfire. Starfire, issue 1, had its high points and low points, but was overall a solid first issue, which can be purchased here. The second issue of Starfire differs from the first issue in how it was received; this issue can be purchase here. Even with the differences the issues should be read, as it is too early to pass judgment on the direction the comic is headed.
The Good:
From the very first page the comic jumps into action as Kori is helping people evacuate to safety during a hurricane. The comic from there naturally escalates the situation as the hurricane picks up speed. This allows for Kori’s powers to be explored, as they are needed for rescue operations. Furthermore, throughout the comic there are comedic elements such as a pet parrot escapes and has to be rescued which breaks up the tension in the issue. The element of the parrot’s situation reminds us as the reader that this comic is as fun and as it is serious. The comic further utilizes the storm to raise the stakes as Sheriff Stella Gomez’s brother is in the eye of the storm and needs saving. Kori saves him and they rest in Key West. This allows for the natural explanation of how Kori’s powers work as she absorbs solar waves to power her self.
The Bad:
The main problem with the issue is the introduction of the villain. In this issue a villain was introduced, without a name, no back-story and a simple plan to take Starfire back but no other information. Rather than explore this scenario the comic brushed it aside and focused on the natural disaster that occurred. This not only cheapens the villain, it explores how high the threat of the disaster, which is not very high. The reader does not view the villain as a proper threat or foil to Starfire. The comic leaves off with the idea that the villain is a key element of the next issue yet was treated as a background issue rather than the primary issue, creating confusion on where the comic is going.
The Verdict:
I like Starfire, I like the fact that she has her own comic, and I think it’s about time. Yet, with the second issue, I feel that the ball was dropped with the treatment of the first villain. This treatment makes it seem that the comic knows how to write Starfire’s side of the story, but not the villain’s side. Since the two sides are not treated equal, or even close to equal, it shows a lack of skill. A Hero is only as good as the challenges they face, which in this case appears not to be much of one. The second issue left me disappointed, hinting of what the next few issue might hold, which is poor character development. So ultimately, Starfire, issue two, is an average issue that delivered a natural story but had poor character development.
