Starfire #1
Published and © by DC, August-September 1976
Title: “A World Made of War”
Synopsis: A “pampered serving girl” discovers love and heartbreak on her way to becoming the leader of the human resistance.
Writer: David Michelinie
Penciler: Mike Vosburg
Inker: Mike Vosburg
Review: DC’s Starfire lasted only eight issues, and it’s pretty easy to understand why: There’s really not much new to be seen here. While not a bad science-fantasy book, there’s certainly nothing in the way of original concepts: Slaves rising up against their masters; humans on the run from an assortment of nasty critters; advanced science set against the backdrop of a primitive world. In many ways this series is similar to DC’s Warlord, but without the spark that made Mike Grell’s opus so much fun. Starfire does sport some decent art, courtesy of Star*Reach alums Mike Vosburg and Bob Smith.
Grade: B
Second opinion: “Starfire had potential, but lacked direction.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003
Cool factor: DC makes it clear on the “Write Upon a Star” letter page that it’s cherry-picking artists from Star*Reach. There were certainly worse places to look for talent.
Not-so-cool factor: The costume designs. “Hideous” would be kind.
Notable: This issue does not sport the seal of the Comics Code Authority. But, according to The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide, Starfire #1 was approved, the seal just fell off during production.
Character quotable: “Aye, Sookaroth, the babe’s mother was white, and the father yellow. A combination I thought you might find intriguing …” – one of an infant Starfire’s Mygorg overlords, in a fine display of the racial sensitivity common during the Bronze Age
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on June 19, 2009.
