Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Starlight #2
Image Comics
Millar & Parlov
The second issue of Starlight doesn't quite capture the Flash Gordon-like story as the first issue did. Instead this comic is more about convincing the old man to dust off his suit and return for one more adventure. This type of exchange where one tries to plead their case to another, first with praise and then with guilt, is something seen time and time again and this comic doesn't do much different with the idea. Still, the comic has some high points, especially at the end. This is a pretty good comic book.
The issue is almost entirely the alien visitor trying to convince the old man, Duke McQueen, to help save the alien's planet a second time. The visitor is a twelve year old that has grown up idolizing the old guy. Duke explains his situation and his age and more or less doesn't take the kid too seriously. This upsets the kid and then lashes out and gives McQueen the tough love act that becomes enough to convince him to return.
The story the kid tells is one of peace on their world after McQueen saved it decades ago. The planet then fell into a time where they were weak without a sharp military and were left vulnerable to a wave of invaders. It's an interesting idea where you have a peaceful planet how they plan to defend themselves. What's not made at all clear is how one old man can possibly make a difference.
The book is very clichéd and predictable and that makes me think Millar has a trick or two up his sleeve. Being familiar with Millar's work it wouldn't be surprising to find that Duke is suffering from dementia and is dreaming up this entire adventure or some bastard of his is the invader. Time will tell but as of now the story is extremely straightforward.
The artwork continues to be a delight. The artwork captures all of the emotion, excitement and wonder that goes into a story like this one. Duke is a depressed guy but space travel obviously gets him to smile again and the artwork captures this perfectly. The book has a detailed look and the colors sit nicely on top of the pencils. This is a very good art presentation.
Starlight looks to be a good series to get into. This particular issue doesn't cover much ground as it seems to be a means to get the hero back in action. Hopefully the series will go full-on science fiction adventure in the comic issues. This is a pretty good comic nonetheless.
3.5 out of 5 Geek Goggles
