Fans of Teen Titans can get to know their favorite Titans in the new series Tales of the Titans, and first up is Starfire. From creators Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, and Javier Rodríguez, and of the classic Teen Titans are in for a treat with great character writing, but Starfire fans are even luckier as the creative team clearly understands the complexities of this often underwritten character.
Tales of the Titans #1 opens with the Titans hanging out. Each Titan is up to something, like Nightwing fiddling with a gizmo, or Beast Boy being a bit annoying but lovable. Through the team’s interactions, we understand that Starfire feels misunderstood but still loves her teammates. Soon the team has a new mission to head to, but Starfire is pulled away and goes solo.
Separating the team allows the writers to explore Starfire’s culture as she returns to her planet. A reoccurring thing is how Starfire doesn’t like to be called princess, even though she used to be one. This moniker is carried forward through the story, whether Starfire blasts tentacle creatures or heads to a destination. There’s a story arc here that’s compelling involving Starfire finding confidence in being called princess and also what princess can mean in certain contexts.
You get the sense they’re more a family than just a team.
Credit: DC Comics
As a character-focused story, don’t expect a big-bad villain for Starfire to fight. There are tentacles to vanquish, but they end up being a trial to fight against rather than a high-stakes battle of saving the universe. On some scale, that’s great, as the focus is never off Starfire. The stakes are recovered a bit in the ending, although Starfire is dropped into a battle rather than facing a threat she can’t handle or has to overcome.
Throughout the story, Rodríguez positively dazzles, be it alien worlds and the colors used or the incredible hairdos of her new Tamaranean friends. Starfire’s hair is particularly cool as if it’s a flame that trails her. Tons of subtle details keep you eyeballing every panel, from the neat spaceship the Tamaranean folks use or how the chunks of earth break up when a tentacle pops up.
Letters by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou are exceptional. Panels connect in interesting ways, like a straight gutter between two in one panel or, in another case, a curved gutter. The ebb and flow of the word balloons are sometimes doing as much as the words. In another case, a “Get everyone to safety” goes without a balloon, adding further emphasis. There’s always something to see and think about regarding Otsmane-Elhaou’s letters.
If you’re looking for a good character study, Tales of the Titans #1 is a good adventure that empowers its main character while also not forgetting where she fits in the team. With great lettering and art that pops, Tales of the Titans will reinvigorate your love of these characters.
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