Starstruck #2 (Of 13)

was originally an off-Broadway stage play produced in 1980 written by Elaine Lee, Norfleet Lee and Dale Place before moving on to the medium of comics. First serialized in in 1982, Elaine Lee and Michael Kaluta's --actually a prequel to the events of the play--was then published in 1984 as before moving into its own short-lived six-issue series under Marvel's old Epic imprint. It was reprinted by Dark Horse in the early ’90s with the promise of more to come, but that fizzled out. Two publishers announced plans for various Starstruck material only to go out of business (Tundra Publishing and Marlowe & Co.). Well, the original stories are now back in print in a re-mastered thirteen-issue miniseries published by IDW, with backup stories featuring the that first appeared in the Epic run. But what is Starstruck? you may ask. Lee Moyer, the fantasy artist who has completely re-painted the series in a beautifully subtle, watercolor style, describes it as follows: "The world of Starstruck takes place in the Anarchic Era that follows the overthrow of the galaxy's Dread Dictator (a cross of Kim Jong Il, the Shah of Iran, and Elvis), and begins as a trio of wily guerrillas, led by Mary Medea, work to ensure the Bajar Dynasty will no longer menace the multiverse." That's just the surface, though. Writer Elaine Lee is an actress and playwright, and she has definitely written Starstruck (in all its incarnations) from a feminine sensibility. This, coupled with Michael Kaluta's Art Nouveau influence work together well in presenting the "other worldly" milieu of this far-future setting. In fact Elaine Lee herself played one of the benevolent characters in the original stage play and illustrator Mike Kaluta played a major role in visual aspects of the play, working on sets, costumes and promotional material. Considering that this comic book was originally created 25 years ago, the high quality of the writing, subtle, with a pace all of its own, and the intricate, Heavy Metal feel of the art--now made even more lush with Moyer's colors--blend together to form as esoteric a science fiction story as the comics medium can ever have. Highly recommended.

After the destruction of his Annie Droid, Kalif has a mental breakdown, spoiling both his sister's fun and his father's plans. Feeling responsible, Mary Medea abandons her plans and blasts off to fight the Bajar-backed March Baptist army, ominously leaving a copy of her will behind. Plus: more Galactic Girl Guide action!--

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