When she and her teammates are spirited off into space, Starfire learns that her home planet is being invaded by a destructive alien race known as the Blight. She reluctantly agrees to help the very people who once turned their back on her, even when it means confronting her own flesh and blood.
Red Hood and the Outlaws Volume 2: The Starfire collects Red Hood and the Outlaws #8-14, written by Scott Lobdell with art by Kenneth Rocafort and Timothy Green II.
As a whole, Red Hood and the Outlaws is a wild and unpredictable ride full of heart stopping action and clever dialogue. The Starfire is definitely not an exception to this. Characterization remains at the top of the list of what makes this series such a joy to read, largely because of how well this rag tag team of anti-heroes play off of each other.
Through the use of internal dialogue, we see Arsenal's thoughts towards Starfire and it helps to shape not only our perception of him as a character, but his relationship with Starfire as well. This is a surprisingly healthy relationship that seems to be rehabilitating both characters, helping them to become the best versions of themselves.
Additionally, Arsenal and Red Hood's brotherly teasing continues to delight. It's in these interactions where you see that this isn't just a book with mindless action, it's a book about a makeshift family finding their way in the world.
The meat of this collection is the space-faring adventure that takes the titular heroes to the planet Tamaran as they attempt to overthrow the invading forces of the Blight. While Lobdell borrows elements from Marv Wolfman and George Perez's introduction of Blackfire in the pages of The New Teen Titans, he subverts the narrative by redeeming Starfire's older sister and presenting her as a victim of circumstance. This is arguably the biggest change to Starfire's background and it's difficult to judge whether this decision was good or bad. On the one hand, Blackfire was one of the most devilish villains DC Comics ever had and her dark soul made her the ultimate nemesis for a heroine whose heart was so full of emotion. On the other, it celebrates the power of familial bonds by rejecting the notion that sisters must be in competition with one another. A part of me does feel like the story would have been more thrilling and complex had Blackfire been the villain, but the other feels that the story works more effectively because it doesn't rehash what we've already seen several times before.
Despite all of this, The Starfire should be praised for being a fascinating character study of Starfire as a character and as a hero. Through the eyes of others, she is presented as an incredibly complex woman who is equally as self-serving as she is compassionate and loyal. More than ever before, we also see Starfire as a capable leader. She was once the commander of her own ship, with a crew that trusted and respected her tremendously. This speaks volumes about her and helps to establish her as someone who is not to be underestimated as being merely a pair of giant orange breasts. My one wish, however, would have been to have been able to have Starfire's perspective. Red Hood and Arsenal continue to dominate the narrative, with both providing constant commentary through interior dialogue. Starfire is denied this opportunity, which seems a little unequal.
Aside from the main narrative, The Starfire collects three one-off stories. The first involves the team taking down the grossly overweight gangster Suzie Su, the second sees them involved in a conflict between the Court of Owls and Mr. Freeze, while the third has them duking it out with Superman. The quality remains high across the board with these stories, particularly with the latter. The fight that breaks out between the titular heroes and the Man of Steel is so ridiculous that it takes a civilian to point out just how incredibly immature they're all being. Of the three, the weakest is the tie-in to Night of the Owls. As with most of the other tie-ins for this Bat Family event, it feels forced and interrupts the overall flow of the narrative. The other problem is that it leaves the reader confused if they're unfamiliar with the event. Red Hood may have once been Robin, but there's no reason to be involving this book in Batman crossovers.
The Starfire offers a whole lot of crazy fun. It's fast-paced and funny, which is perfect for a reader who is looking for a story with great action and well-written characters. Its space setting is also great for fans of sci fi. While the jury is still out on the characterization of Blackfire, it's hard to deny that Scott Lobdell delivered an incredible story that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Rating: B+
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