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Rising Stars #3
Rising Stars, Vol. 3: Fire and Ash
Writer J. Michael Straczynski's superhero tour-de-force reaches its stunning conclusion as the final fate of the 113 "Pederson Specials" is revealed. The final chapter of one of the greatest comic series EVER is now available in trade paperback for your bookshelf!
Collects Rising Stars #17-24.
Collects Rising Stars #17-24.
208 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
4 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
J. Michael Straczynski
1,366 books1,278 followersJoseph Michael Straczynski is an American filmmaker and comic book writer. He is the founder of Synthetic Worlds Ltd. and Studio JMS and is best known as the creator of the science fiction television series Babylon 5 (1993–1998) and its spinoff Crusade (1999), as well as the series Jeremiah (2002–2004) and Sense8 (2015–2018). He is the executor of the estate of Harlan Ellison.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.
Straczynski wrote the psychological drama film Changeling (2008) and was co-writer on the martial arts thriller Ninja Assassin (2009), was one of the key writers for (and had a cameo in) Marvel's Thor (2011), as well as the horror film Underworld: Awakening (2012), and the apocalyptic horror film World War Z (2013). From 2001 to 2007, Straczynski wrote Marvel Comics' The Amazing Spider-Man, followed by runs on Thor and Fantastic Four. He is the author of the Superman: Earth One trilogy of graphic novels, and he has written Superman, Wonder Woman, and Before Watchmen for DC Comics. Straczynski is the creator and writer of several original comic book series such as Rising Stars, Midnight Nation, Dream Police, and Ten Grand through Joe's Comics.
A prolific writer across a variety of media and former journalist, Straczynski is the author of the autobiography Becoming Superman (2019) for HarperVoyager, the novel Together We Will Go (2021) for Simon & Schuster, and Becoming a Writer, Staying a Writer (2021) for Benbella Books. In 2020 he was named Head of the Creative Council for the comics publishing company Artists, Writers and Artisans.
Straczynski is a long-time participant in Usenet and other early computer networks, interacting with fans through various online forums (including GEnie, CompuServe, and America Online) since 1984. He is credited as being the first TV producer to directly engage with fans on the Internet and to allow viewer viewpoints to influence the look and feel of his show. Two prominent areas where he had a presence were GEnie and the newsgroup rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 23, 2016
So we finally got to see an end to the Rising Stars saga. I think my expectations were so high nothing could have matched them, which is why I enjoyed this one slightly less than the others. It was still really good nonetheless. As we probably could have guessed, we find out here the whole thing was
Overall this was a very good comic series, and I would recommend all 3 volumes to any fans of superhero comics.
Overall this was a very good comic series, and I would recommend all 3 volumes to any fans of superhero comics.
April 20, 2017
Simon convinces a special of a way to end the conflict around Jerusalem - by making the soil fertile again. This ends her life, but she manages what people see as a miracle that reunites them after hundreds of years of war. If only this worked in real life...
The specials have helped humanity a great deal, but they have also suffered and some of them have upset men with the power and the resources to destroy them. Jerry 'Pyre' Montrose is the first to be killed with the help of an EMP that temporarily disables his power. The increase in power alerts the specials ans Simon confirms that they are hunted and goes after the people responsible for Jerry's death. When their leader is dead almost all the specials assume new identities prepared beforehand, but they continue to help normal people. Jason can't hide as his body was mutilated by the radiation he endured while hiding the nukes, so he is hunted and killed. His blood wakes Matt, the special who became a police officer, from his coma to continue the fight.
Randy decides to run for president and enrolls Lionel, the special who can speak with the dead, to be his source of information he can use against his political rivals. Lionel finds a great deal of information from the dead, but using it doesn't help Randy until his third try when his opponents destroy their own chances to win. Randy forced the congress to back him by using the information from Lionel and the country improved dramatically. Unfortunately, there are still politicians who oppose the new regime and are making preparations to kill the specials and take over the country. The nuclear explosion killed all specials, except Simon who refused to go with them, and released their power to the whole world for one day. In that day the people saw their potential for perfection, stopped all conflict and banded together at a global scale.
The ending has Simon, the last special with their combined power, lift off from Earth in a ship that takes him to the source of his power, closing the circle.
The specials have helped humanity a great deal, but they have also suffered and some of them have upset men with the power and the resources to destroy them. Jerry 'Pyre' Montrose is the first to be killed with the help of an EMP that temporarily disables his power. The increase in power alerts the specials ans Simon confirms that they are hunted and goes after the people responsible for Jerry's death. When their leader is dead almost all the specials assume new identities prepared beforehand, but they continue to help normal people. Jason can't hide as his body was mutilated by the radiation he endured while hiding the nukes, so he is hunted and killed. His blood wakes Matt, the special who became a police officer, from his coma to continue the fight.
Randy decides to run for president and enrolls Lionel, the special who can speak with the dead, to be his source of information he can use against his political rivals. Lionel finds a great deal of information from the dead, but using it doesn't help Randy until his third try when his opponents destroy their own chances to win. Randy forced the congress to back him by using the information from Lionel and the country improved dramatically. Unfortunately, there are still politicians who oppose the new regime and are making preparations to kill the specials and take over the country. The nuclear explosion killed all specials, except Simon who refused to go with them, and released their power to the whole world for one day. In that day the people saw their potential for perfection, stopped all conflict and banded together at a global scale.
The ending has Simon, the last special with their combined power, lift off from Earth in a ship that takes him to the source of his power, closing the circle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2020
Read from beginning to end. Good stuff. 5 stars
May 12, 2016
Unfortunately this felt like an excellent series going out with a wimpier rather than a boom. After two excellent volumes showing a fairly realistic take on how 113 super powered people change the world, this one didn't quite keep the momentum.
This had the potential to be the most interesting and unique volume. All the conflicts between the specials are done and they are more or less living life united and in the mainstream, helping to build a better world. We see them tackling issues like nuclear disarmament, peace in the middle east, unemployment and the drug trade.
This sounds excellent and based on JMS's past work I was expecting it to be handled in a unique and nuanced way. Sadly it really comes across as very rushed with not enough time dedicated to each issue, or to any character development and the underlying story playing out in a fairly predictable way.
Overall it's still an excellent series.
This had the potential to be the most interesting and unique volume. All the conflicts between the specials are done and they are more or less living life united and in the mainstream, helping to build a better world. We see them tackling issues like nuclear disarmament, peace in the middle east, unemployment and the drug trade.
This sounds excellent and based on JMS's past work I was expecting it to be handled in a unique and nuanced way. Sadly it really comes across as very rushed with not enough time dedicated to each issue, or to any character development and the underlying story playing out in a fairly predictable way.
Overall it's still an excellent series.
April 7, 2018
I finished the third graphic novel in the Rising Stars trilogy;
Rising Stars: Fire and Ash by J. Michael Straczynski. In this volume, the Specials fight back, to use their powers for the good of mankind, even as the establishment, the corrupt government, the military machine tries to stop them. It's a very sad story at times, but ultimately edifying. Well-written series and it was nice to get back into my collection of graphic novels again. (4 stars)
Rising Stars: Fire and Ash by J. Michael Straczynski. In this volume, the Specials fight back, to use their powers for the good of mankind, even as the establishment, the corrupt government, the military machine tries to stop them. It's a very sad story at times, but ultimately edifying. Well-written series and it was nice to get back into my collection of graphic novels again. (4 stars)
May 27, 2018
I was thinking along the read that I would give this 5 stars. But a pity 5 stars because the read was ok but with some good parts that I enjoyed. The ending changed that for me : 5 deserved stars.
So basically everytime I think I know what will happen, it does not turn out how I actually thought it would. And that's incredibly refreshing. The reason is very simple too : this is the most realistic depiction of humanity I have yet to see in a story. We are so used in our go-happy go-lucky world to brighten everything. Heroes always win, the main character always does the right thing, villains are bad but ultimately change or have good reasons for what they do...
The hard ugly truth is that humans are not all that great. Humanity is in fact very ugly and stupid. We are disgusting, power hungry, selfish, greedy, violent...
We are all that but entertainment tries to show us otherwise - which is not bad, mind you. But it is hiding from the truth.
We are all that but we can be better. There are some people, some moments that make us believe there us faith in humanity.
This ultimate volume (and it's ending in particular) does a wonderful job depicting this. The utter wretchedness and the possibilities for us. It is cynically realistic and hopeful - just like I am which struck a chord within me.
The realistic treatment of humans and human reactions was what made this a particularly unexpected read. We are far from the usual glossing up of the media. I loved that Randy lost the elections, I loved how true the military men's reactions were (even their bullshit talk about how they were not doing that for themselves but for the greater good is so accurate), loved how they prepared for the eventuality of them being tracked down etc
Normal routes and tropes were also avoided. Loved how the EMP threat was quickly tossed aside where in other comics it would have been turned into this major threat and plotline (cough cough kryptonite) to fuel as much drama as possible.
There were of course small shortcomings like how the sheer nulber of the cast prevented character development : one of the main reason I probably did not get attached to any characters which really hindered my appreciation for this work, Vol 1 & 2 included. It's a real pity since this is probably the reason the whole work was brought down for me. Characters are the linchpin of a story and they must grow on readers. This is where this loses on Supes or WW.
But oh well. This was still a very great read. Comics treated intellectually. That may be why it's not as fun or as funny as other comics ir books but it was way more refreshing and interesting.
P.S : absolutely loved the surprise ending!
So basically everytime I think I know what will happen, it does not turn out how I actually thought it would. And that's incredibly refreshing. The reason is very simple too : this is the most realistic depiction of humanity I have yet to see in a story. We are so used in our go-happy go-lucky world to brighten everything. Heroes always win, the main character always does the right thing, villains are bad but ultimately change or have good reasons for what they do...
The hard ugly truth is that humans are not all that great. Humanity is in fact very ugly and stupid. We are disgusting, power hungry, selfish, greedy, violent...
We are all that but entertainment tries to show us otherwise - which is not bad, mind you. But it is hiding from the truth.
We are all that but we can be better. There are some people, some moments that make us believe there us faith in humanity.
This ultimate volume (and it's ending in particular) does a wonderful job depicting this. The utter wretchedness and the possibilities for us. It is cynically realistic and hopeful - just like I am which struck a chord within me.
The realistic treatment of humans and human reactions was what made this a particularly unexpected read. We are far from the usual glossing up of the media. I loved that Randy lost the elections, I loved how true the military men's reactions were (even their bullshit talk about how they were not doing that for themselves but for the greater good is so accurate), loved how they prepared for the eventuality of them being tracked down etc
Normal routes and tropes were also avoided. Loved how the EMP threat was quickly tossed aside where in other comics it would have been turned into this major threat and plotline (cough cough kryptonite) to fuel as much drama as possible.
There were of course small shortcomings like how the sheer nulber of the cast prevented character development : one of the main reason I probably did not get attached to any characters which really hindered my appreciation for this work, Vol 1 & 2 included. It's a real pity since this is probably the reason the whole work was brought down for me. Characters are the linchpin of a story and they must grow on readers. This is where this loses on Supes or WW.
But oh well. This was still a very great read. Comics treated intellectually. That may be why it's not as fun or as funny as other comics ir books but it was way more refreshing and interesting.
P.S : absolutely loved the surprise ending!
December 5, 2022
Got this as single issues via the Humble Bundle Top Cow 30th Anniversary.
My advice when you suddenly got hold of a lot of comics, via a Humble Bundle for example, look up the reading order via Google. It will save you headaches and frustration.
This is an interesting story about superheroes, or at least persons with abilities. A cosmic event over Pederson (USA) affects the unborn children giving them abilities. We follow them growing up, their ups and downs, for good and for bad, how people respond to them (putting them in camp, distrust), ... all the way to the final end. The artwork is ok and it is a fascinating story, with a touching end. I've seen it compared to the "Watchmen" by Alan Moore, but that one is better.
My advice when you suddenly got hold of a lot of comics, via a Humble Bundle for example, look up the reading order via Google. It will save you headaches and frustration.
This is an interesting story about superheroes, or at least persons with abilities. A cosmic event over Pederson (USA) affects the unborn children giving them abilities. We follow them growing up, their ups and downs, for good and for bad, how people respond to them (putting them in camp, distrust), ... all the way to the final end. The artwork is ok and it is a fascinating story, with a touching end. I've seen it compared to the "Watchmen" by Alan Moore, but that one is better.
August 23, 2023
6.7
[opinia za całą serię]
Zbyt dużo tu drewniano-maczystowskiej dawki mroku komiksów z lat 90., aby część wątków i postaci traktować nader poważnie, jedna mimo kilku wad i dłużyzn Straczynski dowozi całkiem ciekawą serię około-superbohaterską. Nakładane na siebie scenariuszowe tropy w tego typu historiach (zły rząd i przemysł wojskowy, good guys turn bad) ratuje ich niejednokrotnie ciekawe rozwinięcie i społeczno-polityczne tło. Niestety też, zamiast zatrzymywać się na konkretnych postaciach, aby dać czytelnikowi możliwość ich poznania oraz wypracowania jakiejkolwiek emocji względem nich, JSM traktuje Specialsów jako jednorodną masę służącą opowiedzeniu konkretnej wielkoskalowej historii. Wciąż jednak warto.
[opinia za całą serię]
Zbyt dużo tu drewniano-maczystowskiej dawki mroku komiksów z lat 90., aby część wątków i postaci traktować nader poważnie, jedna mimo kilku wad i dłużyzn Straczynski dowozi całkiem ciekawą serię około-superbohaterską. Nakładane na siebie scenariuszowe tropy w tego typu historiach (zły rząd i przemysł wojskowy, good guys turn bad) ratuje ich niejednokrotnie ciekawe rozwinięcie i społeczno-polityczne tło. Niestety też, zamiast zatrzymywać się na konkretnych postaciach, aby dać czytelnikowi możliwość ich poznania oraz wypracowania jakiejkolwiek emocji względem nich, JSM traktuje Specialsów jako jednorodną masę służącą opowiedzeniu konkretnej wielkoskalowej historii. Wciąż jednak warto.
March 14, 2017
As I expected, this story was about the telling. I am glad that stories like this are made. The endless rehash of Marvel/DC characters in endless EARTH-X stories get old. Having stories in analog universes (think Astro City and Irredeemable and NEXTWAVE) are often quite satisfying, in that the analogs can do they things that Captain America or Batman cannot. And on the flip-side, in What-If type or the rare stories (one shot Daredevil story that I can't recall the name of or Red Son), those are more often than not, not very good.
Also, I like that Straczynski had a start to finish story, something that doesn't always get a change in comics.
Also, I like that Straczynski had a start to finish story, something that doesn't always get a change in comics.
January 5, 2019
A strong finish. If nothing else, JMS is a master of plotting meaningful final stakes in the last act. Is it corny and a bit reliant on deus ex machina? Probably, but if you can get past that, you have what could be considered a great counter argument to Arthur C. Clarke's Childhood's End.
March 19, 2023
I have no idea how I could have felt like I've seen it coming, yet really didn't see it coming at all.
I highly recommend this series to any science fiction fan, and especially to all Babylon 5 or BSG fans. You'll be happy, and sad, and touched.
I highly recommend this series to any science fiction fan, and especially to all Babylon 5 or BSG fans. You'll be happy, and sad, and touched.
June 20, 2023
Utopique. Idéaliste.
Notre auteur a une vision ethnocentrée de la paix dans le monde.
Ce dernier tome est bourré de réflexions politiques. Il regorge de dialogues. Beaucoup de mots pour peu d'actions. Je n'ai pas beaucoup aimé mais les adeptes de politique pourraient aisément l'apprécier.
Notre auteur a une vision ethnocentrée de la paix dans le monde.
Ce dernier tome est bourré de réflexions politiques. Il regorge de dialogues. Beaucoup de mots pour peu d'actions. Je n'ai pas beaucoup aimé mais les adeptes de politique pourraient aisément l'apprécier.
June 10, 2025
Nice ending to the trilogy. Even with the superpowers, changing of the world is impossible, and the best that can be done is making it a bit better.
Final ending of the comic was really nicely done, and because of it, everything makes sense.
Final ending of the comic was really nicely done, and because of it, everything makes sense.
July 24, 2017
A wonderful ending to a great series.
November 13, 2018
Me emocionei lendo gibi de heroizin, eh mole?
October 1, 2024
Good pacing. I really liked the ending of this one.
February 22, 2016
Not read in the Graphic Novel Book Club, but read inspired by it
The last 3rd of the story (even if it is the 3rd of 5 graphic novels), I did not know entirely what to expect going into this one. The peace and how the peace was both happening and falling apart. The continued government problems. The breaking and waking and dying of certain people busting my heart everywhere.
The last three issues. The big explosion. The last ride / The ultimate reveal for the very beginning of the story and miracle itself. I have so many thoughts about these things and how the world had to wait years through a Top Cow hold out to get to them. And just. Yes, and no, and I'm so close to having read this entire canon now, too.
The last 3rd of the story (even if it is the 3rd of 5 graphic novels), I did not know entirely what to expect going into this one. The peace and how the peace was both happening and falling apart. The continued government problems. The breaking and waking and dying of certain people busting my heart everywhere.
The last three issues. The big explosion. The last ride / The ultimate reveal for the very beginning of the story and miracle itself. I have so many thoughts about these things and how the world had to wait years through a Top Cow hold out to get to them. And just. Yes, and no, and I'm so close to having read this entire canon now, too.
April 22, 2010
Finally! I finally found how it all ended. And you know what? That's a good and satisfying ending. Just a little too quickly paced. In some ways, I liked that I literally waited years to read this. I must have read Volume 1 and 2 a few times since i picked them up. Well all that study pays off. Everybody gets a reference in the end and, most importantly, I think Stracynski really says something profound about living life to your fullest potential. I guess in some ways, he's very much bringing the Golden Age ideals of superheroes to a more modern setting.
I liked it. It was earnest. And I can almost always get behind that.
I liked it. It was earnest. And I can almost always get behind that.
August 19, 2008
Somehow, I managed to check out and read the last book first. Oops! Complete accident. So, now I know the ending in this really neat, really gripping graphic novel. Now...I need to read the previous ones.... Fans of Babylon 5 and Heroes will like this. Basically, it's about a group of children who were in utero when a meteor hit. These children were given various superhero powers. The problem is, how will they be used -- especially when they discover that the death of one special enhances the survivors' own powers?
October 12, 2009
The final act of the Rising Stars graphic novel, this book was not quite as twist-filled as the previous two, although the ending certainly caught me off guard (although it made perfect sense, once I'd absorbed it). Overall, the series was strong, an interesting look at what it would mean to have superpowers, how the world would react, and what the possibilities might be. A good change of pace story from the usual comic superhero we are used to.
November 13, 2008
Overall, while the ending to the series was interesting, I didn't find it quite as powerful as the other volumes. There was less emotional impact in the last third of this volume when there probably should have been the most.
I'm nit-picking, though. Easily one of the best comics-series ever produced. Absolutely fantastic.
I'm nit-picking, though. Easily one of the best comics-series ever produced. Absolutely fantastic.
September 18, 2009
A high score based on the strength of the whole series. An interesting and uplifting story, not really providing tonnes of additional character insights, with one or two notable exceptions. The story proceeds quickly enough (maybe too quickly - a lot of time passes), with a number of tense and exciting moments.
July 22, 2012
I like that the whole story loops back to the beginning. I like the symmetry of it all.
Overall a good story. It's interesting to note some of the loop holes and sort of polyanna-esque ideals in the story, which I think you can get away with in comics a little better than in other types of story telling. Or perhaps it was just this one.
Glad I read them again.
Overall a good story. It's interesting to note some of the loop holes and sort of polyanna-esque ideals in the story, which I think you can get away with in comics a little better than in other types of story telling. Or perhaps it was just this one.
Glad I read them again.
January 26, 2016
A very interesting view of what the world would do to and how it would view superhumans born suddenly into the population. A scary view of human prejudices and the cause and effect of these prejudices. Fantastic art and one of the best comic storylines I have ever read. High recommended
November 24, 2007
This volume contains one of the best endings to any comic series ever. You also get great Brent Anderson art!
December 6, 2010
Fantastic series. Much like the television series "Heroes".
January 15, 2011
Wow, crash and burn
July 20, 2014
My review of Rising Stars.
As always, this story blows me away.
As always, this story blows me away.
January 3, 2016
Brilliant, fantastic ending
July 26, 2009
JMS shows himself to be an excellent storyteller regardless of the medium.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews