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Sera & The Royal Stars #1
Sera & The Royal Stars Vol. 1
Civil war rages in the Empire of Parsa, and famine has struck. As the seasons refuse to turn, Princess Sera receives a vision from the deity Mitra telling her to find the Royal Stars and restore them to the heavens. Despite her kingdom and her troops' need of her command, Sera embarks on a quest to find the fallen stars—now trapped on earth—and save her people from dearth and death.
143 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 26, 2020
A very solid fantasy about a young woman who must leave her kingdom and family in order to restore the missing gods. There is lots of adventure in an Avatar: The Last Airbender kind of way. The art and coloring are reminiscent of the show as well. Audrey Mok is a super talented artist. My one complaint about the arc would be the pacing. It sometimes feels rushed and characterization gets left out. It can become lets just find this next person in our quest and move on. The book does end with the story unfinished so hopefully we will see more.
Received a review copy from Vault Comics and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Vault Comics and Edelweiss. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
February 21, 2020
Wow! This was amazing!! I finally found a new graphic novel series to follow (and devour).
Sera and the Royal Stars takes place in a fictional world, rich with mythology and lore. It definitely gave me Avatar: TLA vibes.
The plot was fast-paced and original! Although, I was a bit confused at the beginning but everything was cleared up after a few panels. The illustrations were stunning! Each panel was detailed and beautifully colored.
Sera is an amazing protagonist. She’s strong-willed and determined. I loved the other characters as well. Jon Tsuei and Audrey Mok did an amazing job at writing and drawing the characters to fit their individual personalities. You can tell that Tsuei and Mok put a lot of thought into creating the characters and I applaud them for that!
This is a new favorite of mine and I will eagerly await future volumes!
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sera and the Royal Stars takes place in a fictional world, rich with mythology and lore. It definitely gave me Avatar: TLA vibes.
The plot was fast-paced and original! Although, I was a bit confused at the beginning but everything was cleared up after a few panels. The illustrations were stunning! Each panel was detailed and beautifully colored.
Sera is an amazing protagonist. She’s strong-willed and determined. I loved the other characters as well. Jon Tsuei and Audrey Mok did an amazing job at writing and drawing the characters to fit their individual personalities. You can tell that Tsuei and Mok put a lot of thought into creating the characters and I applaud them for that!
This is a new favorite of mine and I will eagerly await future volumes!
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 17, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley
This was definitely an interesting concept but I think ultimately a lot of the characters felt very two dimensional which is what stopped me from giving it a higher rating. Also it was kind of all over the place in the mythology aspect and while I always like the idea of gods from different pantheons interacting, I do need a bit more explanation and world-building as to why. The art was great though and I think the story could come together well in future volumes. This one just seemed a bit rushed and like they were kind of running through it introducing so many human and god characters that I definitely didn't get a real sense for any of them.
This was definitely an interesting concept but I think ultimately a lot of the characters felt very two dimensional which is what stopped me from giving it a higher rating. Also it was kind of all over the place in the mythology aspect and while I always like the idea of gods from different pantheons interacting, I do need a bit more explanation and world-building as to why. The art was great though and I think the story could come together well in future volumes. This one just seemed a bit rushed and like they were kind of running through it introducing so many human and god characters that I definitely didn't get a real sense for any of them.
February 12, 2021
"We always give our best for those we love most."
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars for the stunning art-style!
Sera is a warrior princess from Parsa who will have to save her kingdom but in order to do that, she’ll have to go on a quest and free the Royal Stars, which makes this graphic novel a mix of mythology and fantasy I always crave for.
Sera has a vision in the middle of a battle and Mitra, a powerful god, tells her that she must do whatever it takes to bring peace to her homeland. Therefore, in these few chapters we see a little bit about her family and the evil uncle that’s starting a Civil War, four of the Royal Stars and a bunch of action-packed scenes!
Aldebaran, Antares, Regulus and the fish are the Royal Stars that Sera frees and thught they all take part in the battle, I must say that Antares was my favorite character up until now. She’s so badass that I just want her to kick some ass. And on top of that, the Royal Stars have an interesting (and hilarious) dynamic just as to be expected of mythical beings who have been dealing with each other since the beginning of times.
Now, the story might be confusing at first because we jump right into the world, but as the pages go by, it’s easy to follow. The pacing could do a little better but the art style was so stunning in every single page, that it made me curious of what will happen in the next volume!
I would totally recommend you if you like powerful female protagonists, diverse characters, stunning art, mythological creatures and fast-paced stories.
I received an e-book copy in exchange for an honest review via Diamond Comic Distributors.
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars for the stunning art-style!
Sera is a warrior princess from Parsa who will have to save her kingdom but in order to do that, she’ll have to go on a quest and free the Royal Stars, which makes this graphic novel a mix of mythology and fantasy I always crave for.
Sera has a vision in the middle of a battle and Mitra, a powerful god, tells her that she must do whatever it takes to bring peace to her homeland. Therefore, in these few chapters we see a little bit about her family and the evil uncle that’s starting a Civil War, four of the Royal Stars and a bunch of action-packed scenes!
Aldebaran, Antares, Regulus and the fish are the Royal Stars that Sera frees and thught they all take part in the battle, I must say that Antares was my favorite character up until now. She’s so badass that I just want her to kick some ass. And on top of that, the Royal Stars have an interesting (and hilarious) dynamic just as to be expected of mythical beings who have been dealing with each other since the beginning of times.
Now, the story might be confusing at first because we jump right into the world, but as the pages go by, it’s easy to follow. The pacing could do a little better but the art style was so stunning in every single page, that it made me curious of what will happen in the next volume!
I would totally recommend you if you like powerful female protagonists, diverse characters, stunning art, mythological creatures and fast-paced stories.
I received an e-book copy in exchange for an honest review via Diamond Comic Distributors.
September 24, 2022
First off, MAJOR props to illustrator Audrey Mok and colourist Raul Angulo for their work on this comic, which kept me reading after the plot lost me.
Seriously, I can’t get over the art in this graphic novel. The consistency of quality blows me away – at no point does the artwork start slipping – from page 1 to the end, Mok and Angulo go 100% on every panel. My God. Please play attention to this series for the artwork alone.
Now to the writing. If Sera and the Royal Stars had less talented artists working on the art, I don’t know if I would have kept reading.
I love the concept of the story: Sera, a warrior princess, receives a vision telling her to return the Royal Stars in the midst of famine and war(guys, the character design is so good, too) to the sky. Yet, I found the writer Jon Tsuei gave us so much exposition in large chunks that I was feeling some information overload. I wish we had a slower pace to get a bit more character description and world-building.
Despite the exposition, this series is appropriate for both adults and teens, and the story is original enough to stand out of the tights-wearing superhero crowd.
I really wanted to like the story more than I actually did, but alas, I’m not sure if I’ll continue to read this series. Although, I’ll definitely flip through to look at the artwork.
3.5/5 stars.
Seriously, I can’t get over the art in this graphic novel. The consistency of quality blows me away – at no point does the artwork start slipping – from page 1 to the end, Mok and Angulo go 100% on every panel. My God. Please play attention to this series for the artwork alone.
Now to the writing. If Sera and the Royal Stars had less talented artists working on the art, I don’t know if I would have kept reading.
I love the concept of the story: Sera, a warrior princess, receives a vision telling her to return the Royal Stars in the midst of famine and war(guys, the character design is so good, too) to the sky. Yet, I found the writer Jon Tsuei gave us so much exposition in large chunks that I was feeling some information overload. I wish we had a slower pace to get a bit more character description and world-building.
Despite the exposition, this series is appropriate for both adults and teens, and the story is original enough to stand out of the tights-wearing superhero crowd.
I really wanted to like the story more than I actually did, but alas, I’m not sure if I’ll continue to read this series. Although, I’ll definitely flip through to look at the artwork.
3.5/5 stars.
July 27, 2020
More like a 3.5
There were parts that didn't transition well into the next scene, but other wise, I can't really complain. Unique mythology and pretty artwork.
There were parts that didn't transition well into the next scene, but other wise, I can't really complain. Unique mythology and pretty artwork.
April 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️s
May 16, 2020
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!!
I don't read comics or graphic novels very often - I'm picky as hell - but this was an unmitigated delight from start to finish. The art is stunning, and the 'camera angles' of the panels are flawless, always focusing on just the right thing, zooming in on details to build tension or reveal sneaky bits of comedy, and panning out to showcase the breathtaking otherworldly realms Sera and her companions travel through.
The mythology and worldbuilding is just incredible. Drawing on Persian mythology but giving it a unique spin was enough to get me excited, because I just don't see anyone exploring Persian mythology that often. But Tsuei has crafted a completely new mythology around the stars of the zodiac (although it did take me an embarrassingly long time to realise that's what the royal stars are, the stars of the classical Western zodiac!), one that's hinted at with tantalising subtlety throughout the first volume, mostly revealed through the interactions of the stars themselves - they're all in on the backstory, of course, so bits and pieces are revealed in their conversations with each other. But not enough to give away the whole story to the reader - not yet.
It's enough to have you turning the pages as fast as you can go.
The stars (and their enemies) aren't the only magical beings around - I was incredibly delighted and excited when the cast briefly meets with the council of the dead, which is made up of underworld gods from multiple pantheons - I recognised Isis and Osiris, Hades and Persephone, Hel (of the Vikings), and someone that might have been Ereshkigal (Sumer). And that's just...so freaking cool to me! Without even getting started on the peris and daevas! Or the explanation/lecture Sera receives about how gods are created - by the dreams of humans, and even those of rocks and animals...
I mean, come on. That's just brilliant! I'm more in love with the worldbuilding than any other aspect of this series, to be honest - even though the rest of it is plenty awesome.
Sera herself is a wonderful character, a proper bad-ass who's not that impressed at being conscripted into the affairs of divinities. I really appreciated how she felt, and acted, like a real person, with the raised eyebrows and the incredulity and the moments of ridiculousness amidst all the adventure. I loved the character designs of all the stars, too - taking a few minutes to just stare at particular panels that showcase them. So much work must have gone into making the scorpion's human form reminiscent of an actual scorpion, without making her creepy instead of differently-beautiful (I am in love with how her long braid mimics a scorpion tail!)
I absolutely want more - I want to know what happens next, and I want to know what's happened to the royal stars to get them into their current predicament. I want to explore more of Sera's incredible world. When can I get my hands on volume two???
I don't read comics or graphic novels very often - I'm picky as hell - but this was an unmitigated delight from start to finish. The art is stunning, and the 'camera angles' of the panels are flawless, always focusing on just the right thing, zooming in on details to build tension or reveal sneaky bits of comedy, and panning out to showcase the breathtaking otherworldly realms Sera and her companions travel through.
The mythology and worldbuilding is just incredible. Drawing on Persian mythology but giving it a unique spin was enough to get me excited, because I just don't see anyone exploring Persian mythology that often. But Tsuei has crafted a completely new mythology around the stars of the zodiac (although it did take me an embarrassingly long time to realise that's what the royal stars are, the stars of the classical Western zodiac!), one that's hinted at with tantalising subtlety throughout the first volume, mostly revealed through the interactions of the stars themselves - they're all in on the backstory, of course, so bits and pieces are revealed in their conversations with each other. But not enough to give away the whole story to the reader - not yet.
It's enough to have you turning the pages as fast as you can go.
The stars (and their enemies) aren't the only magical beings around - I was incredibly delighted and excited when the cast briefly meets with the council of the dead, which is made up of underworld gods from multiple pantheons - I recognised Isis and Osiris, Hades and Persephone, Hel (of the Vikings), and someone that might have been Ereshkigal (Sumer). And that's just...so freaking cool to me! Without even getting started on the peris and daevas! Or the explanation/lecture Sera receives about how gods are created - by the dreams of humans, and even those of rocks and animals...
I mean, come on. That's just brilliant! I'm more in love with the worldbuilding than any other aspect of this series, to be honest - even though the rest of it is plenty awesome.
Sera herself is a wonderful character, a proper bad-ass who's not that impressed at being conscripted into the affairs of divinities. I really appreciated how she felt, and acted, like a real person, with the raised eyebrows and the incredulity and the moments of ridiculousness amidst all the adventure. I loved the character designs of all the stars, too - taking a few minutes to just stare at particular panels that showcase them. So much work must have gone into making the scorpion's human form reminiscent of an actual scorpion, without making her creepy instead of differently-beautiful (I am in love with how her long braid mimics a scorpion tail!)
I absolutely want more - I want to know what happens next, and I want to know what's happened to the royal stars to get them into their current predicament. I want to explore more of Sera's incredible world. When can I get my hands on volume two???
June 17, 2020
Sera is the Princess of Parsa. Her Kingdom is at War because her Uncle is trying to take the throne from her Father. She has been called upon by Mitra, a deity, to save the world. Generations of Daughters of Parsa have been called by Mitra to save the world but have failed to do so, including Sera’s mother. Sera is helped on this mission by deities, The Royal Stars.
While this book had complex characters, high stakes, humour and amazing graphics. I failed to be engaged by this book. I felt it was incredibly fast paced and wished for the conflicts to be further developed. I also felt the world building, magic systems and the information about the Mitra and the Royal Stars and the other deities in this story were severely lacking. I often felt I didn’t fully comprehend what was going on and it’s significance, with this lack of background.
While this book had complex characters, high stakes, humour and amazing graphics. I failed to be engaged by this book. I felt it was incredibly fast paced and wished for the conflicts to be further developed. I also felt the world building, magic systems and the information about the Mitra and the Royal Stars and the other deities in this story were severely lacking. I often felt I didn’t fully comprehend what was going on and it’s significance, with this lack of background.
February 20, 2020
*Received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
As much as I loved seeing this Egyptian-inspired fantasy world and the gorgeously-lush art style, I was quite bored by the general storyline. It was fairly standard without establishing a reason for me to care about the characters. The artwork is truly fantastic and I love seeing the cool character designs, especially for the Royal Stars themselves, so I would encourage anyone who wants to see a different sort of fantasy landscape to pick this one up.
As much as I loved seeing this Egyptian-inspired fantasy world and the gorgeously-lush art style, I was quite bored by the general storyline. It was fairly standard without establishing a reason for me to care about the characters. The artwork is truly fantastic and I love seeing the cool character designs, especially for the Royal Stars themselves, so I would encourage anyone who wants to see a different sort of fantasy landscape to pick this one up.
February 8, 2020
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
Sera and the Royal Stars Volume 1 is a beautifully illustrated tale with a strong middle Eastern/Northern Africa atmosphere. In many ways, this does for ancient Middle Eastern cultures what Avatar did for Asian: provides a magical fantasy world using the mythology and cultures to create an interesting tale suitable for all ages.Princess Sera is the most gifted of the royal children - able to lead her people against an Uncle who hopes to usurp the throne from her father. Along with her brother and sister, they hold the palace and city safe from the invaders while also keeping up morale amidst a great famine. But after one battle, Sera is pulled into a trance and given a mission by the god Mita: she must find the royal stars and return them to the heavens. The royal stars are constellation-themed magical beings bound on Earth and unable to help the seasons continue to turn. Now Sera must do the unthinkable: abandon her family and city in the middle of war so she can quest to save the planet. Worse, it may just be that her mother died on the same mission earlier.
The artwork is truly exquisite - creative panels with plenty of flowing togas and hair. The designs for the royal stars are especially clever and fun, with a great mix of design and coloring. Sera is a strong female (think Assassins Creed Odyssey Kassandra) who both out-thinks and outfights her opponents - and who has earned great respect as a result. In this first volume, the story follows Sera and three royal stars but we also have great moments of interaction with her family as well. The bad guys are somewhat cartoony bad - evidencing the biggest difference between the Avatar and Sera series in that the bad guys are not just misguided as was the case so often in Avatar.
This is definitely a read if you liked Avatar or Legend of Korra. So much visually owes an homage to those series, especially Korra since this is an adult female character in the lead. The story is not convoluted and easily lends itself to reading for children and adults. The ancient cultures represented are not commonly seen in fantasy and therefore that much more interesting. E.g., a visit to the underworld had Egyptian Osiris and Isis (and a reference to Horus), Greek Hades and Persephone (and Cerberus), Babylonian/Assyrian Ishtar, etc.
In all, a very interesting story, well drawn and nicely detailed, with cleverly placed panels. This is one I'd love to see animated! Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
April 11, 2022
Sera and the Royal Stars is a fantasy comic with a grand, sweeping story involving fate and the future of the world. Sera gets a vision, sending her on a quest to find the beings who may be able to save her family and her kingdom.
The art in this comic is so beautiful. I bought it because of the premise, but the art was then part that grabbed me right from the start and didn't let go. The backgrounds are gorgeous, the character designs are great and the motion is fantastic.
Unfortunately, the story side doesn't quite live up to the art. The pacing feels irregular, too fast at some points and then dragging at others. Some of the characters are well rounded -- thankfully Sera is one of the best ones, and I love being able to follow this from her point of view as she tries to save a changing world. But a lot of them feel kind of flat. Since this is only volume 1, that may be addressed in later volumes. And I do love the mythological style that some of the arcs have. <3
Overall, not the best possible start, but definitely a good one. I will probably be checking out the next volume in time!
The art in this comic is so beautiful. I bought it because of the premise, but the art was then part that grabbed me right from the start and didn't let go. The backgrounds are gorgeous, the character designs are great and the motion is fantastic.
Unfortunately, the story side doesn't quite live up to the art. The pacing feels irregular, too fast at some points and then dragging at others. Some of the characters are well rounded -- thankfully Sera is one of the best ones, and I love being able to follow this from her point of view as she tries to save a changing world. But a lot of them feel kind of flat. Since this is only volume 1, that may be addressed in later volumes. And I do love the mythological style that some of the arcs have. <3
Overall, not the best possible start, but definitely a good one. I will probably be checking out the next volume in time!
January 31, 2023
Unread shelf project 2023: book 19.
I… hmmm. Ok. I’m not sure what I feel about this book. I read one of my friends’ reviews (shoutout to Lissibith!) while formulating my own thoughts, and I tend to agree with her. The art was fantastic but the story arc just… was not that great. I loved the color work too. Maybe the plot will improve in future volumes but I’m undecided as to whether I’m interested enough to pursue reading further…
I… hmmm. Ok. I’m not sure what I feel about this book. I read one of my friends’ reviews (shoutout to Lissibith!) while formulating my own thoughts, and I tend to agree with her. The art was fantastic but the story arc just… was not that great. I loved the color work too. Maybe the plot will improve in future volumes but I’m undecided as to whether I’m interested enough to pursue reading further…
February 5, 2021
Although this is very reminiscent of Final Fantasy and anime (both of which Jon Tsuei admits to being heavily influenced by), and therefore not super ground-breaking, it's a solid fantasy story. I had a lot of fun reading it and the art is lovely; it was like watching good Saturday morning or before/after-school adventure cartoons.
May 13, 2021
This is an incredibly fast-paced first volume that drops the reader directly into battle and an incredibly vibrant world filled with mythology and deities and doesn’t let up for even a moment. The art is truly fantastic and brings the story to life. And the story itself is so freaking interesting! Cannot wait to pick up volume 2!
December 27, 2021
After working with Audrey Mok on Josie and the Pussycats, I completely fell in love with her work. I had no idea what to expect, but after the slow start of the first issue, things really kicked off. The line art and colors are gorgeous and emotive. The story is engaging and I can't wait to read the second volume now!
February 10, 2020
'Sera and the Royal Stars, Vol. 1' by Jon Tsuei with art by Audrey Mok is a graphic novel I found original and captivating.
Sera is a princess and warrior in the Empire of Parsa. Her father is fighting her uncle and her mother has been dead for years. She receives a vision with an urgent quest. Leaving her family at this time is bad, but not fulfilling the quest is worse. She must find embodiments of the constellations and restore them to the heavens.
I loved this story and the concept at it's heart. Sera is a very capable protagonist and I loved the embodiments of the constellations. Audrey Mok does great art here and I loved her character designs.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Vault Comics, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Sera is a princess and warrior in the Empire of Parsa. Her father is fighting her uncle and her mother has been dead for years. She receives a vision with an urgent quest. Leaving her family at this time is bad, but not fulfilling the quest is worse. She must find embodiments of the constellations and restore them to the heavens.
I loved this story and the concept at it's heart. Sera is a very capable protagonist and I loved the embodiments of the constellations. Audrey Mok does great art here and I loved her character designs.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Vault Comics, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
July 27, 2019
4/5 Stars
W-O-W! Vault Comics has been swinging strong with this latest phase of comics for the masses, and I am here for it! July has brought the first issue of Sera and the Royal Stars, and it is an adventure you can’t afford to be left behind on.
We open to the land of Parsa where the times are dark: famine is doing a tag team offense with civil war. Things are grim. One day on the battlefield, Princess Sera is treated to an epiphany by a goddess. The deity Mitra has a prophecy for her that she’s to play a big part in. WHEW. Princess Sera ain’t with it. She’s good with a bow, with commanding her troops, with being on the battlefield shedding blood with her sister and trusted ones. She’s got a lot on her plate and heavy is the proverbial crown as a royal as she’s working with her family and those loyal to the empire to figure out how not only to stop the conflicts but also save the land. A prophecy by a goddess that won’t take no for an answer isn’t what anyone wants, especially if you’ve got sh!t to do and a people depending on you.
Jon Tsuei is here penning this wondrous tale of a princess, in a perilous time on a journey to set things right once more. Sera is headstrong, brave and duty bound as a princess. In this first issue, we get a glimpse of our titular protagonist and why she’s high strung on doing her job: she has a deep, sincere love for her people–not just her family but all the people of the land affected by the harsh changes that brought disease and famine. There’s also a fascinating thread to pull at regarding her lineage and the women in her family, and it even hits a sore spot of an absence of a beloved family member that still hits hard for them all.
Art wise, Sera and the Royal Stars is a grand sight to behold. *chef’s kiss* Audrey Mok is just showing off here with pages of art that will seek to make you swoon well before the last page of this issue. There’s entirely too much to love when looking at single page spreads to panels grouped together to show more of the narrative. Seeing more and more of the empire of Parsa is a treat as is seeing more characters of color on the forefront and not the backgrounds. There are some really interesting character designs to keep an eye out for and lots of clothing that hints at traditional dress, uniforms, and amour from years past. Simply put, Mok’s artwork for this issue is top tier, classy stuff that is sincerely one of the best parts of reading through it.
Overall, this is one of Vault’s strongest first issues: So much is aligned just perfect with the stars. This issue is paced really well and Sera, while we are still learning who she is, is ideal to be on a cover and protagonist worthy.
Sera and the Royal Stars is something new and unique with an old school fantasy feel that is full of intrigue and heart. I’m looking on embarking on this quest with the princess to find the fallen stars and more.
Read my full review here: https://blacknerdproblems.com/sera-an...
W-O-W! Vault Comics has been swinging strong with this latest phase of comics for the masses, and I am here for it! July has brought the first issue of Sera and the Royal Stars, and it is an adventure you can’t afford to be left behind on.
We open to the land of Parsa where the times are dark: famine is doing a tag team offense with civil war. Things are grim. One day on the battlefield, Princess Sera is treated to an epiphany by a goddess. The deity Mitra has a prophecy for her that she’s to play a big part in. WHEW. Princess Sera ain’t with it. She’s good with a bow, with commanding her troops, with being on the battlefield shedding blood with her sister and trusted ones. She’s got a lot on her plate and heavy is the proverbial crown as a royal as she’s working with her family and those loyal to the empire to figure out how not only to stop the conflicts but also save the land. A prophecy by a goddess that won’t take no for an answer isn’t what anyone wants, especially if you’ve got sh!t to do and a people depending on you.
Jon Tsuei is here penning this wondrous tale of a princess, in a perilous time on a journey to set things right once more. Sera is headstrong, brave and duty bound as a princess. In this first issue, we get a glimpse of our titular protagonist and why she’s high strung on doing her job: she has a deep, sincere love for her people–not just her family but all the people of the land affected by the harsh changes that brought disease and famine. There’s also a fascinating thread to pull at regarding her lineage and the women in her family, and it even hits a sore spot of an absence of a beloved family member that still hits hard for them all.
Art wise, Sera and the Royal Stars is a grand sight to behold. *chef’s kiss* Audrey Mok is just showing off here with pages of art that will seek to make you swoon well before the last page of this issue. There’s entirely too much to love when looking at single page spreads to panels grouped together to show more of the narrative. Seeing more and more of the empire of Parsa is a treat as is seeing more characters of color on the forefront and not the backgrounds. There are some really interesting character designs to keep an eye out for and lots of clothing that hints at traditional dress, uniforms, and amour from years past. Simply put, Mok’s artwork for this issue is top tier, classy stuff that is sincerely one of the best parts of reading through it.
Overall, this is one of Vault’s strongest first issues: So much is aligned just perfect with the stars. This issue is paced really well and Sera, while we are still learning who she is, is ideal to be on a cover and protagonist worthy.
Sera and the Royal Stars is something new and unique with an old school fantasy feel that is full of intrigue and heart. I’m looking on embarking on this quest with the princess to find the fallen stars and more.
Read my full review here: https://blacknerdproblems.com/sera-an...
March 8, 2023
Vol. 1 ★★★★☆
Vol. 2 ★★☆☆☆
Beautiful artwork accompanies this fantastical adventure set in ancient Persia. The Empire of Parsa struggles to survive as the seasons mysteriously stop turning and a bitter civil war breaks out. Princess Sera is tasked by the god Mitra to free the royal stars (Aldebaran, Antares, Regulus, etc.) from their captivity and set the world back on its natural course. But Sera's usurper uncle and the antagonistic Draconis will do everything in their power to keep Sera from fulfilling her mission. Sera & the Royal Stars is a fast-paced mythological quest filled with interesting characters. While the character design of the villains is a bit stereotypical (and feels very European Medieval compared to the rest of the story's Mesopotamian), overall I had a lot of fun with this first volume, and I'm anticipating the sequel!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
Vol. 2 ★★☆☆☆
Beautiful artwork accompanies this fantastical adventure set in ancient Persia. The Empire of Parsa struggles to survive as the seasons mysteriously stop turning and a bitter civil war breaks out. Princess Sera is tasked by the god Mitra to free the royal stars (Aldebaran, Antares, Regulus, etc.) from their captivity and set the world back on its natural course. But Sera's usurper uncle and the antagonistic Draconis will do everything in their power to keep Sera from fulfilling her mission. Sera & the Royal Stars is a fast-paced mythological quest filled with interesting characters. While the character design of the villains is a bit stereotypical (and feels very European Medieval compared to the rest of the story's Mesopotamian), overall I had a lot of fun with this first volume, and I'm anticipating the sequel!
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this eARC via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review!
June 26, 2020
3.5 stars
I did really like this book and I am looking forward to reading more of this series as it's coming out but here are some cons and pros I had with series.
This book is too fast-paced for me.
In the first 6 issues we meet Seras family then Then we're introduced to 3 more characters... Then the villains.
I feel like this would have been a lot better if it slowed down more and explained the world more.
I liked the characters. Especially Sera, I like how she stood up for herself and talked back to people in charge. It was very refreshing to see some of the common male protagonists' characteristics being given to a female character without that character losing a sense of femininity or just becoming a male protagonist in a female body.
But again they were too many introduced in such a short period that I couldn't focus and start to get a feel for them!
The humor was good! It reminds me of Avatar: TLA.
I did really like this book and I am looking forward to reading more of this series as it's coming out but here are some cons and pros I had with series.
This book is too fast-paced for me.
In the first 6 issues we meet Seras family then Then we're introduced to 3 more characters... Then the villains.
I feel like this would have been a lot better if it slowed down more and explained the world more.
I liked the characters. Especially Sera, I like how she stood up for herself and talked back to people in charge. It was very refreshing to see some of the common male protagonists' characteristics being given to a female character without that character losing a sense of femininity or just becoming a male protagonist in a female body.
But again they were too many introduced in such a short period that I couldn't focus and start to get a feel for them!
The humor was good! It reminds me of Avatar: TLA.
July 18, 2019
Fantastic debut issue of a wonderful comic. The artwork is beautiful and the set up of the story was effective and interesting.
July 20, 2019
What a great 1st issue! I’m planning to add this series to my pull list.
March 21, 2020
SERA AND THE ROYAL STARS is a disorderly and confusing book that smashes together mid-eastern high fantasy and regional conquest. The expectation one conjures, after tracking a headstrong princess through her bouts of unlikely cosmic heroism, is that nothing is so frustrating as encountering the awkward and clumsy masquerading as a plot twist. The art is gorgeous, and the coloring is sharp, but even then, continuity errors prove routinely distracting.
Sera, the ascendant warrior princess of an isolated desert kingdom, accedes to the random will of an indefinite cosmic deity on the eve of a decisive battle. She abdicates her post, traveling far and wide to "break the bonds placed on the eternal celestial lights" -- whatever that means.
SERA AND THE ROYAL STARS is largely an adventure story that bends over backward to layer its drama and doesn't make much sense as a result. Sera is tasked with freeing numerous ancient gods from their innocent mortal-realm imprisonments, but it's not exactly clear why she's responsible, why the gods need her help, or how/why the gods were imprisoned in the first place. There's a drought going on . . . but if Sera needs the help of multiple deities for a little rainfall, then this a rather ridiculous and asymmetrical effort altogether.
At its heart, the book treasures the emotional burden the main character must endure while pushing past groups of lizard soldiers, temperamental and foul-mouthed pixies, and fire-breathing wyverns. Regrettably, the book is so poorly plotted and its character dynamics so forced that readers will struggle far less to believe these flights of fancy than to understand how all of the pieces fit together. The story jumps from one calamity to the next, sparing little energy for exposition and context, leaving most characters as mere silhouettes of archetypes and leaving their conflicts a rather annoying quagmire of assumptions.
There is, quite frankly, too much going on: Sera feels obligated to free the gods; cloaked figures proclaim doom for two pages at a time, then vanish; a distant relative quests to usurp the throne with an army larger than the king's own; and a rousing journey through the underworld that inexplicably slaps together the mythologies of a half-dozen different cultures. All of which occurs in the span of about five days. Perhaps SERA AND THE ROYAL STARS isn't supposed to make sense.
Even more problematic, Sera is a princess who is highly skilled as an archer and combat tactician. She can also use some kind of organic regeneration magic and is somehow capable of crossing the boundaries of the dreamscape to locate herself in reality (?) even though nobody's ever done it before (?). In short, she can do no wrong.
The art, by and large, is great. The character designs are kind and smooth, and the level detail afforded the clothing, architecture and environmental artifice is impressive. The coloring relies on bold reds and oranges, among cloaks and sashes, playing opposite sumptuous blues and greens, among the water, the sky and the earth. There are, however, myriad continuity errors for how characters hold objects, for eye color, character blocking in general, and more.
Considering how far polished the overall visual aesthetic readers will find of SERA AND THE ROYAL STARS, beyond the quality of its writing, it's tough to see so many small errors slip through the cracks.
Sera, the ascendant warrior princess of an isolated desert kingdom, accedes to the random will of an indefinite cosmic deity on the eve of a decisive battle. She abdicates her post, traveling far and wide to "break the bonds placed on the eternal celestial lights" -- whatever that means.
SERA AND THE ROYAL STARS is largely an adventure story that bends over backward to layer its drama and doesn't make much sense as a result. Sera is tasked with freeing numerous ancient gods from their innocent mortal-realm imprisonments, but it's not exactly clear why she's responsible, why the gods need her help, or how/why the gods were imprisoned in the first place. There's a drought going on . . . but if Sera needs the help of multiple deities for a little rainfall, then this a rather ridiculous and asymmetrical effort altogether.
At its heart, the book treasures the emotional burden the main character must endure while pushing past groups of lizard soldiers, temperamental and foul-mouthed pixies, and fire-breathing wyverns. Regrettably, the book is so poorly plotted and its character dynamics so forced that readers will struggle far less to believe these flights of fancy than to understand how all of the pieces fit together. The story jumps from one calamity to the next, sparing little energy for exposition and context, leaving most characters as mere silhouettes of archetypes and leaving their conflicts a rather annoying quagmire of assumptions.
There is, quite frankly, too much going on: Sera feels obligated to free the gods; cloaked figures proclaim doom for two pages at a time, then vanish; a distant relative quests to usurp the throne with an army larger than the king's own; and a rousing journey through the underworld that inexplicably slaps together the mythologies of a half-dozen different cultures. All of which occurs in the span of about five days. Perhaps SERA AND THE ROYAL STARS isn't supposed to make sense.
Even more problematic, Sera is a princess who is highly skilled as an archer and combat tactician. She can also use some kind of organic regeneration magic and is somehow capable of crossing the boundaries of the dreamscape to locate herself in reality (?) even though nobody's ever done it before (?). In short, she can do no wrong.
The art, by and large, is great. The character designs are kind and smooth, and the level detail afforded the clothing, architecture and environmental artifice is impressive. The coloring relies on bold reds and oranges, among cloaks and sashes, playing opposite sumptuous blues and greens, among the water, the sky and the earth. There are, however, myriad continuity errors for how characters hold objects, for eye color, character blocking in general, and more.
Considering how far polished the overall visual aesthetic readers will find of SERA AND THE ROYAL STARS, beyond the quality of its writing, it's tough to see so many small errors slip through the cracks.
June 15, 2020
A great mythological fantasy with wonderful artwork. I'm glad this is one of Vault Comics' few ongoing series, as the normal five issues would not be nearly enough of this story and this artwork.
I very much enjoyed Sera's journey and character. The fact that she is a blend of Asian (and Middle Eastern?) traits really makes her stand out. In addition, she's a strong female lead that isn't sexualized over objectified, yet still manages to retain her femininity. Not every book has to be a political statement on diversity, but I really enjoyed this style of fantasy that didn't rely on recycling Tolkien again. In that light, the series can remind me a bit of Sandman with the blending of mythologies.
There's certainly a lot of world building to do with a series this grand in scope. A new major character or two or three are introduced each issue. We're thrust right into it with Sera's meeting the deity Mitra and being told she must save the Royal Stars to fix the troubles in Parsa and the rest of the wold. A couple of villains work to thwart the good guys, although their motive feels a bit vague. Each of the Royal Stars is utterly unique, with different physical traits and personalities and powers. I can see where some readers don't like this fast pace, but I actually enjoyed how quickly things move and having the world filled in organically. Even when an infodump happens, it feels like it belongs given Sera's journey.
I also enjoyed the humor. I just gave up reading Kill the Farm Boy because it didn't make me laugh, despite being billed as a comedy. In contrast, I laughed at several panels in the first seven issues of Sera and the Royal Stars. It's nice when such a high fantasy story can relax and have some fun. One reason the Lord of the Rings movies worked so much better than the books is the humor injected. Too often fantasy forgets its characters should be real, and real people joke and poke fun.
Last but not least, Audrey Mock knocks the illustrations out of the park. I could clearly tell what was happening during all the action. The landscapes are detailed and wondrous. The characters are unique and interesting. There's a bit of an anime feel to some of the Royal Stars, which is fine by me. The artwork really raises this series to another level. Not to knock the other Vault Comics, but this one is head and shoulders above anything else I've seen from the publisher (Queen of Bad Dreams Vol. 1 comes close but was too confusing too many times).
Sera and the Royal Stars should be read any fan of fantasy that looks outside the usual European sword and sorcery.
I very much enjoyed Sera's journey and character. The fact that she is a blend of Asian (and Middle Eastern?) traits really makes her stand out. In addition, she's a strong female lead that isn't sexualized over objectified, yet still manages to retain her femininity. Not every book has to be a political statement on diversity, but I really enjoyed this style of fantasy that didn't rely on recycling Tolkien again. In that light, the series can remind me a bit of Sandman with the blending of mythologies.
There's certainly a lot of world building to do with a series this grand in scope. A new major character or two or three are introduced each issue. We're thrust right into it with Sera's meeting the deity Mitra and being told she must save the Royal Stars to fix the troubles in Parsa and the rest of the wold. A couple of villains work to thwart the good guys, although their motive feels a bit vague. Each of the Royal Stars is utterly unique, with different physical traits and personalities and powers. I can see where some readers don't like this fast pace, but I actually enjoyed how quickly things move and having the world filled in organically. Even when an infodump happens, it feels like it belongs given Sera's journey.
I also enjoyed the humor. I just gave up reading Kill the Farm Boy because it didn't make me laugh, despite being billed as a comedy. In contrast, I laughed at several panels in the first seven issues of Sera and the Royal Stars. It's nice when such a high fantasy story can relax and have some fun. One reason the Lord of the Rings movies worked so much better than the books is the humor injected. Too often fantasy forgets its characters should be real, and real people joke and poke fun.
Last but not least, Audrey Mock knocks the illustrations out of the park. I could clearly tell what was happening during all the action. The landscapes are detailed and wondrous. The characters are unique and interesting. There's a bit of an anime feel to some of the Royal Stars, which is fine by me. The artwork really raises this series to another level. Not to knock the other Vault Comics, but this one is head and shoulders above anything else I've seen from the publisher (Queen of Bad Dreams Vol. 1 comes close but was too confusing too many times).
Sera and the Royal Stars should be read any fan of fantasy that looks outside the usual European sword and sorcery.
February 25, 2020
I was so impressed with this comic that Diamond Books and Comic Vault are my favorite. I'm someone that doesn't often read comics, but I have been so impressed with the amount of content you guys have been putting out, if there's a historical comic, a historical fantasy comic, a comic based on Ancient Mythology, I'll be there to review it.
I really was impressed with this comic.
I did not understand how this comic hasn't been adapted into a live action tv series, a live action Netflix series, or being adapted by the Avatar the Last Airbender creators. This incorporates Persian Mythology in such a rich fashion that I love Sera. I love the uniqueness of the comic, the way the cities and illustration all connote a sense of awe and grandeur, bringing the glory of the Persian Empire at its height. The authors did an fantastic effort showing of all the Ancient Gods interacting with each other.
And I love the Royal Stars! I love the Scorpion, the old Bull and we'll call the last guy, Fish Guy. This guy is great. He's like the clever version of Thoth. Although I would have depicted the Gods with more kindness in my opinion. However that's one part. The second part is the dialogue is amazing, there are many fascinating moments, and something which I think is common, is that humans did dream. Humans dreamt and the Gods were created in their image. What about the afterlife? Is that not also a concept of human thought?
I really want to see the Hindu Gods in the sequel. Because at one point, the Persians ruled parts of India. I really wish to see more comics that incorporate mythology like this and oh man do I wish fantasy novels would do this. I really wish we could go with different settings than only Medieval Europe. Why not Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Ancient China, Ancient India etc.
I loved Sera, and her mother's character showed the resplendence that Persian Queens have had throughout history. She's a brave daughter, and her brother is a noble man.
Heck why can't we have a pre-origins story? I am so glad that the Persian Empire was chosen as a setting for a fantasy comic. I wish it would be used more in fantasy novels.
I loved this. Keep going! Fantastic work.
I really was impressed with this comic.
I did not understand how this comic hasn't been adapted into a live action tv series, a live action Netflix series, or being adapted by the Avatar the Last Airbender creators. This incorporates Persian Mythology in such a rich fashion that I love Sera. I love the uniqueness of the comic, the way the cities and illustration all connote a sense of awe and grandeur, bringing the glory of the Persian Empire at its height. The authors did an fantastic effort showing of all the Ancient Gods interacting with each other.
And I love the Royal Stars! I love the Scorpion, the old Bull and we'll call the last guy, Fish Guy. This guy is great. He's like the clever version of Thoth. Although I would have depicted the Gods with more kindness in my opinion. However that's one part. The second part is the dialogue is amazing, there are many fascinating moments, and something which I think is common, is that humans did dream. Humans dreamt and the Gods were created in their image. What about the afterlife? Is that not also a concept of human thought?
I really want to see the Hindu Gods in the sequel. Because at one point, the Persians ruled parts of India. I really wish to see more comics that incorporate mythology like this and oh man do I wish fantasy novels would do this. I really wish we could go with different settings than only Medieval Europe. Why not Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Ancient China, Ancient India etc.
I loved Sera, and her mother's character showed the resplendence that Persian Queens have had throughout history. She's a brave daughter, and her brother is a noble man.
Heck why can't we have a pre-origins story? I am so glad that the Persian Empire was chosen as a setting for a fantasy comic. I wish it would be used more in fantasy novels.
I loved this. Keep going! Fantastic work.
February 21, 2021
3.5/5
The art in this graphic novel is full colour and glorious. But I'm struggling to come up with a nice short and pithy synopsis because... honestly I was just a bit confused quite a lot of the time in this story. A lot of elements are introduced rather rapidly and with little elaboration, giving you the feeling of being on a fast train with scenery rushing past and then being asked to describe the trees. Your answer would be... well, it was all a bit of a blur! That's pretty much how I feel after the first 5 chapters of this story, compiled into volume one.
Something about stars? And deities? For some reason they need this random human chick's help, but it's not really clear why? Plenty of cool mythological beings and fighting. Again, artwork is stunning. I just never really felt an emotional connection to the characters or the quest. There's nothing to really make me feel like I should care about either.
I don't know why but the art on the cover made me think this was going to be a young adult or children's comic and the violence depicted makes me think I was definitely wrong about that.
I'm going to read the second volume of the story so I'll be interested to see how it progresses, whether it starts making sense or forging real connection with Sera as a character.
With thanks to Diamond Book Distributors for the free digital review copy.
The art in this graphic novel is full colour and glorious. But I'm struggling to come up with a nice short and pithy synopsis because... honestly I was just a bit confused quite a lot of the time in this story. A lot of elements are introduced rather rapidly and with little elaboration, giving you the feeling of being on a fast train with scenery rushing past and then being asked to describe the trees. Your answer would be... well, it was all a bit of a blur! That's pretty much how I feel after the first 5 chapters of this story, compiled into volume one.
Something about stars? And deities? For some reason they need this random human chick's help, but it's not really clear why? Plenty of cool mythological beings and fighting. Again, artwork is stunning. I just never really felt an emotional connection to the characters or the quest. There's nothing to really make me feel like I should care about either.
I don't know why but the art on the cover made me think this was going to be a young adult or children's comic and the violence depicted makes me think I was definitely wrong about that.
I'm going to read the second volume of the story so I'll be interested to see how it progresses, whether it starts making sense or forging real connection with Sera as a character.
With thanks to Diamond Book Distributors for the free digital review copy.
February 10, 2020
The art was cool. I loved that the heroine was fully clothed and not a stick figure. She looked real, unlike the sexualized women who often lead the cast in comics and animes. The character selection was also cool. Sera was on a quest to release the stars and protect her family. The way her family was drawn was great. The stars also made sense and were pretty amazing. I am a bit confused about the villains. Why does her uncle look like Rasputin and why were the enemies in the early scenes all wearing Batman masks? There was also some weird Greek mythology stuff going on in the middle of the story. I wasn't sure if that was supposed to help us date the story, or if Sera's quest brought her in contact with gods from another time.
It reminded me slightly of Yona of the Dawn, one of my favorite animes, however the story didn't flow as smoothly as Yona. I am curious how the story will continue as the ending included a twist that made sense, but was not typical in this sort of hero story. I suppose I will have to wait and see where things go from here. It was definitely different than anything I've read from this genre.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and have reviewed it willingly.
It reminded me slightly of Yona of the Dawn, one of my favorite animes, however the story didn't flow as smoothly as Yona. I am curious how the story will continue as the ending included a twist that made sense, but was not typical in this sort of hero story. I suppose I will have to wait and see where things go from here. It was definitely different than anything I've read from this genre.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and have reviewed it willingly.
February 19, 2020
Gods and the nature of their worship is always an interesting topic. While nobody can reach the levels of insight like Neil Gaiman's series do, there is some entertaining stuff to consider. In this case, it's how gods don't really consider the acts of mortals important unless it threatens their worship rates. They're also more than willing to use them to meet their ends. While they can help people guide them to the right place and get them out of danger, the way some of them treat Sera shows how much more they are willing to get their way. Many people including rulers as these means of being absolute, almost justifying their rise to power or conflict. Sera however does so knowing full well what many of these so called divine beings want full autonomy over her loved ones as a means to get what they want. Some of them do treat Sera with some much earned respect and some of them treat her very well. But Sera never really had a choice to help her, it's just another petty conflict between royals she wants her family to have no part of. This feels like the start of another story about the nature of gods including how more than most come from dreams. But more importantly the nature of epic stories. How anyone can get involved in something, whether to someone's benefit or shame.
February 15, 2021
Rating: 3.5
Sera and the Royal Stars has been referred to as "A sprawling female-led epic fantasy in the vein of Monstress and Avatar the Last Airbender". While I haven't read Monstress yet, I am a fan of the ATLA franchise (in fact, I just finished one of the comics). Because of this comparison, I had very different expectations going into this graphic novel than I should have. I don't really see the relation to Avatar, however this was still an interesting and fun fantastical adventure.
This story seemed to base a lot around mythology. I pin-pointed some Greek mythology, and some mythological creatures, however this seems to contain a lot of different mythological aspects, of which I'm not sure was fiction/created for this comic, or exists in our world of mythology.
The art was stunning and I loved our female lead, however I was confused by a lot of this story and hope this is something that clears up in the next volume.
Overall, a fun fantastical adventure that I feel stands by itself and needs no comparison. Perfect for graphic novel fans of mythology and high-action.
I received an e-copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sera and the Royal Stars has been referred to as "A sprawling female-led epic fantasy in the vein of Monstress and Avatar the Last Airbender". While I haven't read Monstress yet, I am a fan of the ATLA franchise (in fact, I just finished one of the comics). Because of this comparison, I had very different expectations going into this graphic novel than I should have. I don't really see the relation to Avatar, however this was still an interesting and fun fantastical adventure.
This story seemed to base a lot around mythology. I pin-pointed some Greek mythology, and some mythological creatures, however this seems to contain a lot of different mythological aspects, of which I'm not sure was fiction/created for this comic, or exists in our world of mythology.
The art was stunning and I loved our female lead, however I was confused by a lot of this story and hope this is something that clears up in the next volume.
Overall, a fun fantastical adventure that I feel stands by itself and needs no comparison. Perfect for graphic novel fans of mythology and high-action.
I received an e-copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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