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Dreadstar Returns #1
Dreadstar Returns
The first all-new Dreadstar adventure in thirty years, Dreadstar Returns in Vanth Dreadstar's most cosmic, and personal, adventure ever in this all-new, over-sized 100-page hardcover written and illustrated by series creator and comic book legend Jim Starlin!
100 pages, Hardcover
First published January 12, 2021
15 people want to read
About the author
Jim Starlin
1,336 books444 followersJames P. "Jim" Starlin is an American comic book writer and artist. With a career dating back to the early 1970s, he is best known for "cosmic" tales and space opera; for revamping the Marvel Comics characters Captain Marvel and Adam Warlock; and for creating or co-creating the Marvel characters Thanos and Shang-Chi, Master of Kung Fu. Death and suicide are recurring themes in Starlin's work: Personifications of Death appeared in his Captain Marvel series and in a fill-in story for Ghost Rider; Warlock commits suicide by killing his future self; and suicide is a theme in a story he plotted and drew for The Rampaging Hulk magazine.
In the mid-1970s, Starlin contributed a cache of stories to the independently published science-fiction anthology Star Reach. Here he developed his ideas of God, death, and infinity, free of the restrictions of mainstream comics publishers' self-censorship arm, the Comics Code Authority. Starlin also drew "The Secret of Skull River", inked by frequent collaborator Al Milgrom, for Savage Tales #5 (July 1974).
When Marvel Comics wished to use the name of Captain Marvel for a new, different character,[citation needed] Starlin was given the rare opportunity to produce a one-shot story in which to kill off a main character. The Death of Captain Marvel became the first graphic novel published by the company itself. (
In the late 1980s, Starlin began working more for DC Comics, writing a number of Batman stories, including the four-issue miniseries Batman: The Cult (Aug.-Nov. 1988), and the storyline "Batman: A Death in the Family", in Batman #426-429 (Dec. 1988 – Jan. 1989), in which Jason Todd, the second of Batman's Robin sidekicks, was killed. The death was decided by fans, as DC Comics set up a hotline for readers to vote on as to whether or not Jason Todd should survive a potentially fatal situation. For DC he created Hardcore Station.
In the mid-1970s, Starlin contributed a cache of stories to the independently published science-fiction anthology Star Reach. Here he developed his ideas of God, death, and infinity, free of the restrictions of mainstream comics publishers' self-censorship arm, the Comics Code Authority. Starlin also drew "The Secret of Skull River", inked by frequent collaborator Al Milgrom, for Savage Tales #5 (July 1974).
When Marvel Comics wished to use the name of Captain Marvel for a new, different character,[citation needed] Starlin was given the rare opportunity to produce a one-shot story in which to kill off a main character. The Death of Captain Marvel became the first graphic novel published by the company itself. (
In the late 1980s, Starlin began working more for DC Comics, writing a number of Batman stories, including the four-issue miniseries Batman: The Cult (Aug.-Nov. 1988), and the storyline "Batman: A Death in the Family", in Batman #426-429 (Dec. 1988 – Jan. 1989), in which Jason Todd, the second of Batman's Robin sidekicks, was killed. The death was decided by fans, as DC Comics set up a hotline for readers to vote on as to whether or not Jason Todd should survive a potentially fatal situation. For DC he created Hardcore Station.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 28, 2024
I read the August 2023 softcover edition from Monkey Wrench Press, which reprints this original graphic novel. Both the new and old editions were crowd-funded through very successful Kickstarter campaigns.
Jim Starlin returns to his classic cosmic space-opera character after a thirty-year absence and doesn’t miss a beat. His story-telling abilities and fabulous art style appear as fresh as if he never put down the pencil or pen on the adventures of Dreadstar and Company. The assistance by Jaime Jameson really enhances the best of his visual style. There was always a heavy Star Wars influence on the Dreadstar books, and it’s evident and welcome here.
All the familiar characters are back, even including some of the old villains (although it’s not entirely them). I thoroughly enjoyed the story although the major plot line became a bit too metaphysical to my liking. Also, this is the lead-in to DREADSTAR VS. THE INEVITABLE (also Kickstarter funded) and the announcement of the plan for three more Dreadstar books as well as the possibility of a live-action video series.
In this brand-new story, Vanth Dreadstar and his cosmic sword (which he shares with the embedded female entity known as Power) reunites with his team to face a new threat (reminding me of the erase-it-all blankness/void of the original CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS from DC).
The older threat of the High Lord Papal and the political/religious Instrumentality was eliminated in the older series. Everything is now controlled by the Willow Consortium. Former character Willow has transcended her physical form to become Willow 327, the powerful artificial intelligence that communicates with and controls all computers and cooperates with humans through her telekinetic and telepathic abilities.
Those endearing team members are back, including Oedi, the super soldier/marital artist and last of the cat people; and Tueton, the monstrous but lovable simpleton. Also Laslo Delphi, the med student and lover of Willow in a one-sided relationship, who perished in the original series - now returns as a formless entity in another dimension who temporarily restores Willow to human form and brings her into his dimension. Turns out he’s partially responsible for the threat and the harbinger of more to come.
Jim Starlin returns to his classic cosmic space-opera character after a thirty-year absence and doesn’t miss a beat. His story-telling abilities and fabulous art style appear as fresh as if he never put down the pencil or pen on the adventures of Dreadstar and Company. The assistance by Jaime Jameson really enhances the best of his visual style. There was always a heavy Star Wars influence on the Dreadstar books, and it’s evident and welcome here.
All the familiar characters are back, even including some of the old villains (although it’s not entirely them). I thoroughly enjoyed the story although the major plot line became a bit too metaphysical to my liking. Also, this is the lead-in to DREADSTAR VS. THE INEVITABLE (also Kickstarter funded) and the announcement of the plan for three more Dreadstar books as well as the possibility of a live-action video series.
In this brand-new story, Vanth Dreadstar and his cosmic sword (which he shares with the embedded female entity known as Power) reunites with his team to face a new threat (reminding me of the erase-it-all blankness/void of the original CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS from DC).
The older threat of the High Lord Papal and the political/religious Instrumentality was eliminated in the older series. Everything is now controlled by the Willow Consortium. Former character Willow has transcended her physical form to become Willow 327, the powerful artificial intelligence that communicates with and controls all computers and cooperates with humans through her telekinetic and telepathic abilities.
Those endearing team members are back, including Oedi, the super soldier/marital artist and last of the cat people; and Tueton, the monstrous but lovable simpleton. Also Laslo Delphi, the med student and lover of Willow in a one-sided relationship, who perished in the original series - now returns as a formless entity in another dimension who temporarily restores Willow to human form and brings her into his dimension. Turns out he’s partially responsible for the threat and the harbinger of more to come.
December 15, 2024
El retorno de Starlin a su personaje arranca bastante bien y supone un cierto regreso a los años anteriores a la etapa de Peter David. El dibujo es muy bueno, pero el episodio funciona como un prólogo de una historia más larga, así que es pronto para juzgar el argumento. En cualquier caso, parece una aventura entretenida del personaje y su grupo.
January 25, 2021
In the interest of full disclosure I did back this book on Kickstarter, and I think being a backer probably colors my opinion. I also wanted to give this a higher rating, but I just couldn't.
I didn't support this project wholly out of nostalgia. The original series, which came after the mildly depressing Metamorphosis Odyssey and The Price (I mean these were sad stories, very well done but still a bit sad), was a pretty good mash-up of space opera with a little bit of super heroics and philosophy tossed in. Alot of that was retained for this book, but...
Maybe its because I kind of pushed tho finish during lunch at work, but the metaphysical aspects of the tale seemed a bit overdone. This is, for me, more of a question of execution of a good idea than saying the concept was a failure. The other, and this is a minor complaint, what I thought was a one and done story set in the Dreadstar universe, is part of what will be an ongoing series (much like Ron Randall has done with his creator owned Trekker at Kickstarter).
The characters acknowledge that 25 years have passed, and I think they are pretty much ignoring both the Bravura series and the Peter David stories, which is probably for the better. There are reasonable explanations for why Willow and Dreadstar have not aged.
There is, this is Jim Starlin of course, a devastating threat to the galaxy. The exact nature of whom is behind this threat is vague, which combined with the metaphysical portion of the story why I couldn't bump this up to a 4 star review with a recommendation to read even if you are new to the characters.
I didn't support this project wholly out of nostalgia. The original series, which came after the mildly depressing Metamorphosis Odyssey and The Price (I mean these were sad stories, very well done but still a bit sad), was a pretty good mash-up of space opera with a little bit of super heroics and philosophy tossed in. Alot of that was retained for this book, but...
Maybe its because I kind of pushed tho finish during lunch at work, but the metaphysical aspects of the tale seemed a bit overdone. This is, for me, more of a question of execution of a good idea than saying the concept was a failure. The other, and this is a minor complaint, what I thought was a one and done story set in the Dreadstar universe, is part of what will be an ongoing series (much like Ron Randall has done with his creator owned Trekker at Kickstarter).
The characters acknowledge that 25 years have passed, and I think they are pretty much ignoring both the Bravura series and the Peter David stories, which is probably for the better. There are reasonable explanations for why Willow and Dreadstar have not aged.
There is, this is Jim Starlin of course, a devastating threat to the galaxy. The exact nature of whom is behind this threat is vague, which combined with the metaphysical portion of the story why I couldn't bump this up to a 4 star review with a recommendation to read even if you are new to the characters.
April 3, 2025
Dreadstar has lost his magic, I become bored and tired during the reading of the comic. Jaime tries his best with the drawings but doesn't convince me
September 4, 2021
Jim Starlin returns to write and draw a new installment in his Dreadstar saga. This is a self-contained story which serves as a bridge between the original run and the new adventure. Vanth and company face a familiar adversary, through whom characters from Dreadstar's past are revisited.
Several decades on, Starlin's return to Dreadstar has that same feel as the original run. He's always been at his strongest when playing with cosmic concepts, especially in his own creation where he is unconstrained by editorial interference and corporate concerns. It's also great to see him back on art, another area where he hasn't lost a step. All in all, this bodes well for the future of Dreadstar.
Several decades on, Starlin's return to Dreadstar has that same feel as the original run. He's always been at his strongest when playing with cosmic concepts, especially in his own creation where he is unconstrained by editorial interference and corporate concerns. It's also great to see him back on art, another area where he hasn't lost a step. All in all, this bodes well for the future of Dreadstar.
May 6, 2024
When I heard that Jim Starlin was going to do a new Dreadstar book after 30 years I was excited. I went to Kickstarter and put down my money and waited a very long time. Finally, the box arrived and I broke out both this book and the guidebook for the characters in the Dreadstar universe plus all the other sides. It took me about two weeks to find the time to sit and read it uninterrupted. How was the book?
Well it looked like a Dreadstar book. Jim Starlin and Jaime Jameson have done a lovely job on the art. It looks great. In fact the whole book package is great. Lot of beautiful trippy Jim Starlin artwork. It is a marvel to look at. He might be my favorite galactic comic storyteller.
The story is a little odd. It opens with a direct jab at the former President. You do not need wonder where Mr. Starlin stands with regards to him. From there the book sets the stage for the universe that Dreadstar takes place in. I am not wholly sure when this story takes place. I think that it is 20 years from the last time that we saw him. I am not entirely sure how much of what happened when Peter David wrote the book is still relevant even though you do see a number of the characters from that era. I am not sure if the story occurs after the mini series from Malibu. In fact I feel pretty secure in saying that story never happened. A casual reader cannot read this book as it is layered in what has gone on before despite a pretty good job of explaining some of the past. The story really felt more like a prologue to a greater story. It returns a character from the past who reveals a greater foe on the horizon. That is the story in a 15 word sentence. I liked it. It was good to see Oedi, Willow and Tuetun. Where was Skeevo or Iron Angel? I was happy to read this story but wanted more action and progress. This book felt a little light on exposition while the characters all talked a lot. It felt like it was missing something to make it a five star book.
I loved getting this book. I loved reading the story. I really loved looking at Jim Starlin space opera art. But I wanted a little more. Look forward to part two of the story.
Well it looked like a Dreadstar book. Jim Starlin and Jaime Jameson have done a lovely job on the art. It looks great. In fact the whole book package is great. Lot of beautiful trippy Jim Starlin artwork. It is a marvel to look at. He might be my favorite galactic comic storyteller.
The story is a little odd. It opens with a direct jab at the former President. You do not need wonder where Mr. Starlin stands with regards to him. From there the book sets the stage for the universe that Dreadstar takes place in. I am not wholly sure when this story takes place. I think that it is 20 years from the last time that we saw him. I am not entirely sure how much of what happened when Peter David wrote the book is still relevant even though you do see a number of the characters from that era. I am not sure if the story occurs after the mini series from Malibu. In fact I feel pretty secure in saying that story never happened. A casual reader cannot read this book as it is layered in what has gone on before despite a pretty good job of explaining some of the past. The story really felt more like a prologue to a greater story. It returns a character from the past who reveals a greater foe on the horizon. That is the story in a 15 word sentence. I liked it. It was good to see Oedi, Willow and Tuetun. Where was Skeevo or Iron Angel? I was happy to read this story but wanted more action and progress. This book felt a little light on exposition while the characters all talked a lot. It felt like it was missing something to make it a five star book.
I loved getting this book. I loved reading the story. I really loved looking at Jim Starlin space opera art. But I wanted a little more. Look forward to part two of the story.
August 2, 2021
Jim Starlin is back, reintroducing the epic power-sword wielding warrior, Vanth Dreadstar, and his motley, space-faring band of adherents in the 120-page Ominous Press offering, “Dreadstar Returns.” Picking up where he left off, Jim has capably recaptured the fast-paced, clever, tale-spinning magic he has always weaved so well, the kind that made the Dreadstar line must-pulls at the LCS’s for years.
Jim wastes no time unfolding an opening scene that puts readers face-to-face with the pompous, bloated arrogance of King Plundo Tram, a Trumpian ruler standing over a large slain beast, the target of a massive and well-armed hunting party. Steeped in the politics of optics and manipulation, a doting attendant plans the victorious and deceptive spin as the King’s solo triumph, to be characterized as a deed of courage and bravery, rather than the actual event, that of an army-led massacre of the beast. It is appropriate at this moment that Starlin reintroduces Vanth Dreadstar, the Robin Hood of this piece and the perfect counterpoint to pretentious, self-important monocrats. Clad in his trademark hoodie, detachable cloak, and swashbuckling garb, seemingly weaponless and alone, Vanth enters innocuously, approaching from the horizon on foot. The King’s army is amused and allows Vanth to introduce himself, but he immediately rattles off a laundry list of the kingdom’s atrocities, declaring that Tram’s tainted rule is finished. When Vanth adds that he will be supplanting Tram as the new ruling power, the contemptuous monarch scoffs, even as Vanth proceeds to explain while any defense the King’s army attempts to muster will fail miserably. The power sword materialises into Vanth’s hand as Tram defiantly directs his minions to attack and it is here that readers get to see Vanth putting some serious “dread” into the Dreadstar masthead, fiercely demonstrating his masterful proficiency as a deadly cosmic warrior.
And just as quickly, boom, we’re off to the planet Altarix. Here, under the digitized guardianship of world-managing Willow, we find Oedi and Tueton witnessing a growing trans-dimensional rupture that threatens to engulf the planet and beyond. Oedi heroically opts to explore the rift and quickly unearths a mystery within a mystery, with the name “Willow” inexplicably echoing throughout the rift. The haunting visage of a tight-lipped Syzygy, thought to be dead 20 years earlier, appears to Vanth back on Tram’s world and implores him to return to Altarix. A warp-jump later, the unflappable Dreadstar rejoins his team and goes about assembling a core team to track down the Willow chant and the source of the inter-dimensional breach. During the journey, Starlin is able to pull out a plethora of key characters used over the years in his Dreadstar line, including one early member of the band that has undergone a cosmic transformation, not unlike the Star-Thief from Starlin’s Warlock days. The exposition here gets lengthy but it’s savoury sci-fi goodness on a cosmic scale only Starlin could craft so adeptly into a graphic novel. The premise resonates believably while creating a requisite abundance of awe. It’s story-telling Starlin-style.
The characterisations and scripted chemistry in “Dreadstar Returns” resume in a way that feels like they never paused. Dreadstar embodies a driven good guy that means business, always forging ahead with a boldness of purpose and a warrior’s confidence. The felinoid Oedi demonstrates razor-sharp deductive savvy and formidable skills as a furry marksman. Tueton remains a simple but loyal brute-come-head-smasher when threats become imminent while Willow, even digitised, presents compassionately as a fair and caring steward for the overarching governing structure known as the Willow Consortium, the antithesis of the former evil Instrumentality Empire of the High Lord Papal. Starlin’s core characters interact believably. They grumble, they wisecrack, they ruminate. They even like each other and, most importantly, they work brilliantly as an entourage. This is good to know, since the final panel is a portent of more dire challenges ahead for the merry band.
Artistically, Starlin remains masterful in this fresh outing, with strong layouts and a mind-boggling attention to detail that are his hallmark and a genuine joy to behold. Dreadstar fans far and wide will ravenously devour the imagery. That Jim furnishes a savoury double-page spread immediately following the splash page is painstaking testimony that he enjoys giving fans their money’s worth even as he draws them further into his universe. Take heart: readers are treated to 9 other double-page spreads interspersed around every 10 pages or so. Hell, Starlin’s compositions are so robust that even his single-page renders often feel like double-page spreads.
The adept inks of Jaime Jameson are clean and crisp, ideally suited anchors for Starlin’s detailed pencils. I was not aware that Jim had evolved so extensively as a skilled colourist, but in “Dreadstar Returns” he renders an absolutely kinetic palette without overwhelming the panels. Though some backgrounds appear to be fractal snippets or stock solar energy images, Starlin more than makes up for it with often extensive detail in crowd scenes and city renders, in architectural perspectives and futuristic hardware. There is no shortage of panels poised to take the readers’ breath away. As I navigated from page to page, I honestly haven’t said, “Wow!” in my head on so many occasions in a long time. As if this Dreadstar rebirth wasn’t enough, readers are also treated to no small amount of bad-ass bonus features and eye-popping page processes, wonderful insights into Jim’s creative machinations. An in-depth “Dreadstar Guidebook” is the perfect complementary compendium to bring Dreadstar fans old and new completely up to speed.
Longtime Starlin fans know that the Dreadstar journey began way back in “Epic Illustrated” from 1980 with the cutting edge 14-part allegory entitled “Metamorphosis Odyssey.” This latest chapter in the long-running odyssey is another Starlin triumph that reintroduces and builds upon the adventurous feel and cosmic awe ultimately spawned by the original run that Starlin excels at delivering. Every fan likes to realise strong returns on their hard-earned investments, but readers seeking returns on a cosmically entertaining scale can’t afford to pass up “Dreadstar Returns.”
Jim wastes no time unfolding an opening scene that puts readers face-to-face with the pompous, bloated arrogance of King Plundo Tram, a Trumpian ruler standing over a large slain beast, the target of a massive and well-armed hunting party. Steeped in the politics of optics and manipulation, a doting attendant plans the victorious and deceptive spin as the King’s solo triumph, to be characterized as a deed of courage and bravery, rather than the actual event, that of an army-led massacre of the beast. It is appropriate at this moment that Starlin reintroduces Vanth Dreadstar, the Robin Hood of this piece and the perfect counterpoint to pretentious, self-important monocrats. Clad in his trademark hoodie, detachable cloak, and swashbuckling garb, seemingly weaponless and alone, Vanth enters innocuously, approaching from the horizon on foot. The King’s army is amused and allows Vanth to introduce himself, but he immediately rattles off a laundry list of the kingdom’s atrocities, declaring that Tram’s tainted rule is finished. When Vanth adds that he will be supplanting Tram as the new ruling power, the contemptuous monarch scoffs, even as Vanth proceeds to explain while any defense the King’s army attempts to muster will fail miserably. The power sword materialises into Vanth’s hand as Tram defiantly directs his minions to attack and it is here that readers get to see Vanth putting some serious “dread” into the Dreadstar masthead, fiercely demonstrating his masterful proficiency as a deadly cosmic warrior.
And just as quickly, boom, we’re off to the planet Altarix. Here, under the digitized guardianship of world-managing Willow, we find Oedi and Tueton witnessing a growing trans-dimensional rupture that threatens to engulf the planet and beyond. Oedi heroically opts to explore the rift and quickly unearths a mystery within a mystery, with the name “Willow” inexplicably echoing throughout the rift. The haunting visage of a tight-lipped Syzygy, thought to be dead 20 years earlier, appears to Vanth back on Tram’s world and implores him to return to Altarix. A warp-jump later, the unflappable Dreadstar rejoins his team and goes about assembling a core team to track down the Willow chant and the source of the inter-dimensional breach. During the journey, Starlin is able to pull out a plethora of key characters used over the years in his Dreadstar line, including one early member of the band that has undergone a cosmic transformation, not unlike the Star-Thief from Starlin’s Warlock days. The exposition here gets lengthy but it’s savoury sci-fi goodness on a cosmic scale only Starlin could craft so adeptly into a graphic novel. The premise resonates believably while creating a requisite abundance of awe. It’s story-telling Starlin-style.
The characterisations and scripted chemistry in “Dreadstar Returns” resume in a way that feels like they never paused. Dreadstar embodies a driven good guy that means business, always forging ahead with a boldness of purpose and a warrior’s confidence. The felinoid Oedi demonstrates razor-sharp deductive savvy and formidable skills as a furry marksman. Tueton remains a simple but loyal brute-come-head-smasher when threats become imminent while Willow, even digitised, presents compassionately as a fair and caring steward for the overarching governing structure known as the Willow Consortium, the antithesis of the former evil Instrumentality Empire of the High Lord Papal. Starlin’s core characters interact believably. They grumble, they wisecrack, they ruminate. They even like each other and, most importantly, they work brilliantly as an entourage. This is good to know, since the final panel is a portent of more dire challenges ahead for the merry band.
Artistically, Starlin remains masterful in this fresh outing, with strong layouts and a mind-boggling attention to detail that are his hallmark and a genuine joy to behold. Dreadstar fans far and wide will ravenously devour the imagery. That Jim furnishes a savoury double-page spread immediately following the splash page is painstaking testimony that he enjoys giving fans their money’s worth even as he draws them further into his universe. Take heart: readers are treated to 9 other double-page spreads interspersed around every 10 pages or so. Hell, Starlin’s compositions are so robust that even his single-page renders often feel like double-page spreads.
The adept inks of Jaime Jameson are clean and crisp, ideally suited anchors for Starlin’s detailed pencils. I was not aware that Jim had evolved so extensively as a skilled colourist, but in “Dreadstar Returns” he renders an absolutely kinetic palette without overwhelming the panels. Though some backgrounds appear to be fractal snippets or stock solar energy images, Starlin more than makes up for it with often extensive detail in crowd scenes and city renders, in architectural perspectives and futuristic hardware. There is no shortage of panels poised to take the readers’ breath away. As I navigated from page to page, I honestly haven’t said, “Wow!” in my head on so many occasions in a long time. As if this Dreadstar rebirth wasn’t enough, readers are also treated to no small amount of bad-ass bonus features and eye-popping page processes, wonderful insights into Jim’s creative machinations. An in-depth “Dreadstar Guidebook” is the perfect complementary compendium to bring Dreadstar fans old and new completely up to speed.
Longtime Starlin fans know that the Dreadstar journey began way back in “Epic Illustrated” from 1980 with the cutting edge 14-part allegory entitled “Metamorphosis Odyssey.” This latest chapter in the long-running odyssey is another Starlin triumph that reintroduces and builds upon the adventurous feel and cosmic awe ultimately spawned by the original run that Starlin excels at delivering. Every fan likes to realise strong returns on their hard-earned investments, but readers seeking returns on a cosmically entertaining scale can’t afford to pass up “Dreadstar Returns.”
December 31, 2021
This new Dreadstar story from creator Jim Starlin was a Kickstarter project that wildly exceeded the original fundraising goal thanks to a fan base hungry for more stories with these characters.
I was one of those backers so you can understand my excitement and anticipation for this story.
And while I liked the story a lot, I did find myself just a bit hesitant with the end result. Just look how long it took me to actually writing any kind of review for it.
While the story starts out like a kind of space opera as it was with the original series, it seemed to morph into a kind of metaphysical meditation once the true origins of the story were revealed. Now that isn't to say I didn't like it.
The story was tightly woven throughout and the artwork (also by Starlin) was superb but I guess that I was hoping for more of what I was used to with Dreadstar. But since I plan to re-read this again to see if there was something I just missed on my first reading, challenging my expectations might turn out to be a nice thing in the long run.
I'll update this review once I get around to re-reading the book!
I was one of those backers so you can understand my excitement and anticipation for this story.
And while I liked the story a lot, I did find myself just a bit hesitant with the end result. Just look how long it took me to actually writing any kind of review for it.
While the story starts out like a kind of space opera as it was with the original series, it seemed to morph into a kind of metaphysical meditation once the true origins of the story were revealed. Now that isn't to say I didn't like it.
The story was tightly woven throughout and the artwork (also by Starlin) was superb but I guess that I was hoping for more of what I was used to with Dreadstar. But since I plan to re-read this again to see if there was something I just missed on my first reading, challenging my expectations might turn out to be a nice thing in the long run.
I'll update this review once I get around to re-reading the book!
January 22, 2021
A rather meh installment in the Dreadstar series. All of the main characters and concepts are here, but something is lacking. The main story involves one character from the past bringing back all of the characters from the past, but not really. While it might have been interesting to see the interaction of the past villains with Vanth and crew, the fact that the replicas are little more the visual representations of them takes a lot away. Add to this an antagonist who really isn't all that antagonistic and flashbacks which seem to be little more than reprints of the original work and you have a mediocre and rather disappointing outing.
There is enough interesting material to make it a read for the completist, but there is no need to rush out and grab the hardcover. I was worried when there were typos on the page introducing the characters.
There is enough interesting material to make it a read for the completist, but there is no need to rush out and grab the hardcover. I was worried when there were typos on the page introducing the characters.
July 24, 2021
Not much here to recommend this one. The art is merely ok by my expectation of a Starlin book. The plot is a mashup of themes from previous stories with a lot of comic violence thrown in. Meh.
December 4, 2022
Dreadstar is very much an 80s artifact. I read much of the original series back in the day. It was pretty cool, when the idea of graphic novels under the control of a single creator, and without the restrictions of the Comics Code Authority, was still fresh and new. Dreadstar was not particularly "edgy" for its time, but it did have more gore and adult themes than you'd find in a typical Marvel or DC comic book.
Jim Starlin is most famous for creating characters like Thanos, Captain Marvel (the original one), and the Guardians of the Galaxy. When he began writing Dreadstar for Epic Illustrated, he got to create his own universe and populate it with his own characters whom he retained creative control over.
While a great artist and an okay writer, Dreadstar was never terribly original. It could be described as "an indy Guardians of the Galaxy rip-off" though Starlin was ripping off his own creations for Marvel. Vance Dreadstar is your typical tortured hero who saw his entire family die and decided to take down the entire empire responsible. He's a Jedi with a magic sword and he assembles a supporting cast that includes Teuton (basically, the Hulk), Oedi (a cat-man super-soldier), and Willow (a psychic with her own tragic backstory). Together, they did in fact take down the evil empire and created their own, the Willow Consortium. Willow is now an AI who runs everything, and they are a benevolent empire. We know this because in the opening pages of Dreadstar Returns, Dreadstar shows up to kill the despotic ruler of an independent planet, puts his head on a pike, and tells everyone else they are now part of the Willow Consortium and anyone who has a problem with that can also get their head put on a pike.
Funny thing is, this is played straight. Like, we're just supposed to accept that the Willow Consortium are the good guys and assassinating heads of state and forcibly absorbing their planets into the Willow Consortium is the right thing to do because they only do it to bad people.
Dreadstar has never been very subtle. It's basically a space opera about space superheroes. In Dreadstar Returns, which Starlin launched on Kickstarter, it's 25 years after the original series, but you could hardly tell by looking at the characters, who don't seem to have aged a day. The threat in this book is a big interdimensional portal that's swallowing parts of the Willow Consortium. Dreadstar and crew have to investigate by going into the portal, where they encounter an old friend who's responsible. Eventually they settle this threat, but they learn of an even greater threat: a genocidal being called the Nameless who has assembled a fleet of galaxy-killing spaceships that is headed for the Willow Consortium. That, of course, will be the Big Bad for the next volume.
Overall this was an okay read, and Starlin's artwork is as fine as ever. It was a bit nostalgic for fans of Dreadstar back in the day, but it's nothing groundbreaking or even a real revamp of the series, it's just Dreadstar and his friends fighting one intergalactic Big Bad after another.
Jim Starlin is most famous for creating characters like Thanos, Captain Marvel (the original one), and the Guardians of the Galaxy. When he began writing Dreadstar for Epic Illustrated, he got to create his own universe and populate it with his own characters whom he retained creative control over.
While a great artist and an okay writer, Dreadstar was never terribly original. It could be described as "an indy Guardians of the Galaxy rip-off" though Starlin was ripping off his own creations for Marvel. Vance Dreadstar is your typical tortured hero who saw his entire family die and decided to take down the entire empire responsible. He's a Jedi with a magic sword and he assembles a supporting cast that includes Teuton (basically, the Hulk), Oedi (a cat-man super-soldier), and Willow (a psychic with her own tragic backstory). Together, they did in fact take down the evil empire and created their own, the Willow Consortium. Willow is now an AI who runs everything, and they are a benevolent empire. We know this because in the opening pages of Dreadstar Returns, Dreadstar shows up to kill the despotic ruler of an independent planet, puts his head on a pike, and tells everyone else they are now part of the Willow Consortium and anyone who has a problem with that can also get their head put on a pike.
Funny thing is, this is played straight. Like, we're just supposed to accept that the Willow Consortium are the good guys and assassinating heads of state and forcibly absorbing their planets into the Willow Consortium is the right thing to do because they only do it to bad people.
Dreadstar has never been very subtle. It's basically a space opera about space superheroes. In Dreadstar Returns, which Starlin launched on Kickstarter, it's 25 years after the original series, but you could hardly tell by looking at the characters, who don't seem to have aged a day. The threat in this book is a big interdimensional portal that's swallowing parts of the Willow Consortium. Dreadstar and crew have to investigate by going into the portal, where they encounter an old friend who's responsible. Eventually they settle this threat, but they learn of an even greater threat: a genocidal being called the Nameless who has assembled a fleet of galaxy-killing spaceships that is headed for the Willow Consortium. That, of course, will be the Big Bad for the next volume.
Overall this was an okay read, and Starlin's artwork is as fine as ever. It was a bit nostalgic for fans of Dreadstar back in the day, but it's nothing groundbreaking or even a real revamp of the series, it's just Dreadstar and his friends fighting one intergalactic Big Bad after another.
March 10, 2025
Willow's consciousness has been uploaded into a computer system that is running a system of planets and Dreadstar is responsible for adding planets to this collective, often by conquest. Dreadstar beheads one of these dictators and puts the head on a spear. The dismembered head resembles a still-living president of the United States. This might have seemed clever, but it's probably not a good precedent for artists to do this no matter what end of the political spectrum they are attacking.
A bubble of energy appears on one of these planets in the Willow Consortium and slowly begins to devour the city and its people. It turns out the bubble is a warning of an Inevitable force coming to destroy the universe, so the entity sending the warning doesn't mind killing a couple of thousand people to send the warning if it staves off disaster. This entity is from Dreadstar and the company's past, so there is a fair number of flashback pages to get the reader up to speed.
Thankfully, Dreadstar is back to his hooded sword-wielding phase rather than the superhero phase.
A bubble of energy appears on one of these planets in the Willow Consortium and slowly begins to devour the city and its people. It turns out the bubble is a warning of an Inevitable force coming to destroy the universe, so the entity sending the warning doesn't mind killing a couple of thousand people to send the warning if it staves off disaster. This entity is from Dreadstar and the company's past, so there is a fair number of flashback pages to get the reader up to speed.
Thankfully, Dreadstar is back to his hooded sword-wielding phase rather than the superhero phase.
August 24, 2024
I was a little disconnected as I started reading this. It was clearly set before Dreadstar and Company left the Empirical Galaxy. But then I found myself reveling in Starlin’s utter contempt for a previous blowhard wannabe dictator named Donny in the hilarious parody that opens this volume. And I say volume, meaning the opening chapter of a new space opera epic. While this story is a complete chapter on its own, with a satisfying conclusion, it can also be a bit frustrating as there is a nicely wrapped The End. Instead we have the end of a new beginning that retroactively resets the Dreadstar narrative onto a new course and a new future. This is cosmic storytelling at its finest. I might not even be able to wait until tomorrow to read Dreadstar Vs. The Inevitable.
December 16, 2021
After 20 + years writer and artist Jim Starlin returns to the world of DREADSTAR and Company with this release. Many of the original cast of friends AND enemies are back in one form or another as the hero and his crew are travelling through known space attempting to put an end to the worst while expanding the span of control of a certain character from the past.
Reads pretty much as if the creator hadn't taken a two decade's long break as he brings all the ingredients that made the original that made the character a pop culture sensation in the past.
The book also contains pages of extra art breakdowns and... the announcement of the NEXT book in the series DREADSTAR VS. THE INEVITABLE... coming soon.
Reads pretty much as if the creator hadn't taken a two decade's long break as he brings all the ingredients that made the original that made the character a pop culture sensation in the past.
The book also contains pages of extra art breakdowns and... the announcement of the NEXT book in the series DREADSTAR VS. THE INEVITABLE... coming soon.
August 2, 2025
This is a fun return to the Dreadstar universe, and it feels like we never left. It has all the highs (amazing art, great characters and exciting action) and the lows (a little too much exposition, which can go on a little too long) that the series had in its heyday. They being said, the pros far outweigh te cons, and if you have ever enjoyed Dreadstar, I would imagine you'd enjoy this.
September 20, 2021
More or less a re-introduction to the character and a set-up for future stories.
Throughly enjoyed this but I'm a fanboy of Jimmy. Still, I would say it's good if you like stories with a "Saturday morning cartoon" feel to them.
Throughly enjoyed this but I'm a fanboy of Jimmy. Still, I would say it's good if you like stories with a "Saturday morning cartoon" feel to them.
July 25, 2021
Overall, this is an enjoyable new entry in the Dreadstar series. I was a little disappointed that it is not a complete story. I am happy that there is at least one more volume coming though
August 22, 2021
Excellent story and a reunion of Dreadstar and his companions.
January 16, 2022
Qué gustazo volver aquí. AMO este personaje y estos cómics.
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