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Star Wars: Sana Starros (2023-) #1
Star Wars: Sana Starros (2023) #1
STARRING IN HER FIRST EVER SOLO SERIES! Fresh off of a string of disappointments, Sana Starros returns to her family’s ancestral home for some downtime. But family time is far from relaxing for a scoundrel and her family of ne’er do wells, especially when Stormtroopers crash dinner…Watch as JUSTINA IRELAND and PERE PEREZ bring Sana Starros to new heights!
33 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2023
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Justina Ireland
125 books3,124 followersJustina Ireland is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous books including Dread Nation and its sequel Deathless Divide, the middle-grade novel Ophie's Ghosts, which won the Scott O'Dell award for historical fiction, and a number of Star Wars books including Flight of the Falcon: Lando’s Luck, Spark of the Resistance, A Test of Courage, Out of the Shadows, and Mission to Disaster. She is a former editor in chief of FIYAH Literary Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction, for which she won a World Fantasy Award. She holds a BA in History from Georgia Southern and an MFA in Creative Writing from Hamline University.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 9, 2023
Partly Star Wars, Partly Family Drama
Well that was something - something good yet annoying. Basically an emotional roller coaster. I felt greatly entertained many times throughout this read. Every action scene was a blast. Especially the art style looks amazing. However there were at least a dozen more times when I felt extremely disappointed. The whole story so far seemed like a basic family TV drama. I'm already over it...let's hope it'll get more Star Wars-y in the next issues. 3/5
May 29, 2024
Star Wars: Sana Starros #1 Review
Writer: Justina Ireland
Art: Pere Perez
Color Artist: Jay David Ramos
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Publisher: Marvel
Price: 4.99
Release Date: February 1, 2023
When everything in your life’s going wrong, it’s tempting to go home. That’s what Sana Starros chooses, when a perilous heist on an Imperial world fails to deliver on her expectations. Yet despite the beauty of her homeworld, there are signs that this visit with her family will prove less restful than she had hoped.
Story
Writer Justina Ireland launches us into this cosmic romp from the very first page, and has you chuckling by the second. Her smart, witty banter lightens the tone, yet doesn’t distract from the action as Sana battles Imperial Stormtroopers. Sana’s return to her homeworld brings more exciting action, and a comforting reunion with her family. Yet subtle clues hints that the lives of Sana’s family members—her grandmother, aunt, and cousin—are every bit as complicated as her own.
Ireland delivers up plenty of dialogue, yet the writing never seems wordy. Not only does she help us understand and empathize with the characters, but we’re falling in love with them as well. When trouble comes—as it always does in the Star Wars universe—we’re instantly rooting for Sana and her family. Hey, I even want to know more about her wrinkled friend Jand, a fellow thief who prizes things Sana readily dismisses.
The size of letterer Travis Lanham’s uppercase font never taxes the eyes. His restrained use of bold letters helps us hear the character’s intonations. Colorful sound effects enhance the action. Even when they call attention to themselves, they celebrate the action gloriously.
Art
The penciling and inking of Pere Perez help imbue the comic with the big screen cosmic scenes the Star Wars films are known for. Characters are drawn believably, and the filled-in backgrounds and excellent use of shadows give this book a cinematic look. Even on the rare instances that a panel focuses solely on a character’s head, the background is filled with texture that reminds us of the film’s lived-in quality.
When the story moves to Sana’s homeworld, Perez reveals a planet that we want to know more about. His portrayal of Sana’s family home suggests a very unconventional upbringing for Sana, without spelling out exactly why the “home” looks the way it does. Like writer Justina Ireland, Perez’s art makes me want to know more about the everyday lives of this fun and caring family.
None of this takes away from the coloring of Jay David Ramos, which is excellent throughout. His soft, rich palette gives this issue a warm, comfortable feeling. Space glows with distant, burning stars, and light sources and direction bring warmth to the characters. Even blaster bursts display color and richness.
And when Ireland needs to fortify the action and drama with a little backstory, Ramos imbues those scenes with a softer tonality, while still providing depth and appeal.
Final Thoughts
Sana Starros #1 may not be a perfect comic. No matter how well writer Justina Ireland paves the way, when Sana gets into trouble, she opts for an over-used plot device to escape and turn the table on her attackers. Secondly, one character also comes off as two-dimensional. Lastly, sound effects such as BAP BAP and PEW PEW struck me as inadequate expressions of blaster-fire.
Yet these seem minor quibbles for a story filled with a rich cast of characters, exciting action, and jaw-dropping beauty. The way the story opens at the end suggests the infinite possibilities this series could deliver. Sana Starros #1 is a beautiful, heartwarming comic that celebrates diversity and the mythic storytelling of the beloved Star Wars franchise. Don’t miss it!
Rating: 9.5/10
Writer: Justina Ireland
Art: Pere Perez
Color Artist: Jay David Ramos
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Publisher: Marvel
Price: 4.99
Release Date: February 1, 2023
When everything in your life’s going wrong, it’s tempting to go home. That’s what Sana Starros chooses, when a perilous heist on an Imperial world fails to deliver on her expectations. Yet despite the beauty of her homeworld, there are signs that this visit with her family will prove less restful than she had hoped.
Story
Writer Justina Ireland launches us into this cosmic romp from the very first page, and has you chuckling by the second. Her smart, witty banter lightens the tone, yet doesn’t distract from the action as Sana battles Imperial Stormtroopers. Sana’s return to her homeworld brings more exciting action, and a comforting reunion with her family. Yet subtle clues hints that the lives of Sana’s family members—her grandmother, aunt, and cousin—are every bit as complicated as her own.
Ireland delivers up plenty of dialogue, yet the writing never seems wordy. Not only does she help us understand and empathize with the characters, but we’re falling in love with them as well. When trouble comes—as it always does in the Star Wars universe—we’re instantly rooting for Sana and her family. Hey, I even want to know more about her wrinkled friend Jand, a fellow thief who prizes things Sana readily dismisses.
The size of letterer Travis Lanham’s uppercase font never taxes the eyes. His restrained use of bold letters helps us hear the character’s intonations. Colorful sound effects enhance the action. Even when they call attention to themselves, they celebrate the action gloriously.
Art
The penciling and inking of Pere Perez help imbue the comic with the big screen cosmic scenes the Star Wars films are known for. Characters are drawn believably, and the filled-in backgrounds and excellent use of shadows give this book a cinematic look. Even on the rare instances that a panel focuses solely on a character’s head, the background is filled with texture that reminds us of the film’s lived-in quality.
When the story moves to Sana’s homeworld, Perez reveals a planet that we want to know more about. His portrayal of Sana’s family home suggests a very unconventional upbringing for Sana, without spelling out exactly why the “home” looks the way it does. Like writer Justina Ireland, Perez’s art makes me want to know more about the everyday lives of this fun and caring family.
None of this takes away from the coloring of Jay David Ramos, which is excellent throughout. His soft, rich palette gives this issue a warm, comfortable feeling. Space glows with distant, burning stars, and light sources and direction bring warmth to the characters. Even blaster bursts display color and richness.
And when Ireland needs to fortify the action and drama with a little backstory, Ramos imbues those scenes with a softer tonality, while still providing depth and appeal.
Final Thoughts
Sana Starros #1 may not be a perfect comic. No matter how well writer Justina Ireland paves the way, when Sana gets into trouble, she opts for an over-used plot device to escape and turn the table on her attackers. Secondly, one character also comes off as two-dimensional. Lastly, sound effects such as BAP BAP and PEW PEW struck me as inadequate expressions of blaster-fire.
Yet these seem minor quibbles for a story filled with a rich cast of characters, exciting action, and jaw-dropping beauty. The way the story opens at the end suggests the infinite possibilities this series could deliver. Sana Starros #1 is a beautiful, heartwarming comic that celebrates diversity and the mythic storytelling of the beloved Star Wars franchise. Don’t miss it!
Rating: 9.5/10
April 1, 2024
"It was okay." - 2 out of 5 star rating.
I am really trying hard to be optimistic with this one.
I know Goodreads want their reviews to be tailored towards the material itself, versus entirely focused on the author... but in all fairness the facts/observations a very valid to present and directly support the outcome of this comic.
We've got an author whose banner on her website is "commitment to elevating marginalized voices", whose entire literary portfolio is full of bisexual, trans, queer, nonbinary, and lesbian representation, who also is openly seen wearing Black Panther (not the Marvel hero mind you) t-shirts, with Bernie Sanders face loud and proud behind her. It is as clear as day that she is an extremely supportive individual for that group of people/political alignment. Label it whatever title or name you desire my friends.
Now how does this relate to the material presented within Sana Starros?
Well, we have *gasp* a gay black female as the main character. Which honestly doesn't even bother me. I think most people will instantly jump on me/this review thinking I am being a hater about that, which I am certainly not. Doctor Aphra is one of my favorite characters by far in Star Wars and she is Sana's ex-gf, so there's that.
To be fair, I get it. If I am going to play a Role Playing Game (RPG)... playing a White Straight Male would really make a whole lot sense to me and be my comfort zone. This is what Ireland has done here, I say again - which is fine.
From a certain point of view, at first I want to comment on the fact that every character is black in this, but again if you think about it... Sana is visiting her family - of course they are all the same ethnicity! So there's really no complaint there. Again, Ireland writing in her comfort zone - and it makes sense.
Also notable mention.... the main bad guy is *gasp* a straight white male. So statistically... the percentage chance of this particular demographic being good, bad, or otherwise, is probably high and at the end of the day fine. I am SURE there was no hidden agenda or message here trying to be delivered... right? The fact that the main bad guy is a white dude, straight, of course they had to give him a pudge body with a double chin too, make him a woman abuser aka Domestic Violence (DV) practitioner... certainly I say again, there is no connection or hidden message or agenda whatsoever! It's just all coincidence I am sure!!!
Oh one final other observation that I am 100% confident is total coincidence as well, is that the ONLY male character whatsoever part of the cast is the bad guy, minus an alien who hacks a door. Again, I fully believe this wasn't intentional and just happened totally naturally.
[BREAK]
Anyways, regardless anything written above...
This just not very good.
Sana visits her family and then her family member gets taken by the Empire who is pregnant willingly (was not raped) by an Imperial Officer... who turns out to be an abusive a-hole... now Sana and Fam are on the hunt to rescue Mama and Baby to come.
I'm going to stick it out and see what happens and do my best to be as open minded as I can.
I am really trying hard to be optimistic with this one.
I know Goodreads want their reviews to be tailored towards the material itself, versus entirely focused on the author... but in all fairness the facts/observations a very valid to present and directly support the outcome of this comic.
We've got an author whose banner on her website is "commitment to elevating marginalized voices", whose entire literary portfolio is full of bisexual, trans, queer, nonbinary, and lesbian representation, who also is openly seen wearing Black Panther (not the Marvel hero mind you) t-shirts, with Bernie Sanders face loud and proud behind her. It is as clear as day that she is an extremely supportive individual for that group of people/political alignment. Label it whatever title or name you desire my friends.
Now how does this relate to the material presented within Sana Starros?
Well, we have *gasp* a gay black female as the main character. Which honestly doesn't even bother me. I think most people will instantly jump on me/this review thinking I am being a hater about that, which I am certainly not. Doctor Aphra is one of my favorite characters by far in Star Wars and she is Sana's ex-gf, so there's that.
To be fair, I get it. If I am going to play a Role Playing Game (RPG)... playing a White Straight Male would really make a whole lot sense to me and be my comfort zone. This is what Ireland has done here, I say again - which is fine.
From a certain point of view, at first I want to comment on the fact that every character is black in this, but again if you think about it... Sana is visiting her family - of course they are all the same ethnicity! So there's really no complaint there. Again, Ireland writing in her comfort zone - and it makes sense.
Also notable mention.... the main bad guy is *gasp* a straight white male. So statistically... the percentage chance of this particular demographic being good, bad, or otherwise, is probably high and at the end of the day fine. I am SURE there was no hidden agenda or message here trying to be delivered... right? The fact that the main bad guy is a white dude, straight, of course they had to give him a pudge body with a double chin too, make him a woman abuser aka Domestic Violence (DV) practitioner... certainly I say again, there is no connection or hidden message or agenda whatsoever! It's just all coincidence I am sure!!!
Oh one final other observation that I am 100% confident is total coincidence as well, is that the ONLY male character whatsoever part of the cast is the bad guy, minus an alien who hacks a door. Again, I fully believe this wasn't intentional and just happened totally naturally.
[BREAK]
Anyways, regardless anything written above...
This just not very good.
Sana visits her family and then her family member gets taken by the Empire who is pregnant willingly (was not raped) by an Imperial Officer... who turns out to be an abusive a-hole... now Sana and Fam are on the hunt to rescue Mama and Baby to come.
I'm going to stick it out and see what happens and do my best to be as open minded as I can.
February 2, 2023
“See, this is why I don’t visit. This isn’t normal. Other families aren’t like this.”
After some bad luck on a job and a bad breakup, Sana Starros heads home to see her aunt, cousin and grandmother. Naturally her dreams of a calm, short visit home is disrupted by imperials and all kinds of other chaos.
I'm so happy Sana Starros has her own book now! She has been a supporting character in multiple different comics - and a few books - for years now, and I love that she is finally getting to headline her own story. This issue already gave us so much info on her, where she comes from, what her family is like and in what kind of environment she grew up in. After reading this issue she already feels like a more well-rounded character to me.
I cannot wait to learn more about the Starros clan: all her relatives we've thus far met seem awesome, especially her cousin Aryssha. Her close friendship and playful bond with Sana was delightful! Another relationship I look forward to learning about more is Sana and her twin brother Phel, whom Sana has cut out of her life completely for reasons I will not spoil here.
As a Sana/Aphra shipper, there were some nice little nods to their past relationship that made me happy, even if those moments are not all that happy, since Aphra has broken Sana's heart.
The art style is great and fun!
I cannot wait for issue 2. This first issue was a great, exciting start and I have a feeling this series will be as fun and cool as Sana Starros deserves!
After some bad luck on a job and a bad breakup, Sana Starros heads home to see her aunt, cousin and grandmother. Naturally her dreams of a calm, short visit home is disrupted by imperials and all kinds of other chaos.
I'm so happy Sana Starros has her own book now! She has been a supporting character in multiple different comics - and a few books - for years now, and I love that she is finally getting to headline her own story. This issue already gave us so much info on her, where she comes from, what her family is like and in what kind of environment she grew up in. After reading this issue she already feels like a more well-rounded character to me.
I cannot wait to learn more about the Starros clan: all her relatives we've thus far met seem awesome, especially her cousin Aryssha. Her close friendship and playful bond with Sana was delightful! Another relationship I look forward to learning about more is Sana and her twin brother Phel, whom Sana has cut out of her life completely for reasons I will not spoil here.
As a Sana/Aphra shipper, there were some nice little nods to their past relationship that made me happy, even if those moments are not all that happy, since Aphra has broken Sana's heart.
The art style is great and fun!
I cannot wait for issue 2. This first issue was a great, exciting start and I have a feeling this series will be as fun and cool as Sana Starros deserves!
April 4, 2023
“Allowing second chances is hard. But that’s what love is about. Giving others the grace we need.”
Sana is a great character, and I really enjoyed meeting more of her family members. Looking forward to the rest of this series.
Sana is a great character, and I really enjoyed meeting more of her family members. Looking forward to the rest of this series.
February 18, 2023
Oh, I think I'm really going to like the Starros family! They have lots of weapons AND a plan to screw over the Empire!
March 9, 2023
Don't really have a feel on whether this will be incredible or not.
May 7, 2023
Oh I really enjoyed this, love the Aphra books and love the queer representation that is happening in Star Wars books and comic. Sana and her family are everything I hoped.
August 6, 2023
Beautiful artwork, fun action-packed story
November 14, 2024
Star Wars: Sana Starros - Family Matters.
Fun new character story arc.
#1 - Back to Basics - "Well, looks like we're doing this the hard way."
Fun new character story arc.
#1 - Back to Basics - "Well, looks like we're doing this the hard way."
December 1, 2023
It’s fun. I don’t read much Star Wars and these mini series have my attention at the moment. I love Sana and her personality, the bickering between family gives it a nice touch as well.
Things pick up pretty quickly so let’s see what happens next.
Things pick up pretty quickly so let’s see what happens next.
June 14, 2023
La aventura en cómics de Sana Starros comienza de una manera explosiva, por así decirlo.
SPOILERS!
Lo primero que Justina Ireland hace, que me pareció maravilloso, es comenzar la historia en el planeta E'ronoh. Este planeta ha sido el centro de las historias en la Fase II de la Alta República, y aunque esta historia pace cientos de años después, mantiene el interés y las conexiones vivas.
Como ha de esperarse hay unas breves menciones de la Dra. Aphra, pero la historia se centra en Sana visitando a su familia. Es en esta visita que se encuentra con una prima que con su relación, y embarazo, con un oficial imperial complica las cosas.
Esta edición termina con Sana reunida con su tía, y creo que su abuela, de camino a enfrentar al imperio gracias a este oficial fanático de la violencia doméstica.
Otros pensamientos:
- Aparecerá la Doctora? Yo espero que no, y que la historia se centralice en Sana.
- Cuanto tiempo hasta que conozcamos al hermano de Sana? En esta edición hay solo una mención. La portada variante de Black History month lo tiene como centro.
- La prima de Sana se casó con el oficial porque pensaba que "podía arreglarlo." Algo que definitivo rara vez funciona.
SPOILERS!
Lo primero que Justina Ireland hace, que me pareció maravilloso, es comenzar la historia en el planeta E'ronoh. Este planeta ha sido el centro de las historias en la Fase II de la Alta República, y aunque esta historia pace cientos de años después, mantiene el interés y las conexiones vivas.
Como ha de esperarse hay unas breves menciones de la Dra. Aphra, pero la historia se centra en Sana visitando a su familia. Es en esta visita que se encuentra con una prima que con su relación, y embarazo, con un oficial imperial complica las cosas.
Esta edición termina con Sana reunida con su tía, y creo que su abuela, de camino a enfrentar al imperio gracias a este oficial fanático de la violencia doméstica.
Otros pensamientos:
- Aparecerá la Doctora? Yo espero que no, y que la historia se centralice en Sana.
- Cuanto tiempo hasta que conozcamos al hermano de Sana? En esta edición hay solo una mención. La portada variante de Black History month lo tiene como centro.
- La prima de Sana se casó con el oficial porque pensaba que "podía arreglarlo." Algo que definitivo rara vez funciona.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews