Starfire #1 Review: Kori’s New Image Is Empowering for Women

I fell way behind in reading Red Hood and the Outlaws.  It was a series that I read because I am a fan of Red Hood.  I was not as impressed with how Starfire was written as I would have liked.  When I heard that Starfire was getting not only a new solo series, but an updated look, I knew I wanted to check the comic out.  In this first issue, Kori is being helped by Sherriff Gomez.  The sheriff has taken Kori under her wing, helping to explain things like how to get money, where to live, and buying new clothes.  Kori, being alien, does not understand many things on Earth.  With Gomez’ assistance, Kori is set up in a trailer to live for the time being.  Meanwhile, a nasty storm is coming in.

Starfire is currently being written by Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti, the same people who write for Harley Quinn.  Their style is recognizable between the two books, in that they are both incredibly fun to read with great humor.  Kori’s thought bubbles in pictures are both hilarious and adorable.  It’s not necessarily a continuation of Kori from Red Hood and the Outlaws, but it contains elements of that story while being completely readable on its own.  The art itself is beautiful to look at and fits perfectly with the writing.

I was delightfully surprised with Starfire #1.  Starfire in Red Hood and The Outlaws, at least in the earlier issues that I read, was drawn to be a sex object.  She would stand in ridiculous poses for no reason in the middle of a page, I assume for the male gaze. It looks like DC Comics heard our complaints. She still shows her midriff, but she isn’t wearing a top that barely covers her bust and defies multiple laws of nature.  She’s drawn and written in a way that she looks sexy for herself, not for the males around her.  Kori’s wearing the clothes she enjoys.  It’s an empowering change in her image. This is a good thing.  Sure she still has a couple shower panels and at first chooses a bikini for an outfit while shopping, but it’s written in a way that pokes fun at her old image, for people who were familiar with how she was written in the past.  As for now, I’m definitely giving my full approval for the new Starfire series.  Kudos to DC Comics for listening to their female fans.

Author: Jessica Rae

Jessica has a BA in music with an emphasis in voice and spends her day typesetting, editing, writing, and moderating webinars. Jessica primarily reviews anime and comic book series. She also offers insights on various movies, books, games, and other geeky topics.

Twitter

Help support independent journalism. Subscribe to our Patreon.

Copyright © The Geekiary