Marvel Graphic Novel #6
Published by Marvel and © by Walter Simonson, 1983
Title: “Star Slammers”
Synopsis: A race of warriors seeks to unlock a mind-meld technique they hope can save their world from extermination.
Writer: Walter Simonson
Penciler: Simonson
Review: Walt Simonson’s creator-owned Star Slammers franchise debuted before the auteur creator even went pro and he returned to it throughout his career. This chapter, featuring the origin of the Slammers, is the first professional installment. The art is unsurprisingly top shelf but the story is a bit overstuffed; it’s thick with concepts and world-building, relying too much on “tell” instead of “show.” And, while there is a full story arc here, the open-ended conclusion makes it clear this is just a chapter in a much larger story. Best enjoyed as part of 2015’s collected edition from IDW.
Grade: B+
Second opinion: “The book works: It’s a good SF story with dynamic and clever Simonson art.” – John Hay, Fantasy Advertiser #78, April 1983 … “Recommended for fans of SF and Simonson.” – Michael Sangster and Gene Kehoe, It’s a Fanzine #19, May 1983 … “Told in a needlessly convoluted manner that removes most of the impetus.” – The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003
Cool factor: Walt Simonson’s first creator-owned series. How cool is that?
Collector’s note: There are multiple printings of this graphic novel.
Character quotable: “Let everyone among us remember this … we are the children of his choice. We must become the true men of his heart!” – Sphere, crystalizing Grandfather’s vision
Editor’s note: This review was written March 20, 2026.
