Tales of the New Teen Titans #4
Published and © by DC, September 1982
Title: “Starfire”
Synopsis: On a camping trip with the other Titans, Koriand’r reveals the secrets of her traumatic, alien past.
Writers (plot): Marv Wolfman and George Pérez
Writer: Wolfman
Penciler: Pérez
Inker: Ernie Colón
Review: This issue, wrapping up a miniseries featuring the backstories of the newest new Teen Titans, is the best of the run. Starfire’s origin story helped establish her as a complex character, one whose dual nature as lover and fighter is more compatible than at odds. There’s no shortage of horrific moments in Koriand’r’s past, and there’s a dark sexuality to this issue that remains off-putting today. The story loses a little power by being told in flashback, but it’s still quite strong. And the George Pérez art is some of the best the Bronze Age has to offer.
Grade: A
Second opinion: “Yes, how nice it is to see George Pérez finally established and concentrating on something he so obviously cares about.” – Kevin McConnell, Amazing Heroes #13, July 1982 … “Recommended.” – Frank Plowright, FantaCo’s Chronicle’s Series Annual #1, 1983 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: An entire issue of George Pérez drawing Starfire.
Notable: Origin of Starfire. … … Includes a pinup of Starfire by George Pérez.
Collector’s note: According to MyComicShop.com, there is a Mark Jewelers variant of this issue.
Character quotable: “Eyes in, Salad-head. She only has eyes for Dick.” – Cyborg (talking about Starfire and Robin, of course)
A word from the artist/co-creator: “Starfire was definitely created for pure sex. The fact is she’s sexy, she enjoys sex, and she makes no bones about it.” – George Pérez, The Comic Times #3, November 1980
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Feb. 23, 2009.
