STAR-LORD AND KITTY PRYDE #1
Written by Sam Humphries
Art by Alti Firmansyah
Published by Marvel Comics
Release Date: July 22, 2015
Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde opens with Star-Lord singing ‘Part of Your World’ from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Hopefully that doesn’t turn you off because with exploding champagne bottles, a gown fit for a Disney Princess, comedic characters complete with exaggerated cartoonish facial expressions and a few more Disney references, Sam Humphries and Alti Firmansyah manage to make this book feel like a magical dose of brand synergy.
Dubbed StarKat, the relationship between Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde has been a hit with fans so it’s no surprise that their love has conquered all and survived the destruction of the Marvel Universe…kind of. Hiding out in one of the more pleasant domains of Battleworld, Star-Lord is trying to make the best of his new situation when he comes across an alternate version of Kitty. Working as an agent of Doom and complete with a set of adamantium claws, this is a much different Kitty Pryde than the woman Star-Lord proposed to only a few months ago in his own book, also written by Humphries. Humphries grasp of the character continues to shine here as despite losing everything he ever loved and knew, Star-Lord is quick to smile and make some new friends. Peter Quill is the perfect character to put in the center of a light-hearted adventure during Secret Wars because Battleworld simply feels like just another alien planet for the galaxy-trotting loner. Although the star-crossed lovers only begin to interact in the last few pages of the comic, it’s clear that Star-Lord is in for a fun-filled, if not especially dangerous, ride. And after everything the Marvel Universe has been through these past few months, tagging alongside this odd couple on a whimsical romp through a more colorful side of Battleworld is just what some fans may be craving.
Artist Alti Firmansyah couldn’t ask for a more impressive Marvel debut. The joy that she had in drawing this comic is infused in every outrageous facial expression(at one point, a character literally gets heart eyes). Not only do the titular characters look great, especially Kitty in a stunning and memorable starry night gown, but Firmansyah uses the location as an opportunity to sneak in cameos of other inspired alternate versions of characters. Jessica Kholinne’s bright colors compliment her work, creating a truly gorgeous comic. Whether Firmansyah wants to use this mini to break into mainstream comic work or to prove that she has what it takes to be a Disney animator is entirely up to her.
It’s good to know that within the overall dire circumstances of Battleworld, the patchwork planet can still serve as an outlet to breezy, good-hearted stories such as this. Sam Humphries’ splendid character work for both Star-Lord and Kitty Pryde continues here but it’s Alti Firmansyah’s fantastic Disney-inspired artwork that makes this series a rare treat for both StarKat fans and regular Marvel fans alike.
The Verdict: 9.0/10
