Starsigns #1: A Promising and Engaging Story

Writer Saldin Ahmed has shrewdly decided to lay the groundwork for a rich and satisfying comic book with character development rather than take the easy route of loading the first issue with action and worldbuilding that makes many first issues tedious. Stories about groups of individuals that are part of a limited cohort with similar powers (think Rising Stars) are made much more enjoyable when the focus is on the relationship dynamic between these characters. Starsigns #1 establishes the overarching premise adequately. Still, it’s a story about protagonist Rana Fawaaz. The book’s strength lies in the artful way that Ahmed introduces Rana – a caterer with great friends and family who seems slightly overwhelmed by modern life. 

Rana is of Lebanese descent and values phone calls with her father over conversations about internet misinformation; she is frustrated by the amount of time she spends in traffic, she laments that her client doesn’t appreciate the time factor involved in meal preparation, and she smokes marijuana to slow down…time. It’s easy to see where this story is going, and when Rana receives her constellation powers and becomes “Taurus,” she can slow down time. This theme comes together very well, and hopefully, subsequent issues take time to establish the other powered character as thoroughly as Rana.

It’s the artwork that makes this story soar. Megan Levens is a very talented comic book artist with a unique style combining clean lines, expressive characters, and dynamic storytelling. She is at home drawing strong, confident female protagonists with striking features and a range of emotions that add depth to the narrative. Her bold lines, varied textures, and intricate details create a sense of movement and energy in Starsigns. She was an inspired pick for this book as her character designs are diverse and engaging, with various body types, ages, and ethnicities that reflect the real world. Levens is also skilled in creating atmospheric backgrounds that add depth and realism to her storytelling. Her use of lighting and shading is particularly noteworthy, adding depth and mood to this book. 

Kelly Fitzpatrick is a superstar colorist – plain and simple. She nails the tone perfectly with her color work in this book. Her coloring style is very effective for this book, with bold and vibrant hues, intricate shading, and attention to detail,  bringing a sense of depth and dimension to Megan Leven’s artwork. Fitzpatrick’s color palettes are carefully chosen to match the tone and mood of the story, and she has a remarkable ability to evoke emotions through her use of color on display here.