Forty years ago, Duke McQueen was the space hero who saved the universe. But then he came back home, got married, had kids, and grew old. Now his children have left and his wife has passed away, leaving him alone with nothing except his memories…until a call comes from a distant world asking him back for his final and greatest adventure.

We’ve been fed the anticipation, but with Starlight #1, not only does prolific writer Mark Millar launch a new series, but also his Millarworld Universe. Starlight’s first issue is interesting, in that it’s very familiar (Millar’s take on the classic character Flash Gordon), but also something new, what happens when this version of Gordon returns to Earth.

Both parts are excellent, really excellent. The flashbacks to Duke McQueen’s space-fairing ways is fun pulp entertainment, clearly inspired by comics of bygone years. It’s fun, entertaining, and got me wanting more. The innocence of it is great and in stark contrast to Millar’s much more adult and pretty violent work. For as much fun as it was to read that pulpy adventure, what really dragged me in was Duke McQueen now. What would the life of a man who had so much adventure be like? Would anyone believe him? That gets answered here. And with it comes a lot of heart. Much of the comic reminded me of the opening of UP, one that tears at heart strings and gets you to choke up a little. It was difficult for me to not read it and feel very bummed for him. This is the hero after his adventuring is over and people think it’s all made up.

There’s that mix of old and new that makes the comic work and work really well. I went in expecting either Millar’s homage to the adventure comics of the past, or an updated take full of excessive violence. While I found a bit of the first, and none of the second, I was surprised at how much of a focus of it was on McQueen and his family.

Adding to Millar’s excellent writing is Goran Parlov’s art which is able to not only convey the exciting pulpy action, but also the quieter, sadder moments. It’s a talent to do the two. Parlov’s style too has a retro quality about it, matching up the series itself.

Starlight blew me away. It’s a fantastic first issue and a toned down Millar that delivers some fun action along with a heartfelt touch.

Story: Mark Millar Art: Goran Parlov
Story: 9 Art: 9 Overall: 9 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review