RETRO REVIEW: Star Raiders (DC Graphic Novel #1)

DC Comics; $5.95

In the early days of both licensed comics based on video games and the growing use of original graphic novels, 1983’s Star Raiders (DC Graphic Novel #1) is fairly unique in that it is both animals at once. Following DC’s first Atari Force series and preceding its second one, this European album format (a 64-page 8-1/4” x 11” softcover) is solidly entertaining and rises well above many later attempts to bring story development and strong characters to early video games.

Written by Elliot S! Maggin and illustrated by José Luis García-López, the $5.95 was pretty high for its day, but it was worth it. For the purchase the reader is rewarded with a compelling story – once it gets past Page 1 and the feeling that it’s going to be Star Wars-lite – that packs some surprises and emotional punch.

It’s difficult to write any glowing praise about the art of José Luis García-López that hasn’t already been written, but as usual the versatile artist jumps back and forth between realistic looking people and more fantasy-based elements with no apparent difficulty. As always, his storytelling is impeccable.

For fans of Atari Force, the Star Raiders were mentioned in the series, but never shown. It’s clear that they exist in the same universe, but it’s not necessary to read one to enjoy the other.

Shunned for years by the it-doesn’t-fit-my-bags-and-boards crowd, the 1980s graphic novels are now beginning to command increased prices, particularly in high grade.

– J.C. Vaughn