Starfire, a quintessential heroine of the DC Universe, often finds herself overshadowed by her roles in the Teen Titans and as a romantic interest. While I appreciate a well-crafted romance arc for the courageous Tamaranean Princess, it is high time for her to take center stage in a high-caliber solo series that delves into themes that extend far beyond romantic entanglements.
A contentious viewpoint it may be, but I firmly believe that Tom Taylor would be an exceptional choice to lead a solo series for Starfire. His adept storytelling could unlock her full potential, allowing readers to experience the multifaceted dimensions of her character.
Starfire is undeniably one of DC’s boldest female characters, cherished by fans across the globe. Yet, it’s bewildering that comic publishers have not prioritized her development outside her affiliation with the Titans or her connections with male counterparts such as Nightwing or Arsenal.
Although Starfire has had a solo series before, it largely focused on her rather than her affiliations, yet many readers, including myself, found it lacking. This prompts a pressing need for DC to invest genuine effort into crafting a solo series that thoroughly explores her character—beyond superficial elements of attractiveness, relationships, and lighthearted antics.
Starfire Is One of DC’s Most Iconic Heroines (& It’s Time DC Start Treating Her As Such)
SDCC 2023 Alex Ross Starfire Virgin Variant for Tales of The Titans #1 (2023)
It is quite disappointing to realize that DC has not capitalized on Starfire’s potential. She is not only one of the most treasured female figures in DC but also a standout character in the comic book industry as a whole. Her significance is underscored by her impressive ranking of third in Ranker’s list of top comic book heroines, just behind Wonder Woman and Poison Ivy. This popularity should signal to DC that there is a substantial market waiting for more from Starfire, especially considering that both Wonder Woman and Poison Ivy have ongoing series.
Moreover, looking at the three heroines who follow Starfire—Zatanna, Black Canary, and Catwoman—all currently enjoy ongoing comic series, except for Zatanna, who is set for one soon. This raises a valid question: why is Starfire, one of the top-ranking female characters, being passed over? This oversight feels quite substantial, particularly with the vibrant discussions about her on platforms like Reddit. The enthusiasm is palpable, indicating a clear demand that DC needs to address.
East Side Comics Will Jack Virgin Variant for Tales of The Titans #1 (2023)
When DC chooses to focus on Starfire, it frequently showcases her through the lens of romance and sexual appeal. While these elements are indeed valid, it’s high time for storytelling to transcend these topics. A solo series should explore the breadth of Starfire’s character, including her heroism outside of the Titans and her platonic dynamics, particularly her relationship with her sister, Blackfire. Reintroducing Blackfire into the mainstream continuity could enrich Starfire’s narrative while providing a lush, emotionally engaging storyline full of character development.
I’m Not Totally Against a Romance Arc for Starfire (& I Have the Perfect Ship in Mind)
Cover E 1:50 Card Stock Variant by Fatima Wajid for Tales of The Titans #1 (2023)
Although I am not against exploring a romance arc for Starfire, I strongly advocate for a solo narrative that prioritizes her character over her romantic relationships. Once DC commits to giving her the characterization she deserves, I would be thrilled to see her pursue love. Her iconic relationship with Nightwing, while memorable, may feel permanently in limbo due to Batgirl’s presence. This creates a golden opportunity for DC to venture into new romantic possibilities for Starfire. After Tom Taylor’s notable run with the Titans, envisioning a romance with Donna Troy could be an exhilarating direction, given their undeniable chemistry.
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