THE LAST STARFIGHTER #1 (Mad Cave Studios)
After the events of the movie with the same name, we pick back up with Alex Rogan, The Last Starfighter. After defeating Xur and the Ko-Dan Armada against all odds and saving the universe in the process. Now, Alex along with his co-pilot Grig have been tasked with rebuilding the Starfighter Legion to protect the universe.
The Last Starfighter #1 - Written By Benjamin Raab & Deric A. Hughes – Art By Willi Roberts - Colors By Francesco Segala – Flats By Agnese Pozza – Letters By Rob Jones - Edited By Sarah Brunstad - Published By Mad Cave Studios
Credit: Mad Cave Studios
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
STORY OVERVIEW:
The first issue opens with a brief recap of the events of the movie as narrated by Alex Rogan. We then go to Planet Rylos where the Star League headquarters are located. The new Rylan Ambassador Nedaru has tasked Alex and Grig with rebuilding the Starfighter Legion. Fast forward six months and they are struggling with getting recruits and building new ships. They enlist the help of Centauri to use his Excalibur Tests to find new recruits throughout the universe. Centauri needs an assistant, so Alex offers up his girlfriend Maggie as she is looking for ways to fit in. Unfortunately for them a new threat is on the rise, and they are set on stopping the rebuilding of the Starfighter Legion.
WRITING:
This first issue does an awesome job of setting up where we are in this universe while also giving readers the backstory they need without making the opening feel weighed down by exposition. Benjamin Raab and Deric A. Hughes clearly understand what made the original film such a beloved sci-fi adventure, and they build on that legacy in a way that feels respectful instead of forced. The story picks up naturally after the events of the movie, which immediately gives longtime fans a familiar entry point with Alex Rogan, Grig, and the larger idea of the Starfighter Legion. At the same time, the script does not rely only on nostalgia. The recap and early character interactions explain the stakes clearly enough that a new reader who has never seen the movie can still understand who these characters are, what they accomplished, and why rebuilding the Legion matters.
One of the strongest parts of the writing is how quickly the creative team re-establishes Alex as more than just the hero who saved the universe. He is now someone carrying the responsibility of what comes next, and that gives the issue a strong sense of purpose. His partnership with Grig still brings that classic adventure energy, but there is also pressure behind their mission because rebuilding the Starfighter Legion is not as simple as winning one big battle. The inclusion of Centauri and the Excalibur Tests is a smart way to connect the new story to the original concept while also opening the door for new characters, new worlds, and new conflicts. Maggie’s role also feels important because her search for where she fits in gives the story a more personal layer alongside the larger cosmic stakes. By the time the new threat is revealed, it feels like the writers have laid the groundwork to make the danger matter. The ending gives the issue a strong hook, making it clear that this is not just a continuation for the sake of nostalgia, but the beginning of a bigger story with real consequences for Alex, his allies, and the future of the Starfighter Legion.
ARTWORK:
The artwork in this first issue looks amazing and does a great job of bringing this universe back to life on the page. Willi Roberts builds on the visual language of the motion picture while also making the world feel fresh and specific to this comic. The planets, ships, control rooms, alien environments, and wide outer space moments all have their own identity, which helps make the universe feel larger than just the places readers already know. There is a strong sense of scale throughout the issue, especially when the story moves between personal character moments and the bigger Star League setting. Roberts captures the classic adventure feel of The Last Starfighter without making the visuals feel stuck in the past, and that balance is one of the strongest parts of the book’s presentation.
The character designs also stand out because they feel recognizable without simply copying what came before. Alex and Grig still carry the energy fans would expect from them, but Roberts gives them enough expression and movement to make their scenes feel alive. The alien designs and background details add a lot of personality to the world, making each setting feel active instead of empty. The layouts keep the issue moving at a solid pace, with quieter panels allowing the characters to breathe before the story shifts back into the larger sci-fi action and world-building. Francesco Segala’s colors add a lot to that feeling as well, giving the book a bright, cinematic look that fits the adventurous tone. The color choices help separate the different locations and make the technology, ships, and space scenes pop without overpowering the line work. With Agnese Pozza’s flats helping provide a clean foundation and Rob Jones’ lettering keeping the dialogue and narration easy to follow, the entire visual team works together to make the issue feel polished, energetic, and easy to get pulled into. This art team brings a lot to the project and helps make the story feel like a true return to this universe.
CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF BABYLON COVE #1
Final Thoughts:
The Last Starfighter #1 is an awesome kick-off to this new series from Mad Cave Studios. The continuation of this classic Sci-Fi movie may have come later than most wanted. But now that it’s here, the wait appears to be well worth it. If you were a fan of the movie, this series is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. If you are not a fan of the movie or have never seen it, this issue and series is for you too. If Sci-Fi Adventure stories are your jam, make sure to scoop up this first issue of The Last Starfighter at the shop this week.
FINAL GRADE: 9.8/10
Let me know your thoughts on The Last Starfighter #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
