Major Spoilers
    Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube Twitch Discord RSS
    Major Spoilers
    • Home
    • Reviews
      • Random Access Memory
      • Retro Review
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Podcasts
      • Critical Hit
        • Critical Hit House Rules
        • Critical Hit World Building
      • Dueling Review
      • Finally Friday
      • Geek History Lesson
      • The Legion Clubhouse
      • Major Spoilers Podcast
        • MSP TPB for 2019
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2013
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2012
        • On the Next Major Spoilers Podcast – 2011
      • Munchkin Land
      • Top Five
      • Wayne’s Comics
      • Zach on Film
    • Features
      • Casual 60
      • Comic Casting Couch
      • Comics Portal
      • Did You Hear?
      • Editorials
      • Features
      • Gamer’s Corner
      • Hero Histories
      • Let’s Get Nerdy
      • Major Spoilers Adventures
      • Random Access Memory
      • So You Want to Read Comics
    • Movies
      • Did You Hear
      • Movies
      • Television
    • Comic Previews
    • Patreon
      • Patreon
      • Store
    Major Spoilers
    Wayne Hall, Wayne’s Comics, Star Power, sci-fi, adventure, Awesome Con, Michael Terracciano, Garth Graham, Danica Maris, Sanctuary Six, Sentinel
    Featured

    Star Power and the Lonely War Vol. 4 Review

    Wayne HallBy Wayne HallSeptember 21, 2018Updated:September 21, 20185 Mins Read

    I love going to comic cons more than ever these days because I often discover really terrific comics series that I fall in love with. I love supporting high-quality storytelling!

    So, what’s in my mailbox waiting for me when I come home from Cincinnati Comics Expo? Star Power and the Lonely War Vol. 4, a  wonderful trade paperback. It’s fun, it’s action, it’s drama—it’s a comic I think should be read by a LOT of sci-fi/adventure comics fans! And it’s professional, just as good (if not better) than anything from Marvel or DC!

    STAR POWER AND THE LONELY WAR VOL. 4

    Writer: Michael Terracciano
    Artist: Garth Graham
    Published by: Starpowercomic.com

    Cover price: $19.95

    SOLICITATION: Every journey has its risks. Accompanying the Millennium Federation’s flagship exploration vessel to a new star system is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The thrill of discovery and adventure is one Danica Maris cannot pass up, but the journey is long and she may not be prepared to face the reality of life beyond the known stars.

    Rumors abound that the galaxy outside the Millennium Federation is barbaric and cruel. Danica has seen many battles as Star Power, but she has never known war. Her resolve and confidence will be tested, and there are grim circumstances if she cannot uphold the virtues of a Star Powered Sentinel.

    EXPLORING BEYOND THE PALE

    In the first three volumes of this series, we’ve been treated to the “known” galaxy, as it were. Mostly civilized, it’s a safe place, kind of like the Federation in Star Trek: The Next Generation. But eventually you have to go play in someone else’s yard, and that’s what this fourth volume does and does well.

    I met Mr. Graham at this year’s Awesome Con, and it was there that I bought the first three volumes from him. I was very glad I did because once I dove into the premiere book, I couldn’t put them down until I had devoured every one I had. I spoke with the two during a recent episode of my podcast, which you can listen to at this link.

    Anyone who reads my writings know I’m a big believer in strong female characters. This series has one of the very best I’ve ever read, and her name is Danica Maris. In the first story, she receives the abilities of the Star Power, and she becomes a Sentinel—someone who works to make things right, or at least tries.

    But she isn’t Superman, who is completely moral all the time. She struggles with situations, unsure at times just what is the thing that should be done. She’s human, in the best sense of the word. She has a career and interests, and she’s only Star Power when she really needs to be!

    One of the main criticisms of science fiction is that the aliens, if there are any, are completely unrelatable to readers. They’re weird, they’re quirky, they’re … well, alien. Star Power has humans and aliens galore, but they’re very real in the sense that they function in ways we get to know and understand. I care about these odd-looking folks around the lead character. And they’re fun to keep up with.

    My favorite one is the boss of the space station, who has what appears to be a moustache (actually, it’s an alien appendage, but who am I to quibble?). He’s a by-the-book kind of leader, and he truly works hard to complete his tasks while making sure everyone is kept safe. I wish I had had more bosses like him!

    And then there’s the story of war. Danica is completely unfamiliar with it, and she hopes people will be on their best behavior. Not so! When she discovers inhumanity in some of the worse situations, she retreats to a quiet place away from it all even though the Star Power isn’t about running from a place it’s needed.

    The pacing is quick when needed, but none of the energy is lost when things slow down to help us understand just what’s happening and for wonderful character moments. It’s science fiction at it’s best!

    HIGH-FIVE ART

    One of the things that drew me to this book was the way Danica was portrayed. Very feminine while being very strong, possessing a power that can make things work out in the way we’d like to see them take place. She looks like a girl who hasn’t yet experienced much in life, with an expressive face and movements that are very realistic.

    This volume in particular has a lot of action in it. And Graham does an excellent job of drawing us in to it. But, as I have already mentioned, there’s drama more gripping than we’ve met before. That’s a strength of this series, to get even better with each story. Well done!

    BOTTOM LINE: What Is War Good For?

    This volume of Star Power explores Danica’s role in the universe. Even though she’s capable of battle, how often should that take place? And should she be using her power without putting some thought into it? Great drama, high-power action—it’s everything I’ve come to expect in this terrific series. Please notice that each volume has a different “subtitle” to it, like this one is called “The Lonely War.”

    I also like that the book has its own “star power” to it, a great story told “superbly” well!

    The bad news is that you can’t get these books through Diamond or your local comics shop. But if you run into the creators at a comic con, they often have the volumes available for purchase. Otherwise, I would be missing out on a story so worth reading! They sometimes run Kickstarter campaigns, which is how I received the fourth volume. Now I watch for them all the time!

    If you can’t wait for a con, you can go to starpowercomic.com. The wonderful store on this site makes the trades available as well as great art and other related items. Highly recommended!

    [taq_review]


    Dear Spoilerite,

    At Major Spoilers, we strive to create original content that you find interesting and entertaining. Producing, writing, recording, editing, and researching requires significant resources. We pay writers, podcast hosts, and other staff members who work tirelessly to provide you with insights into the comic book, gaming, and pop culture industries. Help us keep MajorSpoilers.com strong. Become a Patron (and our superhero) today.

    Awesome Con Garth Graham Michael Terracciano Sci Fi Star Power
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous Article[First Look] BOOM! Studios shares a first look at WWE: Undertaker OGN
    Next Article Top Five TV Snacks
    Wayne Hall
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    Wayne Hall creates the Wayne's Comics Podcast. He’s interviewed Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, John Layman, Kyle Higgins, Phil Hester, Jimmy Palmiotti & Justin Gray, David Petersen, Christos Gage, Mike Grell, and Matt Kindt. On this site each week, he writes his "Comics Portal" column (general comics comments and previews) and reviews comics.

    Related Posts

    This Ends Tonight #1 Review

    Read More

    Major Spoilers Podcast #1134: We are the X-Men, the Mighty Mighty X-Men

    Read More

    Geek History Lesson – Superman is Better than Batman

    Read More

    Comments are closed.

    AMAZON AFFILIATE

    Support this site by making a purchase through our Amazon affiliate links

    Reviews
    5.3
    July 18, 2025

    This Ends Tonight #1 Review

    6.0
    July 13, 2025

    Unchosen #1 Review

    6.3
    July 13, 2025

    Retro Review: Marvel Team-Up #95

    8.7
    July 11, 2025

    Fantastic Four #1 Review

    6.0
    July 8, 2025

    JSA #9 Review

    Patreon Support
    Sponsor

    ComiXology Home Page

    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Twitch
    Major Spoilers Patreon
    • About
      • Major Spoilers Terms of Use
      • Major Spoilers Frequently Asked Questions
      • Major Spoilers Privacy Policy Statement
      • Major Spoilers Podcast Gear
    • Contact
    • Cookie Policy (EU)
    Major Spoilers is copyright 2006-2025 by Major Spoilers Entertainment, LLC

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    SAVE & ACCEPT