In BECSTAR #2, available from Mad Cave Studios on June 16th, 2021, Becstar, Sally, and Paprika head to a dangerous planet to find a homing beacon that will guide them to the keeper of the Creation Gauntlet.
The Details
- Written By: Joe Corallo
- Art By: Lorenzo Colangeli
- Colors By: Sweeney Boo
- Letters By: Joamette Gil
- Cover Art By: Sweeney Boo
- Cover Price: $3.99
- Release Date: June 16, 2021
Was It Good?
It’s a mixed bag for issue #2.
On the one hand, the story does take an interesting turn from the mildly boilerplate first issue. There are some odd plot choices which we’ll get to in the spoiler section, but overall, there was more surprise and emotional development in this book than in the first issue.
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The art was our big down from the first issue, particularly the coloring. Thankfully, the coloring is much improved, but the line art is getting worse. The aesthetic and style in this book may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there are a few panels where characters facial expressions veered into Looney Tune territory. Due to language and violence, this is definitely not a YA or kids’ book, so why draw it like one?
Needless to say, we’re not a fan of the art, and that’s a shame when the story is picking up steam. Again, stronger writing and storytelling, but the art is hurting rather than helping this series.
Check out the internal pages in our BECSTAR #2 preview to decide if the art appeals to you.
What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Becstar, Paprika, and Sally fly off to a primitive world where Becstar’s former crewmate, Anyssa, left a homing beacon to her whereabouts. Anyssa has the Creation Gauntlet and the homing beacon is the only way to find her.
If you’re wondering what a “Creation Gauntlet” is and why they’re looking for it, read our BECSTAR #1 review here.
When Anyssa and Becstar parted ways years ago, Anyssa created a temple laden with deadly traps to hold a homing beacon so Becstar could find her again. The odd plot point here is the creation of the temple and the deadly traps. If Anyssa created a homing beacon specifically for Becstar to use, why not simply give Becstar the homing beacon? If the temple was meant to keep the homing beacon from being stolen by anyone that wasn’t Becstar, then why not build the traps to deactivate by the sound of Becstar’s voice or her DNA or any number of technical alternatives.
The whole setup of the temple with traps makes for exciting storytelling and stakes, but when you take a step back, it seems like a needless contrivance. Fortunately, this is the only down point in the writing in this issue.
On the temple planet, the lifeforms are crystalline and rock-like. Becstar and friends are attacked by giant crystal cobras, crystal-laced lion statues, and all manner of Indiana Jones-esque traps. The action is well done and well-paced and believable in that the characters get banged up in the process.
Eventually, Becastar and crew make it to the heart of the temple where a hologram of Anyssa grants them the homing beacon and a personal, heartfelt goodbye from Anyssa’s AI clone to Becstar. We conclude the issue with a start to the next leg of the quest with a spy on board.
How Does It End?
Becstar’s relationship with Anyssa goes deep. The Restal-8 was followed… and still is. Becstar is not tech-savvy.
Final Thoughts
BECSTAR #2 has a plethora of action, emotion, and plot development. Unfortunately, the cartoonish art detracts from the drama and overall impact of the story.
Score: 6.5/10
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