Star-Crossed #1 (Dark Horse Comics, 7/8/26): Writer Mark Millar and Artist Corrado Mastantuono deliver a neo-80s sci-fi crime story when a pair of career thieves run from the galaxy’s worst bounty hunters. The issue drips with visual pop and loads of personality. Verdict: A perfect start for something a little different.
Credits:
- Writer: Mark Millar
- Artist: Corrado Mastantuono
- Colorist: Corrado Mastantuono, Niso Mastantuono
- Letterer: Clem Robins
- Cover Artist: Corrado Mastantuono (cover A)
- Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
- Release Date: July 8, 2026
- Comic Rating: Mature (language)
- Cover Price: $4.99
- Page Count: 32
- Format: Single Issue
Covers:
Analysis of Star-Crossed #1:
First Impressions:
Star-Crossed #1 looks and feels like a Patrick Nagel painting brought to life and dropped in the middle of a Westlake novel. You get gobs of aesthetic and personality in a tightly-paced comic.
Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):
The issue begins with the Queen of Enough chastising her daughter, the Princess of Most, for allowing a pair of thieves to rob her and get away. The Queen ruthlessly punishes her daughter and sends her men to take every action to capture the thieves.
The thieves, Cody Blue and Thena Khole, enjoy life among the rich and gluttonous with their ill-gotten gains. Sadly, their fun doesn’t last long when a night out is interrupted by a team of mercenaries. They get away… barely.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sharkey and his sidekick, Extra-Billy, wait in the orbit of a dying Sun because Mr. Sharkey’s sixth sense tells him the biggest payday of his life is about to cross his path.
How is the story in Star-Crossed #1?
Mark Millar’s crime thriller set in space is light, clean, efficient, and entertaining. In fairly short order, you get a complete setup of the key players, a clear understanding of the stakes/motivations, and a strong sense of drama with a charming edge. Millar doesn’t use black or dark humor to any degree, but you get the feeling that the favors fun over taking itself too seriously, despite the deadly stakes.
The minor quibble here is that the positive could be seen as a negative. The plot is so light, breezy, and quick that it lacks an impactful moment that sticks with you.
How is the art in Star-Crossed #1?
Corrado Mastantuono shines in this issue by bringing the sci-fi, neo-80s, pop synth aesthetic to life. The story looks like what a cheesy VHS B-Movie published in the 1980s would present as what the future would look like. The character designs are distinctive, Mastantuono’s setting, costume, and vehicle designs are dead perfect, and the galactic settings have a lived-in look that gives the adventure an air of authenticity.
Characters
Cody and Thena are clearly the focal characters in this space romp, and their camaraderie is instantly captivating. Cody may or may not be dealing with a personal (medical) issue that will pay off later, and Thena’s distaste for elitism creates never-ending tension when their life of crime involves rubbing elbows with those she hates.
That said, the supporting characters, even in their brief appearances, are so well developed that you want to know more about their backstories after only a few lines of dialog.
Originality & Concept Execution
Crooks on the run are nothing new (see the previously mentioned Westlake novels, e.g., the Parker series), but placing the duo of crooks into a galactic setting with a retro vibe feels nostalgic and new, all at the same time.
Pros and Cons
Art Samples:
The Scorecard:
Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 3/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 3.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment):1.5/2
Final Thoughts:
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Star-Crossed #1 is a treat for fans of crime thrillers with a retro sci-fi twist and a neo-80s aesthetic. Mark Millar’s talent for efficient plots and character introductions is on full display, and Corrado Mastantuono’s visual presentation is spot-on.
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