STARFINDER: ANGELS OF THE DRIFT #2, from Dynamite Comics on 8/23/23, finds Navasi and her crew limping along in the Drift until they find a place to repair. When the ship is back in shape, their destination and fortunes are soon in reach… or are they?
The Details
- Written by: James L. Sutter
- Art by: Edu Menna
- Colors by: Adriano Lucas
- Letters by: Tom Napolitano
- Cover art by: Biagio D’Alessandro
- Comic Rating: Teen+
- Cover price: $4.99
- Release date: August 23, 2023
Is It Good?
Impressive. STARFINDER: ANGELS OF THE DRIFT #2 packs volumes of story, plot developments, and information into a standard-sized comic. In a single issue, you learn about Spectra’s abilities, what it’s like to travel the Drift, the realization of Ciravel’s apocalyptic vision, and more. It’s a lot, so you’re getting our money’s worth, but sometimes less is more.
When last we Navasi and her crew, their hasty retreat through a random Drift portal left their ship damaged and adrift in the Drift (you’re going to hear the word ‘drift’ a lot so prepare yourself). Now, the crew makes enough repairs to find help, resistance, their destination, and an answer to Ciravel’s vision, with a twist.
When we say “sometimes less is more,” this issue provides a clear example. On the whole, the issue is solid, a lot happens, you gain a lot of information, and the crew moves in a very clear and purposeful direction. Conversely, so much happens that this issue doesn’t have one big idea that makes the issue stand out. Several significant things happen to move the story forward, but what should be an important issue feels like a setup/transition issue.
What’s great about this comic? James L. Sutter gives you as much story and plot development as you can handle, and more. If you’re interested in character-building and world-building, you get both in copious amounts. You learn about Obo’s philosophy of honor and combat, you learn about Spectra’s abilities, you learn about the Hellknights, the Kevri, and The Logan of the capital city of Yesha. Readers who like to dive deep into the lore of the RPG will find this issue fascinating.
What’s not so great about this comic? The deep lore and the mountains of information can be overwhelming to new/casual readers. To Sutter’s credit, he keeps the pacing up as much as possible, except for one or two moments of drag with massive word balloons. But if readers pick this book up, they may be put off by a comic that reads more like an RPG manual than a standard comic story.
How’s the art? Solid. Edu Menna has a keen eye for detail, which helps with intricate characters such as the insect-like Keskodai. The character designs as a whole are distinctive, and the otherwordly settings are imaginative. Adriano Lucas’s coloring is generally good, but the application looks off in a few spots, particularly on Lord Spectra.
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What’s It About?
[SPOILERS AHEAD – Click here if you just want the score without spoilers]
Check out our STARFINDER: ANGLES OF THE DRIFT #1 review to find out how Navasi and her crew wound up adrift in the Drift.
We begin with Quig furiously trying to repair the ship’s engines after the ship’s emergency portal jump. Spectra offers a miraculous amount of assistance to make enough repairs to get the ship to the nearest Drift Station. There, Navasi acquires translation magic for their destination while Quig, Obo, and the rest look for parts. The station is now under Hellknight control, and Navasi’s ship is seized for parts.
Navasi and her crew hatch a plan to reclaim the ship and escape the station. The plan works, and the ship flies to their destination before anyone finds it – a planet without Triune technology. The crew learns the planet is surrounded by an atmospheric forcefield that cuts through the floating capital city, creating an upper and lower society.
We conclude the issue with hostilities, prophecies, and unpleasant pleasantries.
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Final Thoughts
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STARFINDER: ANGELS OF THE DRIFT #2 packs in loads of character- and world-building to move the story forward, inform readers about a host of different races, planets, and societies, and unveil a deadly secret. That said, the sheer volume of information makes this issue read more like an RPG guide than a visual story, making the experience overwhelming for casual readers.
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