Star Runner Chronicles: Fallen Star is the epic new series by indie producer Atlantis Studios. This must-have comes on the request of writer/editor James Watson. There is a complex network of characters with layers, storytelling designs, inspirations and more. Everything that the creators put into this three-issue mini-series all but makes this a masterpiece.
Star Runner Chronicles: The Characters
It wouldn’t be much of an introduction without series protagonist Aurora Pamela. Aurora really comes across as a socially awkward teenager dreading high school. In just her first appearance, her mostly covered body and tight body language says it all. Not only that, there is a claustrophobic atmosphere accompanying her. It feels like a warning of something catastrophic if people get too close. Yet the reader can’t help but want to know more about Aurora.
When some stock cheerleaders try to guess her background in the form of a rumor, Aurora is understandably on guard. Who wouldn’t want to avoid being the center of bad attention? But like the average teenager, she doesn’t know how to properly apply herself. Which comes across as a genuine surprise when the cheerleader Kristine has some impressive layers to her. Despite her earlier alpha attitude, Kristine genuinely complements Aurora’s attempts to stand up for herself. Not only that but Kristine is also high-tech savy, far removing herself from the jock archetypes.
Finally there’s Scott, the boy-next-door love interest type. Like Kristine, he has the design of a stereotypical jock. If Star Runner Chronicles were any other series, he would seem like a stalker with how he looks at Aurora. But the reality is, Scott’s just self-conscious and has difficulties expressing himself, probably via an absent father. The point is, the protagonist and her supporters actually feel like real teenagers, not stock characters.
Making Memorable Villains
For villains meanwhile, Star Runner Chronicles gives the initial antagonists layers. For example, Aurora’s host family matriarch Mrs. Cunningham strictly treats Aurora like free labor. But on closer inspection including her drinking, this seems to be due to overwork. Her family’s living conditions and rowdy children feel absolutely strenuous. It’s hard to say if the Cunninghams had any love to share with Aurora. Aurora’s case worker really should’ve put more thought into her housing. Even then, they Cunninghams are nothing unlike the real villain of Fallen Star.
Whenever Maxine Pinkerton makes an appearance, there’s a genuine sense of discomfort. Everything from how she speaks to the way she’s drawn is a presence forcing people to see her. With as few words as possible, Maxine manages to get her way into anyone’s mind and take charge of them. Her design features copper hair, a dark outfit, and an ever upright posture; but most importantly is a bold outlines by inker Carlos Eduardo. This doesn’t just make Maxine look striking, she feels like an intruder getting her way with even the reader.
Star Runner Chronicles: Grand Design
All of the artists in Star Runner Chronicles display a keen amount of detail. Penciler Leo Cordeiro has a synergy from working with Watson on their past project, Paula Peril. The characters expressions, body language, and clothing could very well tell the story on their own. That’s not even including how he works with paneling.
In the present times, the paneling feels stable unless there’s a bigger element at play; like when a panel appears inside of a bigger one to redirect the plot’s course. Unlike in flashbacks where the panels are like pictures from a scrapbook flying everywhere. It says everything about Aurora in the process of uncovering her true heritage. But so far she only has an idea of what it is. Also, the last two panels say something about the tragic fate of all her parents.
So what happens when these two elements combine? A flash forward! By starting off the sequence with an uneven panel, it brings a sense of disconnection. Also the cool blue atmosphere from colorist Mohan Sivakami makes it apparent that this is only a possible future. It’s not eye-catching just for the plot’s sake, it’s a way to further examine Aurora’s powers. There’s more to it than just the danger surrounding her.
Lettering
Before I continue, a special mention goes to series letterer, Wilson Ramos Jr. All of the message carriers have a genuine amount of weight to them. Just the captions have a style that identifies Aurora with a unique shape. Along with the special effects that can range from simple words from a computer screen to looking hand drawn. Seeing them occur all at once brings out a real sense of creative chaos.
The Inspirations
Watson explains that Star Runner Chronicles takes inspiration from his experience at teenage crossroads. Southern Maine (Madison?) is a place known for its clear skies for stargazing, complete with non-profit support. So how does that fit together with sci-novels, pulpy comic books, and advances in searching for sentient aliens? Why adolescence of course, that transitionary period where people are trying to figure themselves out. Only even with all of the support systems and ideas floating around, it can all just as easily lead to disappointment. It all takes a leap of faith and looking beyond the surface to press on.
Set Course For Star Runner Chronicles
Star Runner Chronicles begins a new independent sci-fi saga on a high note. By capturing the essence of teen angst through strong presentation, Atlantis Studios hooks readers in. Not only that, every character leaves a lasting impression. Especially with how Aurora comes to terms with her identity in an artistic fashion. And it all comes from an idea decades back in the making.
Despite some admittedly stubborn cliches like the tragic space princess, an evil corporate entity, and a boy-next-door, they feel secondary. Personally speaking, I could feel Aurora’s fear of ending up in a Carrie situation. With how Watson builds tension, it’s very believable. Frankly now I’m left wanting to see Fallen Star‘s sequel, Dark Star. This mini-series gets 9/10.