DC’s I Am Not Starfire Soars Above and Beyond Expectations

DC has been making waves in the comics industry with its series of Young Adult graphic novels, and its latest entry, I Am Not Starfire might be one of their best yet. The graphic novel earned a great deal of attention for its unique premise and the introduction of Starfire’s daughter, Mandy. Though the final book does have some minor flaws, the resulting graphic novel is emotionally honest and relatable in a way that most superhero stories aren’t.

Coming from the creative duo of Mariko Tamaki and Yoshi Yoshitani, I Am Not Starfire centers on Starfire’s daughter, Mandy. Different from Starfire in so many ways, Mandy has grown to resent her mother’s superhero lifestyle. The isolation only increases at school where Mandy is either subject to bullying or rude questions from Teen Titans fans. Her only point of contact is her best friend Lincoln. However, when Mandy is paired up for a group project with her crush, she is forced to come out of her shell. Coupled with her uncertain future and the looming return of dangerous elements from Starfire’s past, Mandy’s entire world and sense of self have never been in more danger.

Though DC has faced no small amount of criticism for the book’s central character, Mandy is one of the most relatable teenagers ever rendered in a superhero comic. She oscillates from angry, to sensitive, to tough in a way that feels authentic and earned. While some might find her whiny, the story gives more than enough justification for her being the way that she is. Particular mention has to go to the nuanced relationship she has with Starfire. Both of them clearly love each other, but they are just in such different places that it’s difficult for them to communicate. It’s hard to really blame Starfire or Mandy for their actions, even when it’s obvious that they’re making big mistakes.

All of this solid character work and plotting is firmly grounded by Yoshitani’s artwork. Yoshitani clearly has an eye for expression, only ever adding to how relatable each character is. Another strong point is how the panels help readers understand each person and their perspective. There is a notable distance between Mandy and Starfire that makes their tense relationship abundantly clear without the need for dialogue.

Of course, there are some minor problems that do crop up toward the end of the story. A few logic problems and the sparse characterization given to the Teen Titans other than Starfire are notable. Still, those minor nitpicks don’t get in the way of the story’s emotional resonance. Anyone who has ever felt isolated or different from their parents will understand Mandy’s struggle. Teen readers on the precipice of adulthood, in particular, will find a lot to relate to in Mandy’s struggle, even outside of her and Starfire’s relationship. I Am Not Starfire is a must-read for anyone who’s felt lost during a sensitive time of their life.

About The Author

Evan Mullicane
(362 Articles Published)

Evan D. Mullicane is an editor, critic, and author based out of California’s Bay Area. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from San Francisco State University in 2016. In his free time, he enjoys reading graphic novels and writing fantasy.

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