Review: The Last starfighter #1
From Mad Cave Studios
Following on from the classic movie, this new series from Mad Cave Studios looks at what happens after the credits roll in The Last Starfighter #1.
The long-awaited sequel to the beloved film! Small town teenager Alex Rogan has already saved multiple worlds. But that was only the beginning of his story.
Forty years after the cult-classic movie that pioneered CGI and inspired generations of fans, an all-new story picks up from the end credits and takes off for the stars!
Now the leader… and sole member… of the Star League, Alex must rebuild the galaxy’s only defence force against Xur and the Ko-Dan Armada. Introducing a new cast of Starfighters alongside fan-favourite faces and new killers and cutthroats in the shadowy employ of the Ko-Dan, The Last Starfighter #1 launches a sci-fi legacy to new heights!
In collaboration with filmmakers Jonathan Betuel and Paul Davidson, the dynamic writing team of Benjamin Raab and Deric A. Hughes (Syfy’s WAREHOUSE 13, The CW’s ARROW, NBC’s QUANTUM LEAP & more) join forces with artist Willi Roberts (Witchblade; The Thing on the Doorstep) and colourist Francesco Segala (Dawnrunner; Nights) for a thrilling and heartfelt journey through a newly expanded universe!
Author: Deric A. Hughes
Artist: Taurin Clarke
I started reading this issue with a little trepidation. I really enjoyed the classic film, and whenever a much-loved movie receives a continuation years later, there’s always that worry that it won’t quite capture the magic of the original. Thankfully, those concerns didn’t last long, because this first issue feels like a genuine continuation of the story rather than a nostalgic retread.
What immediately stood out was how well it embraces the spirit of the film while expanding the universe around it. Instead of simply revisiting familiar faces and locations, it builds upon the sci-fi concepts introduced in the original and adds fresh lore that gives the galaxy a much greater sense of scale. It still feels unmistakably like The Last Starfighter, but there’s plenty here to suggest this series has ambitions beyond simply recreating what came before.
Following the events of the film, the Star League has been left in ruins after the devastation of its forces, leaving Alex with the enormous task of helping rebuild what has been lost. That isn’t just a case of replacing ships; it’s about restoring hope and finding a new generation of starfighters capable of defending the Frontier. It’s a logical next step for the story and immediately creates plenty of opportunities for conflict and adventure.
I was especially pleased to see the return of the arcade game as a recruitment tool. It’s such an iconic part of the original film, and here it feels like a natural continuation rather than a throwaway reference. The recruitment programme ties neatly into the growing threat facing the Federation, giving the story a familiar hook while reinforcing that danger is never far away. By the end of the issue, it’s clear that whatever is coming will require far more than a handful of experienced pilots.
Maggie also gets far more to do than simply supporting Alex, which I really appreciated. She has her own mission, her own lessons to learn and what feels like the beginning of a journey that could become just as important as Alex’s. Giving her that independence makes her a much stronger character and adds another engaging thread to follow as the series progresses.
Alongside the returning cast, we’re introduced to several new characters who all bring something different to the table. There are leaders trying to keep what’s left of the Star League together, mysterious figures hinting at darker events to come and subtle omens that suggest much bigger forces are beginning to move behind the scenes. It’s a surprisingly packed opening issue, yet it never feels overcrowded. Every new element serves to build anticipation for what’s coming next rather than distracting from the main story.
The artwork is equally impressive. The creative team captures the likenesses of the original characters without making them look like traced screenshots from the film, allowing the comic to establish its own visual identity. The alien species, spacecraft and new worlds are all beautifully realised, giving the universe a richness that the film could only hint at. There are plenty of eye-catching sci-fi visuals throughout, and the final pages promise that the action is only going to escalate from here.
By the time I reached the end, I was left wanting to jump straight into the next issue, which is exactly what you want from the opening chapter of a new series. It successfully honours the legacy of the original film while confidently carving out its own place in the mythology. Long-time fans should find plenty to enjoy, while the new ideas and expanded scope suggest there’s a lot more to discover. If this opening issue is anything to go by, The Last Starfighter looks set to be a worthy successor to the film and the start of an exciting new adventure.
