STAR-GUIDER
This is a review of the second story in ''Revolver'' #1
from AMAZING HEROES - Issue #13, July '82 by Kevin C. McConnell. The odd thing is
that I have just found out that the story originally appeared in ''Astral Frontier #2'',
a Gold Key book of which I had never heard. I had always assumed ''Revolver'' #1 was its
original place.
''Astral Frontier #2''
If you enjoyed the innocuous, unpretentious comic books of the mid-'60s, then pick up a
copy of Astral Frontier #2, and turn back the comics clock to a simpler time. The
central theme of this title is science fiction, and the contents of these stories are
uncomplicated and straightforward. That in itself is laudable, considering that many of today's
comic writers seem to believe that ultra-complexity and social commentary are integral parts
of a good plotine. Not so.
A fine example for my above observation is ''Star Guider'', the lead feature of Astral
Frontier, by Jack C. Harris and Steve Ditko. Star Guider is the enigmatic, self-appointed
protector of the unexplored ''stellar wilderness'', which he seeks to safeguard against those
who would spoil or exploit it.
Such a story structure yields a simple, good over evil moral, which works and seems
sufficient, since I'm sure that's what Harris and Ditko were trying to deliver. They are not
attempting to write the relevant or to make comics history, they are instead returning to a
basic, humble, valid formula. The result is a nice, nostalgic departure from the ofttimes
ostentatious comics of today.
Not to sour an even-tempered review, but Astral Frontier contains a few flaws that
must be commented upon. It hurts me to have to say this, but one of those shortcomings is the
artistry of Steve Ditko. I will always have a genuine reverence for Ditko's work, but there are
some problems with it in relation to the series.
Ditko's critics are quick to point out that all of Steve's characters ''look the same''.
I have argued bitterly against such statements, but there comes a time when the blinders must
come off and opinions must be reformed. Yes, Star Guider looks like Shade, the Changing Man,
who looked like Peter Parker, and so on.
Some of this can be attributed to stylistic approach, but it's more than just familiar
faces that's a problem here. To be blunt, Ditko has been employing the same tired visual
devices for years now. I am also dissatisfied with the quality of his rendering, which is
substandard when compared to the effective use of intricate line-work, heavy shadings, and ink
wash which he utilized during the late '50s and early '60s.
Yes, Ditko's style is badly dated, but at least he has his own style, which is more than a
lot of current comics artists can boast. As I stated, I'll always respect Ditko, but much of
that regard is nostalgia-based. However, I would only be too glad to wave the Ditko banner once
again, if he were to apply some of his old illustrative techniques to innovative designs.
Last on the list of gripes are the four back-up features in this issue. The science fiction
themes explored in these tales are bromidic and boring, and the graphics are inferior, ranging
from bad Neal Adams imitation to the matter-of-fact meanderings of the Kubert School clones.
As an example of science fiction comic, Astral Frontier has a lot of weak points,
but it's nonetheless a modest package, which recalls a more innocent and enjoyable era of
comics.
If you have any stories or articles concerning Ditko's Star Guider, please E-MAIL me.
You will receive full credit for your contributions.