Starstruck

This brain-bending SF epic is the type of book that once devoured, demands to be passed on to another unsuspecting reader with a meaningful look and a wistful sigh. It is not however the type of read that lends itself well to actually being pinned down in a description any longer than, "you must have this". Originally published in Heavy Metal in the 80s and expanded over the years, Starstruck is a soap opera, a space adventuring epic, and an ambitiously multi-layered visual treat that might just bend your mind. There is Galatia 9, a space faring adventurer with killer bow skills, and her new companion Brucilla the Muscle, a fierce and fun loving pilot running from her disgrace. Mary Medea who masquerades as the glamorous Queen Glorianna, and Erotic Anne, a sex droid who is achieving awareness. Verloona Ti and Lurcrezia Bajar are scorned sisters, manipulating those around them. Say goodbye to stories with a beginning, middle and end; plunge instead into a story that wraps around itself, creates new worlds in every panel, has a plethora of strong and intriguing female leads. Lee's quirky dialogue is more than matched by Kaluta's belle %C3%A9poque techno-finery. (Sept.)