Oh Starfire, how you never cease to make our blood run with the passion of our ideals! Hello fellow comic books lovers! I've already posted one blog (my first) regarding Starfire and her portrayal in Red Hood and the Outlaws, and while my opinions about Starfire were predominantly negative, I've decided to spread some of the optimism that is horribly lacking in this topic area. I whole-heartedly agree with those who feel that abandoning a comic during its first issue is rather unfair (though I also understand money and budget. If an issue just doesn't interest you, that's perfectly acceptable). And I also whole-heartedly agree with my fellow Starfire fans, but let me say this: this issue is only the first. Many, many mysteries have yet to be explained regarding this unlikely group of heroes, and these questions pertain to Starfire as much as they do Jason or Roy. Have patience, and I honestly believe a favorable outcome will occur. A first issue is not meant to give us every aspect of a character and her (or his) trials.
That being said, a first issue is meant to establish a character's fundamental personality in regards to the forseeable future, and given Starfire's current character traits of strength, amnesia, and promiscuity, I also have to say I am rather wary of future issues, as these traits alone provide very little depth to any character in the greater scheme of interest. A character of this aptitude can only have so much said and done to them before a change is needed to maintain the stimulation of the audience. A static, stagnant character with little depth provides this necessary mental stimulation for only so long.
And that brings me to another point: the derogatory terms (slut, whore, you get it) used to describe Star's...personality. I admit that I used these words in reference to Starfire in the New 52, and after reading several comments and articles regarding those terms and their usage, I have decided to cease using them myself.
Use of these terms only stands to weaken an argument, as the definitions of these words varies from individual to individual. What is a slut? Some would say it is a woman (or man) who engages in casual sex. Another would say it is someone who has sex before marriage. Still more would say it is someone who commits adultery. Regardless, these terms are obviously tailored to an individual's moral beliefs and ideals. Who's to say which definition should be used for Starfire? Before the New 52, various people regarded Starfire as a whore simply due to her clothing options and somewhat promiscuous nature, which was obviously unfair, as a great number of comic characters were and are less than innocent, and have taken part in various sexual activities with various people. It's more common for a comic character to be sexually promiscuous than not. And really, Starfire's lover list was not that long, at least not any longer than many others'. So let's bury those terms, eh? From a female perspective, these words are particularly degrading, and using them in reference to a fellow female (no matter what her sexual behavior may entail) only strengthens the negativity. I understand that Starfire's previous sexual identity was also accompanied by her loving nature and strong sense of justice; but this Starfire should not be given the burn before we have a chance to really understand the elements to her character. And one issue does not completely sum up her personality. It provides us with an appetizer, not the main course.
Ultimately, I find myself willing to stick around for a few more issues. There are many aspects of Starfire's character yet to be witnessed, and I continue to believe that her memory deterioration is a probable plot point. After all, her experiences on Earth, especially those with the Titans, shaped her character into what it is...was. Whatever. And because if this fact, I find it possible that her current state of mind can be a direct result of her amnesia. Perhaps when (or if) Star's memory returns, we'll finally see a character we can appreciate, both as a woman and as a superhero. I don't mind a few tweaks to her personality; in fact, I encourage it, as a dynamic, changing character is one that provides consistent depth and entertainment. I have hope for Star's future as one of these characters, as I think we all should. Lobdell himself openly expresses his great love for the alien princess, and I doubt he would use that adoration to send her down the wrong path; perhaps his plans for her character will eventually lead us to a greater rendition of Starfire, one that develops and grows with her experiences, while still remaining true to her fundamental nature.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this little baby of mine. Please don't hesitate to comment and add your own opinion to the mix. Witnessing various sides of a discussion only serves to broaden each of our horizons. Thanks for the life lesson, Kingdom Hearts :)
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