Shadow Star (Dark Horse)

    (Dark Horse, 2001-2005)
™ and © Dark Horse Comics, Inc.

As fighter jets scramble to encounter a UFO, pert Shiina Tamai is blithely enjoying her island vacation with her grandparents. But out on a swim she encounters an adorable but mysterious sky-surfing starfish. When she adopts and names it “Hoshimaru,” her life is bound to change. Soon on a local airplane flight, Shiina identifies the strange flying “shadow dragons,” as well as other mysterious alien teens who master them.

Returning home, Shiina fills her dad in on her exciting adventures. Then at school, she befriends Akira Sakura, an insecure girl who happens to own a similar creature, which can “channel” her senses. But what is she afraid of? Is it the murderous boy who seeks Shiina? And what does Shiina’s father have to do with all this?

Mohiro Kitoh’s creation is both intriguing and unusual. His sparse style and fragile lines convey subtle shades of emotions from characters that are often cryptic ciphers. Yet they hold the potential for unexpected bursts of physical and psychological violence. Beguiling readers with an initial quotient of cuteness, this innocent introduction hides a darker side. Perhaps Kitoh is setting the stage for surprising freefalls. Buckle up for twisted turns.

— Oliver Chin
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