International Team Creates the 'Star Runner Chronicles'
Jul 07, 2022
Following the release of two fan favorite graphic novels last year, the creative team behind Fallen Star and Dark Star is poised to launch the second sequel Rising Star, the latest chapter in its star-spanning epic the Star Runner Chronicles. Issue #1 of this four-part series is available to pre-order in July Previews.
The first book Fallen Star followed a rebellious teen girl named Aurora Palmer, who is forced to seek the truth behind her mysterious past when unpredictable powers emerge. In the sequel Dark Star, she learned more about her abilities, and used them to defeat a dangerous alien enemy. Now, in Rising Star, impending danger forces Aurora to plan her first trip to the stars, using the alien technology that her parents left behind.
This science fiction teen drama is complex and sprawling with multiple, diverse characters and settings in each issue. Fortunately, the original creative team has returned for the third chapter, ensuring that quality will remain high. For this article, we were able to interview the core team, see them in their studios, and discuss what brought them to participate in this unique series.
Series creator and editor James Watson has worked professionally producing comics for over 20 years, including many based on film properties. He works out of his office in Virginia, usually writing 1-2 comics a month. He describes his process on the Star Runner Chronicles as fun and revelatory. “I learn about my characters as the story unfolds, and they don’t always end up where I expect”, he commented, “They’re taking me on a journey, and I’m just trying to keep up!”
Penciller Leo Cordeiro has been an integral part of the Star Runner Chronicles since production began back in the summer of 2020. Leo works out of his studio in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where he likes to wake up early to start drawing, “I like to be alone when I’m drawing, without noises or distractions” he said, “I don’t even listen to music while I’m in the process of creating a layout or page. That’s how I feel free to create.”
He enjoys being able to design a whole universe for the series. “Star Runner Chronicles is the kind of comic I like to read” he said, “Our heroine Aurora matures in each episode. Even though she’s very young she has to face great responsibility, and the way she deals with it is exciting, Rising Star is a story of friendship and overcoming!”
Inker Carlos Eduardo also works on Star Runner Chronicles out of a studio in Sao Paulo and has been part of the series from the beginning. He counts his love of comics and classic science fiction (such as Jules Verne) as the reason he enjoys working on the project so much. “Star Runner feeds that kid in me who grew up reading comics and watching fantastical movies” Carlos said, “There are mysteries and discoveries in each issue. It’s the kind of wholesome fun and entertainment that we all need.”
Mohan Sivakami is lead colorist for Star Runner Chronicles. She works out of her studio in Chennai, India where she created NS Studios over 15 years ago. Her early inspirations were artists Michael Turner (Fathom) and Jim Lee (Batman Hush). The storyline of Fallen Star and Leo Cordeiro's outstanding line art inspired her to join the Star Runner series. “I find that nowadays people like a new type of science fiction stories.” Mohan said, “Aurora is a strong girl with telekinetic powers, and abilities to solve the mysteries that she uncovers!”
The new series Rising Star represents nearly a year of work by a talented team that also includes industry professionals Wilson Ramos, Jr. on letters, cover art by Nahuel Grego and Claudia Ianniciello of Magnus Arts. It’s an epic adventure that takes the reader from one side of the galaxy to the next but remains very human at its core.
Check out a free preview of Star Runner Chronicles: Rising Star by clicking the image below, and don’t forget to pre-order Issue #1 here.
