Moonstar #1’s Ashley Allen Teases An Epic, Fantasy-Inspired Epic (Exclusive)

by

Dani Moonstar has been a popular character with X-Men fans ever since she first appeared with the New Mutants. Over the past 40 years, she’s been a member of several teams – including the New Mutants, the Mutant Liberation Front, X-Force, and even the main X-Men – contributing her powerful abilities and expertise. Despite her long history, Dani Moonstar has never headlined her own comic book series… until now. egmr.ru is giving fans an exclusive first look!

The first solo comic book series for the popular character Moonstar arrives in stores on March 4th! In Moonstar #1, written by Ashley Allen and illustrated by Edoardo Audino, Dani Moonstar faces a terrifying new threat: an ancient weapon that steals souls. She must find it before it’s too late, but the person wielding it won’t give up easily. Haunted by recent losses, Dani struggles with self-doubt, questioning if she can protect the people she cares about. Will she overcome her fears, or will her insecurities lead to more tragedy? We talked to Ashley Allen about this exciting new chapter for the character, and you can find our interview and a sneak peek at the artwork below!

Moonstar Will Be an Epic, Fantasy-Inspired Saga

This new comic marks the first time Dani Moonstar has headlined her own series, which is a big deal for fans! It also kicks off the ‘Shadows of Tomorrow’ phase for the X-Men. We spoke with the creators about what it’s like to work on this important milestone for such a well-known character and how the project came together.

It’s been amazing working on this project! As a longtime fan of the New Mutants, I’ve always loved Dani Moonstar, so it’s been really rewarding to explore her journey of self-discovery and adventure. Dani has a rich history – from her time with the New Mutants and as a Valkyrie, to her role leading the younger mutants on Krakoa, she’s a powerful character. With this new ‘Shadows of Tomorrow’ storyline, it felt like the right moment for Dani to have her own solo series. In this series, we’ll delve into her past and set the stage for what’s next in her story.

I’m so excited about this new series! It actually grew out of the MAGIK (2025) run, specifically what happened in Magik #10. In that issue, Illyana and Dani basically dismantle this whole magical group, and then Illyana asks Dani to take over. Dani’s hesitant, and that’s where our story begins! But the best part is, you absolutely don’t need to have read MAGIK first. We really built this series to be a great way to get to know Dani Moonstar and understand what makes her such an amazing character!

I especially loved writing about the relationship between Dani and Magik, and I was thrilled to see how happy fans were to have Dani back! When my editor, Darren Shan, offered me this project, I immediately accepted. Getting to create a grand fantasy story with Dani as the main character was a dream come true.

The description of MOONSTAR #1 suggests a huge, compelling story – a weapon that steals souls is a really interesting and scary concept. Can you tell us what’s at risk for Dani in this story, and how this challenge compares to things she’s dealt with before?

As a huge movie fan, I really wanted to explore Dani’s backstory as a Valkyrie, and I thought an epic, fantasy-driven story was the best way to do her character justice. Plus, being a fantasy geek myself, I knew we needed a truly formidable villain to really challenge Dani and showcase her abilities.

Dani has always battled incredible forces – from demons and gods to even death itself. But this new enemy is different; it’s attacking everything she cares about and fundamentally clashes with her beliefs. Dani’s known for her optimism, and now we’ll see if she can maintain that hope when faced with someone who believes in nothing at all. Throughout the series, Dani will be forced to examine who she is today, how she’s changed, and what she wants her future to look like. The danger is greater than ever, but Dani has never backed down from a fight!

What is something about writing Moonstar that surprised you or challenged you in an unexpected way?

Dani is a multifaceted character – she’s a leader, a teacher, a skilled fighter with a strong connection to her Valkyrie heritage, and deeply empathetic. But often, those descriptions focus on how others see her. With this series, especially one centered on her, I really wanted to explore who Dani is at her core – what drives her and what makes her tick, beyond just her responsibilities and relationships within the larger Marvel Universe.

I was surprised by how challenging—but ultimately enjoyable—it was to strike the right balance. I’m really excited for fans to finally read the first issue!

Dani Moonstar is a beloved and unique character who doesn’t get enough spotlight. What’s been the most rewarding part of writing her?

I really admire Dani’s bravery. She’s definitely the kind of person who steps up to help others, but what I find most inspiring is her willingness to try new things, even when people doubt her. She’s a visionary who believes in herself and can turn her ideas into reality, and that makes her a really enjoyable character to write!

What’s one surprising or exciting detail about the series you can share with readers without giving away any spoilers?

Throughout the series, Dani will face some difficult decisions. However, she’s not on her own – we’ve included some exciting guest appearances that reveal more about her history and the people who have shaped her into the person she is today.

Check Out The Cover to Moonstar #3!

Let’s preview the cover for Moonstar #3, coming out in May! Marvel describes the issue as a dangerous journey into Dani’s past. A cursed sword, Dáinsleif, is trying to consume her entirely, and as it digs through her memories, shocking secrets will be revealed. Will Dani escape before the sword takes complete control? Look for it on sale May 20th.

Moonstar #1 goes on sale March 4th from Marvel Comics.

What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!

https://comicbook.com/comics/list/10-best-avengers-covers-that-changed-comic-history/embed/#

Read More

2026-01-29 19:42