Moonstar #1 Is a Treasure Trove for Readers New and Old (Review)

by

While many X-Men comics have faced criticism lately, fans have consistently praised the recent solo series focusing on lesser-highlighted characters. Comics starring Cyclops, Magik, Psylocke, Rogue, Storm, and Jean Grey – X-Men traditionally known for team-ups – have been particularly well-received. This week brings another welcome addition: a new miniseries for Dani Moonstar, also known as Mirage, a Cherokee character with a history as a Valkyrie. Moonstar #1 marks her first solo outing and offers a fun beginning to her individual adventures.

Ashley Allen wrote this issue, with Edoardo Audino providing the artwork and Arthur Hesli handling the colors. The creative team did a great job showcasing a classic New Mutants member, delivering a story that both fills you in on the character’s background and offers a genuinely engaging and promising plot. While not perfect, it’s a charming and enjoyable read.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Pros Cons
Explains one of the more complicated New Mutants very well While most of the art is good, there are times when the detail flags a bit and the zombies don’t look great
Exciting plot that plays into her Valkyrie past Plays out of the last Magik mini that Moonstar was in, and if you didn’t read it, there’s a bit of missing context
The art is mostly great

Moonstar #1 Is Great for Fans New and Old, but It’s Not Amazing

I first noticed Ashley Allen’s writing on the Magik series, and I remember being really intrigued when Moonstar popped up at the end. It made sense she’d get to write a Moonstar solo book, because she clearly ‘got’ the character. Honestly, this isn’t the Moonstar I’m used to, and I think that’s partly intentional. Things changed for her in Magik, and Allen acknowledges that, so it’s a different take on the character. The story deals with the fallout of her time with the Society of the Eternal Dawn – a group she actually wrote Moonstar into originally – and she handles that transition really well. It’s not a classic Moonstar story, but it feels like a natural progression for the character.

The story begins with a flashback that reveals the core plot: a tale connected to Asgard and Moonstar’s history as a Valkyrie. This introduces a dangerous magical sword and a shadowy new villain. The author quickly provides all the necessary background information about the main character and her life before launching into the central storyline – a fast-paced and exciting adventure that promises a compelling arc. While it feels a bit coincidental that the villain attacked the town where Dani was visiting family, and the characters seeking her help aren’t particularly complex, the story is still enjoyable.

The Issue’s Art Has Its Moments, but It’s Not Perfect

The X-Men comics have always featured talented artists, and Dani Moonstar is no exception, having been illustrated by some of the best. Currently, the X-Men team boasts a strong group of artists, which means fans expect a high level of quality in the artwork. Edoardo Audino delivers solid work throughout this issue, showcasing a unique style and some truly beautiful panels. He handles both action sequences and character expressions well, with a good level of detail.

The artwork was generally enjoyable while reading, though it wasn’t consistently strong. The quality varied depending on the shot – wider panels looked good, but the detail suffered in closer views. While the designs of characters like Kian, Yanisa, and the villain were decent, they weren’t particularly unique, and the zombies didn’t quite hit the mark. I appreciate the artist’s style overall, but there were moments where the art felt inconsistent. Despite these issues, the artwork ultimately served the story well, and even when the detail wasn’t perfect, strong composition, expressive character work, and dynamic figures helped it succeed.

If you already love Dani Moonstar, you’re going to enjoy this book a lot! And if you’re new to the character, it’s a great introduction to why she’s so popular. While it’s not flawless, this comic is still fun and will leave you wanting to read more.

Moonstar #1 is on sale now.

https://comicbook.com/comics/list/10-best-x-men-comics-of-all-time-1-will-never-be-matched/embed/#

Read More

2026-03-04 17:45