Star #4: Another Battle for these Accursed Stones

Star is back! In issue #4 the story takes another explosive turn with a battle against Captain Marvel before none other than the Black Order shows up to really kick things up a notch. It’s full of action and awesome visuals, but it also poses an interesting comparison which finds Star still on uncertain grounds regarding her status as a hero or a villain.

This series has really gone to some deep emotional levels for Ripley as her increasingly dangerous time as Star continues to unravel. In Star #4 she’s immediately confronted with another fight against Captain Marvel and it’s easy to see the two of them simply have a LOT to work out. Between the shields and laser eyes, however, they don’t really get much time to themselves for the Black Order arrives. While this basically ensures the majority of the issue will just be an extended fight sequence with some pretty spectacular visuals, Thompson is able to find some depth with the relationship between Ripley and Danvers to give the book just enough edge.

Ripley’s characterization is certainly a fascinating one. Star #4 continues to develop the character in a way that doesn’t explicitly lean to the hero or villain side. She’s caught somewhere between, unable to find her path with her powers due to the nonstop barrage that has ensued since we were first introduced to the character in the Captain Marvel ongoing. This impartial duality is captured magnificently in the visuals thanks to Pina, Leisten and company. You want to root for her because the conflict within her is visible on nearly every panel, but she’s got a darker side that comes out in little ways that the creative team really latches onto like when she realizes she can control reality. In these moments, the character is full of such exciting potential and everything from the story to the art builds on that with such great nuance.

Cowles on letters also brings something unique to the aesthetic that really finds importance in Star #4 with the distinction of her dialogue when using her powers. It creates a noticeable shift in her demeanor that translates exceptionally well as a reader and helps to define the emotions undoubtedly swirling inside her when utilizing the reality stone. Taking the Black Order’s weapons and sending some to the moon make for great opportunities to shine visually, but that really can only do so much.

Ultimately, this issue is one long fight. While it’s exciting and a lot of fun to see Star utilized in this way, it also loses a sense of its direction in this emphasis on action. The series has been strong enough up to this point to withstand an issue like this, but it shouldn’t become the new norm. With Scarlet Witch on the way after that crazy cliffhanger, it looks like the action won’t be slowing down any time soon, let’s just hope the creative team can keep up the intrigue and really build on the momentum this issue establishes.