Full disclosure: I don’t know the Starfox character very well. Given that A.X.E.: Starfox #1 explores the character and his different forms, I’d wager many others don’t. They are hugely important in Marvel’s summer event A.X.E.: Judgment Day, which has allowed series writer Kieron Gillen to explore characters deeply. We’ve seen Iron Man get the focus last week, Jean Grey this week, and in this issue, Starfox. Now the leader of the Eternals, what will Starfox do, and will he save the Earth? Eh, you’re probably giving him too much credit.
A few things to know about Starfox, aka Eros, the brother of Thanos. He has many incredible abilities, but his most important in this narrative is that he can stimulate the pleasure centers in other people’s brains. He was awakened to crib the system and get every human thinking positive thoughts so the Celestial would give them a pass. Unable to do that for moral reasons, among other things, the world is now doomed. This issue opens long ago and reveals Starfox was conceived with the desire to make another that’s like the opposite of their awful child Thanos. Born to be a kind of yin to Thanos’ yang, Starfox’s destiny was cast from the very start.
Much of this issue gets inside Starfox’s head via captions showing his determination and hopefulness. You understand throughout the issue he’s a hero at heart and means well, even if he’s lived different lives that may not have been the idealized heroes’ journey. It all leads to a confrontation that tests Starfox and shows some heroes do their best work by doing the opposite of what the leading hero does. I’m keeping it vague since the big reveal is a twist, but it’s a thoughtful turn for the character.
Yo, Paris is screwed.
Credit: Marvel
Plot-wise, this issue is much more about exploring Starfox and his lineage. He was born to be a certain way, which plays a part in how he makes decisions in the story. There is a major plot progressing moment, but it comes late in the issue, making much of this a character study.
The art by Daniele Di Nicuolo brings high energy with a kinetic manga style that suits Starfox’s positivity. A lot of the character acting is in the eyes, which Nicuolo renders with great purpose. You’ll feel for him, see his rage, and understand Starfox empathizes more than most. The art can sometimes look rough or a bit unfinished, but overall the vibe is strong and well told. For instance, a full-page splash of Starfox flying over Paris as it burns is excellent.
Colors by Frank William add excellent lighting as needed with glow effects in a bar or ambient light in a city. In a critical scene with Starfox and another Eternal, the warm light from a window creates a sense of hope and almost makes Starfox seem angelic.
If A.X.E.: Starfox #1 effectively familiarizes you with Starfox and makes you emphasize with his situation. A slightly obscure character, Gillen does the character justice by making you feel for him and understanding his beautiful complexity.
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