Welcome, X-Fans, to another uncanny edition of X-Men Monday at AIPT!
What I’m about to say might blow your mind, but I’ve found that X-Fans tend to have very strong opinions, which means they don’t always agree with one another. I know, I’m dropping truth bombs.
Who is the best romantic partner for Cyclops? What should Betsy Braddock’s codename be? Why aren’t Wolverine’s claws hot anymore? (OK, no one may be debating that last one.)
The point is, there’s always a new debate. Except when it comes to writer Ashley Allen. What X-Fans all seem to agree on is that Ashley’s a rising star who knows how to write good comics (see the recently concluded 10-issue Magik run and new Magik & Colossus limited series.)
Next, on March 4, 2026, Ashley and artist Edoardo Audino will kick off a new series featuring another former New Mutant: Dani Moonstar. Ahead of Moonstar #1‘s release, Ashley agreed to return to X-Men Monday to answer X-Fans’ burning questions. Let’s see what she has to say.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: Welcome back to X-Men Monday, Ashley! You’ve gained a lot of trust from X-Fans based on your handling of Illyanna Rasputina — and Dani Moonstar — in the pages of Magik. X-Fan Ellie is curious to learn whether writing Dani in her own series feels different from writing her as a supporting character in Magik. And similarly, X-Fan Jasojb asks how writing Dani is different from writing Illyana.
Ashley Allen: Two great questions! It was honestly the most interesting thing about approaching this series. Obviously, everything in Magik is from the perspective of Illyana. So while we could see Dani’s perspective through her words and actions, we missed out on the inner monologue Dani was telling herself. The example that rises to mind the quickest is when Dani talks to Cal about the Darkchild and Illyana overhears. To us, it may seem like Dani doesn’t trust Illyana, but in reality, it is that Dani has her own history with the Darkchild and wants to make sure that she accounts for that to keep her friend safe. We miss out on that perspective in a solo series.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
But that’s why it’s so fun that Dani now has her own solo series! I would say Dani’s voice is a little easier to find for me than Illyana’s. I’m an eternal optimist who believes that if I put my heart into something, it probably will work out for the best. I’m also incredibly stubborn when I want to be. Those aspects are what drew me to Dani when I read The New Mutants growing up, and it’s what I channel when I write Dani (versus Illyana, who is more of a pessimist).
AIPT: For those who are just learning about Moonstar for the first time, what can they expect to find in the pages of Dani’s first-ever series?
Ashley: Dani Moonstar is a force of nature. In Moonstar, you get to see Dani in her full glory — her leadership, power, and kindness on full display. She is going up against the epitome of nihilism (a soul-sucking sword revealed in issue 1!) and is going to have to gather all her strength to defeat this world-ending threat.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: X-Fan Isaiah Meehan says the synopsis for Moonstar #1 mentions Dani dealing with self-doubt. Does this stem from what happened at the end of your Magik series, or is there something else causing this?
Ashley: Yes! In the last issue of Magik, Dani and Illyana brought down a magical society that Dani had initially joined. While the Society had initially been dedicated to stopping apocalyptic-level threats, years had corrupted the Society into a ruthless organization where the end justified the means. Dani had joined, as she wanted to use their knowledge and power to form a better world for her friends and fellow mutants. However, in the course of Magik, she found out the truth about the organization.
Dani feels naive for trusting in that dream and believing the Society. When Illyana asked her to lead and rebuild the Society, Dani declined. This is where our series picks up. Dani feels like her optimism blinded her to reality… but this might be what really forms a better future.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: X-Fan Rift wonders how much of Dani’s magical side we can expect. Rift notes that your Magik run delved a lot into that, so it’d be cool to see that continue.
Ashley: Oh, you don’t have to ask me to write more magic! There’s a reason why supernatural and fantasy are two of my favorite genres! You’ll definitely get to see Dani’s magical side (maybe even in the first issue)!
AIPT: While we’re on powers, X-Fan Tyrannosaurus Rex asks if you’re interested in the horror aspect of Dani’s powers.
Ashley: We actually highlighted the horror aspects of Dani’s powers in Magik #8! In that issue, Dani creates a horror maze for her enemies. It is such a funny contrast when you actually think of Dani’s personality, but the coolest thing about Dani is that she is a tactician at heart — meaning she’s ready to use her powers in unique ways to lead her team to victory. It’s definitely something I’m always keeping in mind when writing fight scenes!
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: X-Fan Covey says Dani, as a character, has often had her identity as Cheyenne subsumed by her identity as a Valkyrie. Covey is curious to learn how you go about striking a balance between those two parts of her.
Ashley: That is such a great point! For me, I grew up reading The New Mutants series in order (how I wish I still had the time to read like that), so I always knew about how central Dani’s Cheyenne identity was to her before I even heard the term Valkyrie. While Dani’s time as a Valkyrie has lent itself well to some iconic storylines (and is a main aspect of our story as well), I wanted to make sure we really highlighted what makes Dani Dani.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
To that end, it was important that Dani’s parents play a central role in our story — especially since family is so key to passing down stories and heritage. We’ve also been blessed to work with an amazing cultural consultant, Bird Runningwater, who is helping to make sure we stay authentic to Dani’s Cheyenne identity in all of our issues. I’m very grateful to be working with him!
AIPT: X-Fan Bambi says Dani Moonstar was once positioned as the leader of the X-Men’s next generation. Do you still find this to be true, and if so, why do you think she fits that role?
Ashley: 100% Dani’s going to be one of the leaders of the next generation. We only have to look to her past of leading multiple X-Men teams. She not only has the experience but also the skills to do it. More importantly, the biggest thing about being a leader is making sure your team feels heard and seen. In my opinion, that’s Dani’s biggest strength. She enables people to be at their best, which is what the X-Men need.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: Speaking of the X-Men’s next generation, I think X-Fans really want a new New Mutants series. X-Fans Daniel, Gransfors Bruk, Isaiah Meehan, Jasojb, John Klein III, Kasi, RedGyarados2010, SKULLCAT, and @ThyThrawn all ask if any of Dani’s former teammates might make an appearance in Moonstar. Rahne, Roberto, Sam, Xuan, and even Doug all seem to be in demand!
Ashley: I would also love a new New Mutants series! With that being said, you can definitely expect some familiar faces to pop up! However, I wanted to use this series to truly highlight who Dani is as an individual character — meaning that Dani is ultimately going on her own journey!
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
AIPT: X-Fan Joshie20 wants to know if Brightwind, the winged Asgardian horse, will have a significant role in Moonstar.
Ashley: Definitely! After all, Dani needs a way to travel in style.
AIPT: Finally, X-Fans Covey, Dan Elliott, GambitsBoyfriend, Halfright, and Wlfking are all asking about Dani’s costume and whether she might move away from what’s essentially a modified X-Men training uniform. What are your thoughts on Dani’s look?
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Ashley: I always love a good costume redesign!! That’s what makes comics so fun!! I would love to get her out of the training uniform while keeping her iconic signatures. I think, however, it would need to come at a key moment. And wouldn’t you have it that we have a series coming up…
AIPT: Interesting… but that tease seems like the perfect note to end on. Ashley, thanks for stopping by X-Men Monday!
Remember, X-Fans, Moonstar #1 goes on sale March 4, 2026. And as that’s still about two weeks away (UGH!), how about an eXclusive look at the issue’s six-page lettered preview? Check it out, courtesy of Ashley, artist Edoardo Audino, colorist Arthur Hesli, and letterer VC’s Clayton Cowles.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Next X-Men Monday – February 23, 2026
In the next edition of X-Men Monday, writer and artist Ryan Stegman returns to discuss the upcoming X-Men Annual, as well as reflect on his modern X-Men work.
Courtesy of Marvel Comics
Until next time, X-Fans, stay eXceptional!
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