Being a hero is about choices. Sometimes those choices are hard, and more often than not, they are life-changing. But what makes a hero’s choices stand out is how often they come with a personal cost. In Moonstar #4, Dani Moonstar faces such a choice. Does she go on a quest for the Tablet of Death and Eternity in order to keep it out of the hands of the undead warrior Kyron? Or does she track down Kyron, who’s holding her parents captive? It’s the kind of choice that would torment even the most stalwart hero, and the ramifications are bound to stick with Dani long after this story ends.
What I appreciate about Moonstar #4 is how Ashley Allen cuts to the core of Dani’s dilemma. At first, it seems like Dani has made her choice, even coming up with a great plan to stop Kyron and, in the process, rescue her parents. As time goes on, her facade eventually breaks down, and she starts arguing with her fellow spellcaster Kian. Allen doesn’t shy away from the stress of Dani worrying about her parents and trying to save the world, while also highlighting her skills as a tactician during her time leading the New Mutants. You can tell when someone writing the X-Men knows their history, and Allen knows a lot of what makes these characters tick.
Moonstar #4 also dips its feet into pure horror territory, as Dani and Kian end up fighting a legion of undead beasts on their journey to find the Tablet of Death and Entropy. Eduardo Audino doesn’t shy away from how disturbing this is, as most of the animals have flesh hanging off their bones and are even missing eyes. If that wasn’t enough, Audino takes things one step further by merging the bodies of these animals into a human abomination that defies description. Trust me, it’s just one of those things you’ll have to see for yourself. What I can say is that Audino’s illustrations of the battle between Dani, Kian, and the undead beasts is an incredible display of motion, further bolstered by Arthur Hesli’s color art. Whenever Dani lets loose her energy arrows, they take the form of blazing yellow bolts. In contrast, her illusion powers are a pale, ghostly blue – though not as ghostly as Kyron, who still looks like death warmed over thanks to his icy white skin.
Marvel
Probably the best part of Moonstar #4 is when Kian finally reveals his life’s story to Dani, including the events that left him mystically blinded. While I do love that we finally get more insight into this character that isn’t endless fighting or flirting with Dani, I do feel it would have had even more impact if it was revealed an issue or two later. Still, it strengthens the connection between the duo, and sets the stage for the final battle. So does a major reveal involving Kyron and Dani’s parents, which no doubt will force her to make another life-changing choice.
Moonstar #4 shines a light on how choices affect us, for good or ill, and delivers an action packed issue that also lays the groundwork for an intense finale. I’m not ready for this series to end, but I will admit that it’s been a hell of a ride.
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