MOONSTAR #4 – The Ultimate Choice

Creative Team – Ashley Allen, Edoardo Audino, Arthur Hesli, VC’s Clayton Cowles, Germán Peralta

Published by Marvel Comics

Catch up with Moonstar #3!

The Story

This review is brought to you by Nerd Initiative’s Megan and Shawn!

Shawn – I genuinely love what Ashley Allen has done with Dani Moonstar. Dani has overcome so much in her life. Allen writes her as a character that is filled with hopes and fears because of that rather than in spite of it. I loved hearing Kian speak of Dani’s optimism even if he thinks it’s borderline dangerous.

I enjoy how Allen continues to connect but back to Dani’s past. She’s providing readers a stark reminder that even if your past is a troubled one, it’s the sum of experiences that shaped you into who you are. Optimism in the face of struggle is a reminder that there could still be better days ahead and Allen captures that perfectly

Megan – It’s hard to understand how Ashley Allen is able to put so much into only four issues so far, and does so in such a well paced way. We’re on the fourth issue, and so much has happened! In the last issue, Dani was under the deadly magic of Dáinsleif, which Kian was able to pull her out of. However, while she was under the magic impression, Kyron was going through each of her memories to find out where her parents were. Unfortunately, he was successful, and it was too late. Her parents were missing.

In this issue, Dani is faced with the ultimate choice, she can save the world or she can save her parents.

This was a very emotionally-driven issue, even with a look back at Dani’s childhood. You can feel the varying emotions of Dani in the story, and Kian, who’s doing what he can to help her. Dani has faced missing her parents before, but never like this. Ashley Allen makes you feel every bit of the emotions Dani feels when you read Moonstar #4. With higher stakes than ever and emotions through the roof, it’s very easy to find yourself lost in this story.

The Art

Shawn – Edoardo Audino and Arthur Hesli are such a great team on this story. Whether it’s Dani’s Cheyenne roots, Kian’s past hubris, or even possessed animals the art feels perfect for the moment. Audino continues to stun with vivid details through lines and shading. Every panel lets you feel the work and the love he poured into it. His panels focusing on Dani are simply stunning rendering her as both beautiful and powerful. Audino continues to make even the mostly emotionless Kian emote with the way he’s drawn

Hesli’s colors on this issue were perfect. Perhaps my favorite page of this issue was because of how beautifully Hesli placed the colors on Dani’s bed. They felt meaningful and true to her Cheyenne heritage. The sunsets and skies were colored particularly beautiful by Hesli in this issue with the pinks and blues blending seamlessly. Clayton Cowles got to shine with some huge SFX. He also does a really good job distinguishing between conversations and Dani’s internal monologue with herself.

Megan – As this was an emotionally-driven issue, that includes the art as well. Edoardo Audino draws the characters to wear their emotions on their sleeves, and you can feel each tone that’s in the story just by the characters. From their facial expressions to their body language, the characters practically tell the story themselves. Arthur Hesli works with darker tones that show what a dark space Dani is in. What lights up the pages is the different powersets, that are beautifully colored to be a shining bright light in the darkness. Arthur Hesli, once again, brings so much depth to each page with his coloring talents. Clayton Cowles handles the lettering and does a fantastic job as always. Cowles captures the intensity of Kyron’s dialogue, and the emotional anguish of Dani’s with ease. Together, the artists made this a very impactful issue.

Final Thoughts

Shawn – 10/10. I know this series is coming to an end but please move this entire creative team to a new project. I love the work they are doing. Dani feels powerful, optimistic, reflective, and strong all at once. Dani is finally getting the love she deserves and it’s because of this amazing creative team

Megan – 8.6/10. Another excellent issue from Ashley Allen and the creative team! I am very interested to where this goes because we are left on a huge note. If you haven’t checked out Moonstar, there’s no time like the present! Head to your local comic shop and preorder!

Overall Grade – 9.3/10

Let us know in the comments what you thought of Moonstar #4!