Review by Frank Plowright

The misunderstood hero has been a staple of Marvel’s output since the earliest days, and while the misunderstood villain is a little rarer, it’s not as if there’s a shortage either. So which is Star?

That’s the question Kelly Thompson poses following up on Ripley Ryan, a supporting character from the Captain Marvel series. Once a jealous investigative journalist, she ended up with super powers and became so dangerous Captain Marvel almost killed her. Now, however, with no explanation, she has one of the Infinity Stones implanted in her chest. As the name suggests, with the Reality Gem she can alter reality, although as she’s only just coming to terms with what she can do, she hasn’t any real idea of the power at her disposal. Others have, though, and a naive and weak bearer of an Infinity Stone makes for a prime target.

It’s pleasing that Marvel have opted for an iconic superhero pose on the cover rather than giving away the guest stars who feed into Star. Thompson includes several over five chapters, and unusually they’re all relevant. Without wanting to give anything away, someone else able to affect reality and with a massive lapse on their conscience is especially well considered, and the villains used are given depth and personality largely absent in previous appearances.

Javier Piña draws most of the story stylishly, and the colours of Jesus Aburtov merge well. Infinity Stones are colour coded, so red is a continual accompaniment to Star using her power, almost to the point of providing a calling card. The colour is more faded for Filipe Andrade’s looser flashback sequences.

A failing is the lack of explanation as to how Riley ended up with the Reality Gem embedded, as let’s face it, the odds of that happening are monumental. Otherwise, though, this is a solid superhero story where the characters resonate.