Things have gone from bad to worse for former reporter-turned Reality Stone host Ripley Ryan, aka Star. She’s tried to kill Captain Marvel and Jessica Jones before finally, the Scarlet Witch stepped in to intervene. But with reality-warping powers, nothing is ever quite what it seems in this action-packed story from writer Kelly Thompson, artists Javier Pina and Filipe Andrade, colorist Jesus Aburtov, and letterer/designer VC’s Clayton Cowles.

The “dragon” Star and Scarlet Witch were hunting the last issue turned out not to be a dragon at all. Still, a horrifying, almost demonic version of Star Is this image an ill omen of what’s to come or simply a manifestation of all of her fears, a chilling reminder of how powerful Star is and the damage she can do? No answers are forthcoming; however, as the tenuous trust Ripley had for Scarlet Witch was shattered the moment Captain Marvel showed up and tried to attack her. Believing she was set up for an ambush, Ripley flees the scene even angrier than before. Convinced that Captain Marvel is going to kill her, Ripley has an intense flashback to her time on Roosevelt Island (Captain Marvel #1-5), and the events preceding her becoming Star. 

Thompson does an incredible job of making Ripley a compelling character. Because of the connection Captain Marvel had to her trauma, Ripley believes her to be the cause of all her recent misfortunes and wants her to pay. However, she hasn’t fallen entirely into being an irredeemable villain. Not yet. Scarlet Witch believes it’s possible to rehabilitate her, but the more powerful Star grows, so does her hatred of Captain Marvel, and the heroes might have to make a sacrifice for the greater good. 

During Ripley’s flashback, the art style shifts completely. Compared to the rest of the story, these panels feature muted colors and strong hatching for shading, while the overall linework is very fluid and sketchlike. This really sets this sequence apart and fits perfectly with the tone of Ripley’s dream; this traumatic situation was where her resentment for Captain Marvel began to build, and Pina and Andrade, with the help of Aburtov, captured the scenes perfectly.

This story is a fantastic setup for what promises to be an absolutely stunning next issue as with Captain Marvel’s arrival, Star is facing the fight of her life; the fight for her life. This is the tipping point for her character as the outcome will decide if she becomes a legendary villain or can be turned into a hero. 

GRADE: A