Star #5 // Review
Content Warning: child abuse, implied sexual assault
Star’s solo series reaches its explosive end in Star #5 written by Kelly Thompson, art by Javier Pina and Filipe Andrade, colors by Jesus Aburtov, and letters by VC’s Clayton Cowles.
Star #5 begins with a bit of backstory explaining what the Black Order (Thanos’ servants) is doing on Earth while also adding to the tension between Proxima Midnight and Star, who trapped Corvus Glave in a pocket dimension. While Star starts out fighting alongside Captain Marvel and the Scarlet Witch, her loyalty is tenuous at best, and her control of Corvious is a powerful bargaining chip- especially when she wants nothing more than to keep her powers. While it was great to finally receive for more context about the Black Order’s presence and it does add to the story, it would have been nice to learn more about this in earlier issues. It was a mystery as to why they were part of the story before they happened to stumble upon the Reality Stone.
With Star #5 being the last issue of the miniseries, this is the last opportunity for Thompson to really solidify Star’s character and how she sees herself; and Thompson makes full use of it. Through the use of flashbacks, readers learn that Ripley’s trauma began years before the Roosevelt Island incident (Captain Marvel #1-5). Ripley’s trauma stems from childhood abuse, bullying, and implied sexual assault. And while these memories and experiences further enforce why Ripley desires power, so no one can hurt her ever again, Thompson doesn’t let this be used as an excuse. While Ripley sees herself as a hero, Thompson makes it clear that while Ripley is a victim, she has chosen to become a villain. Captain Marvel says, “We’re all damaged, we’ve all been hurt. It’s an explanation, but it’s not an excuse. Abused people make the right choice every day. People who suffer unimaginable things are still good guys… all the time.”
The art in Star #5 remains consistent with the rest of the series as Pina and Andrade continue to knock it out of the park with the action scenes. Aburtov uses bright, saturated colors except for flashback scenes using more muted tones. The art team really made this miniseries stunning and helped bring Star’s character to life. And Star’s all-black outfit she wears at the end? Let’s hope we get to see that design again.
Star #5 may be the end of this miniseries; it’s not the end for Star. As long as Reality Stone is bonded with Ripley Ryan, she’s sure to pop up again in the larger Marvel universe.