TheAvengers’official new leader,Dani Moonstar, is such a formidable warrior that Hela, Asgard’s Goddess of Death herself, has given the formerX-Menher respect. And this respect is rightfully given, considering Moonstar has proven time and time again that she is Marvel’s best. Dani Moonstar is one of Marvel’s most compelling yet underrated heroes, and now she takes her place leading Earth’s mightiest superheroes.
X-Vengers#1, written by Jason Loo with art by Sergio Dávila, takes place in the main Marvel Universe 10 years into the future afterthe villain Revelation has taken control, andthe X-virus has turned the population into mutants.
Cover Artist:
MIKE MCKONE
EARTH’S MIGHTIEST… HATED AND FEARED! X YEARS LATER, Earth still needs the Avengers… but what happens when those who are left have transformed into mutants?! Dani Moonstar leads a new team of Avengers (Hawkeye, Vision, Water Widow, Shang-Chi, Variable Man and Cannonball) to protect the planet! But can these “X-Vengers” protect all of Earth, including the Revelation Territories?!
With many of the Avengers themselves transformed into mutants, Dani Moonstar is the perfect leader for the Avengers of the future. The validity of this leadership choice is further solidified by Moonstar having the respect of one of Marvel’s most powerful beings.
Marvel Finally Gives This Badass Hero the Respect She Deserves as She Becomes the Avengers’ New Leader
X-Vengers#1; Written By Jason Loo; Art By Sergio Dávila; Cover Art By Mike McKone
Debuting inMarvel Graphic Novel No. 4: The New Mutantsby Chris Claremont and Bob McLeod, Dani Moonstar was a founding member of the New Mutants and possessed the power to create physical manifestations of people’s fears and aspirations. While her powers are impressive,it is her leadership skills that make her the perfect candidate for the Avengers' next leader.
Since her first appearance,Dani has quickly developed a strong presence as a New Mutant,becoming a prominent voice amongst the heroes and fighting alongside X-Men such as Cyclops and Magik. Eventually, Dani would become the New Mutants’ co-leader alongside her fellow teammate Cannonball and go on to face prominent villains, including the Hellfire Club.
InNew Mutants: Special Edition#1, Dani and her team are kidnapped by Loki and Enchantress and taken to Asgard, whereshe befriends a pegasus by saving it from Asgardian hunters, a feat of heroism that bestowed her with the powers and ranks of a Valkyrie. Dani’s status as a Valkyrie is also what draws the attention of Hela.
Hela Respects Dani Moonstar Above Any Other Hero, Making Her the Death Goddess’s Go-To Ally
As a Valkyrie, Moonstar Became Hela’s Dark Angel
InNew Mutants#77, Hela attempts to take control of Dani to help take revenge against Asgard, making Moonstar her host and almost ending Odin’s life when Moonstar and the Valkyries invade. Hela initially used Dani because she was a Valkyrie, butit was undoubtedly Moonstar’s ferocity as a warrior that planted the seeds for her to gain the goddess’s respect.
During the ‘Fear Itself’ storyline, Hela sent her soul to Dani before her body perished, showing that Hela truly trusts and respects Dani as a warrior.
After Dani lost her powersfollowing the events of M-Day,Dani would make a deal with Hela to restore her abilities as a Valkyrie. In return, Dani would become Hela’s own Angel of Death, guiding fallen Asgardians to Hel during the events of“Siege.”Eventually, Hela would call Dani to aid her when the God of Fear’s forces overtook Hel.
During the“Fear Itself”storyline, Hela sent her soul to Dani before Hela’s body perished, showing that Hela truly trusts and respects Dani as a warrior. Hela trusts Dani because she is a formidable fighter, but also becauseHela knows Dani is a leader who never fails to rally heroes behind her, which the New Mutants do in Hel.
Is Marvel Hinting Moonstar Will Become the Next Captain America?
In light of theAge of Revelationand many Avengers receiving mutant transformations due to the X-Virus, Dani Moonstar is the ideal candidate for the Avengers' new leader.Dani’s story has already established her as one of the greatest heroes in Marvel history,as well as a teacher to the next generation of mutants.
InX-Vengers#1, it’s shown that heroes such as Shang-Chi, Black Widow, and Hawkeye have all become mutants, andDani is now donning Captain America’s shield as the leader of the mutant Avengers.With Dani now holding Captain America’s shield, there is a strong likelihood that future Sam Wilson and Steve Rogers are either dead or under Revelations' control.
Though it has been hinted thatDani will be the next Professor X, the prospect ofDani becoming the future Captain America makes considerable sensewhen looking at her background as a Native American, a Valkyrie warrior, and a strong leader to mutantkind heroes. Dani is both a well-established leader and embodies the qualities of a good Captain America.
Marvel Paves the Way for Dani Moonstar’s Future as the Face of the Avengers
Moonstar Is the Marvel Universe’s Official Jack of All Trades
WithDani Moonstar becoming the Avengers' new leader, it is unclear whether she has retained her status as a Valkyrie, but she has shown she does still possess some of her Valkyrie powers. InMagik#4,Dani reveals that she is now part of a secret organization called the Society of the Eternal Dawnandhas recently acquired power amplification.
Cyclops and the remaining X-Men are already looking for ways to reverse the timeline. However, Dani’s position as the Avengers’ leader could prove to be a promising glimpse into her future.Dani Moonstaris one of Marvel’s best leaders, and it shows, as she has garnered the respect of theX-Men, theAvengers, and even the Goddess of Death, Hela.
