Starbrand and Nightmask #6 – A Cosmic Confrontation That
Redefines Identity and Purpose
Genre
Superhero, Cosmic Sci-Fi, Action, Drama
Main Characters
- Kevin
Connor / Starbrand – A powerful cosmic protector struggling with his
place in the universe and the weight of his power.
- Adam
Blackveil / Nightmask – Kevin's closest ally and fellow cosmic being,
tethered to the fabric of the multiverse.
- Imani
Greene – A bright and driven student at Empire State University,
Kevin’s love interest and emotional anchor.
- Libra
– A mysterious cosmic figure tasked with maintaining balance across
realities.
- Cipher
– An enigmatic force representing hidden truths and knowledge, challenging
Nightmask's control.
Writer
Greg Weisman – Known for his work on Gargoyles
and Young Justice, Weisman's writing in this series combines youthful
energy with cosmic stakes, delivering a grounded yet expansive superhero
narrative.
Artist
Domo Stanton – Stanton’s art style balances dynamic
superhero action with expressive character work, creating visuals that feel
both grounded and mythic. His illustrations effectively capture the contrast
between Earth-bound college life and vast cosmic battles.
Editor Details
Tom Brevoort – As a longtime Marvel editor, Brevoort
brings cohesion and character consistency to the cosmic corner of the Marvel
Universe, ensuring the story fits within the broader continuity.
Publisher and Brand
Marvel Comics
Marvel Universe Imprint
Release Year
2016
Brief Plot Summary
In Starbrand and Nightmask #6, Kevin Connor faces his
final test—not from the classroom, but from the cosmos. As the Starbrand, he is
challenged by Libra in a battle that could determine his fate: ascend to a new
level of existence or be erased from it entirely. Meanwhile, Nightmask contends
with Cipher, whose cryptic influence threatens to destabilize his purpose. The
issue culminates in a shocking showdown between two versions of Starbrand,
pushing Kevin to confront not only his enemies but also his inner doubts. Amid
all this, his budding relationship with Imani Greene takes a significant turn,
grounding the interstellar stakes in deeply human emotion.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
This issue concludes the short-lived Starbrand and
Nightmask series, which spun out of Jonathan Hickman’s Avengers and Infinity
sagas. The arc serves as a thematic epilogue to their roles in the multiversal
events, redefining the cosmic legacy of these characters and passing the torch
to future storytellers.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
Some fans speculate that Libra is more than just a cosmic
entity—that they represent the living embodiment of Marvel’s cosmic balance,
akin to Eternity or the Living Tribunal. Others interpret Kevin’s internal
struggle and duel with his alternate self as a metaphor for imposter syndrome,
especially among young adults burdened with great responsibility. The romantic
subplot with Imani is often viewed as a grounding anchor to Kevin’s
increasingly surreal experiences, symbolizing his link to humanity.
Review Summary
Starbrand and Nightmask #6 delivers a satisfying,
albeit bittersweet, conclusion to an underappreciated Marvel mini-series. Greg
Weisman’s writing balances big cosmic ideas with relatable character moments,
while Domo Stanton’s artwork enhances the emotional and kinetic intensity.
Though the series was short-lived, its emotional depth and thematic ambition
left a mark. The issue effectively wraps up character arcs while hinting at
larger cosmic implications, making it a hidden gem for fans of Marvel’s more
metaphysical stories.
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
