As if the premise of Stone Star wasn't enough of a hook--gladiator games traveling from one distant planet to the next--our preview of the ComiXology Original just added even more intrigue and family drama into the story.
The first three issues of Stone Star have tossed new readers into the action with a velocity only possible in digital comics, announced and launched in one grand motion. The idea of the title ship, home of the universe's most beloved and brutal reality TV show, and the young thief piloting a Gladiator mech on a heroic quest is all the exact brand of imaginative sci-fi that win fans over instantly. And in our preview of Stone Star #4, the history of the ship, the games, and the story's young hero all just got a LOT more interesting...
The series comes from ComiXology Originals and well known creators Jim Zub (Avengers) and Max Dunbar (Champions), and made a strong impression in its very first issue. Following Dail, an orphaned grifter surviving among the shadows and of Stone Star, his story unexpectedly came to overlap with a royal family, a planetary coup, and possible death, with his best friend captured and thrown into the gladiator pit to be eaten alive for the crowd's enjoyment. With his friend's life on the line, Dail's knack for controlling electronics rose to a new level, fusing him with the metal body of a gladiator mech (known as an Effigy).
Stone Star #3 left the story on a cliffhanger, with the two grifters' fates unknown. Our preview of Issue #4 doesn't give up the surprise of Dail's (almost certain) survival, but does reveal this his family's connection to the gladiator games of Stone Star go much deeper than expected. Take a look at the preview pages below:
Putting aside the tragedy of Dail's wish to fight as a gladiator aside, the introduction of his father as one of the best Stone Star contestants answers several questions (the most important being how, exactly, he wound up on Stone Star, and his fear of entering the ring). But the biggest twist comes with the reveal of his father's "brother in arms," Grandiose. That's the name previously used for the master of the games, and authority of Stone Star... raising the question of Kurt how Grandiose ended up running the show, and how Dail's father wound up dead.
We would assume the two events are connected, but are just as eager to find out if the blue electricity fired off by each strike of Dail's father's staff is similar to the blue electricity produced by his son. We'll hopefully have our answers when the full issue is released, but until then, check out the full solicitation information for Stone Star #4 below:
- STONE STAR #4
- Published: June 26th, 2019
- Writer: Jim Zub
- Art: Max Dunbar, Espen Grundetjern
- A crackle of energy reveals moments from the past as Dail struggles to find his way back from the brink of destruction. At the same time, Kikanni discovers her family's true legacy and the station's grip tightens on them both. Stone Star is an action-adventure spectacle bursting with colorful characters and pulse-pounding action! Grab your weapons, gritters, and join the fray!
Stone Star #4 will be available as part of comiXology Unlimited, Kindle Unlimited and Prime Reading on June 26th.