Imbued with tremendous cosmic power and almost zero life experience – nothing will prepare them for the likes of class registration, choosing a major and midterms. Learning to be the heroes they were meant to be whilst learning all there is to know about sharing a dorm room. It takes more than superpowers to be a hero.

The concept of Starbrand and Nightmask are ideas brought over from Marvel’s New Universe in the pages of last volumes Avengers. The two were a weird enigma, cosmic beings that never felt like they were being used quite the right way.

Here the two are enrolled in college, attempting to mask their identities while dealing with a mysterious villain, at least it would seem there’s one main bad guy.

Heroes in college is a concept we’ve seen before and it’s currently being done in Unbeatable Squirrel Girl (who makes an appearance) and has been done in Spider-Man. In other words, we’ve seen this. A lot. We’ve even seen the awkward guy in college with a crush on a girl. It’s not a new concept, and in Starbrand and Nightmask #1, written by Greg Weisman, it’s a take that isn’t particularly new or different. It is entertaining, and there’s lots of potential, especially with a love interest for Starbrand. That familiarity makes the comic just ok to read, and your enjoyment will vary.

The art by Domo Stanton is very distinctive and I kind of dig it. It’s definitely something different, and has a youthful feel about it. There’s not a ton to say other than it’s cool, and has a webcomic vibe about it for me.

Overall, the comic is decent and has potential. I’m clearly not blown away by it, but Starbrand’s last foray in college mixed with him going back should make for an interesting time and concept. Still, hopefully we’ll get something different other than the characters to make the series stand out.

Story: Greg Weisman Art: Domo Stanton
Story: 7 Art: 7.6 Overall: 7 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review