Astra (comics)

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Astra is the name of two unrelated fictional characters from the Marvel Comics Universe.

Contents

[edit] Astra (Imperial Guard)

Astra

Astra by Dave Cockrum
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Uncanny X-Men #107 (October 1977)
Created by Chris Claremont
Dave Cockrum
In story information
Team affiliations Imperial Guard
Abilities Alter density

Astra is a fictional character in the Marvel Comics universe. She first appeared in [Uncanny] X-Men #107 as a member of the Shi'ar Imperium's Imperial Guard and was created by Chris Claremont and Dave Cockrum.

[edit] Fictional character biography

Little is known of the origin of the alien Guardman known as Astra apart from that she is a founding member of the Shi'ar Imperial Guard. Alongside the Guard, she first clashed with the X-Men and Starjammers on behalf of D'Ken and Davan Shakari over the fate of the Shi'ar Empress Lilandra Neramani. After the battle, D'Ken was rendered comatose and Lilandra took over as Majestrix, and the Imperial Guard swore allegiance to her.

After Lilandra's exile, and when Deathbird became Empress, Astra commanded the entire Imperial Guard to fight the combined forces of the Starjammers and Excalibur on earth so that she could claim the power of the Phoenix Force for herself. During the battle, Astra surprised Shadowcat with the ability to hit her in intangible state, since she could match her molecular density. The Guard were forced to retreat when Deathbird was put in danger.

During Operation: Galactic Storm, Astra was amongst a small team of the Imperial Guard that defended Lilandra against the Kree team, Starforce. Astra was also present with the Imperial Guard when they defended Lilandra against an assassination attempt from the Inhumans, who were under the control of Ronan the Accuser at the time.

Astra was present during the battle with Vulcan and was one of the guardsmen who survived the battle with Vulcan.

[edit] Powers and abilities

Astra has the ability to alter her density.

[edit] Other versions

[edit] Exiles

A version of Astra appeared alongside the Imperial Guard in a story arc in Exiles.

[edit] In other media

[edit] Television

Astra appears alongside the Imperial Guard in a few episodes of X-Men the Animated Series.

[edit] Inspiration

Several of the members of the Imperial Guard are at least partly based on members of the DC Comics team Legion of Super-Heroes. (Dave Cockrum, co-creator of the Guard, also had a long run as artist on the Legion.) Astra is based on LSH member Phantom Girl.

[edit] Astra (Brotherhood)

Astra

Astra
Alan Davis, artist
Publication information
Publisher Marvel Comics
First appearance Uncanny X-Men #366 (cameo)
X-Men vol. 2 #86 (1st full appearance)
Created by Alan Davis
In story information
Alter ego Beth Al-Reraph
Species Human Mutant
Team affiliations Brotherhood of Evil Mutants
Abilities Teleportation

Astra is a fictional character, a supervillainess in the Marvel Comics universe. She first appeared in Uncanny X-Men #366 and was created by Alan Davis.

[edit] Fictional character biography

Astra is a mutant teleporter who was revealed to be Magneto's first true recruit from his original Brotherhood of Evil Mutants. With her aid, he would acquire technology from alien civilizations, which would automatically give him advantage over the contemporary human military forces. However, she did not share Magneto’s goals - merely wanting riches, not power. The two parted ways as enemies.

She resurfaced years later, reviving Magneto (who had been mindwiped by Professor X) and creating a clone of him. Astra ordered the clone to kill Magneto, but Magneto was able to take the clone down. After the battle, the clone woke up amnesiac, thinking he was the real Magneto. The clone was given the name "Joseph" by a nun, and became affiliated with the X-Men.

Astra later returned and attempted to use Joseph against Magneto and the X-Men. She had Joseph attack Magneto while he was controlling the Earth's magnetosphere, which severely disrupted Earth's magnetic field. Joseph died repairing the damage, causing Astra to flee. Before her final exit, Astra alluded to knowing of Nightcrawler since he was a child.

Astra was mentioned by Apocalypse as having been dealt with, but her current status is unknown[1]. She last appeared in a flashback to her early Brotherhood days[2], where it was revealed that she saw Nightcrawler while looking for potential recruits for the Brotherhood with Magneto.

[edit] Powers and abilities

Astra has the ability to teleport. She uses a shield and also wears gauntlets to fire energy blasts.

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Twelve storyline
  2. ^ X-Men Forever

[edit] External links