Astra

Origin

Astra was a founding member of the Imperial Guard and first clashed with the X-Men over the fate of the Shi’ar Empress Lilandra. Later, when Deathbird was Empress, she commanded the entire Imperial Guard to fight the combined forces of the Starjammers and Excalibur 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 while in an intangible state, since she could match her molecular density.

Creation

Astra was created by Chris Claremont, Dave Cockrum and Dan Green in 1977 and first appeared in X-Men #107. She is loosely based on the DC Comics character from the 30th century Phantom Girl. She was a part of the initial introduction of Imperial Guard characters that debuted first, fashioned after members of the Legion of Super-heroes.

Major Story Arcs

X-Men

Astra questions the X-Men demanding to know who they are, when the two teams, the Imperial Guard and X-Men meet for the first time, with the X-Men trying to rescue Lilandra from D’Ken’s mad schemes. Astra was startled by Wolverine who bore the uniform of Imperial Guard member Fang, in the midst of battle. D’Ken is defeated the two groups had no reason to fight, but it was not long before Astra and Imperial guard were up against another team of mutants in the Excalibur squad. Astra trading blows with another intangible being, Shadowcat, Astra even managing to knock out a phased Kitty.

Avengers and Starforce

During the crisis that came to be known as Operation: Galactic Storm, Astra was amongst a small contingent of the Imperial Guard that defended Lilandra against the Kree super-team known as Starforce. Astra was also with the Imperial Guard when they defended their Empress Lilandra against an assassination attempt from the Inhumans, who were under the control of Ronan the Accuser at the time .

The Eternal Starfox tries to entice and romance Astra but is rejected flatly, when the Avengers are present on the Shi’ar planet Chandilar, hosted by Empress Lilandra. However the third team present at the met, the Kree Starforce, attack, and the Avengers team up with the Imperial Guard. Korath of Starforce manages to attack Astra, even in her phasing form, but teaming up with Scarlet Witch, Astra manages to strike a retaliatory blow.

Pre Annihilation

Astra and Earthquake travel to the space prison Kyln to recollect Gladiator and Star-Lord. Astra is somewhat put off by Star-Lords odd disposition and quirky attitude, and begins to regret bringing him along.

Powers and Abilities

Astra can become intangible and go through solid masses much like how Shadowcat can. Her strength level is probably the same as that of an Earth woman of the same physical age, height, and build who engages in moderate regular exercise. Her known superhuman power which is intangibility, has yet to be measured exactly. Astra utilizes a Shi’ar anti gravity device to aid flight.

Physical Characteristics

Height: 5′ 10″

Weight: 140 lbs (64 kg)

Eyes: White

Hair: Red

Alternate Realities

Earth 295 – Age of Apocalypse

Astra is one of the Imperial Guard members present, engaged in conflict with Gambit and the X-Ternals.

Earth-41001 – X-Men The End

Astra and her fellow Imperial Guard are manipulated by Cassandra Nova to fight against the X-Men.

Other Media

T.V.

X-Men The Animated Series

She appears with her fellow Shiar Imperial Guards in a numerous episodes.