Detroit, MI – Hero Nation Studio is proud to offer the debut work from Jay Hero, Star Wielder, a debut comic series inspired, in part, by Hero’s journey with anxiety, depression and shadow work. He hopes that in an age of fear, with this story, Black people, and other people experiencing oppression, will be reminded of their courage and inner-strength to inspire change in the world.
Star Wielder is a series about turning fear into power. The series debuts in Star Wielder Issue #1, a 50+ page comic that follows the events leading up to the birth of a young, pyrophobic, fire-wielding Black girl from Detroit named Kiara Kelly. Kiara is a kind and compassionate kid, who wants nothing more than to live a normal life helping people, and serve as a community leader like her beloved adoptive grandmother, Roxy Mae. But Kiara’s life is far from average.
From the Birwood Wall, to the 1967 Detroit Uprising. In Issue #1 we follow the legacy of Kiara Kelly through Detroit, Roxy and her outspoken daughter, Toni and see the lives of Kyle and Jacob Shepard; one an avid white supremacist, another Toni’s former friend, and a conflicted boy who wants to be like his brother, but struggles to go far enough to please him. And beyond Earth, a strange spirit-wielding visitor arrives from another realm, to escape her own oppression with a powerful mysterious primordial crystal that would change the course of Detroit’s history forever, ending a story of pain and tragedy with the birth of a miracle and hope for the people of Detroit—and beyond.
“I highly recommend this upcoming comic series by the incredibly gifted storyteller, brand designer, and artist, Jay Hero. I’ve had the privilege of reading parts of the script, and it’s a powerful, emotionally resonant story that so many will connect with.
The psychological depth and portrayal of emotions and characterization in this narrative are truly remarkable. As a therapist and someone with expertise in psychology, I fully endorse this project.”
Brent Alan Lyles – Psychotherapist, LMHC
“One of my hopes is that readers will see themselves in Kiara’s journey, as she learns to face and get through her fear and lowest moments, so that when it’s time to apply the lessons she’s learned, you will be reminded of your own strength.”
Writer, Illustrator, Creator – Jay Hero
The Star Wielder issue #1 Kickstarter has launched and is expected to release in early late winter or Spring of 2026.
