With issue #1 already going back for a fourth printing after selling out of the other three, it’s obvious that everyone is looking to get their hands on the only ‘Star Wars’ comic book series that takes place during the original trilogy. Obviously, the masses are definitely enjoying this brand new adventure with Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the rest of the gang. One thing is for sure, I know that I am.
In the second issue of this series, Han and Chewbacca were being tracked to Coruscant by Slave I, Leia chooses her squad of most trusted pilots for a top secret Alliance mission to find a new base, and Darth Vader is transferred to command another operation within the Empire.
Now, in issue three, Vader arrives at the second Death Star to assume command over it, Luke gets into some trouble, which forces Leia to ground him from flying with his fellow X-wing pilots, and Han Solo gets more than he bargained for when he meets up with Mon Mothma’s contact.
Some of the highlight of the book are the interactions between Luke and Leia in her briefing room. Luke is still a cocky young pilot and doesn’t take too kindly to being told what to do. His brash decisions are getting him in trouble with his commanding officer. On the flipside, because of Luke’s flirtations with another pilot named Prithi, Leia is clearly getting jealous. Yes, she sees the greater trouble that the budding relationship could cause, but you can totally sense the tension. It’s all very intriguing to follow, especially when we all know what Luke and Leia really are, which is something that no ‘Star Wars’ fan can forget while they’re reading this series no matter how hard they try to suppress it.
Another thing about Leia is how strong she’s portrayed in this series. Like it says in this issue, “she is anyone’s equal”. For the most part in the movies, she’s not as front and center as the boys, but here in Brian Woods’ book the spotlight is firmly planted on her. This series explores a great territory in the galaxy far, far away that wasn’t addressed as much as it should have been in the original trilogy and that’s that Princess Leia is a total badass. Yeah, her killing Jabba was totally a boss move, but other than that, she didn’t get the attention that she deserved, so it’s nice that she’s getting it now.
Finally, Han and Chewie’s firefight was very amusing, especially when Han has expensive alcohol on his mind. I mean, if I were him, I’d consider going back for it as well, but not if Stormtroopers were shooting at me, which is where he finds himself.
So many factors contribute to ‘Star Wars’ being a great thing to pick up. The story is great. The art is great. The covers are great. And, as we’ve known for decades at this point, the characters are great. In general, this book has just been a real joy to read. I would be very surprised to find a ‘Star Wars’ fan that would disagree.
Final Score:
Star Wars #3
Written By Brian Wood
Art By Carlos D’anda & Gabe Eltaeb
Cover By Alex Ross
