Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Comic Connection

Star Wars (2015) #9, Star Wars: Poe Dameron #4, and Star Wars: Darth Maul #2

Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, and Emperor Palpatine are all characters who have seen the fall of the Republic and the rise and fall of both the Empire and the First Order.  Wookiees live a long time, up to 4 centuries, so it is natural that Chewbacca can be alive for these events.  The two droids, C-3PO and R2-D2, on the other hand are mechanical beings, and it is safe to say they can exist for as long as spare parts can be found.  With the proper care, the droids should be around long after every other character has passed on.  Emperor Palpatine is the mastermind behind the galactic tragedies of all 3 trilogies and, as a Sith Lord, is able to draw on the dark side of the Force to prolong his life.  Marvel introduced another character whose was also alive during these 3 eras, Grakkus the Hutt.

We first encounter Grakkus on the Smuggler's Moon, Nar Shaddaa.  In Star Wars #8, Luke Skywalker travels to Nar Shaddaa looking for passage to the Imperial capital of Coruscant so he can gain more knowledge about Jedi from the Jedi Temple.  He attracts the attention of the underworld when he wields his lightsaber in a barroom brawl.  A thief grabs Luke's lightsaber and Luke gives chase on foot.  In Star Wars #9, Luke catches the thief and regains his lightsaber, only to be captured by Grakkus.  It turns out that Grakkus is both a Hutt crime lord and collector of Jedi artifacts!

Star Wars #9a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (September 2015)
At some point, Grakkus is sent to the prison city of Megalox on Megalox Beta which Grakkus ends up ruling.  Grakkus is visited by Lor San Tekka, whom the Resistance, led by General Leia, is searching for because he knows the whereabouts of Leia's brother, Luke Skywalker.  Poe Dameron and Black Squadron are sent to Megalox to learn where Lor San Tekka went next.  Agent Terex is also on Megalox Beta seeking the same information and Grakkus pits the two foes against each other to secure his escape.  Poe is ultimately victorious in the encounter and frees Grakkus from the prison city.

Star Wars: Poe Dameron #4a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (July 2016)
Grakkus also appears in the Darth Maul mini-series which takes place before The Phantom Menace.  Xev Xrexus is hosting an illicit auction for a captured Jedi Padawan, Eldra Kaitis.  One of the potential buyers in attendance is Grakkus!

Star Wars: Darth Maul #2a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (March 2017)
There have been a few other appearances by Grakkus in Marvel comics and due to his species' longevity, I would not be surprised if he shows up in the era of the High Republic as well as post Rise of the Skywalker.

Another interesting connection is made between two of these comics, the Zabrak bartender in the cantina where Luke reveals his lightsaber in Star Wars #8 is the son of the previous owner who appears in Darth Maul #2.

No comments:

Post a Comment