Over the years, deleted scenes from A New Hope have surfaced for Star Wars aficianados to enjoy and some have even been modified and reintegrated into the movie, but the most consequential scenes featuring Biggs Darklighter have not. Perhaps the Biggs' clips remain on the cutting room floor due to pacing issues or even the pathos they bring towards the film's climax. Luckily, Star Wars fans can still enjoy these deleted scenes as they are included in the novelization, the radio drama, and the original Marvel comic book adaptation.
Marvel Comic was working from an early version of A New Hope which included Biggs, Luke Skywalker's childhood friend from Tatooine. In the 102 page adaptation, Biggs is seen or mentioned on 10 pages of the story. Biggs is first shown in Star Wars #1 on page 5 when Luke races to Anchorhead excited to tell his friends about the space battle he just witnessed. Biggs is visiting and we learn he has received his commission from the Academy and has signed aboard the frigate Rand Ecliptic.
Star Wars #1 page 5 - Marvel Comics, U.S. (July 1977)
Just three pages later, Biggs and Luke are alone and Biggs confides that he has plans to jump ship and join the Rebellion instead of being drafted by the Empire. Luke explains his uncle needs him and he won't be attending the Academy this season and Biggs harshly tells him: "What good is all your uncle's work, if he ends up merely a tenant soon-- slaving away for the greater glory of the Empire?" As Biggs departs, Luke tells him he will "always be the best friend I've got."
Star Wars #1 page 8 - Marvel Comics, U.S. (July 1977)
While not shown, Biggs is mentioned when Luke is having dinner with his uncle Owen and aunt Beru. Luke, clearly emboldened by the visit from Biggs, tells his uncle he would like to apply for the Academy this year, but Owen is apprehensive. The conversation ends with Luke storming off but not before saying:
Luke Skywalker:That's what you said last year-- when Biggs and Tank left. Uncle Owen:Where are you going? Luke Skywalker:It looks like I'm going nowhere! I have to finish cleaning those droids. Star Wars #1 page 13 - Marvel Comics, U.S. (July 1977)
It is clear that Luke wants to follow his best friends Biggs and much of his discontent is due to conversations that he and his best friend have had growing up together. Biggs is following his dreams and Luke has convinced himself that he is obligated to help his uncle instead of following his.
The next time we see Biggs is in two pages of Star Wars #5. A saddened Luke says his goodbyes to Han Solo and Princess Leia Organa in the Rebel hangar on Yavin 4, but then is greeted by his best friend Biggs now wearing an X-Wing pilot uniform. Luke is clearly elated and their squadron leader interrupts the conversation asking about Luke's qualifications to fly. Biggs vouches for his best friend. The squadron leader mentions he met Luke's father describing him as a great pilot and a Jedi Knight. Finally, Luke and Biggs agree to catch up on recent events and depart, but not before Biggs tells Luke: "It's going to be like old times, little buddy! We're a couple of shooting stars that'll never be stopped!"
Star Wars #5 page 15 - Marvel Comics, U.S. (November 1977)Star Wars #5 page 16 - Marvel Comics, U.S. (November 1977)
Star Wars #6 encompasses the Rebel assault on the Death Star and Biggs is shown several times. It is interesting to note that on page 2 Biggs is designated Blue Three and Luke is Blue Five, but in the movie, they are both part of the Red Squadron not the Blue Squadron.
Star Wars #6 page 2 - Marvel Comics, U.S. (December 1977)
On page 6, Luke destroys a TIE Fighter that is chasing Biggs and on page 7, Biggs is shown mourning the loss of fellow pilot Tono Porkins. Two pages later, Blue Leader is killed by Darth Vader, leaving just Luke, Biggs, and Wedge Antilles as the remaining members of Blue Squadron. Luke's natural instincts to lead kick in and he commands the others to follow him into the trench of the Death Star.
Star Wars #6 page 6 - Marvel Comics, U.S. (December 1977)Star Wars #6 page 7 - Marvel Comics, U.S. (December 1977)Star Wars #6 page 9 - Marvel Comics, U.S. (December 1977)
Biggs' death comprises the entirety of page 11 highlighting the importance of this character. Darth Vader's TIE Fighter descends on Biggs' X-Wing Fighter in the trench and fires. Biggs' ship begins to break up and explodes. Wedge Antilles notes the loss and Luke is understandably upset. Captions profoundly capture the impact to Luke: "What was it Luke said to Biggs, a short eternity ago? You'll always be the best friend I've got."
Star Wars #6 page 11 - Marvel Comics, U.S. (December 1977)
Most, if not all, of the action from the battle in the sixth issue are shown in the movie including Biggs' role. The comic does a good job capturing the emotional death of Biggs and how tragic the loss is to Luke. It is impossible to see how the movie could have made this scene better.
Issues Referenced
Star Wars #1a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (July 1977)Star Wars #5a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (November 1977)Star Wars #6a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (December 1977)
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