Jaum and the sharpshooter leave the collapsed mine in a landspeeder. Chewbacca is holding up a portion of the mine using a horizontal beam and Zarro and her dad help by bracing the beam. As they start to leave the mine, Zarro's dad says the beetles will return to the mine without the power and they should be cautious where they walk because the beetle are poisonous. Just then, a swarm of beetle appear and Chewbacca shoots another horizontal beam, collapsing the mine on the beetles and blocking their escape through the mine's entrance. They meet up with other workers who are devising a plan of escape. Chewbacca decides to climb out through one of the air vents and is able to pull the other survivors out of the mine.
Zarro and Chewbacca, wanting to stop Jaum, go to the spaceport to meet one of Zarro's friends, Sevox. Sevox is a blind tinkerer who uses a robot I-7 to see. Chewbacca looks at all the droid parts Sevox has collected and has a plan. Meanwhile, one of the surviving workers is caught and brought before Jaum. Jaum asks how he escaped and the worker tells him it was the Wookiee. Jaum kills the worker and contacts his Imperial liason, Commander Kai, for assistance.
The only cover for Star Wars: Chewbacca #3 shows Zarro and Chewbacca side by side with a visage of Jaum in the background.
Star Wars: Chewbacca #3a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (November 2015)
The story continues to move at an extremely slow pace. Eight of the nineteen pages of this story deal with Chewbacca climbing up the air vent and pulling the survivors to freedom. There is suppose to be some suspense during his climb when the shovel he is using breaks, but the sequence is hard to follow and in the end, his climb should have been told on a single page. Between the padding of the story and Zarro's constant narration, this is a tedious mini-series to read.
Darth Vader is greeted by one of the disfigured people in the headless snake temple. He tells Vader that they have been expecting him. The greeter tells Vader the beam that took down the Imperial Star Cruiser is called the Basis. As Vader is led through the temple, he sees two boys fighting and, shortly afterwards, the boys have attracted a crowd and one of the boys is killing the other. The greeter shows Vader ancient drawings on the wall that foretells of his coming and leading the temple occupants. As they enter the chamber to see the high priests, the greeter tells the temple dwellers the first half of the prophecy has been fulfilled.
The three high priests call Vader their savior and say he will slay the Jedi and the Empire throwing the galaxy into chaos. Vader brandishes his lightsaber and asks for them to confess to the attempts on the Emperor's life. The three priests eagerly goad Vader to kill them to fulfill the prophecy and Vader hesitates. He picks up the greeter using the Force, but decides knowing how the weapon operates is more important. Inside a small room, he leans over a green, glowing pedistool and vines reach out and bind him. He then experiences visions of him fighting and defeating both Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Emperor. When he emerges from the chamber, the greeter leads him to a throne room. In the center of the room is a hole crackling with energy, the heart of the weapon. Vader uses the Force to retrieve a crystal from the hole that the greeter says amplifies the beam's power. He then Force pushes several temple dwellers into the hole filled with energy. As he strodes through the temple to the exit, he uses the Force to collapse the temple behind him. When Vader walks out of the ruined temple, the ninth assassin spots him from the nearby jungle.
Like the previous issue, Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #4's cover is more appropriate for the previous issue. It shows Darth Vader fighting one of the many creatures he encountered in the jungle on the way to the temple.
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #4a - Dark Horse Comics, U.S. (July 2013)
The ninth assassin continues to be unimportant to the story. The next and final issue of the mini-series will no doubt be the confrontation between this mysterious character and Darth Vader.
Vader does fulfill the prophecy fortold in the temple's drawings. Years later, he will defeat both Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Jedi, as well as the Emperor, the Empire. Additionally, he brings chaos to the followers of the headless snake when he destroys their temple.
Dave Dorman is a legendary artist who is best known for his Star Wars artwork. He provided the artwork for many of Dark Horse's classic Star Wars titles including: Dark Empire, Tales of the Jedi, and Crimson Empire. George Lucas is a big fan of Dave's work.
Dave's artwork adorns the M&M Comics exclusive cover for Star Wars: Vader Down #1. The cover shows a tattered Darth Vader brandishing his lightsaber in front of his crashed TIE Fighter. Vader Down #1 has a plethora of covers and this one easily ranks among the best.
Star Wars: Vader Down #1am - Marvel Comics, U.S. (November 2015) M&M Comics exclusive
A black and white version of the cover was published as well. Both pieces are beautiful to behold but Darth Vader really pops on the colorless version with the details in his cape and armor being more apparent.
Star Wars: Vader Down #1an - Marvel Comics, U.S. (November 2015) M&M Comics black and white exclusive
A. Samouchos published Mad Magazine for Greek readers from 1979 to 1984. Mad Magazine #6 contains the Star Wars parody cover and story from Mad Magazine #196.
Editorial Columba adapted A New Hope in Fantasia Anuario #15 and The Empire Strikes Back in Fantasia Anuario #18 for Argentinian Star Wars fans. Both adaptations are original. For Return of the Jedi, they published the Marvel adaptation. Return of the Jedi #1 and 3 were printed in Fantasia Todo Colo #17 and 18 but Return of the Jedi #2 and 4 were printed in Fantasia Supercolor #86 and 87. Of the 4 comics, only Fantasia Supercolor #86 contains a Star Wars cover.
Fantasia Supercolor #86a - Editorial Columba, Argentina (December 1983) contains Return of the Jedi #2
The cover artwork for the magazine is taken from a Return of the Jedi poster from 1983. I really like the use of rainbow colors in the background, easing the transition between the different scenes shown. The transition behind Jabba on the poster is sharp, but on the comic cover it is much more subtle. Not that the comic cover does not have problems. It looks like Wicket is wearing a fez while Lando Calrissian is wearing a party hat!
1983 Return of the Jedi Poster
Dave Dorman uses the same poster artwork for his image of Luke Skywalker on the first issue of Star Wars: Dark Empire. While Dave Dorman's cover is a classic, Luke Skywalker's face and hair is a bit off and I like the character's depiction on the Fantasia Supercolor #86 cover better.
Star Wars: Dark Empire #1a - Dark Horse Comics, U.S. (December 1991)
Chris Samnee provides the artwork on a few Star Wars comic variant covers. Currently, he is working with writer Robert Kirkman on their co-created title Firepower from Image Comics and his creator owned-series Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters from Oni Press.
Samnee's artwork for Star Wars: Screaming Citadel #1 is my favorite cover from the Screaming Citadel story arc. Luke Skywalker and Doctor Aphra are scaling a citadel while monsterous arms reach out from a window in the tower to grab Aphra. While not an actual scene from the interior of the book, the art does capture the gothic horror mood the story conveys.
Star Wars: Screaming Citadel #1d - Marvel Comics, U.S. (May 2017) Chris Samnee variant
The Screaming Citadel stands out as one of the better events that Marvel has done since reacquiring the Star Wars license. The interior artwork on this opening chapter in the 5-part crossover between the main Star Wars and Doctor Aphra titles is superb and solidifies this as a must own book.
Zarro and Chewbacca are scouting out the entrances to Jaum's dedlanite mine. Afterwards, Zarro allows herself to be captured while Chewbacca reluctantly descends into the mines through an air vent. In the mine, Zarro is reunited with her father Arrax, but Jaum tells Arrax he sold the mine including the indentured workers. One of the workers is upset and raises a shovel and Jaum kills him, causing a panic among the remaining workers. Zarro and Arrax run, but are cornered by Jaum's men. Chewbacca appears and rips the men apart with his bare hands. When he fires his bowcaster, Zarro warns him the dedlanite is explosive.
Chewbacca rigs a power droid as a weapon and when a guard droid shows up, Chewbacca stops it with his rigged contraption. Meanwhile, Jaum is informed of Chewie's presence and Jaum kills the messenger. Chewie finishes off another guard droid and hits one of Jaum's men with the power droid. He takes his bowcaster and leads Zarro and her father through the mines. He emerges from a tunnel on a loading dock with carts full of dedlanite. One of Jaum's sharpshooters hits a cart, causing a powerful explosion.
Zarro and Chewbacca are both shown on the cover for Star Wars: Chewbacca #2 by Phil Noto. Surprisingly, this issue only has the single cover. This is a rare occurfence in the modern era.
Star Wars: Chewbacca #2a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (October 2015)
So far, this story is very forgettable. The standout moment of this issue is when Chewbacca enters the air vent and has flashbacks to being captured along with other Wookiees by Trandoshan slavers. He quickly clambers out of the air vent to summon his courage before climb back down into the hole.
Vader and the two Royal Guards emerge from hyperspace aboard their shuttle craft to see the destroyed Imperial Star Cruiser above the moon. Vader exits the shuttle to investigate the wrecked ship and afterwards the shuttle lands on the moon at the coordinates where the Imperials evacuated to. The escaping craft are there, but all the survivors of the powerful beam are missing and Vader tells the guards they were eaten. The descend into the jungle when they come across a rock with the symbol of the headless snake. A large, lizard-like creature attacks. One of the guard is immediately killed, but Vader is able to throw his saber to quickly dispatch the creature.
They find a temple, while nearby the ninth assassin is observing them from the jungle. Another large but smaller creature approaches them and Vader throws his saber into its open mouth, igniting it when it goes inside, decapitating the creature. Vader begins climbing a rocky outcrop in the jungle when the guard suggests they call for support. Vader, having reached the top of the outcrop tells the guard the Imperials already tried that as he overlooks more destroyed Imperial Star Cruisers in the jungle below. Shortly, the ninth assassin, stealthily following them, kills the remaining guard.
Vader finds a larger, intact temple with the headless snake symbol and enters. After easily circumventing a few obstacles, he stands in a chamber, lightsaber ignited, surrounded by disfigured people.
The cover for Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #3 would be more appropriate on the previous issue since the scene occurs in #2. The artwork by Ariel Olivetti shows Darth Vader Force choking the disfigured man in the cantina.
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #3a - Dark Horse Comics, U.S. (June 2013)
This issue continues to build tension as Vader comes closer to finding out the secrets of the ancient headless snake cult. The ninth assassin did kill a guard this issue, but so far his presence is inconsequential to the story.
Comic collections are a staple in Europe, so it should be no surprise that the French TELEjunior magazines were collected as well. TELEjunior Album Geant #1 collects TELEjunior #4 - 7 complete with covers and inserts. These issues contain French versions of Star Wars #2 - 5.
TELEjunior Album Geant #1 - TELEjunior, France (1978) contains Star Wars #2 - 5
The collection is bound in a thick stock, oversized hardcover with images of Spider-Man and UFO Robot Grendizer on the front cover.
The TELEjunior magazines are fragile and the covers are prone to being damaged or separated from the rest of the magazine very easily, similar to Marvel Comics Super Special #16. That is why I was happy to find this book for my collection. The cover itself has wear, but the issues inside are in prestine condition.
In Star Wars #7, titled New Planets, New Perils! and the first Marvel comic after the 6-issue movie adaptation, Han Solo and Chewbacca are captured by the pirate Crimson Jack. Han and Jack are old acquaintances but since Han last saw him, Jack has acquired a Star Destroyer and leads a sizeable pirate gang. In exchange for his life and freedom, Han gives Jack the treasure that he and Chewie received from rescuing Princess Leia Organa. Jolli, Crimson Jack's second-in-command, questions why Jack freed Han instead of killing him and Jack says "One day soon, we may again encounter Mr. Solo and his furry friend, when they have another interesting cargo. That will hardly be true if we eliminate them, will it?"
Star Wars #7a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (January 1978) 1st appearance of Crimson Jack
The next time we see Crimson Jack is in Star Wars #11. This issue, titled Star Search, is the first part of a five-part story arc that will see our heroes reunited for the first time since A New Hope. Han Solo and Chewbacca are leaving Aduba-3 after defeating Serji-X Arrogantus and his Cloud Riders when Jack's Star Destroyer intercepts them. Han reasons they must have planted a tracer onboard the Millennium Falcon. A tractor beam hauls the Falcon aboard the larger craft where Han and Chewie are greated by Jack who holds Leia captive. Jack order his men to kill the pair, but before they do, Han tells Jack he is able to get more treasure and that is why he let the Falcon be capture again. Jack is skeptical, but his greed wins out.
Later, in the master's quarters, the group has just finished a meal when an impatient Jack asks for proof that Han can deliver on the treasure. Han, improvising, tells Jack that he and the Princess are romantically involved when the Princess manipulates events so that Han and Jack work together to travel to the Drexel System, the last known location of Luke Skywalker. Leia lies and tells Jack that is the location of the Rebel's treasure. Later on the bridge, Han is able to convince Jack that Chewie needs to link the Destroyer's computer systems with the Falcon's because the Falcon has more detailed star charts they need to reach the Drexel System.
Star Wars #11a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (May 1978) 2nd appearance of Crimson JackDoomworld in Star Wars #12 contains a backstory for how Crimson Jack acquired the Star Destroyer. After the first major Rebel victory over the Empire, Jack and his crew came across the badly damaged cruiser. They were able to fight their way aboard the large craft and defeat the skeleton crew. Rather than scuttle the Destroyer, Jack was able to secure backers and repaired the ship. He confides in Solo he has ambitions beyond pirating. As they are talking, Jolli is fighting with some of the crew and Jack is able to calm her down. Chewie finishes linking the two computers and joins Han, Jack, and Jolli on the bridge of the Destroyer. They had just emerged from hyperspace, but the Drexel System has a single planet that is covered entirely with water and Jack now has doubts about the treasure being there and draws a blaster on Han.
Star Wars #12a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (June 1978) 3rd appearance of Crimson Jack
Crimson Jack only appears in two panels of Day of the Dragon Lords! in Star Wars #13. He is holding a blaster on Han who tells him once Jolli bring Leia to the bridge, she will be able to explain where the treasure is. Before that happens, the Star Destroyer loses power as it begins to orbit the planet and Han, Chewie, and Leia board the Falcon and escape to the planet below.
Star Wars #13a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (July, 1978) 4th appearance of Crimson Jack
Star Wars #14, titled The Sound of Armageddon!, only has a brief one page appearance by Crimson Jack. Jack's Star Destroyer is being jammed from the surface of the water world, disrupting it's drive system. Jack is furious at Han and now knows there is no treasure. Jolli briefs Jack on Han, Chewie, and Leia's escape and the sabotage to their fighters. The issue ends with the threat on the water planet defeated by our heroes. A caption on the final panel reads: "But Han Solo is staring at the sky, deep in thought... About a great battle cruiser which may still be there... And it's master, Crimson Jack!"
Star Wars #14a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (August 1978) 5th appearance of Crimson JackStar Duel! in Star Wars #15 is the conclusion of Crimson Jack's story. The Star Destroyer is now freed from the jammer and Jack is intent on getting revenge on Han Solo. He has ordered his crew to scan the surface of the water planet while Jolli is able to repair three of their fighter craft. Jack knows Jolli wanted to kill Han from the start, so he tells her now is her chance.
Jolli takes one of the fighter craft, a Y-Wing Fighter, to the surface of the planet and begins shooting the Millennium Falcon floating in the water. The heroes board the Falcon and take off, with Jolli in hot pursuit. They leave the planet's atmosphere, but are being attacked by all three pirate fighters while the Star Destroyer deploys its tractor beam. Jolli flies her Y-Wing Fighter too close to the Falcon and they collide, badly crippling both ships. The Star Destroyer heads towards the Falcon and Jack broadcasts his intent to destroy the Falcon. Han relays back to Jack he needs to check his navi-computer. Jack's crew checks and tell Jack that all the charts on their navi-computer have been wiped revealing Chewbacca's handiwork. Jack is beyond furious at this news.
Jack agrees to meet Solo in space between the two spaceships to exchange chart tapes for a part the Falcon needs. Jack's crew tells him Jolli is asking for help, but Jack dismisses her saying "Tell our little spitfire she'll have to make it on her own-- --if she's good enough." which Jolli overhears. At the exchange point, Han and Jack begin shooting at each other while members of Jack's crew depart the Destroyer to join the fray. Just then, Jolli's Y-Wing Fighter roars into view and blasts the othe pirates and begins firing on the Star Destroyer. As Jack is distracted, Han shoots Jack, killing him.
Star Wars #15a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (September 1978) 1st cover appearance of Crimson Jack; death of Crimson Jack
I read these issues as a child and they still are entertaining. It could be nostalgia, but Crimson Jack and his second-in-command, Jolli, were great adversaries for our heroes. I like that Han lost his treasure to Jack. I also love that Han used Jack's greed against him and Leia was able to pick up on this and utilizes it for her own purpose. It was also brilliant to see Han shoot Jack when he had the chance, not unlike his shooting Greedo in the cantina on Mos Eisley.
Marvel has reintroduced Crimson Jack into canon in the 5-issue mini-series Star Wars: The Halcyon Legacy.
Additionally, Jude Law's character, Jod Na Nawood was recently called Crimson Jack in the 3rd episode of that series. It isn't clear yet just exactly how the television shows character is related to the pirate Crimson Jack from the comic.
John Romita Sr. provided artwork for the first four issues of the Marvel Droids series as well as the cover for issue #5.
Droids #5a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (December 1986)
The cover shows Kirk Windjammer pulling R2-D2 away from C-3PO. This scene never occurs inside the issue but is symbolic of the story inside. C-3PO and R2-D2 find themselves on the planet R-Duba in search of a new master and give themselves to Van P. Quist who runs The Droid Store. Later on, Kirk is in the shop looking for a droid for his ship and purchases only R2-D2 separating the pair, a possibility the droids had not considered. Instead, C-3PO is later bought by Baron Starlock to work at Prince Jagoda's palace.
Mala Stripoteka #4a - Marketprint, Yugoslavia (March 1990) contains Droids #5
I had inquired about the cover for Mala Stripoteka #4 in an earlier posting and it turns out the artwork by John Romita is from a Droids comic advertisement. I stumbled across the image on Paxton Holley's Flicker account.
Droids comic advertisement
As I had surmised, the alien driving the landspeeder is Governor Kugg from the planet Dodz as told in Droids #1. He is just colored differently for the Mala Stripoteka cover.
I like that the artwork from this advertisement was repurposed for the Yugoslavia issue, but the U.S. cover is my preference because it relates to the story inside.
An Imperial Star Cruiser orbiting a moon allows a pod to land in its hangar bay. Surrounded by Clone Troopers, a disfigured man emerges from the pod talking about the "Heinsnake" and pulls open his jacket to reveal a headless snake tattoo and a bomb. The bomb detonates. The Imperials discover too late the pod was a homing device and the spacecraft is cut into two by a powerful beam from the moon below but not before the commander issues orders to abandon ship.
On Coruscant Darth Vader is summoned by his master, the Emperor, from his meditation chamber. Vader enters the throne room and immediately senses danger. Using the Force, he throws the Emperor to the side and pushes the throne out a window. As the throne falls, ticking can be heard and it explodes. An angry Vader throws two Royal Guards out the window as the remaining guards enter. Five of the guards take a knee and bow to Vader offering their heads as payment for their failure and Vader beheads the two guards standing. He order two of the remaining guards to evacuate the Emperor and one guard to stay and take charge. He commands the final two to follow him. Before he leaves, he asks the Emperor how it is possible this occurred. The Emperor says something dark and powerful is clouding their vision and Vader vows to track down and crush the traitors.
Days later on another planet, patrons at a cantina are laughing at a joke when one of the participants is lifted into the air by the Force. Vader has tracked this disfigured man here because he had entered and exited the Imperial Palace without delivering any cargo. Vader wants to know why and who he works for. The man opens his jacket, revealing a headless snake tattoo and triggers a bomb. Before the bomb explodes, Vader hurles the man away from him, killing many patrons in the cantina. One of the surviving patrons is the ninth assassin hired by the rich industrialist in the first issue.
From his shuttle craft, Vader contacts the Emperor to report his findings. The Emperor says the symbol of the headless snake is from an ancient cult which utilized powerful dark magic. He says they have a temple on a moon which was abandoned due to ... abnormalities. Vader orders the two guards piloting his shuttle to proceed to the moon.
The ninth assassin is barely seen in this issue which instead focuses on the new plot about the mysterious cult. It isn't clear how the two storylines are related, but there is ample intrigue here for me to want to find out.
The cover artwork for Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #2 is by Ariel Olivetti who also has done work for Marvel's Star Wars line. Vader is standing in the throne room in the Imperial Palace, holding his lightsaber and performing a Force push. Unfortunately the cover is marred by the blurb Don't Mess with the Empire!
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin #2a - Dark Horse Comics, U.S. (May 2013)
Star Wars #77 is part of the search for the Rebel pilot Tay Vanis arc which began in Star Wars #73 and concludes in Star Wars #80. Chanteuse of the Stars .. is a humorous story which sees Luke bedeviled by Zeltrons, Leia singing, and Lahsbees raging.
Princess Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker, Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 return to the Rebel base on Arbra from their failed mission to Iskalon. Rebel command debriefs the heroes on a top-secret Imperial transmissions they intercepted that says Han Solo also uncovered the same vital information at Tay Vanis and Yom Argo. With leads on both Tay and Han's whereabouts, the heroes divide into two groups. Leia, Luke, Plif, and a contingent of Hoojibs follow the Tay lead while Lando, Chewbacca, and C-3PO pursue Han.
Leia, Luke, and the Hoojibs take the Millennium Falcon to the Kabray space station. Kabray station is a location for embassies and is run by an Imperial governor. On the station, Plif helps Luke and Leia, disguised as delegates, talk their way past Imperial guards to enter a banquet hall. The room is full of a myriad of alien ambassadors, including some aliens from recent Star Wars comics, namely the Zeltrons, Stenaxes, and Lahsbees. Leia and Luke split up to search for a message from Tay with Luke entering the location with private breakout rooms and Leia searching the employee area. Leia is in the kitchen when she is confronted by the lead cook who she convinces she is there to check the food for her master, "the great Plif of the Hoojibs of Arbra." As she is searching the cabinets in the kitchen, someone else enters and poisons a soup. Meanwhile, Luke and Plif find the message from Tay in a private room. Before he leaves the room another group enters, forcing Luke to hide. Concealed, he overhears the group has the poison soup and plan to kill the governor. As he leaves the private rooms, he is surrounded by a trio of female Zeltrons.
Leia has finished searching the employee quarters when she overhears a group looking for a female. She ducks into a dressing room and puts on a wig when they enter and tells her it is time for her act. Earlier, the lead act backed out of performing for the governor but the group mistakes Leia for the headliner. In the banquet hall, Luke is sitting with the trio of Zeltrons when Leia appears on stage. She starts singing as the waiting staff begin serving the food. Luke goes to save the governor when a Lahsbee, over stimulated by Leia's singing, turns into a large Huhk. A Huhk is a mindless savage which Lahsbees turn into when they reach puberty. As the Huhk rages, attracting the attention of everyone in the hall, Luke takes the opportunity to knock the poisoned soup out of the waiter's hand. Plif suggests Leia begins singing again to sooth the Huhk.
This is a surprisingly fun tale following the serious and downbeat Iskalon story. Luke was the object of affection from the Zeltron Dani last shown in Star Wars #73. Zeltrons are overtly sexual and Luke, having lived a sheltered childhood, is clearly uncomfortable with their openness and attention. Having three Zeltrons throw themselves at Luke is absurd and used to good effect. Leia singing is also funny and is clearly a nod to Leia singing in the Star Wars Holiday Special. Finally, the Lahsbees and Huhks are a reference to Marvel's Bruce Banner and Hulk characters. The mild mannered Lahsbees are Bruce Banner while the mindless Huhks are clearly the Hulk. They even share similar sounding names! Like the angry Hulk, Huhks can be tamed momentarily, but unlike the Hulk, they do not revert to their docile form so it is unclear from the story's end exactly how that dilemma is solved.
The cover for Star Wars #77 shows Luke Skywalker holding his lightsaber as he is attacked by the Huhk. Luke never wields his saber in the story, a choice that would have undoubtably revealed his and Leia's ruse. When confronted by the Huhk in the story, Luke instead hides behind a pair of Stormtroopers.
Star Wars #77a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (November 1983)Star Wars #77b - Marvel Comics, U.S. (November 1983)
The use of the Kabray station for embassies and the gathering of delegations is interesting. Since the Senate was dissolved and the Empire was increasingly using fear to rule the galaxy, it seems this relic from pre-Empire days wouldn't really have a purpose in the Empire era.
Dark Horse published a 4-issue mini-series title Star Wars: Chewbacca in 2000 to commemorate the character after he died in the New Jedi Order: Vector Prime novel. That story is part of Legends continuity and, so far, in canon, the final fate of Chewbacca has not been written. With no event, it was a surprise when Marvel published a 5-issue mini-series featuring our beloved sidekick in 2015.
Arrax and his daughter Zarro are asked to repay a debt to Jaum on the planet Andelm-4. Knowing Arrax would not be able to pay, Jaum sends him and his daughter to work in a dedlanite mine. Realizing they will never be free, Arrax sends Zarro topside, hidden in a mining cart. Zarro is spotted escaping and is pursued by Jaum's henchmen. Zarro goes to the authorities to report the mine, but realizes they have been bought by Jaum.
Meanwhile, Chewbacca's A-Wing Fighter is in need of a part, so he heads into the nearest spaceport. While bartering for the part, Zarro runs by, pursued by one of Jaum's men. Unknown to Zarro, Chewbacca "accidentally" detains the man chasing Zarro and is asked to return when he has enough credits. At a local gambling establishment, Chewbacca wins the credits and orders food when Zarro enters followed by a team of Jaum's men. Chewbacca hides Zarro from the men and Zarro proceeds to tell Chewbacca about her predicament. Chewbacca buys the part and heads off to his damaged ship with Zarro following and chatting the entire way. As Chewbacca repairs the ship, Zarro asks him for help freeing her dad. After the ship is fix, Chewbacca agrees.
Outside the spaceport, Jaum meets with Imperials interested in buying his dedlanite.
This issue is the first miss from Marvel's first year back as publisher of Star Wars. The gist of the story is fine, it is how they handle Chewbacca that I'm not a fan of. Rather than interpret Chewbacca's grunts and growls for the reader, his words are interpretted by Zarro, who clearly does not speak Wookiee. This results in Zarro being extremely talkative and spending a lot of time making up what she thinks Chewbacca is saying. I think this would be fine for a one-shot, but with 4 more issues to go, this is shaping up as a grueling story to complete. It is unfortunate this comic is named after Chewbacca, since Zarro is clearly the main character and Chewbacca is a secondary character.
Zarro is featured front and center on the standard cover for Star Wars: Chewbacca #1 with the title character serving as the background. Funnily, this is one time you could have judged the book by the cover! The prolific Phil Noto provides the artwork.
Star Wars: Chewbacca #1a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (October 2015)
The Skottie Young variant is a fun cover with Han Solo and Chewbacca riding in a kid's Millennium Falcon.
Star Wars: Chewbacca #1b - Marvel Comics, U.S. (October 2015) Skottie Young variant
There is also the mandatory blank cover.
Star Wars: Chewbacca #1c - Marvel Comics, U.S. (October 2015) blank variant
The Ariel Olivetti variant cover shows Chewbacca carrying the part needed to repair his A-Wing Fighter.
Star Wars: Chewbacca #1d - Marvel Comics, U.S. (October 2015) Ariel Olivetti variant
The Gabriele Dell'Otto variant gives us another glimpse of Zarro and Chewbacca. Here she is suffering from the same problem that Doctor Aphra has. Her ethnicity is different on this cover than she is depicted inside.
Star Wars: Chewbacca #1e - Marvel Comics, U.S. (October 2015) Gabriele Dell'Otto
The Alex Ross variant cover is the standout of the bunch. A homage to Star Wars #7 from 1977, this cover shows Han Solo and Chewbacca taking fire from a mob of aliens. There is also a sketch variant of this cover.
Star Wars: Chewbacca #1f - Marvel Comics, U.S. (October 2015) Alex Ross variantStar Wars: Chewbacca #1g - Marvel Comics, U.S. (October 2015) Alex Ross sketch variant
Chewbacca is running through the Millennium Falcon on the cover of the AOD Collectables exclusive.
Chewbacca #1h - Marvel Comics, U.S. (October 2015) AOD Collectables exclusive
Outside of the Alex Ross variant, the rest of the covers are extremely forgettable which is apropos for the story found inside the issue.
Senator Simon Greyshade was introduced to Star Wars fans way back in Marvel's Star Wars #18 as the administrator of the Wheel. The Wheel is a space station used as a gambling establishment by rich citizens during the era of the Empire. Simon Greyshade is a cunning and unscrupulous individual who is able to operate the Wheel outside of Imperial control due to the considerable taxes generated by his operation that are funneled back to the Empire's war machine. Despite the dissolution of the Senate by the Empire, Simon continues to use the title of Senator. His machinations interrupt the Imperial's ability to capture our heroes while pursuing them on his station as told in Star Wars #18 - 23.
Star Wars #18a - Marvel Comics, U.S. (December 1978)
Senator Jheramahd Greyshade is killed, kicking off a investigation by the Senate Guards and Jedi Knights to discover the reason in Star Wars: Republic #46. Jheramahd's cousin, Simon Greyshade, assumes the role of Senator representing the planets of the Commonality. An important decision on the Financial Reform Act is pending in the Senate and newly appointed Senator Simon Greyshade's vote is pivotal to the outcome. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are assigned to protect the Senator. The truth behind Jheramahd's death and further appearances by Simon Greyshade take place in Star Wars: Republic #46 - 48.
Star Wars: Republic #46a - Dark Horse Comics, U.S. (September 2002)
Simon Greyshade has tentatively been introduced into canon. He is identified as the owner of the airspeeder commandeered by Anakin Skywalker in Attack of the Clones. Outside of this link to the speeder, the character has not made an appearance in any canon material.
The legendary John Ostrander wrote the 4-part Twilight story arc in Star Wars #19 - 22 introducing Aayla Secura to Star Wars fans. He became the regular writer on the title with issue #32 and remained with the title through the name change to Star Wars: Republic with issue #46. He wrote the majority of the stories for Star Wars: Republic until it ended with issue #83. He is the writer for the 4-part The Stark Hyperspace War that begins in Star Wars #36.
Master Plo Koon is helping Aayla Secura's regain her memories in the presence of Jedi Council members Master Tholme, Master Mace Windu, and Master Adi Gallia. Jace Dallin interrupts to say hello to Plo Koon. Aayla is surprised to see Jace has facial scars which prompts the present Jedi and Jace to tell Aayla about the Stark Hyperspace War, "the last major conflict in the galaxy prior to the battle of Naboo." The war took place 14 years ago, during a time of unrest between the outer rim worlds and the Republic. A smuggler named Iaco Stark was able to form a coalition of outer rim smugglers, pirates, mercenaries, bounty hunters, and assassins called the Stark Commercial Combine which was large enough to challenge the Trade Federation. When a processing plant on the planet Thyferra exploded causing Bacta shortages and price increases, the Combine began attacking ships with Bacta supplies.
Nute Gunray takes the issue to the Senate and threatened to increase their droid armies. Senator Ranulph Tarkin from Eriadu siezes the opportunity to propose a central Republic army, but Senator Finis Valorum opposed a central army and instead proposes diplomacy. The Jedi are asked to mediate a meeting between the Stark Commercial Combine, the Trade Federation, and the Republic led by the Wookiee Master Tyvokka and his apprentice Plo Koon. At a Jedi Council meeting, it is revealed the negotations are to take place in secret on the planet Troiken and the Jedi ambassadors will also include Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Adi Gallia. Master Tholme and Quinlan Vos are assigned by the Council to investigate the processing plant on Thyferra because Tyvokka is suspicous that Bacta is actually scarce. At the same time, another meeting between Nute Gunray and Ranulph Tarkin is attended by Jace Dallin. Ranulph blackmails Nute into revealing Troiken as the location for the negotiations. Ranulph will lead a fleet of ships including those supplied by the Neimoidians to Troiken to bombard the conference site from orbit.
Meanwhile on Thyferra, Tholme and Quinlan are at the destroyed plant and discover the explosion occurred long before it was reported to the galaxy. A hunter-killer droid attacks the pair, but they are able to easily dispatch it. Shortly afterwards, the meeting on Troiken unfolds. When Iaco Stark arrives, the Neimoidian ambassador sends a secret signal to Ranulph Tarkin to begin the attack. His assembled fleet enters hyperspace as Iaco's men at the meeting pull their weapons on the Republic and Trade Federation delegates. Iaco reveals he knows about the trap set by the Trade Federation and Ranulph Tarkin. His group planted a Navcomputer Virus in Ranulph's fleet, causing ships to miscalculate their hyperspace jumps. Many of the ships are destroyed after exiting hyperspace, but a small percentage, include the ship commanded by Ranulph, are able to make it to Troiken, but the Stark Commercial Combine fleet is there to meet them. Ioca Stark asks the other delegates to surrender.
Begun the Stark Hyperspace War has!
The cover artwork by Jon Foster depicts Master Tholme and his apprentice Quinlan Vos fighting the hunter-killer droid at the site of the destroyed processing plant on the planet Thyferra. The characters are highly stylized and hidden in dark shadows, so it is hard to make the connection to specific characters without reading the story inside. Unfortunately you also cannot tell from the cover that the hunter-killer droid looks like a B1 Battle Droid prototype which is a cool addition by the interior artist Davide Fabbri.
Star Wars #36a - Dark Horse Comics, U.S. (November 2001)
Reading modern Marvel comics alongside issues from the Dark Horse era reminds me of just how dense the stories were in that older era. So much is packed into this issue which is deftly told from the point of view of characters who were around during the Stark Hyperspace War. This Star Wars title is fondly remembered by fans and it is because of story arcs like this one. John Ostrander is able to weave a complex tale that includes many familiar faces and I am greatly enjoying it.
