Star Wars: Hidden Empire #1
Part 1: A Matter of Time
Writer: Charles Soule
Penciller: Steven Cummings
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Colorist: Guru-eFX
Cover artist: Paulo Siqueira & Rachelle Rosenberg, Arthur Adams & Edgar Delgado, Steven Cummings & GURU-eFX, David Lopez, Declan Shalvey
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Publication date: November 16, 2022
Fans of all things Star Wars are well aware of the importance of trilogies in the GFFA. George Lucas built his myths and fables in trios, while the first season of Star Wars: Andor has stuck to that winning formula by largely constructing its debut season around the three-act structure. Far be it for Charles Soule to veer away from that successful tradition; indeed, he doubles down and delivers the third and final chapter (in five parts) of his unofficial Qi’ra trilogy with Hidden Empire, as the heroine of Solo: A Star Wars Story continues her machinations against the Empire and the man who sits on its throne, Emperor Palpatine.
We open proceedings in the future, ‘beyond the reign‘ as two shadowy figures watch the Archivist (readers of Doctor Aphra will be familiar with her current role in the Spark Eternal storyline) explain what Qi’ra was trying to achieve – not to gain power by ending Vader and Palpatine, but to bring an end to absolute power and the tyranny it wrought. We jump to the ‘now‘ as Qi’ra’s plan is explained; striking from the shadows, which worked for a while until she activated her hidden assets to wreak havoc on the Empire before unleashing the power of the dark side on Palpatine and Vader. With Darth Maul long dead and the Knights of Ren her only option, the Archivist used her knowledge of the Force to find a way to use an ancient artefect called the Fermata cage, while Palpatine explained the lay of the land to the great crime families of the galaxy. He wants her head on a stake, and her hidden ranks eliminated, wich we see as agents are hunted down, ports closed to their vessels while the Empire hunt for the Vermillion, finding it on a remote world. Little do they know Qi’ra and her forces have no intention of giving up without a fight, and entering into a holo audience with Palpatine, she plays for time to the Archivist can activate the Fermata cage.
It’s fascinating to see Palpatine, while clearly angered by her actions, give her a modicom of respect by conveying how Vader sees her as a formidable foe. Not one to be distracted by platitudes, she brushes it off despite Palpatine offering her a chance of survival by pondering on the thought of employing her services. Having seen Solo, and her relationship with Dryden Vos and not knowing the full ins and outs of her time with Darth Maul, she’s clearly never bowing to anyone and that’s shown to full effect as the Vermillion moves into attack mode, aiming for the Interdictor in orbit as Palpatine voices his displeasure.
That displeasure doesn’t last long as the Fermate cage is activated, it’s power surging through the Knights of Ren, a disturbance in the Force felt by Palpatine, enough to rouse him to his feet in shock. Havoc ensues; the power of the Fermata cage is fierce, and as Qi’ra explains how her people worked out how to activate it, Palpatine reaches out with the Force to choke her. Wisely she tells him if she dies he’ll never know its secrets. Her plans are active and don’t require her survival, and as the Vermillion smashes into the Interdictor we cut to the planet as the Archivist and Kho breathe a sigh of relief at surviving, but not before the Knights of Ren swing a red blade at them.
We roll out as Qi’ra – who we learn was never aboard the Vermillion as she spoke to Palpatine, but is prepared to sacrifice the escaping crew being picked off by TIE Fighters – is informed that the Knights of Ren have decided to leave her employ, something she claims was part of the plan, but as the final line of the issue reveals ‘It was NOT all part of the plan‘.
A superb first issue, Charles Soule changes it up, giving us differing points of view, an interesting opening with the Archivist as we’re looking back at the events oif the story (of course, we know Palpatine’s plans extend decades beyond this, while Vader’s years grown short) all presented with luschious artwork from penciller Steven Cummings, inker Victor Olazaba and colourists Guru-eFX. It’s no mean feat to present a threat that could concievably rattle the Emperor, but Qi’ra possesses it and the second issue can’t come quickly enough. Confident, assured, illuminating and thought-provoking, this is the kind of comic that shows off the medium to its best effect. Quality work all round,
Star Wars: Star Wars: Hidden Empire #2 (Lopez Travel Variant) from Star Wars: Hidden Empire by Charles Soule published by Marvel Comics @ ForbiddenPlanet.com – UK and Worldwide Cult Entertainment Megastore
