Star Wars: Battle of Jakku – Last Stand #3
TIPPING POINT
Following the Battle of Endor and the destruction of the second Death Star, the galaxy is in a time of uncertainty. While the rebels forge a path toward peace, there are still those who would bring chaos and destruction. The war continues on in….
On Chandrila, the leaders of the New Republic reunited as Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and Rynn Zenat returned to be with Leia after targeted attacks from the Empire. They captured the assassin, Saycos Hawn, who revealed Adelhard’s intentions to destroy all hope of freedom in the galaxy. In the Anoat sector, Lando and his rebel team faced off against the Spice Runners as a vengeful Adelhard reclaimed his forces there. His former general Kith Alaytia saved Kranor– the Imperial assassin–and the two barely escaped. The Empire, upon learning of Adelhard’s survival, sought to regroup and kill him at long last before they begin their Jakku offensive. The Republic must now rally their forces as they face attacks on both sides….
Writer: Alex Segura
Artist: Leonard Kirk
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Colorist: Jim Campbell
Cover artist: E.M. Gist
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Publication date: January 15, 2025
I can’t tell if it’s the one Rey lived in, but there is an AT-AT, upright and functional, on the sands of Jakku, as the most critical battle between the New Republic and what was the Empire lurches forward as part of the Shadow Council’s plan all along. The finale of The Battle of Jakku 12-issue maxi-series (releasing 22nd January) is on the other side of this issue, “Tipping Point.”
Ruses and betrayals are the order of the day, with each of the three primary and multiple secondary factions involved as the living Dejarik board activates in space and on the planet’s surface.
An “all in” approach above and on the remote desert planet has been orchestrated by “The Operator,” who is revealed in this issue, and it’s not great news for the leaders of the New Republic, including Mon Mothma and Leia Organa, on Chandrila.
Counselor Rax reacts to the news of the New Republic heading to Jakku with a fiery speech to all those still loyal to the Empire, announcing there is “madness is at our door” in the form of the “criminal Rebel Alliance.” Rax takes credit for Adelhard’s attacks on Chandrila as part of his monologue, leading his recent ally, Grand Admiral Sloane, to understand that Rax has betrayed everyone.
It’s a trap, even if Admiral Ackbar, leading the strategic side of the battle for the New Republic, isn’t the one to declare it. His pilots in the space battle include Lando Calrissian, Wedge Antilles, Jarek Yeager, Preeti, and the members of Phantom, Blade, and Phoenix Squadrons (even if we don’t yet see Hera Syndulla).
The initial villain, who is still desperate to get back into the mix and destroy everyone, Grand Moff Ubrik Adelhard, adopts the new battle cry, “Let chaos reign.” As his coalition approaches space above Jakku—there is a surprise attack on his Star Destroyer, from within his Imperial remnant’s TIE-Fighter ranks.
To keep things interesting away from the actual battle and carnage, an impatient Luke Skywalker is desperate to help his friends at Jakku, but is convinced by Rynn Zenat to take a different approach. It includes Alaytia, Kranor, Tomasso, and Zeva Bliss’ Spice Runners of Kijimi. The criminal underworld may play a decisive role in this battle. At the very least, the Liberty’s Misrule, an Imperial Super Star Destroyer, will impact one part of the action, as Eleodie Maracavanya is introduced—the self-proclaimed “Baddest pirate of the pirates.”