Star Wars (2020) #24
As Zahra executes her devastating plan on the rebels from the command position of the ”Tarkin’s Will”, Kes Dameron and his team rescue his wife, Shara Bey, from her cell on board.
Together, the team of rebels wreck havoc on the Empire’s Star Destroyer from the inside, forcing the Imperials to abandon ship as it goes down in a fiery blaze.
But Commander Zahra doesn’t give up that easily….
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Ramon Rosanas
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Cover artist: Carlo Pagulayan
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Publication date: June 8, 2022
With issue 24 we are back with Leia, Chewie and the Pathfinders in the aftermath of Commander Zahra’s devestating, but ultimately failed, attack. Our Rebels touch down amongst the wreckage of the Tarkin’s Will to locate it’s errant Commander and put an end to her murderous and ruthless ways. What should be a simple loose end to tie is anything but as Zahra has her own ideas of how things are going to unfold and she has vengeance in her heart.
This issue is wonderful. This whole arc has been so varied and dynamic. We’ve gone from stranded agents trying to survive amongst the enemy, the entertaining of crime bosses and series defining epic space battles in mere issues. This issue changes things up again as our heroes hunt Zahra through unknown territory in a story more reminiscent of the crossover arc Vader Down from the previous Star Wars run to anything from the 2020 series. The parallels between father and daughter between these two stories is something that the fans are going to lap up.
Whilst in theory a simple story, it’s one that feels earned by the masterful character work by writer Charles Soule. Every story beat feels natural and makes sense because it’s informed by the character development we have been witness to since issue 1. We understand what drives Zahra and her need for vengeance, we understand that she desperately needs to prove herself within the confines of her twisted code of warriors honour, earning her victory by showing she is superior. We know this because Soule showed it to us when Zahra was made to prove herself to Tarkin time and time again. She’s Tarkin’s legacy and as devestating to his foes as the Death Star was. In a series with an ever growing roster of villains, a character this considered is worth applauding.
The decision’s made by Leia in this issue might turn some head’s but I believe it’s consistent with the version of Leia Soule has created. We have to remember this is a Leia in charge of a crumbling Rebellion at it’s lowest point. Han has been kidnapped and Luke is on his own quest. She’s alone and she’s witnessing thousands of Rebels die because she’s being hunted by an Imperial maniac with a personal vendetta. It’s hard to imagine, arguably, the real hero of the Skywalker Saga being this fearful but Soule has made it work and the Leia we are left with is absolutely the Leia that throws the chains around Jabba’s neck and pulls until he stops breathing.
Whilst not providing a definitive full stop on the arc and it’s antagonist, I believe this is the end of this story for a little while. it feels like a satisfying stopping point and a good place to resume Luke’s story after next months bumper saga-spanning celebration issue.
Product Search