Star Wars (2020) #26
THE PATH TO VICTORY
The Rebellion has made progress in its struggle to free the galaxy from Imperial rule. General Leia Organa has finally triumphed over the cruel Commander Zahra, who massacred multiple rebel squadrons.
In another corner of the galaxy, Luke Skywalker sought out the secrets of the Jedi to improve his connection to the Force. His journey culminated in the discovery of a mysterious book linked to the Jedi.
Despite the progress, the threat of the Empire looms as large as ever. In the wake of the crushing defeat on Hoth, the capture of Captain Han Solo and the slaughter at the hands of Commander Zahra, the heroes of the Rebellion will need many more victories to weaken the Empire’s grip over the galaxy….
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Andres Genolet
Letterer: Clayton Cowles
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Cover artist: E. M. Gist
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Publication date: August 16, 2022
We open on Bar’leth, in the interior as the Empire celebrate their Imperial Unity Day Parade, another example of the massive propaganda the Imperial war machine generates to ‘normalise’ their capture of the galaxy. New prototypes are on display, troops are marching, the events are being broadcast galaxy-wide and confidence is high…until a wave of Rebel fighters headed by Wedge Antilles leading Red Squadron and Lando and Chewie in the Millennium Falcon light them up, catching the unsuspecting Empire with their pants down. As Imperial fighters scramble, Red Squadron bug out while the Falcon with Lobot on the guns continue to hurl fire down on the vehicles below, leaping to hyperspace and leaving General Paltron looking at an unpleasant conversation with the Emperor.
Back with the Rebel Fleet, Luke, Leia and the assembled warriors celebrate a rare victory, one that clearly rejuvenates their flagging fortunes as Luke ignites his yellow-bladed sentinel lightsaber to show them the Force is still with them, and here we cut to a fascinating scene in the briefing room as Mon Mothma, Admiral Ackbar, Commodore Grek, General Organa and General Hera Syndulla go over recent events, including the recent attack which not only saw a first win since their rear-guard action on Hoth but also with minimal loss to civilians, a careful operation shown to the entire galaxy. Ackbar is keen for a base of operations as Leia informs Mothma that they are working with Qi’ra of Crimson Dawn. Mothma is uncertain of her trustworthiness, and Leia explains that’s why she has put Amilyn Holdo on the job, to ‘manage’ Qi’ra and make her pay if she betrays them.
We switch sides in the war to the Imperial Black Facility codenamed Second Sun as ISB Major Sharin arrives, greeted by Moff Jerjerrod, focused on making sure security is running at its highest levels. Jerjerrod assures her it is, unaware of the recent attack on Bar’leth and orders his aide to explain their security measures. Imperials watching each other closely, families moving to the facility until its completion, protection of trade lines are explained, but Sharin opts to remain and see these measures in operation.
Here we step to a fascinating scenario as we meet the nephew of Qi’ra, working at Second Sun and activated by his Auntie Q who orders him and his partner Beverlyn to ‘mess things up for the Empire‘. It’s a terrible choice; to do this would require blowing their cover, and almost certain death, but to do the right thing, make a difference in the fight to rid the galaxy of the Empire…
We wrap as ISB Major Sharin returns to her Lambda class shuttle, commending Jerjerrod on running a tight ship and prepares to depart. She has little time for surprise as she realises the pilot isn’t her own, and Beverlyn moves up behind her, breaking her neck as the two steal the Imperial shuttle, quite possibly the shuttle used by the Alliance to get down onto Endor. They have two young children aboard, and swoop away from the steadily growing hulk of the second Death Star as the issue ends.
We were promised a special issue and boy, did this deliver. Superb artwork by Andres Genolet beautifully complemented by colours from Rachelle Rosenberg, Charles Soule absolutely smashes it, giving logic to the Rebel leaders decisions, the galaxy’s understanding of the Alliances status at this mid point to Return of the Jedi, the capture of the Imperial shuttle, our introduction to Jerjerrod, seeing Hera Syndulla…so many threads that are clearly weaving the threads of Crimson Reign, Hidden Empire and where both sides of the conflict are by the start of Jedi. It really is grand storytelling, on a scale I’m not sure Star Wars fans have seen before, and because it’s done with such delicate care and attention, perhaps underappreciated for its subtle steering of plots and people. Hugely impressive, and definitely worthy of high praise.
Star Wars: Star Wars #27 (Christopher Action Figure Variant) from Star Wars by Charles Soule published by Marvel Comics @ ForbiddenPlanet.com – UK and Worldwide Cult Entertainment Megastore
