Star Wars Ewoks (2024) 3
DEADLY DEPTHS!
Long, long ago, deep in an enchanted forest on the distant moon of Endor, an evil group of outsiders set up their strange machines, bringing a war from the outside galaxy. Another group of outsiders, seeking only peace for the galaxy, fought them off and restored the natives’ village to its once-serene nature. But even after the heroes leave and new threats loom, the forest moon will always be protected by….
After the fall of the Empire, it is a time of peace and rebuilding on the forest moon of Endor. But following the invasion of their home by what the Ewoks call “cruel ones,” the native villagers of Bright Tree Village are at odds–are all outsiders bad? Or, as young Wicket proposes, is it a balance of openness and cautiousness that is the true way forward?
As the group of Imperials, led by officer Tern Koyatta, made their way through Endor in search of a weapons cache, they revealed their true machinations to the Ewoks and forcefully enlisted Wicket to guide them on their excursion….
Writer: Steve Orlando
Artists: Laura Braga, Álvaro López
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Colorist: Antonio Fabela
Cover artist: Pete Woods
Editor: Michael Basso
Publication date: December 18 2024
Last issue we ended with brave Wicket stunned into unconsciousness by the ‘Cruel Ones’ of the Empire, and we kick off issue 3 with Wicket coming around, finding himself in a perilous situation as not only does the fate of the village hang on his actions, but the road to the hidden Imperial weapons depot is a treacherous one, albeit not as treacherous as the company he travels with. Koll Orvenk shows some sympathy for his pain and bravery, but even he is cautious of the Empire’s might, and as we continue following their caravan it’s clear that there’s a huge obstacle ahead – the vast waters of the Endless Lake, once home to a great village until Orcon of the underwater kingdom attacked and flooded the area. Wicket suggests taking another route, but General Koyatta is having none of it and orders Koll, 4-LOM, Fornot and Zuckuss to scavenge some technology to get them across the lake.
Back in Bright Tree Village we see the council and treespeople congregated together to discuss the situation, and while they are wary of Chirpa’s daughter Asha it’s quickly decided that she will travel on a bovine Bordok with the loner Meedro, and together they tear into the forest to help Wicket.
We rejoin the party crossing the Endless Lake and watch as they bicker, Fornot claiming to know the moon like the back of his hand while Koyatta orders Koll to row faster and harder. Suddenly Fornot is taken into the depths by ravenous Devil Serpents as Koyatta panics for his life. The waters go still, a good sign they believe until Wickets warns them otherwise and suddenly Orcon rises from the depths on his Queen Serpent (first seen in 1985 in Star Comics Ewoks #9) and attacks to protect the sacred spawning grounds.
It’s a fast and vicious attack, one that leaves their ship destroyed, but enough of a diversion for Orcon to depart and the party to make it to shore. Koll panics, believing his droid ExSev is lost, but Wicket appears carrying the droid head and they regroup as Koyatta tells the that if they move, they could reach the depot by sundown.
We cut to Asha and Meedro as they reach the shores of the Endless Lake and watch as she calls down a Condor Dragon and calming it enough for them both to mount they take off across the waters, Meedro impressed by her husbandry skills and they talk, Meedro of his solitary life on the outskirts of the village and hers of being a part of the forest itself. They are forming an understanding, and we cut to another one as Wicket, ExSev and Koll talk mostly of the general and the influence he wields beyond the skies of Endor. Wicket doesn’t trust him whatsoever, but their conversation is broken up by 4-LOM who has noticed their chatter and has him walk with him instead. Koyatta warns the droid to be careful with their diminutive guide, and overhears Fornot speaking with Zuckuss about how little the general really knows and what few skills he has. Koyatta chides him, pointing to an enormous cave – the depot. However, he is confused, as last time he was there the opening was closed by Imperial construction droids and we end the issue with a dreadful roar and the appearance of a Gorax that steps from the cave entrance to tower over the party.
Thank goodness for the memory banks kicking in and the image of Orcan on the serpent ringing the nostalgia bell from 1985, otherwise that design – instead of being a delicious easter egg – would have stuck out much like the entirely out-of-place sand beast did on Tatooine in The Book of Boba Fett. Here we truly have a journey through the wilds of Endor, one that onscreen would have no doubt delivered some enjoyable action and visuals. On the flat 2D page it comes across as rather pedestrian, but importantly allows space for some useful character development and alliances to germinate. ExSev, Koll and Wicket are clearly on the same page, as are Asha and Meedro who are developing a mutual respect that should bear fruit in the final issue.
Just like Tatooine, any reason to visit Endor is a welcome one, the moon a place that has many tales and holds numerous fond childhood memories for those reading it. Let’s hope the fourth and final issue is up to the levels of the first three, wrapped as they are in absolutely delicious covers by Pete Woods.
