There’s a subtle crossover going on between Darth Vader and Star Wars series even though one takes place before A New Hope and the other after. The connective tissue between the two involves Mon Cala — more specifically, the Mon Cala king Lee-Char. In Star Wars #47 we learn new info on the king as our classic Star Wars heroes attempt a heist.
So what’s it about?
Read our preview.
Why does this matter?
Kieron Gillen is writing a solid series after taking over from Jason Aaron a few issues ago. It’s character focused and does a good job showing in subtle ways how these new stories changed characters like Leia, Luke, Han, and the rest. Plus it’s fun to see how the comics can explore and expand on canon.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
Is this that bubble entertainment Anakin and the Emperor were enjoying?
I wasn’t a huge fan of the last issue, but I can safely say this issue turns things around with high stakes, entertainment, and a cliffhanger that’ll surprise you. Like the best heist movies, this issue cuts between two tense moments, one with imminent danger and the other nearly as dangerous, but in a way that could blow up the entire plan. C-3PO is tagging along with a shapeshifter who is pretending to be a top brass Empire official and feeding him info so he can nail the role. He has to put up a good appearance so folks don’t know the real guy was kidnapped so as to free the Mon Cala king. Meanwhile Leia, Chewie, Han, and Luke are attempting to break out Lee-Char so that he can once again rule his people. The story is paced well, cutting back and forth to increase tension and anticipation.
The scenes with C-3PO are quite good as Gillen writes some solid C-3PO dialogue. The worrisome robot may just fry a circuit due to the stress he endures and it’s good comedy from the poor robot. The shapeshifter isn’t making his job any easier and it’s funny to see him wishing he was with the main crew only to cut to their situation which is way more dangerous.
Salvador Larroca draws a good issue, opening up the issue inside the Moncaladroma, a giant opera house, that’s beautiful and massive. C-3PO looks spot on and the action is well choreographed. The final full page splash has just the right about of sci-fi design to sell the shocking moment too.
Pretty.
It can’t be perfect can it?
Aside from an awkward face or two in the issue — a common occurrence for Larroca — there is a rather stupid decision made by Luke Skywalker that doesn’t make a lick of sense. I understand he’s a bit brash and rushes into things, but his choice in this issue doesn’t make much sense at all. Also, given the stakes I don’t believe he’d risk his life for this mission given they could probably fail and live another day. It plays out well to boost another characters good choices, but it seems way too much in the moment.
Is it good?
This is a good issue that plays up the heist themes very well. Gillen and Larroca have put our favorite Star Wars characters into one hell of a caper. C-3PO are going to love this one too.
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