Star Wars comics are particularly fun under Marvel since any given story can change its focus. Take, for example, Star Wars Vol. 4: Crimson Reign, which collects Star Wars #19-25 and features two story arcs, a one-shot, and one anthology tale. That’s a lot of story in one $20 trade paperback! In this collection, fans get to see Luke seek an ancient Jedi training tool, Leia seek to stop Commander Ellian Zahra for good, and Poe Dameron’s mom gets a flashback tale. All that, and I didn’t even mention the milestone anthology issue!
Opening with Luke Skywalker seeking to grow his knowledge of the Force, Star Wars #19 and #20 feature Luke post-Empire Strikes Back, desperately trying to find knowledge after Master Yoda passed away. This arc is notable as Luke is brandishing the iconic yellow lightsaber made famous from the action figure. Along the way, he meets people affected by the Empire, Darth Vader, and ultimately finds what he seeks. Writer Charles Soule does a good job connecting Luke’s situation to one we can relate to, even with the Force. In one scene, Luke tries to use the Force, but his new hand is getting in the way of his focus. Haven’t we all tried to focus but had something getting in the way?
Eventually, Luke gets the artifact, like a hologram device featuring lessons from Master Yoda himself! Star Wars #20 opens with Luke watching a hologram of Yoda teaching lessons. The hologram lesson frustrates Luke, but soon he realizes a clue is given by Yoda as to the location of a Jedi artifact that the Empire likely never reached. Soule quickly utilizes a rather clever alien world that’s heavily steeped in science fiction ideas to allow Luke to learn a thing or two.
Covered in what looks like mushrooms, Castiello reveals rather quickly the seemingly safe-looking planet is anything but. Soon Luke is whisked off somewhere else and speaks to a mysterious man. The scene plays out in a dreamlike manner, revealing a familiar-looking location set in the far future. As if on a vision quest, Castiello draws these men like they are in a real place. It’s as if Soule has used the planet’s abilities to give Luke a quick primer.
The art in general has a harder edge, as if faces are carved from stone. It gives the story an old-school feel. Rachelle Rosenberg’s colors give the world and living creatures earthy tones that make them feel more alive. The hologram of Yoda, meanwhile, has a rather haunting tone with a lack of pupils and an artificial blue glow.
Some tales get pretty weird!
Credit: Marvel
Star Wars is undoubtedly known for its MacGuffins, and Soule supplies one of his own by the end. What’s cool to see is a rather far-out science fiction idea used to supply Luke with info and his new direction. It’s an idea that is relatively cool from a sci-fi perspective, but one we don’t normally see in Star Wars. It’s the kind of sci-fi that is a bit more explained and requires you to expand your mind regarding what creatures are capable of in the universe.
The idea that any issue can be any kind of story is evident with Star Wars #21, which features Poe Dameron’s mom. She’s trapped on a Star Destroyer and must escape. Not only does Soule capture her character well, but the story proves the comics are a great place to expand on characters we’d never see on the big screen or even in movies.
Star Wars #22-24 focuses on Leia, who meets with Qi’ra, the leader of Crimson Dawn. Set before Return of the Jedi, this two-part story arc shows how Leia can be a master tactician with planning and pretty quick on her feet when she needs to be. The battle goes from sending a Star Destroyer into a planet to seeking out Commander Ellian Zahra on the same planet and taking her out for good. Or does she? Is Leia a killer? Soule seems to answer that question emphatically. This two-part story is a nice example of how the Star Wars comics can tackle a tale without Sith or Jedi but still get in some good sci-fi monsters and devices.
Closing out this collection is Star Wars #25. Written by Charles Soule, the special issue features four stories that span different eras. Specifically, one is set during the prequel era, one following the events of Revenge of the Sith, and two others are set around the sequel trilogy. The series also honors some of its best artists, which include Ramon Rosanas, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Will Sliney, and Phil Noto.
Overall, this is a fun and entertaining collection of stories. It opens with “The Lesson,” drawn by Ramon Rosanas with Rachelle Rosenberg on colors. A somewhat younger Anakin spars with Obi-Wan in a courtyard. The training has them fighting with their lightsabers, which prompts Anakin to ask why Jedi use lightsabers. For that matter, why don’t they use lightsaber technology to make other weapons? Obi-Wan has a good answer, likely similar to those who fight with swords in medieval times.
Rosanas draws an excellent action sequence told via a double-page layout. The colors by Rosenberg are a bit subdued, giving the story a monk-like feel. Rosanas does a fantastic job capturing a slightly younger Anakin than we’re used to seeing, and the backgrounds evoke a zen-like feel.
Great fight scene from Star Wars #25.
Credit: Marvel
Next up is another story, also named “The Lesson,” which reads like a good tale to pair with the first as it features Darth Vader fighting the Emperor. With art by Guiseppe Camuncoli, this is story is a treat as we rarely–if ever–have seen Darth Vader spar with the Emperor. Cast in reds amongst a burning city (inks by Daniele Orlandini and colors by Arif Prianto), there’s a lot of kinetic energy thrown around visually. The Emperor comes off as a man possessed by a demon, which suits his uber-evil nature. Leave it to Soule to remind us there’s a bit of Jedi still left in Darth Vader.
Kylo Ren gets the next story with art by Will Sliney and colors by Guru-eFX. Titled “See you Around, Kid,” the story features Ren seeking what he describes as a ghost. This story is a fun way to show Kylo Ren visited some iconic locations and is set between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. Sliney draws Ren with an intensity that suits Adam Driver’s depiction. He’s also carved up like a block of wood and looks formidable. Soule dares to take out a recently revealed location from a Disney+ show. Ultimately this tale is rather simplistic, but it gets its point across that Ren is as riddled with anger and frustration.
Wrapping up the anthology is “A Eulogy for Snap” featuring Poe Dameron. This story is set after the Battle of Exegol that served as the climax of The Rise of Skywalker, honoring Temmin “Snap” Wexley (played by Greg Grunberg), who died in the battle. It’s moderately exciting to see a story taking place after the final film, although it’s a rather tame and boring tale. Poe Dameron and a few other pilots from their squadron pour one out for Snap and give their regards and share a few memories. It’s an odd thing to devote five pages to such a small character, but I’m sure Grunberg will appreciate it.
Running 160 pages long, this Star Wars Vol. 4: Crimson Reign packs a lot of stories into its page count. I can’t say it ties into Crimson Reign in any meaningful way, but the stories outside of Qi’ra showing up are delightful and show off Jedi powers, Imperial Star Destroyer takedowns, and different eras of Star Wars. For your money, Star Wars Vol. 4: Crimson Reign is a good bet you’ll have a great time.
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