When Disney revealed a new immersive Star Wars experience in 2017, fans were excited about the prospect of living out an adventure in a universe, far, far away. Now at Walt Disney World, the Galactic Star Cruiser Halcyon, a hotel and interactive experience that takes about 48 hours, has been met with mixed fanfare from the Star Wars community. While it may be the most immersive Star Wars activity yet conceived, many have noted the high price and limited scope of activities aboard the starship. And since it’s Star Wars, it was only a matter of time until someone crafted the Halcyon’s lore and incorporated it into the larger canon. With this collection, Marvel breathes some history into what is ostensibly a product tie-in, with modest success.
The Star Wars: The Halcyon Legacy trade collects all five issues of the miniseries published by Marvel in 2022. To create synergy with all the various corners of the Star Wars Universe, the 300-year-old Halcyon has a foot in each of the line’s fictional eras. Thus, each issue of the series features a different cast of characters as the travel the galaxy on this notable vessel. I must say, this is a clever way to give the ship important narrative weight, with your favorite era of Star Wars getting at least some action and significance. While this storytelling structure is useful in making the Disney attraction feel connected to beloved characters, it also makes for a rather fragmented storyline. Understandably, the Halcyon is the main character and the stage of this tale, with each issue giving a brief conflict with notable faces interacting with some lesser-known characters.
As for the writing, it’s a fine, brisk read from Ethan Sacks. There is nothing here that is going to surprise or truly challenge a Star Wars reader, but as a piece expanding the universe to include a physical location fans can truly visit, it’s a serviceable little tale. I found it very easy to gloss over the issues focusing on characters I didn’t have a connection to, and I assume the narrative structure is built with this in mind. The art by Will Sliney is sufficient as well, with plenty of colorful visuals to help tell Sacks’ story. The covers by E.M. Gist were a real treat, as Star Wars comics seem to make sure they retain their cinematic quality.
At the end of the day, no one really needs this book, but if you find yourself a fan of both Disney and Star Wars, then you will enjoy this light romp through different eras of canon. It might even get you to appreciate some of the background sites and figures from Galaxy’s Edge the next time you are at one of the Disney parks.
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