In Star Wars: Dark Droids, our heroes in the Rebel Alliance are facing a robotic force that may not simply overwhelm them, but every pocket of the galaxy. As droids seem to be falling prey to a robotic plague that takes control of their programing and pulls them into a hive-like mind, this central title in the ongoing Star Wars comic-wide crossover provides a surprisingly straightforward tale focusing on Lando Calrissian as he works to save his comrade Lobot from the Scourge of the Droids. It’s a fine Star Wars adventure, with ample nods to the classic films, making it easily accessible for even casual fans.
Plot wise, this 7th volume of Star Wars collects issues #37-41, where we find Lobot suffering from some form of techno virus, resulting in the character taking control of a Mon Calamari cruiser. Lando, recognizing that something is wrong, incapacitates him, knowing that their recent switching to the Rebel Alliance makes them look like saboteurs to the cause. Trying to find a way to save Lobot, Lando finds himself entering the den of Jabba the Hutt. There, a protocol droid seems to know more about the Scourge of the Droids than their programing is willing to admit.
Marvel Comics
Charles Soule’s work on Star Wars has been strong throughout its entire run, with his renditions of iconic characters feeling authentic and his pacing representative of the films and TV shows. Luke, Leia, and Chewbacca all make an appearance at the end of the book for the big fight scene, but this narrative is squarely in Lando’s corner. It builds on the lore established in the Solo prequel film from a few years back and provides a satisfying arc for the character. Additionally, Soule finds enjoyable ways to throw Jabba and his minions into the tale. Madibek Musabekov’s artistic style is clean and cinematic, making their line work a fine complement to the script. The way the droids are drawn when they transform into a zombie horde is quite menacing and impactful.
Marvel Comics
The biggest miss with this storyline (and many of the Dark Droids tie-ins) is its inconsequential nature. There is surely a place for nostalgic Star Wars comics, but the entire line seems currently pointed in this direction. There is nothing wrong with the issues in this book; they feel and look great. It just feels like you’ve seen a lot of these moments before.
A few variant covers are thrown in, but nothing out of the ordinary is provided as supplementals, which is normal for these TPBs.
While there isn’t anything groundbreaking in Star Wars: Dark Droids, it’s written and drawn well, and thankfully focuses its efforts on Lando and his friendship with Lobot. Even while being part of a larger crossover, any fan of Star Wars can easily pick this up and find something to appreciate.
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