While there has been obvious excitement for Star Wars: The Force Awakens, fans have been interested to see what else Disney might do with the Star Wars property. Many wondered what would happen when Disney would finally deliver the Star Wars comic book rights to Marvel. Thankfully, Marvel’s most recent outing into the galaxy, far, far away has proven to be a success with their first issue, Star Wars #1: Skywalker Strikes.
Contains Minor Spoilers
Taking place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars 1: Skywalker Strikes follows Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo and their friends shortly after the destruction of the first Death Star. Capitalizing on the Empire’s catastrophic defeat at Yavin IV, the Rebel Alliance has launched a top secret mission to infiltrate and destroy a major weapons factory on the Imperial controlled moon, Cymoon I. As one would expect, the operation hardly goes smoothly and goes from bad to worse with the arrival of a few dangerous characters.
Written by Marvel’s own Jason Aaron (Thor, Wolverine) and drawn by John Cassidy (Astonishing X-Men, Planetary), Marvel’s Star Wars works so well because it delivers what so few Star Wars film fans have seen in a long time: a good story. Sure, it’s simple and it may not sound as exciting at first, but after years of being plagued by the prequels, it’s a welcome change of pace. Being reunited with the original cast feels wonderful and the comic provides some damn fine moments with Luke, Leia and Han.
Han oozes charm as always, playing the role of the smuggler with a heart of gold. He’s as fast talking as ever, doing everything he can to avoid bounty hunters looking to collect the substantial reward on his head. Leia is also given the chance to showcase her combat prowess against the occasional Stormtrooper and overly pompous Imperial officer. Luke, still struggling with his Jedi abilities, has a standout moment when he attempts to use an old trick of Ben Kenobi’s. While he’s not exactly as successful, it does reveal Luke’s early flirtations with the Dark Side.
Yes, it’s only one issue, but it seems that Disney, Marvel, Aaron and Cassidy all know what Star Wars fans like and want to see. It gives the fans the characters they love, the awesome vehicles that took their breath away when they first saw them in the films and it further elaborates on the events that took place between A New Hope and Empire. In addition to that, it seems that Disney is more than willing to allow Marvel to create and experiment with the lore of Star Wars. If the book continues to provide quality stories, the possibility of more Star Wars comics written by Marvel’s best writers is extremely likely. Anyone interested in a Mark Waid (Daredevil) or Nick Spencer (Superior Foes of Spider-Man) Star Wars comic? I’d certainly be. If you need another reason to know that Star Wars is in capable hands, give the book a read. Plus, 4-LOM is in it! Everything is better with more 4-LOM!
What about you reader? Are you reading Marvel’s Star Wars? Are you still concerned with Disney’s possible treatment of the franchise? Let us know in the comments below!
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