Review: Star Wars #11

By mining the era following Empire Strikes Back there are challenges for writer Charles Soule in that certain characters like Han are clearly off the table. There are also massive amounts of untapped potential within this era and this issue highlights just how rich and interesting that can be. The issue starts off with a standoff between Lando, Leia and Poe Dameron’s father Kes. Poe’s mother Shara has lead Starlight Squadron and the rebels are using an old model droid on a coded language the Empire can’t crack.

Lando realizes the droid using Lobot as a conduit has potential to kill Lobot. Lando begs them to stop but Leia presses on for the sake of the Rebellion and Kes presses them to continue for the sake of Shara. The Starlight Squadron meanwhile faces off against the formidable General Zahra and fight valiantly but are rounding defeated and only able to capture some imperial drones before most of them narrowly escape.

The battle between Starlight Squadron and the Empire is beautifully rendered by Jan Bazaldua. The art throughout the issue shines with massive action, expressive characters and art that has recognizable characters without being slavish to photorealism. Some of the facial features at a bit flat but overall the colors and art shine.

The space battles and the possible death of Shara are well done but nothing compares to the face off between Leia and Lando as well as 3PO and the old model droid. There are some swift tactical takedowns on both fronts and it’s wonderful to behold Leia and 3PO at their peak. It’s also great to see Lando’s eventual plans to betray the rebellion out of anger over Lobot’s near death experience. Clearly Soule is not just filling in blanks but rather using this period to tell some dynamic stories involving rich characters facing off in new ways.

Writing 4.7 of 5 stars
Art: 4.0 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.0 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.2 of 5 stars

Writer: Charles Soule
Art: Jan Bazaldua
Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.