Review: Star Wars #12

The new expanded universe of Star Wars clearly has grown by leaps and bounds. The fact that we can get an enthralling issue in which Poe Dameron’s dad tells Leia how he met his wife and care so deeply about all the characters involved is a tribute to just how great Charles Soule and the rest of the Star Wars team has managed the modern Star Wars tapestry.

This story picks up with Poe’s mother Shara Bey lost and presumed dead after the massive battle with Commander Zahra and the Empire’s might. Kes Dameron is keeping the faith that his wife is still alive in spite of no clear evidence. Leia is doing the same as she recall her own lost love Han Solo. Kes and Leia bond over stories of their own respective action loving romances.

Kes begins by talking about Poe and then dives into his first meeting with Shara at the Crestracing track with his last credits and wins but as she makes a daring move to take the victory. But the larger victory comes when they meet each other and begin a relationship that means so much to readers who have been following their adventures. Using Kes and Shara in this period following the battle at Cloud City is brilliant because it gives us added stakes, characters, relationships and conflicts.

This also allows Leia the opportunity to reciprocate and remind us all just what an amazing personality Han Solo is. She tells Kes of an adventure on Hoth where Han risked all to save the Rebels from a potentially explosive situation that would have forced them all to leave the Rebel base at a time where it meant sure defeat. This not only gives us a chance to visit with Han again but reminds us just how worthy he is before a massive upcoming crossover centered around the battle for his Carbonite frozen self.

The issue ends with Shara making contact and heroically leaking information from the heart of the Empire to help Leia and the Rebellion. The art throughout the issue is solid but feels a bit spare. All of the characters look right but there is some lack of detail and lack of variety with colors especially felt during the racing scene. But the issue looks great overall and has huge moments and a huge heart. There are many who discount the current age of Star Wars, but Charles Soule and the writing crew are creating some grand characters and amazing stories well worth reading.

Writing: 4.6 of 5 stars
Art: 3.6 of 5 stars
Colors: 3.4 of 5 stars

Overall: 3.9 of 5 stars

Writing: Charles Soule
Art: Ramon Rosanas
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.