Review: Star Wars #22

Star Wars #22 really delivers on the promise of Crimson Dawn. Charles Soule has been slowly building a tapestry of characters and conflicts. The buildup to this point has dragged a bit with endless issues reminding us of all of Qi’ra’s connections and control. She has been steadily setting up the various cartels against each other complicating things for the Empire. Here she draws the Rebels into the fray through a direct meeting with Leia. Artist Ramon Rosanas is on the top of his game with pitch perfect, expressive art in space and focusing on so many great character moments. He switches perspectives to keep us drawn in and is able to pull off a cinematic feel without losing his own unique style.

The issue begins with the big meeting as Qi’ra arrives in the Rebel Frigate and is greeted by Leia, Holdo and C3PO. As much as Holdo has been reviled by fans in The Last Jedi it is nice seeing her younger counterpart here advising Leia and helping her shore up her forces. Qi’ra gives Leia vital information on the destruction of Rebel cells by the Empire and the location of Commander Zahra. Leia reads into Qi’ra’s ulterior motives and chides her for her part in Han falling back into enemy hands, but realizes the information is her one chance to take on Zahra. Chewbacca mourns Han’s loss through a holographic battle and is less than pleased with Qi’ra.

On Tarkin’s Will, Zahra torture Poe’s mom Shara Bey even as her husband races with Starlight Squadron to rescue her. The squadron makes it onto Tarkin’s Will but then are stranded there as the Destroyer launches into hyperspace to find a rebel target. The jump turns complicated when they arrive to find Leia’s Rebel fleet waiting. The battle is set in a great cliffhanger. This book succeeds on the basis of great character moments and strong art. These are the moments we come to a Star Wars comic to see. Zahra has been built up over years as a formidable foe and seeing her face off with Leia should be interesting.

Writing: 4.7 of 5 stars
Art: 4.8 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.8 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.8 of 5 stars

Writer: 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.