The heart of the book is the love Han has for Chewbacca and his desire to make Chewbacca’s holiday joyful in spite of being away from his home planet. The brotherhood between Chewie and Han is something we simply don’t see enough of in literature. The ancient Expanded Universe went as far as to kill off Chewbacca. Thankfully Cavan Scott understands the importance of these characters and their bond.
This anthology includes a strong framing story and three anthology stories of varying levels of success. The art throughout the issue is solid, but not quite as adventurous with creative choices as one would like in a Life Day special, but still very well done across the board.
The framing Device starts just before Force Awakens with Han and Chewie traveling to Batuu on Life Day. Han no longer has the Falcon and Kanjiklub is on the planet hunting for Han. While Han buys a Life Day orb, Chewie and other patrons are taken hostage. Han starts to fight the mercenaries and works to keep the Cantina owner Oga happy.
The first of the anthology stories is the best, taking place in the High Republic era with the threat of the tree-like Drengir hanging over Kashyyyk. Burryaga and Nib Assek work with the other Wookiees to save the Tree of Life. There is an incredible page in which a flashback is achieved within Wookiee hair. The next story has the best art of the book as Han and Chewbacca help free some Wookiee slaves in the Solo film era. This story also features the always welcome threat of the Trandoshans. This segment has some of the best Wookiee art we have ever seen in comics and connects nicely with the holiday theme. The final anthology tale is a bit more flat, both in art and story. It takes place in the original era and focuses on C3PO and R2D2 which is always welcome. It just does not stick the landing on visuals and theme as much as the rest of the issue, although it is a nice representation of the spirit of the Rebellion.
The issue ends with a rescue and celebration on Batuu as Han frees Chewie and the hostages. As they hug it out we get a very important focus on a Drengir watching the celebration from above. The idea that this evil has found its way to this era is shocking, and a great ending to tie the book together.
The fact that we get a solid, fun book taking place on Life Day across various eras is a surprise to be sure. It is a welcome one and this book has all the heart and friendship anyone would want from a holiday special. It is of course much higher in quality than the original Holiday Special, but it does help us look back at that with a certain fondness…as long as we don’t have to rewatch the whole thing.
Writing: 4.2 of 5 stars
Art: 3.9 of 5 stars
Colors: 3.8 of 5 stars
Overall: 4.0 of 5 stars
Writer: Cavan Scott, Justina Ireland, Steve Orlando, Jody Houser
Art: Ivan Fiorelli, Chris Sotomayor and many others
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Author Profile
- 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.
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