REVIEW: Star Wars#37: Dark Droids, Lando vs Lobot

For the last five or so years, I’ve been suffering from a case of Star Wars fatigue. I’m not a full-on hater of the Disney era. I just feel the stories committed to the big and small screen lacked that special something. Plus, there was soooo much Star Wars content released in the last few years! When I gave up watching The Mandalorian about four episodes in, I knew fatigue had well and truly set in. The worst part, it prevented me from reading Star Wars comics.

Bummer.

But while flicking through my weekly comic book options, the startled face of Lando Calrissian, galactic smuggler and friend to Han Solo, jumped out at me and set off a spark that re-ignited my interest in Star Wars. This is because, in my opinion, Lando is one of the most intriguing characters on the Star Wars roster. And Comic book writer extraordinaire Charles Soule made it clear he feels the same when in the run-up to his 2015 miniseries ‘Lando’ he declared, ”Is Lando Calrissian the coolest character in all of Star Wars? Depends on who you ask, probably. But if you ask me, the answer is ye”

And Soule shows his clear affection for the Star Wars king of cool once more, as he’s back at the helm of another Lando-centred story in Lando vs Lobot issue #37 of the current main Star Wars run which ties Into the Dark Droids Crossover event.

The story starts with Lando’s droid sidekick Lobot waking up in much distress as his imperial-issue brain implants begin to manipulate the rebel ship’s weapons system, making the ship think it’s under attack.

This situation being way more trouble than any rebel ally needs, Lando is intent on finding out what’s going on with his beloved droid buddy and preventing the rebel’s suspicions being raised. As Lando is no stranger to the art of deception (if you don’t know why, I can’t help you), he’s fixed on hiding his friend’s imperial centre malfunctions until he knows what’s going on. Lanodo follows a trail of clues across some of the far, far away galaxy’s most beloved spots in a pleasing tale that left me hungry for more space pirate goodness!

The classic Calrissian dry wit and poker player attitude are in good hands with Charles Soule, who is not only a seasoned Star Wars writer but a dab hand at wise-cracking dry-witted comedy. His respect for Lando and understanding of who he is makes every scene ring true and feel right at home with all the best modern and classical Star Wars offerings.

The art & colour work tick all the boxes for a Star Wars story with clean-cut lines that showcase the various familiar faces and intricate Sci-Fi technology aboard the rebel ship. Well-laid-out panels chart the action as Lando moves across some of the much-loved Star Wars landscapes, with the ending portraying one of the more brutal Star Wars locations with beautiful and eerie darkness

Landlord Calisraiisn is a character that has undeniable star quality, not to mention having a special place in many fan’s hearts. This comic book embraces all his lovable rouge charm, telling a mysterious and entertaining tale.

Writing: 4
Art: 4
Colour: 4

Overall Score: 4

Writer: Charles Soule
Art: Madibek Musabekov
Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg