“Do as you’re told, but think for yourself.†If nothing else Starkiller’s advice to his son Annakin as he leaves him in General Luke Skywalker’s hands sets the tone for issue 2 of “The Star Wars: The Empire strikes.†It’s a violent calm before an action-packed storm where more people die and Annakin works on his diplomacy skills with Leia.
Whitsun, one of Skywalker’s spies returns with daunting news. And within a matter of hours the empire has taken over. This is where the fun begins. For issue three, the core team is in place for the “Rise of the Sith.†Led by Skywalker they must protect the royal family from being controlled by the senate. With political implications and the looming notion of cloning as a backdrop we see the familiar themes of the original films. Still, don’t expect to know what’s going to happen next.
SeeThreepo and Artwo Detwo have not stopped bickering since before they abandoned the empire and launched themselves to safety on the planet Aquilane. Yes, Artwo is calling Threepo everything from clueless to obsolete. His being able to speak is one the refreshing changes made in this series. Somehow Artwo seems sinister, its as if he has an agenda or can compromise whoever he’s with. When Annakin asks if the droids can be trusted, it is far removed from the complete faith that was in R2D2 in the movies. This droid Leia would not trust as a messenger. Then there is Whitsun. How did he escape such a fierce attack with just a few scratches? Just whose side is he on? More importantly is Luke taking him along as a trusted ally or to keep an eye on him?
Even with the subtle changes made in this incarnation of Star Wars, you can’t help but here Darth Vader’s theme music in your head. Whenever he appears in a scene, even the briefest of moments are filled with tension. But the meeting with a sith knight reveals more cracks in Vader than a scar and red, glowing eye.
As the second issue ended on jaw-set determination, the third issue brings the swagger of a spaghetti western. A brawl in the desert, political machinations and the real power behind an invasion only whets your appetite for the real question – where is Han Solo? And why is it whenever his name is mentioned the fear becomes palpable? He seems to be one of the few characters in this saga that Luke trusts, yet those who hear the name Solo look filled with dread.
Luke Skywalker has much to do in the coming issues. How do you install the proper heir to the throne and fight corruption all while facing extinction? Better yet, he still has a teenager to train. In any event for Skywalker who holds many secrets, “Battle of the Dune Birds and Cantina Showdown†will be a lively ride. Perhaps this continuing journey may introduce allies, but where’s the fun in that? More exciting may be which enemy turns up and will Vader and Skywalker meet face to face? Just think what is their connection? Do they share a history?
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