Star Wars

• Title: Star Wars #13
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Brian Wood
• Artist: Facundo Percio

Following the news that Marvel will take sole publishing rights over the Star Wars universe beginning in 2015, Brian Wood and new artist Facundo Percio deliver the best issue of the latest classic series. Told from the perspective of Ensign Nanda, Star Wars #13 opens a new arc showcasing the vengeance and brutality of Darth Vader who creates a small elite team of Stormtroopers to accompany the Dark Lord of Sith and Nanda on his mission of revenge.

From Nanda’s perspective we only see what Vader allows her to see, and we also witness his unchecked agression through her eyes including torturing Imperial officers for information and as a statement of his authority which has been questioned since the destruction of the first Death Star.

Given the number of titles in Marvel’s stable I can’t see any Star Wars title getting the kind of focus Dark Horse has given them since acquiring the rights in 1991. Although the company has put quite a bit of mediocre comics under the brand I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this series and will be sad to see it come to a premature end. Best of the week.

[Dark Horse, $2.99]

• Title: Star Wars #11
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Brian Wood
• Artist: Carlos D’Anda

Although Han and Chewie are still off on their own trying to procure weapons for the Rebellion, most of the other individual storylines converge as the Star Destroyer Devastator catches up to the Rebel Fleet.

Leia returns just as the fighting begins, and Luke and Wedge aren’t far behind flying T.I.E. Interceptors as part of the squadron attacking the Rebel’s carriers and supply ships. With some nifty flying and a bit of luck the pair manage to make it on-board without any of their friends accidentally killing them. The real surprise, however, is the other Imperial T.I.E. Fighter Pilot who surrenders to the Rebels who turns their almost sure defeat into news of disaster that will enrage Darth Vader to ignore his orders to oversee the Second Death Star and continue his search for young Skywalker.

Fans of space battles, X-Wings, and Interceptors should enjoy this issue as much of it has to deal with in space that our main characters (not surprisingly) manage to survive. With all but Han Solo’s story wrapping up it will be interesting to see what direction the series takes from here. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $2.99]

• Title: Star Wars #10
• Comic Vine: link
• Writer: Brian Wood
• Artist: Carlos D’Anda

The latest issue of Star Wars touches on all the ongoing stories and Leia comes face-to-face with the man who handed the Empire the weapons which destroyed her homeworld, Han and Chewbacca narrowly escape the clutches of Boba Fett while finally getting out of Coruscant, and Luke and Wedge buy time while preparing their escape from the Devastator after successfully finishing their mission.

In the bowels of the Star Destroyer, Luke and Wedge share a nice moment discussing the still painful losses at the Battle of Yavin and Luke’s not-so-secret relationship with Prithi. The sequence works in reinforcing the time of the current series as well as the emphasizing the losses the Rebellion suffered during their greatest victory.

Prithi may not be able to wait long enough to help her friends escape, but her quick thinking alerts the Rebel Fleet to the impending Imperial attack led by the overconfident Bircher which just may be the key to reuniting the two pilots with their friends. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse, $2.99]