Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire #1

Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire #1 came out on Wednesday so I had to get it and I was not disappointed.

From Comixology: Emperor Palpatine's twenty-year reign of terror came to an abrupt and fiery end in the skies above the forest moon of Endor. A decisive victory for the Rebel Alliance, to be sure, but even with the loss of its leadership, the Empire's Moffs and regional governors retained their hold on important systems from the Core to the Outer Rim, thanks to the might of the Imperial Starfleet. Now, with a power vacuum atop the Empire, those Moffs will jockey for position and control, and the heroes of the Rebel Alliance will soon discover that a wounded and fractious Empire may be more dangerous than any threat they faced before! For the first time in the new Star Wars canon, journey with us into the time after the end of Return of the Jedi! Writer Greg Rucka and artist Marco Checchetto take us past the destruction of the second Death Star into the chaos of a Shattered Empire.

Published By: Marvel September 2015
Creators
Writer: Greg Rucka
Artist: Marco Checchetto
Colors: Andres Mossa
Cover: Phil Noto
Letterer: Joe Caramagna

The Good: Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, Lando Calrissian, Lieutenant Shara Bey(Green Four), Lieutenant Kes Dameron, Lieutenant L'Ulo (Green Two), General Madine

The Bad: Darth Vader, lots of Storm Troopers

This first issue starts at the end of the Battle of Endor. Darth Vader and Luke are fighting in the first scene and the energy shield is protecting the new Death Star. I am so excited to relive the final act of Return of the Jedi, I'm gonna have to watch it again this weekend.

While the issue starts with the ending of the battle, it continues beyond the celebration at the end of the movie. And we are introduced to a couple new characters – Shara Bey and her husband Kes Dameron who I think are going to be the focus of this comic series. Shara is a fighter pilot who ferrys Kes, Han Solo, Chewy, and other assorted rebel scum to assault an empire base in a preemptive attack to eliminate the last remaining Imperial forces on Endor. I gives me exactly what I'd expect from a comic that is supposed to transition from Jedi to Episode VII – a bunch of known characters and some new ones to start focusing on. This definitely heightens my excitement level for the movie coming in December. I think I'll also give SWtOR a play again this weekend if I get the time – so happy.

The comic has a space fighting, ground fighting, celebrations, and is a bit mature with Lando making a pass at Shara and then a 'morning after' scene with the husband and wife – nothing too races though. The art is beautiful – its characters are drawn great and I love the landscapes – what I'd expect from a Star Wars property.

I'm definitely going to read the rest of this series as it comes out and give the other new Star Wars comics a try as well.

You can pick up this book at your local comic book store, Comixology, or at Marvel. It probably won't be on Marvel Unlimited until after the movie comes out.

Morning Ramble #57

#StarWars