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Marvel Star Wars (1977-1986) #86-107
Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago...., Vol. 5
The classic-era Star Wars adventures conclude in this fifth and final volume of Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago.... All your favorite characters are here - Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewie, the droids, and more - bringing peace to a recently liberated galaxy, and finding new troubles confronting them With nearly six hundred pages of material, this massive omnibus collects Marvel Comics'' Star Wars #86-107, their final US-published issues
568 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2012
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205 people want to read
About the author
Jo Duffy
494 books9 followersAlso published under the name Mary Jo Duffy and/or Mary-Jo Duffy.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 18, 2019
If you want to read this for the early issues in the volume, you will not be disappointed as they are good if you like classic Star Wars stories. But just a few issues in the writing becomes uneven in quality and tone. The art is another problem. There are definitely some nice looking issues here by some of my favorite Marvel artists: Bret Blevins, Bob McLeod, Sal Buscema, and more. But a lot of the later issues are drawn by Cynthia Martin and they are not so great. And don't even get me started on some of the new characters they come up with. There are the bug people, the yellow kid with the fishbowl over his head, Dream from Sandman, the psychic Porgs, and the Care Bears. Read this if you like seeing something that started nice tragically fail.
October 25, 2019
Such nostalgia. I have such fond memories of reading these comics that it's clouding my judgement maybe a little. The artwork is better than it was in the first two Omnibuses and I think the stories are a bit better too but it's still a bit corny. And I did not like the bug people. Or the kid with the fishbowl on his head.
Read this if you like comics if you like Star Wars. You might also want to own this one. It was fun and it includes the last issue of the comic.
Read this if you like comics if you like Star Wars. You might also want to own this one. It was fun and it includes the last issue of the comic.
November 9, 2019
This is the final omnibus collection of the Marvel produced Star Wars comic book series, and honestly it can't end soon enough. The writers seemed to be flailing around for ideas at this point, not knowing where to take the series once the Star Wars films were on hiatus.
Many of the plots in this volume revolve around missions to various planets that Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar want to bring into the Alliance. Some of these civilizations still think the war is going, others have traitors in their midst, while still others are facing threats from outside of the Empire. The writers recycle a number of recurring characters including Dani the Zeltron, the water-breathing Kiro, Plif, the telepathic Hoojib, and more. Additional antagonists are introduced, including a race of inept insectoidal aliens intent on conquest, a group that can only be described as space pirates (their spaceships look like brigantines), and a character named Knife, who is as deadly and subtle as the name implies.
When it becomes clear that the series is ending, the writers take a couple of issues to quickly get everyone on to one planet, divide up teams and pitch the groups and characters into a brief, all-out battle. It's as dull as it sounds. And although it closes the door on the series, it doesn't bring any satisfying sense of closure to most of the character arcs. Fortunately, it probably won't matter to most readers as they won't have much emotion invested in the characters anyway.
Weak artwork and weaker storylines probably led to the demise of this series. Add to that the fact that there was little, if any, connection to the mythology of the films (Where are the Jedi? Why are there so few references to the Force?) and this series clearly deserved to die.
Many of the plots in this volume revolve around missions to various planets that Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar want to bring into the Alliance. Some of these civilizations still think the war is going, others have traitors in their midst, while still others are facing threats from outside of the Empire. The writers recycle a number of recurring characters including Dani the Zeltron, the water-breathing Kiro, Plif, the telepathic Hoojib, and more. Additional antagonists are introduced, including a race of inept insectoidal aliens intent on conquest, a group that can only be described as space pirates (their spaceships look like brigantines), and a character named Knife, who is as deadly and subtle as the name implies.
When it becomes clear that the series is ending, the writers take a couple of issues to quickly get everyone on to one planet, divide up teams and pitch the groups and characters into a brief, all-out battle. It's as dull as it sounds. And although it closes the door on the series, it doesn't bring any satisfying sense of closure to most of the character arcs. Fortunately, it probably won't matter to most readers as they won't have much emotion invested in the characters anyway.
Weak artwork and weaker storylines probably led to the demise of this series. Add to that the fact that there was little, if any, connection to the mythology of the films (Where are the Jedi? Why are there so few references to the Force?) and this series clearly deserved to die.
May 28, 2021
Surprisingly, the first issue in this was written by Randy Stradley, who'd go on to be part of Dark Horse comics leadership and have a hand in a bunch of Star Wars comics. The story titled "The Dream" is also illustrated by Jan Duursema, who'd go on to illustrate Dark Horse Star Wars comics such as Republic and Legacy. That particular story was really cerebral and philosophical, having Luke confront his father, Yoda, and Obi-Wan in his head. It feels very proto-Harry Potter in how it still matters even if it is in his head. And the ending is very surprising in a good way. Early issues of this collection touch upon how the big three feel a bit out of place now that the Rebellion has become the Alliance of Free Planets. And we get Chewie's family again!
Apart from all that, this series was lacking direction and creativity toward the end. With Return of the Jedi having ended the films for a time, it felt as if the characters were kind of floundering in this series after those events. Endor is a consistent setting and homebase for some reason, I guess because Marvel was not sure where else to place the characters. There are conflicts involving Zeltrons, Hoojibs, and other elements and characters consistent to this series. Of course, Lumiya would be important again later on in the Legacy of the Force novels. But overall, I was underwhelmed by how this series ended. "The Dream" really could have been the ending and I would've been satisfied. Think about that: 15 issues afterward in which barely anything happens. There's even an issue with cat people, and a few issues feel like the art style is too cartoon-y. I will say, though, that I'm grateful for #108 from a couple years ago. That is the ending that this series deserved.
Apart from all that, this series was lacking direction and creativity toward the end. With Return of the Jedi having ended the films for a time, it felt as if the characters were kind of floundering in this series after those events. Endor is a consistent setting and homebase for some reason, I guess because Marvel was not sure where else to place the characters. There are conflicts involving Zeltrons, Hoojibs, and other elements and characters consistent to this series. Of course, Lumiya would be important again later on in the Legacy of the Force novels. But overall, I was underwhelmed by how this series ended. "The Dream" really could have been the ending and I would've been satisfied. Think about that: 15 issues afterward in which barely anything happens. There's even an issue with cat people, and a few issues feel like the art style is too cartoon-y. I will say, though, that I'm grateful for #108 from a couple years ago. That is the ending that this series deserved.
August 22, 2022
Collecting issues 86-107 of the original Marvel Star Wars series (which were originally published between May 1984 and June 1986), this omnibus sees the conclusion of the series. The stories are enjoyable (usually) and the art is typical 1980s. The highlights are the appearences of Lumiya (who was introduced earlier in the series as Shira Brie) and Nagai-Tof war with the Alliance of Free Systems as the Rebellion is currently known. My highlight is specifically issues 95-96 which among other plots sees Luke's duel with Lumiya (a rematch would appear in Legacy of the Force: Sacrifice, a series in which Lumiya is a primary villain). If you like Star Wars or 80s Marvel comics, then you'll probably enjoy this.
October 18, 2024
It is truly amazing that the same omnibus can contain both the excellent "Duel with a Dark Lady" (which holds up even now) and the abysmal "All Together Now" (why did the artist turn Luke into Rambo??). The series limps all the way to the end, though at least it got an ending... albeit a rushed and perplexing one. Most of these stories are average. Some are terrible. The ongoing plot and the new villains... meh. The rating is only as high as it is because "Duel with a Dark Lady" deserves its own star.
January 27, 2025
Lumiya is great
Read this mostly for her. The main scene of her fighting Luke was beautiful. The story was much better than earlier volumes. Deeper and less corny. Though the ending was a bit meh. Definitely really good
Read this mostly for her. The main scene of her fighting Luke was beautiful. The story was much better than earlier volumes. Deeper and less corny. Though the ending was a bit meh. Definitely really good
December 28, 2020
So bad I actually found myself wishing Jar Jar would show up.
December 26, 2020
Overall, the stories were okay and the art/colors were good. I just couldn't bear with a lot of the storylines.
When I first reviewed this, I marked it a 4/5 but it's such a low 3.5-star book I'm making it 3/5 this time.
86. The Alderaan Factor:
Luke and Leia go to Yinchor to bring it to the Rebellion. There is a deal with the Imperials and backstabbing. A trooper from Alderaan makes the story
87. Still Active after All These Years:
Continues from the last issues with Dani, Plif, and Luke. They reactivate an ancient defense system...
88. Figurehead:
Post ROTJ: Leia and Mothma and Lumiya! They're on a world enslaving people.
89. I'll See You in the Throne Room:
Luke is on Solay recruiting. There's a traitor, forcing Luke to force OOC because of his anger. It was odd. It was also REALLY dumb for a chick named Mary to be "in love" with Luke immediately.
"It's not enough to be against something. One must be for something!" - Luke p. 82
One major issue I've had with these original comics is how overly sexualized Luke and Leia are. And how Leia is often treated as a damsel in distress when it is absolutely not in character for her.
90. The Choice:
Mothma & Leia are back on Endor. They realize their choices for the future are not so easy. There's a crazy odd ending with a decision made by Mon and Ackbar.
"It's relatively easy to destroy, even in a good cause." - Luke p. 109
91. Wookiee World:
Something odd is going on on Kashyyyk when Lando, Han & Chewie go. It's not the Empire though, but a man named Knife.
92. The Dream:
Luke dreams of Vader and it takes Prince Devin to realize his fear. The end was incredibly bittersweet.
93. Catspaw:
Minka is part of a cat people who think they're still fighting the Imps.
94. Small Wars:
Crazy odd with Ewoks against the Lahsbees.
95. No Zeltrons & 96. Duel with a Dark Lady:
Zeltron teens arrive to help against Knife and Lumiya. They stick with Leia which drives her nuts. 95. is mainly about Leia, Han, Knife and Zeltrons while 96 is more of Luke & Lumiya. fun battles and a nerve-wracking end.
97. Escape:
Kiro and Luke go to save Dani. The end was so sad.
98. Supply & Demand:
Odd. Just. Odd.
99. Touch of the Goddess:
Fenn Sysa and Bey are on Endor. The men go to get Lando's statues back (from volume 4)
100. First Strike:
SUPERB COLORS!
The Alliance gives flight exams and Han & Luke don't pass. But they run into Knife on Endor, which helps the others.
101. Far, Far Away:
How Fenn Shysa & Bey joined the group. The art is a bit odd.
Han lands on a world of night and day where bandits threaten a truce. I liked how crafty Han was.
102. School Spirit:
Luke goes back on Iskalon to find that Kiro isn't dead! The Nagai are there are Mone is actually happy for Luke and Lando's help.
103. Tai:
Den the Nagaipines over Dani. Leia takes a Nagai (Tai) prisoner. He's weak in Knife's eyes, the poor thing.
At one point Leia thinks "Won't the boys be proud of me? They let me out on my own and I come back with a prisoner."
HOW IS THAT AT ALL LIKE SOMETHING LEIA WOULD THINK?!
104. Nagais and Dolls and 105. The Party's Over:
The heroes are on Zeltros. Dani is depressed because of Kiro (Luke and Lando promised to keep his existence a secret). The Nagai crash a party, followed by the Hiromi (who no one takes seriously) followed by the Tofs. The Hiromi aren't so bad after all!
106. My Hiromi:
Luke launches an assault on the Tof ship where Nagai are also prisoners. The Hiromi find a random courage.
107. All Together Now:
A good end to the Marvel series...but the art is atrocious. Luke has these massive muscles and is shirtless almost the entire time.
There's a truce with the Nagai, especially because Den has been cast out by his people for loving Dani. Dani accepting him is super odd given her utter loathing of him in just the previous issue.
The heroes defeat the Tofs
When I first reviewed this, I marked it a 4/5 but it's such a low 3.5-star book I'm making it 3/5 this time.
86. The Alderaan Factor:
Luke and Leia go to Yinchor to bring it to the Rebellion. There is a deal with the Imperials and backstabbing. A trooper from Alderaan makes the story
87. Still Active after All These Years:
Continues from the last issues with Dani, Plif, and Luke. They reactivate an ancient defense system...
88. Figurehead:
Post ROTJ: Leia and Mothma and Lumiya! They're on a world enslaving people.
89. I'll See You in the Throne Room:
Luke is on Solay recruiting. There's a traitor, forcing Luke to force OOC because of his anger. It was odd. It was also REALLY dumb for a chick named Mary to be "in love" with Luke immediately.
"It's not enough to be against something. One must be for something!" - Luke p. 82
One major issue I've had with these original comics is how overly sexualized Luke and Leia are. And how Leia is often treated as a damsel in distress when it is absolutely not in character for her.
90. The Choice:
Mothma & Leia are back on Endor. They realize their choices for the future are not so easy. There's a crazy odd ending with a decision made by Mon and Ackbar.
"It's relatively easy to destroy, even in a good cause." - Luke p. 109
91. Wookiee World:
Something odd is going on on Kashyyyk when Lando, Han & Chewie go. It's not the Empire though, but a man named Knife.
92. The Dream:
Luke dreams of Vader and it takes Prince Devin to realize his fear. The end was incredibly bittersweet.
93. Catspaw:
Minka is part of a cat people who think they're still fighting the Imps.
94. Small Wars:
Crazy odd with Ewoks against the Lahsbees.
95. No Zeltrons & 96. Duel with a Dark Lady:
Zeltron teens arrive to help against Knife and Lumiya. They stick with Leia which drives her nuts. 95. is mainly about Leia, Han, Knife and Zeltrons while 96 is more of Luke & Lumiya. fun battles and a nerve-wracking end.
97. Escape:
Kiro and Luke go to save Dani. The end was so sad.
98. Supply & Demand:
Odd. Just. Odd.
99. Touch of the Goddess:
Fenn Sysa and Bey are on Endor. The men go to get Lando's statues back (from volume 4)
100. First Strike:
SUPERB COLORS!
The Alliance gives flight exams and Han & Luke don't pass. But they run into Knife on Endor, which helps the others.
101. Far, Far Away:
How Fenn Shysa & Bey joined the group. The art is a bit odd.
Han lands on a world of night and day where bandits threaten a truce. I liked how crafty Han was.
102. School Spirit:
Luke goes back on Iskalon to find that Kiro isn't dead! The Nagai are there are Mone is actually happy for Luke and Lando's help.
103. Tai:
Den the Nagaipines over Dani. Leia takes a Nagai (Tai) prisoner. He's weak in Knife's eyes, the poor thing.
At one point Leia thinks "Won't the boys be proud of me? They let me out on my own and I come back with a prisoner."
HOW IS THAT AT ALL LIKE SOMETHING LEIA WOULD THINK?!
104. Nagais and Dolls and 105. The Party's Over:
The heroes are on Zeltros. Dani is depressed because of Kiro (Luke and Lando promised to keep his existence a secret). The Nagai crash a party, followed by the Hiromi (who no one takes seriously) followed by the Tofs. The Hiromi aren't so bad after all!
106. My Hiromi:
Luke launches an assault on the Tof ship where Nagai are also prisoners. The Hiromi find a random courage.
107. All Together Now:
A good end to the Marvel series...but the art is atrocious. Luke has these massive muscles and is shirtless almost the entire time.
There's a truce with the Nagai, especially because Den has been cast out by his people for loving Dani. Dani accepting him is super odd given her utter loathing of him in just the previous issue.
The heroes defeat the Tofs
February 8, 2017
Hot mess...Now the memories of this series all came back to me while reading this and why I couldn't wait until it ended... Here is a little info on the comics
Issue 86-87, sends out the gang as ambassadors to different worlds. And low and behold they see Rik, Dani and Chindo. It is a complete waste that we have to have them in the comics and why the writers feel the need to continue to put them in it.
Issue 88, another mission/delegation thing.
Issue 89 was terrible and pretty much an indication of how bad this is going to go. Luke looks way too young at this stage in series, he is at this planet, gets in the know with this boy beggar, who really looks like a girl, not a boy. The story is just dumb.
Issue 90, better as Leia's having a hard time being a leader in the alliance and a fighter.
Issue 91, back at Chewie's home worlds and they find out the Emperor is still there enslaving his race. Really weird is Chewie's brother-in-law is in on it selling them...
Issue 92, past ally with no Jedi abilities appears as a Sith and almost defeats Luke? Come on.
Issue 93, go off world to some planet that is a cat race, enough said.
Issue 94 IS WHERE EVERYTHING GOES TO CRAP. The graphics are terrible as they look like cartoons and 20 years younger.
The graphics get better around 99, but that issue and 100 are way out of order in the events. The rest of the series has them facing a new enemy Nagai, who look like heroin addicts, not fighters. Some how at the end they become allies to fight the Tofs, who look like fat pirates. Just a horrible waste.
Cynthia Martin was the artist who pretty destroyed it and Jo Duffy's story lead was fair to terrible.
Overall the best of the comic was really everything before or shortly what happened on Empire Strikes Back, as they had a little hard time with stories without Han and them looking for him. Only so much they could do I guess. The other best part were the covers. Most of them were so much better then what was inside of them.
Issue 86-87, sends out the gang as ambassadors to different worlds. And low and behold they see Rik, Dani and Chindo. It is a complete waste that we have to have them in the comics and why the writers feel the need to continue to put them in it.
Issue 88, another mission/delegation thing.
Issue 89 was terrible and pretty much an indication of how bad this is going to go. Luke looks way too young at this stage in series, he is at this planet, gets in the know with this boy beggar, who really looks like a girl, not a boy. The story is just dumb.
Issue 90, better as Leia's having a hard time being a leader in the alliance and a fighter.
Issue 91, back at Chewie's home worlds and they find out the Emperor is still there enslaving his race. Really weird is Chewie's brother-in-law is in on it selling them...
Issue 92, past ally with no Jedi abilities appears as a Sith and almost defeats Luke? Come on.
Issue 93, go off world to some planet that is a cat race, enough said.
Issue 94 IS WHERE EVERYTHING GOES TO CRAP. The graphics are terrible as they look like cartoons and 20 years younger.
The graphics get better around 99, but that issue and 100 are way out of order in the events. The rest of the series has them facing a new enemy Nagai, who look like heroin addicts, not fighters. Some how at the end they become allies to fight the Tofs, who look like fat pirates. Just a horrible waste.
Cynthia Martin was the artist who pretty destroyed it and Jo Duffy's story lead was fair to terrible.
Overall the best of the comic was really everything before or shortly what happened on Empire Strikes Back, as they had a little hard time with stories without Han and them looking for him. Only so much they could do I guess. The other best part were the covers. Most of them were so much better then what was inside of them.
July 17, 2014
I do feel that they were doing some cool things with the stories in the last twenty issues of the Marvel Star Wars run -- it's a pity it comes to a sudden halt in issue 107, but I guess at the time the interest in Star Wars had waned and apparently Lucasfilm was heavy handed in controlling the story lines so the book was canned. Lumyia (Shira Brie) and the Nagai were very cool villains.
I have mixed feelings about some issues in this volume -- a few are silly and almost unreadable and others, although a tad cheesy, I have fond memories of as a kid and for that reason I still like. For me a lot of these issues from after "Return of the Jedi" were the first comics I read, so they will always be held in high regard by me as good bits of entertainment despite their flaws. The artwork is also of variable quality, but the Cynthia Martin stuff towards the end was looking really good -- it was obviously Japanese influenced and different than anything else in US comics around at the time. I don't think I liked it when I was younger -- preferring the Simonson, McLeod and Palmer sort of stuff but I have a new appreciation for it now.
I have all these Omnibuses and have really enjoyed returning to this sometimes muddled world of Marvel Star Wars; but as a kid I didn't often read them in a continuous form like this. I picked up the odd issue here and there and I scavenged what I could find at the book exchange second hand so occasionally I would read an older back issue from the early '80s or the '70s. Whenever I picked one up I got to see my favourite characters have an adventure and that's what it was all about.
I'm on to all the odds and ends now in volume 6.
I have mixed feelings about some issues in this volume -- a few are silly and almost unreadable and others, although a tad cheesy, I have fond memories of as a kid and for that reason I still like. For me a lot of these issues from after "Return of the Jedi" were the first comics I read, so they will always be held in high regard by me as good bits of entertainment despite their flaws. The artwork is also of variable quality, but the Cynthia Martin stuff towards the end was looking really good -- it was obviously Japanese influenced and different than anything else in US comics around at the time. I don't think I liked it when I was younger -- preferring the Simonson, McLeod and Palmer sort of stuff but I have a new appreciation for it now.
I have all these Omnibuses and have really enjoyed returning to this sometimes muddled world of Marvel Star Wars; but as a kid I didn't often read them in a continuous form like this. I picked up the odd issue here and there and I scavenged what I could find at the book exchange second hand so occasionally I would read an older back issue from the early '80s or the '70s. Whenever I picked one up I got to see my favourite characters have an adventure and that's what it was all about.
I'm on to all the odds and ends now in volume 6.
August 10, 2014
Although it's interesting to read for nostalgia's sake, some of the stories will make even the most hardened Star Wars fan cringe.
There was a great opportunity to tell tales of rebuilding the Jedi order, facing the last fanatical elements of the Empire and building a truly democratic Galactic Alliance... but all this was passed over in favor of stories so ridiculous they were probably concocted over happy hour cocktails.
Main characters are missing or so far off the mark that you wonder if anyone had actually bothered to watch the movies. The artwork was also (mostly) drawn by someone who'd apparently ignored all the PR photos too.
If, on the other hand you're a fan looking to complete your collection and/or enjoy reading laughably badly written and drawn Star Wars stories (especially the final one) then this is for you.
There was a great opportunity to tell tales of rebuilding the Jedi order, facing the last fanatical elements of the Empire and building a truly democratic Galactic Alliance... but all this was passed over in favor of stories so ridiculous they were probably concocted over happy hour cocktails.
Main characters are missing or so far off the mark that you wonder if anyone had actually bothered to watch the movies. The artwork was also (mostly) drawn by someone who'd apparently ignored all the PR photos too.
If, on the other hand you're a fan looking to complete your collection and/or enjoy reading laughably badly written and drawn Star Wars stories (especially the final one) then this is for you.
June 6, 2013
A final bit of nostalgia with the end of Marvel Comics' Star Wars series. These stories followed the release of Return of the Jedi, and came during the nadir of interest in Star Wars. It didn't seem like George Lucas was going to make any more movies anytime soon, and the story was over, right? The plotlines are actually better than I remember, though the art was clearly adrift. The themes the Marvel writers played with, in an effort to keep Star Wars relevant, were later used in many of the novels published during the resurgence begun by Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire.
June 8, 2016
5 stars
Nice to know more of what happened in the Star Wars universe after Return of the Jedi in the Legends universe. Liked all the new species. Hope all the species or at least most of them will be able to get along. Happy to see all our favorite characters again too.
Can't wait to read more Star Wars comics!!!!
Nice to know more of what happened in the Star Wars universe after Return of the Jedi in the Legends universe. Liked all the new species. Hope all the species or at least most of them will be able to get along. Happy to see all our favorite characters again too.
Can't wait to read more Star Wars comics!!!!
December 7, 2012
Once again the graphic novels or comic books give more of the background story of what goes on with all the main star wars characters. I like how in this latest instalment you get more of Lumina and how her hatred of Luke leads her to try and destroy the whole galaxy.
June 29, 2014
A nice conclusion, though the art varies quite a bit and the stories are a bit far fetched. I do love the conclusion of the Kiro arc, but the triple-cross at the end gets a bit confusing.
May 11, 2015
Further and further afield from modern canon or even memory, but still reasonably entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews