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Star Wars (2025-) #3
RETURN TO CLOUD CITY! HAN SOLO, BEILERT VALANCE and LANDO CALRISSIAN must help an old friend. Witness the long friendship of HAN, CHEWIE and LANDO in exciting flashbacks to bygone eras! And a mysterious figure from the past re-emerges using a new model CLOUD CAR!
Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2025
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About the author
Alex Segura
275 books572 followersAlex Segura is the bestselling and award-winning author of Secret Identity, which The New York Times called “wittily original” and named an Editor’s Choice. NPR described the novel as “masterful” and The L.A. Times called it “a magnetic read.”
Secret Identity received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist, was listed as one of the Best Mysteries of the Year by NPR, Kirkus, Booklist, LitReactor, Gizmodo, BOLO Books, and the South Florida Sun Sentinel, was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Hardcover, the Lefty and Barry Awards for Best Novel, the Macavity Award for Best Mystery Novel, and won the LA Times Book Prize in the Mystery/Thriller category.
His upcoming work includes the YA superhero adventure Araña/Spider-Man 2099: Dark Tomorrow, the follow-up to Secret Identity, Alter Ego, and the sci-fi/espionage thriller, Dark Space (with Rob Hart). Alex is also the author of Star Wars Poe Dameron: Free Fall, the Anthony Award-nominated Pete Fernandez Miami Mystery series, and a number of comic books – including The Mysterious Micro-Face (in partnership with NPR), The Black Ghost, The Archies, The Dusk, The Awakened, Mara Llave – Keeper of Time, Blood Oath, stories featuring Marvel heroes the Avengers, Sunspot, White Tiger, Spider-Man and DC’s Superman, Sinestro, and The Question, to name a few.
His short story, “90 Miles” was included in The Best American Mystery and Suspense Stories for 2021 and won the Anthony Award for Best Short Story. Another short story,“Red Zone,” won the 2020 Anthony Award for Best Short Story.
Alex is also the co-creator of the Lethal Lit podcast, named one of the best fiction podcasts of 2018 by The New York Times.
A Miami native, he lives in New York with his wife and children.
Secret Identity received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and Booklist, was listed as one of the Best Mysteries of the Year by NPR, Kirkus, Booklist, LitReactor, Gizmodo, BOLO Books, and the South Florida Sun Sentinel, was nominated for the Anthony Award for Best Hardcover, the Lefty and Barry Awards for Best Novel, the Macavity Award for Best Mystery Novel, and won the LA Times Book Prize in the Mystery/Thriller category.
His upcoming work includes the YA superhero adventure Araña/Spider-Man 2099: Dark Tomorrow, the follow-up to Secret Identity, Alter Ego, and the sci-fi/espionage thriller, Dark Space (with Rob Hart). Alex is also the author of Star Wars Poe Dameron: Free Fall, the Anthony Award-nominated Pete Fernandez Miami Mystery series, and a number of comic books – including The Mysterious Micro-Face (in partnership with NPR), The Black Ghost, The Archies, The Dusk, The Awakened, Mara Llave – Keeper of Time, Blood Oath, stories featuring Marvel heroes the Avengers, Sunspot, White Tiger, Spider-Man and DC’s Superman, Sinestro, and The Question, to name a few.
His short story, “90 Miles” was included in The Best American Mystery and Suspense Stories for 2021 and won the Anthony Award for Best Short Story. Another short story,“Red Zone,” won the 2020 Anthony Award for Best Short Story.
Alex is also the co-creator of the Lethal Lit podcast, named one of the best fiction podcasts of 2018 by The New York Times.
A Miami native, he lives in New York with his wife and children.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 10, 2025
I hear the dread word 'filler' coming. If you want to be fussy about it, then yes: Star Wars's #3 is filler. But it's the best possible kind. This isn't an abomination like The Mandalorian's Chapter 22 (it's hard to be the lowest point in a bad season, but 'Guns for Hire' managed it accross the board). It isn't even 'The Return of the Mandalorian' (it doesn't matter how good it is: when an episode is only peripherally connected to the story you're telling, it's filler). #3 is more like Star Wars Rebels's 'The Call' (the episode that introduced the purrgil, but also worked as a character-driven story). I'd even say it reaches the absolute example of what 'filler' episodes should aspire to be (that honour goes to the Avatar: The Last Airbender episode, 'The Tales of Ba Sing Se'). And this technically 'filler' issue delivers on my expectation: the first good Han Solo story we've had in a while.
#2 gave use a 'Luke walks into a bar' scene. #3 starts with Han drinking, in a bar, with his old friend Beilart Valance. And rather than just digging into exposition and catching everyone up to the plot, or even advancing the story, Alex Segura decided to just let them... chat. And why not? These are two old friends who haven't seen each other for a while. I'm aware of Valance from previous crossovers, but I haven't followed him as a character in his Bounty Hunters series. However, I was aware from his War of the Bounty Hunters appearance that he considers Han his friend. #1 had written them as such and #3 doesn't let up. Han is annoyed that Valance has dragged him into his investigation into the Zantarrk Gang, especially as things aren't the same as when they were both on the wrong side of the law. As Valance fills Han on what he has found out about the mysterious Zantarrks, he can't help but tease him for his past as a smuggler and his decision to 'go legit'. And this is where #3 becomes more than just 'filler'. Han's character development is great: he clearly has thin skin about his choices, but where it was once about being perceived as a good guy, now it seems to be about whether he had made the right choice by becoming a smuggler. Han defends his choices as circumstanial and beyond his control, but refused to be ashamed of them.
The scene continues until another old criminal friend, another who was done dirty by Battle of Jakku because of his limited appearance, shows up: it's the reunion of the scoundrels as Lando gets in touch with Han from his reclaimed Cloud City. He has dire news for Han and this is where the story takes another tentative step forward by introducing a new addition: the Nagai smuggler (and apparently revolutionary) Garlev. The reintroduction of the Nagai has been a high point of Segura's run so far, and Garlev was mentioned in #2 by the Zantarrk and the Nagai trapped on the planet Gadrilam. This mysterious name drop raised enough attention last time but got drown out by Luke's excellent character development. This issue, Segura can reveal who Garlev is and once more raises the veil a little on the plight of the Nagai. Although the story itself isn't advanced much, there was a point I found interesting: Garlev refers to his people as 'weapons'. Could this have anything to do with why they were stolen from their birthplace? Am I reading too much into the fact that the Zantarrk are alwasy masked?
Garlev, as it is revealed through flashbacks, has a past with Han and Lando. From the start, he makes a effect, as his flashback introduces him in a shootout and waxing poetic about 'embracing a shared darkness' (he reminds me of High Republic droid P3-7A, the preacher droid who can only speak in religious epitaths). In the present, he literally crashes into Cloud City with a message for Han. This establishes stakes for the issue as Lando urges Han to hurry: Garlev is close to death. The news that his old friend is dying clearly affects Han in a way it would always do it to him. No matter what he might have said in the past, he was never completely in it for himself and always put himself on the line for his friends. Garlev is no different, and the two flashbacks do an excellent job of establishing how much Han came to trust Garlev, even if he didn't always known what his friend was up to. I have to give praise to Segura and the art department for focusing more on Han's reaction when he hears of Garlev's fate rather than just that there is information they need to continue their adventure.
And I really, really have to praise Segura for deciding to pull the rug off from under our feet at the end.
This decision ran the risk of solidifying #3's position as a filler issue, but I don't think it does. It's the final element that gives us a further glimpse into Han's heart, especially now that one of the worst things has happened to him: losing a friend. And it all shows in Han's eulogy for Garlev, one of his most poignant character moments, across all of his already iconic scenes:
#3 might read as filler, but it was a deep character-driven story for Han, just as #2 was for Luke. Just as Luke felt the weight of failing to help the Nagai in #2, now Han has a personal stake in finding out the mystery behind the Zantarrk Gang and whatever they are doing to Nagai.
Now that two of the Big Three have been given their own issues, while also connecting their character development firmly to the overall plot, I can't wait to see what #4 brings, and where it will take Leia, since according to all logic it's her turn.
And #3 also leaves us on a doozy of a cliffhanger, featuring the return of an old Star Wars adversary I'd never expected I'd see the original trilogy heroes face. I can't wait to see Luke, Han and Leia come up against . Coming at the end of an issue that is a great example of a filler issue, it could be presaging an hommage to another great example of a 'filler' episode: Star Wars Rebels's 'The Last Battle', probably my personal favourite episode of that amazing series.
#2 gave use a 'Luke walks into a bar' scene. #3 starts with Han drinking, in a bar, with his old friend Beilart Valance. And rather than just digging into exposition and catching everyone up to the plot, or even advancing the story, Alex Segura decided to just let them... chat. And why not? These are two old friends who haven't seen each other for a while. I'm aware of Valance from previous crossovers, but I haven't followed him as a character in his Bounty Hunters series. However, I was aware from his War of the Bounty Hunters appearance that he considers Han his friend. #1 had written them as such and #3 doesn't let up. Han is annoyed that Valance has dragged him into his investigation into the Zantarrk Gang, especially as things aren't the same as when they were both on the wrong side of the law. As Valance fills Han on what he has found out about the mysterious Zantarrks, he can't help but tease him for his past as a smuggler and his decision to 'go legit'. And this is where #3 becomes more than just 'filler'. Han's character development is great: he clearly has thin skin about his choices, but where it was once about being perceived as a good guy, now it seems to be about whether he had made the right choice by becoming a smuggler. Han defends his choices as circumstanial and beyond his control, but refused to be ashamed of them.
The scene continues until another old criminal friend, another who was done dirty by Battle of Jakku because of his limited appearance, shows up: it's the reunion of the scoundrels as Lando gets in touch with Han from his reclaimed Cloud City. He has dire news for Han and this is where the story takes another tentative step forward by introducing a new addition: the Nagai smuggler (and apparently revolutionary) Garlev. The reintroduction of the Nagai has been a high point of Segura's run so far, and Garlev was mentioned in #2 by the Zantarrk and the Nagai trapped on the planet Gadrilam. This mysterious name drop raised enough attention last time but got drown out by Luke's excellent character development. This issue, Segura can reveal who Garlev is and once more raises the veil a little on the plight of the Nagai. Although the story itself isn't advanced much, there was a point I found interesting: Garlev refers to his people as 'weapons'. Could this have anything to do with why they were stolen from their birthplace? Am I reading too much into the fact that the Zantarrk are alwasy masked?
Garlev, as it is revealed through flashbacks, has a past with Han and Lando. From the start, he makes a effect, as his flashback introduces him in a shootout and waxing poetic about 'embracing a shared darkness' (he reminds me of High Republic droid P3-7A, the preacher droid who can only speak in religious epitaths). In the present, he literally crashes into Cloud City with a message for Han. This establishes stakes for the issue as Lando urges Han to hurry: Garlev is close to death. The news that his old friend is dying clearly affects Han in a way it would always do it to him. No matter what he might have said in the past, he was never completely in it for himself and always put himself on the line for his friends. Garlev is no different, and the two flashbacks do an excellent job of establishing how much Han came to trust Garlev, even if he didn't always known what his friend was up to. I have to give praise to Segura and the art department for focusing more on Han's reaction when he hears of Garlev's fate rather than just that there is information they need to continue their adventure.
And I really, really have to praise Segura for deciding to pull the rug off from under our feet at the end.
This decision ran the risk of solidifying #3's position as a filler issue, but I don't think it does. It's the final element that gives us a further glimpse into Han's heart, especially now that one of the worst things has happened to him: losing a friend. And it all shows in Han's eulogy for Garlev, one of his most poignant character moments, across all of his already iconic scenes:
He wasn't a good man. He was a thief and smuggler. A killer. Like all of us. But he was a saviour too. To his people. A lifelong criminal trying to balance the scales a bit. To do some good after the bad. We had more in common than I thought. He died trying to reach us. And I'm going to find out what he was trying to say.
#3 might read as filler, but it was a deep character-driven story for Han, just as #2 was for Luke. Just as Luke felt the weight of failing to help the Nagai in #2, now Han has a personal stake in finding out the mystery behind the Zantarrk Gang and whatever they are doing to Nagai.
Now that two of the Big Three have been given their own issues, while also connecting their character development firmly to the overall plot, I can't wait to see what #4 brings, and where it will take Leia, since according to all logic it's her turn.
And #3 also leaves us on a doozy of a cliffhanger, featuring the return of an old Star Wars adversary I'd never expected I'd see the original trilogy heroes face. I can't wait to see Luke, Han and Leia come up against . Coming at the end of an issue that is a great example of a filler issue, it could be presaging an hommage to another great example of a 'filler' episode: Star Wars Rebels's 'The Last Battle', probably my personal favourite episode of that amazing series.
August 2, 2025
a Han and Lando issue! another solid read. 3.5/5
October 27, 2025
4
It does feels Star Wars-y. And it's good to finally see what our favorite heroes were up to after ROTJ.
Recommended Williams tracks while reading:
Start with: https://open.spotify.com/track/3TDxnt...
About midway, switch to: https://open.spotify.com/track/5BH09Y...
It does feels Star Wars-y. And it's good to finally see what our favorite heroes were up to after ROTJ.
Recommended Williams tracks while reading:
Start with: https://open.spotify.com/track/3TDxnt...
About midway, switch to: https://open.spotify.com/track/5BH09Y...
November 26, 2025
really enjoying this new post ROTJ arc from Marvel & Lucasfilm. I'm a sucker for anything done by artist Phil Noto and he doesn't disappoint here. the story centers around Luke Skywalker unraveling a mystery surrounding ancient Jedi artifacts and the fledgling New Republic led by Princess Leia and Mon Mothma. Han, Chewie & Lando also have an adventure of their own. a good read so far. unto issue 4.
July 26, 2025
So far, this run hasn’t been outstanding to me. I’m enjoying it and am curious about where it’s going to go but it’s just not anything too gripping. I really like that we’re getting stuff about the og gang but overall just okay to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2025
I enjoyed this quite a bit. Han, Lando, and Valence are a really fun crew to follow. I’m interested in the mystery, I have a feeling the assassin is someone we know. I have a few guesses, I’m interested to find out if I’m right or not!
November 9, 2025
It was nice to get some time with Han and Lando but after only two issues we get side stories. I was hoping to get more story continuing from the main storyline. The world building continues to be nice along with Noto's art.
July 25, 2025
Pretty engaging issue! I really enjoyed the art and thought the dialogue flowed well — I think the book will really find its footing once the main plot brings more of the main characters together.
September 26, 2025
If anything, this proves that Han and Lando did see each other again between Solo and The Empire Strikes Back. The flashback could be placed probably five-ish years after Solo.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews