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Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron #6-9
Star Wars Omnibus: X-Wing Rogue Squadron, Vol. 3
Collects Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron #21-35. The galaxy's greatest starfighters take flight once more in a mission to reclaim the galactic capital Coruscant from the Empire! Whether this becomes the New Republic's finest hour or its darkest defeat lies squarely on the shoulders of Wedge Antilles and his team of ace X-Wing pilots—Rogue Squadron! Follow the rise of the Empire's deadliest pilot Baron Fel, marvel at the machinations of Imperial power-player Ysanne Isard, and discover the fate of Interim-Emperor Sate Pestage!
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 17, 2021
Really solid writing and art direction across the board here.
March 13, 2023
One thing I've never liked about Stackpole's EU books is the excessive banter that goes on among all the pilots on Rogue Squadron. I kinda get it -- this seems to be part and parcel of any tight-knit military group, at least as far as I know, which is only through military fiction -- but man, it gets tiresome over time. In the novels, I could at least get some narrative breaks here and there to keep me grounded, but graphic novels are almost all dialogue, and even during the action sequences, it was 95% banter.
I know people love what Stackpole did with the EU, but honestly, I'm not a fan. At this point, I'm reading the rest of these omnibuses (omnibi?) just for the lore.
I know people love what Stackpole did with the EU, but honestly, I'm not a fan. At this point, I'm reading the rest of these omnibuses (omnibi?) just for the lore.
November 24, 2025
it was boring at first but i liked the second arc
October 16, 2012
Significantly better than the previous two volumes. The storyline here (and it really is one big, overarching storyline) is much more cohesive and, frankly, better told than any of the previous comic storylines. And it felt a lot more like the Rogue Squadron books, which, let's be honest, was exactly what I was looking for. It feels like the creative team had finally found their way, just in time for the series to end. Sigh. The art was, overall, slightly improved over what came before, though there are still... questionable panels, and the likeness to established characters is vague at best. The dogfights look great, though. And so do the painted covers, which leads to my one real complaint about these omnibus editions: they leave out most of the covers, which is almost a crime when they look this good.
January 16, 2021
I have this on the Dark Horse app, which doesn't have the page numbers in it, so I'll be going off the app # if cite anything.
In the Empire's Service
Written by Michael Stackpole and drawn by John Nadeau. Dave Nestelle did colours. The art is detailed and wonderful (I LOVED page 20); the script is wordy. There's a two-page spread at the start where the newbies (Xarcece, Dar, Standro & Avan) are meeting the other Rogues and there was so much going on that I wasn't sure which panel was the next in line.
My only issue with the art is that Isard looks a bit odd, and OLD.
There is a new Chief Tech on the squadron named Koyi Komad. I like that she had been getting her degree in hyperspatial physics (which sounds so cool)...but she needed to leave. That doesn't bother me; what bothers me is that it was the line "this beats waitressing." Um. I didn't realize a physics major could either be a waitress or go back into technician work.
Then there's a dig about theorizing from her and it rankles me.
I'm glad Soontir is here and that Stackpole does a great job showing that he is an awesome pilot, and a man with strong values who believes in the core of the Empire. He doesn't trust all of the politics, but he is a true man of the Empire, more willing to save his people than kill the Rebels at any cost.
The Rogues and the 181st Squadron meet at Brentaal IV in the Bormea Sector, hich is also where Chandrila is. Tycho and Wedge have stories of Fel that all but Plourr takes seriously. Even with Wedge backing the info up, she doesn't respect Fel's abilities (until she experiences them). I had to laugh though, when it was mentioned that Fel was so good that Vader modified his TIE and his sims so that Soontir would stop vaping him.
Mph. On page 61, Tycho mentions to Wedge that they don't let themselves get emotionally invested in new recruits. It's so true. It's sad, but it has to happen at times.
Sate Pestage is more intelligent than I remember.
As a math person, I squeed when the bomb was found to be counting down in binary, not base 10.
Making of Baron Fel
Another Stackpole/Nadeau/Nestelle comic. I really enjoy Nadeau's work and Nestelle's colouring. The explosions were spectacular in this.
As a teen, Soontir had long hair, which was hilarious. But then he was forced to save his family's honour by joining the Carida academy. His grades earned him salutadictorian; his flying earned him a place in the 37th squadron. Really, the 6/37th, but I don't understand the separations. Anyway, he helped his captain (who had the Temp-Flu) with a mission, which earned Fel the rank of Captain. He chose to stay with the 37th another year before training at the Academy. Biggs, Hobbe and Tycho were all under his lead (seeing them bald is just insanely odd). Their deflection caused Fel to go to the 181st which was called the worst. That, to me, is just odd since the 181st has pretty much always seemed to be tip-top.
Derricote was in the 181st, and Soontir's guidance in the squadron got Derricote to a high position. Through the 181st, he met Wynessa/Syal. Their honeymoon was GORGEOUS. Later on, Soontir proves his understanding of things by knowing that Thrawn came up with "Vader's" plan for Derra IV.
At the end, Soontir explains he turns to the Alliance (Wedge) to find his wife.
Family Ties
Stackpole and Nadeau still wrote/pencilled, but Perry McNamee did colours. The change isn't bad. There was more snark in here, which was great. I love when the Rogues joke with each other. There was a BEAUTIFUL 2-page spread of Coronet. I did feel that Plourr was drawn as overly built. I also don't fully understand why she didn't go back to her home world.
The beginning was very moving, with the Rogues at a funeral/memorial. The names weren't given with the images, so I believe it was Avan who asked Wedge "Why didn't you let us know you had a babe for a sister?"
Yup, he deserved the slap :P
The Rogues (in disguise) head to Corellia to look for Syal for Soontir. They get caught up in an issue where Ajai Fel's son was kidnapped. She's forced not to tell where Syal is because "The Fels look out for family." Soontir's brother has complete confidence in blood (and in-laws). They also deal with Corsec…Corran! Haha, that was great.
The end was great with Plourr's rescue and with the possibility of Corran being a future Rogue.
Masquerade
Written by Stackpole, coloured by Nestelle…but drawn by two people not Nadeau. The story was good (and funny), with Tycho and Winter admitting their feelings for each other, Han and Chewie helping the others (and I forgot Han knew Soontir), and with the search for Syal (I don't know if they all know her as Syal Antilles. They may only know her as Wynessa Starflare).
The art was iffy. The colours were great, but a lot of the images looked "soft." Han looks very young and faces in general look malleable. The way Wedge stands and moves his hand at times looks very awkward. However, I did enjoy the fact that the panels were different shapes and sizes. It added to the crazy adventure of the story.
Also, the image of Ysanne Isard on page 203 was amazing.
Tycho and Winter are so adorable.
Isard learns of Soontir's betrayal, though he's two-timing another Imperial. She also thinks of the Lusankya which made me grin. There's a slight bit on how Soontir needs to find Syal but it's mainly about Pestage turning form Isard.
Mandatory Retirement
Ah, Stackpole, Nadeau and Nestelle. The art is more realistic and just as vibrant as before. The cover art was beautiful.
The character names were given at their first entrance, save for a few minor ones. One of them was Fey'la, who is just as annoying as he is in he novels. His "xenophobic" arguments are highly irritating.
Ackbar gets the Rogues together while they're really enjoying some down time. Their mission's to get Sate Pestage before Isard does…even though he's not xenophobic but xeno-HATING. His reactions to things are disgusting. The mission backfires, but Intisam (Mon Cal) and Nrin (Quarren) show and verbalize that it IS possible for their species to get along. Nrin's reaction to Intisam's death is absolutely heartbreaking. We see him break down on page 330 - the art is beautiful but the image is devastating.
I really liked the names and call signs around a vibrant battle on page 333.
The end was fast-paced, bittersweet, and hectic.
My question is WHERE IS SYAL AND WHY DON'T THEY GET HER?!?!
I hope to finish that arc of the story at some point in the future. I hope it was completed elsewhere.
That question makes this more of a 4.8 stars
In the Empire's Service
Written by Michael Stackpole and drawn by John Nadeau. Dave Nestelle did colours. The art is detailed and wonderful (I LOVED page 20); the script is wordy. There's a two-page spread at the start where the newbies (Xarcece, Dar, Standro & Avan) are meeting the other Rogues and there was so much going on that I wasn't sure which panel was the next in line.
My only issue with the art is that Isard looks a bit odd, and OLD.
There is a new Chief Tech on the squadron named Koyi Komad. I like that she had been getting her degree in hyperspatial physics (which sounds so cool)...but she needed to leave. That doesn't bother me; what bothers me is that it was the line "this beats waitressing." Um. I didn't realize a physics major could either be a waitress or go back into technician work.
Then there's a dig about theorizing from her and it rankles me.
I'm glad Soontir is here and that Stackpole does a great job showing that he is an awesome pilot, and a man with strong values who believes in the core of the Empire. He doesn't trust all of the politics, but he is a true man of the Empire, more willing to save his people than kill the Rebels at any cost.
The Rogues and the 181st Squadron meet at Brentaal IV in the Bormea Sector, hich is also where Chandrila is. Tycho and Wedge have stories of Fel that all but Plourr takes seriously. Even with Wedge backing the info up, she doesn't respect Fel's abilities (until she experiences them). I had to laugh though, when it was mentioned that Fel was so good that Vader modified his TIE and his sims so that Soontir would stop vaping him.
Mph. On page 61, Tycho mentions to Wedge that they don't let themselves get emotionally invested in new recruits. It's so true. It's sad, but it has to happen at times.
Sate Pestage is more intelligent than I remember.
As a math person, I squeed when the bomb was found to be counting down in binary, not base 10.
Making of Baron Fel
Another Stackpole/Nadeau/Nestelle comic. I really enjoy Nadeau's work and Nestelle's colouring. The explosions were spectacular in this.
As a teen, Soontir had long hair, which was hilarious. But then he was forced to save his family's honour by joining the Carida academy. His grades earned him salutadictorian; his flying earned him a place in the 37th squadron. Really, the 6/37th, but I don't understand the separations. Anyway, he helped his captain (who had the Temp-Flu) with a mission, which earned Fel the rank of Captain. He chose to stay with the 37th another year before training at the Academy. Biggs, Hobbe and Tycho were all under his lead (seeing them bald is just insanely odd). Their deflection caused Fel to go to the 181st which was called the worst. That, to me, is just odd since the 181st has pretty much always seemed to be tip-top.
Derricote was in the 181st, and Soontir's guidance in the squadron got Derricote to a high position. Through the 181st, he met Wynessa/Syal. Their honeymoon was GORGEOUS. Later on, Soontir proves his understanding of things by knowing that Thrawn came up with "Vader's" plan for Derra IV.
At the end, Soontir explains he turns to the Alliance (Wedge) to find his wife.
Family Ties
Stackpole and Nadeau still wrote/pencilled, but Perry McNamee did colours. The change isn't bad. There was more snark in here, which was great. I love when the Rogues joke with each other. There was a BEAUTIFUL 2-page spread of Coronet. I did feel that Plourr was drawn as overly built. I also don't fully understand why she didn't go back to her home world.
The beginning was very moving, with the Rogues at a funeral/memorial. The names weren't given with the images, so I believe it was Avan who asked Wedge "Why didn't you let us know you had a babe for a sister?"
Yup, he deserved the slap :P
The Rogues (in disguise) head to Corellia to look for Syal for Soontir. They get caught up in an issue where Ajai Fel's son was kidnapped. She's forced not to tell where Syal is because "The Fels look out for family." Soontir's brother has complete confidence in blood (and in-laws). They also deal with Corsec…Corran! Haha, that was great.
The end was great with Plourr's rescue and with the possibility of Corran being a future Rogue.
Masquerade
Written by Stackpole, coloured by Nestelle…but drawn by two people not Nadeau. The story was good (and funny), with Tycho and Winter admitting their feelings for each other, Han and Chewie helping the others (and I forgot Han knew Soontir), and with the search for Syal (I don't know if they all know her as Syal Antilles. They may only know her as Wynessa Starflare).
The art was iffy. The colours were great, but a lot of the images looked "soft." Han looks very young and faces in general look malleable. The way Wedge stands and moves his hand at times looks very awkward. However, I did enjoy the fact that the panels were different shapes and sizes. It added to the crazy adventure of the story.
Also, the image of Ysanne Isard on page 203 was amazing.
Tycho and Winter are so adorable.
Isard learns of Soontir's betrayal, though he's two-timing another Imperial. She also thinks of the Lusankya which made me grin. There's a slight bit on how Soontir needs to find Syal but it's mainly about Pestage turning form Isard.
Mandatory Retirement
Ah, Stackpole, Nadeau and Nestelle. The art is more realistic and just as vibrant as before. The cover art was beautiful.
The character names were given at their first entrance, save for a few minor ones. One of them was Fey'la, who is just as annoying as he is in he novels. His "xenophobic" arguments are highly irritating.
Ackbar gets the Rogues together while they're really enjoying some down time. Their mission's to get Sate Pestage before Isard does…even though he's not xenophobic but xeno-HATING. His reactions to things are disgusting. The mission backfires, but Intisam (Mon Cal) and Nrin (Quarren) show and verbalize that it IS possible for their species to get along. Nrin's reaction to Intisam's death is absolutely heartbreaking. We see him break down on page 330 - the art is beautiful but the image is devastating.
I really liked the names and call signs around a vibrant battle on page 333.
The end was fast-paced, bittersweet, and hectic.
My question is WHERE IS SYAL AND WHY DON'T THEY GET HER?!?!
I hope to finish that arc of the story at some point in the future. I hope it was completed elsewhere.
That question makes this more of a 4.8 stars
February 1, 2025
The art has improved and the storylines beyond the books made much more sense now that I’ve read the omnibus versions of the comics.
I liked the pacing, although it is a very Stackpole style to have focus on banter, dialogue across the board.
This book made me believe Krennel is now a formidable foe, although he still had a thin involvement in the eighth book (still improved my experience and finally everything made sense).
Good comic series across the board. Still okay.
I liked the pacing, although it is a very Stackpole style to have focus on banter, dialogue across the board.
This book made me believe Krennel is now a formidable foe, although he still had a thin involvement in the eighth book (still improved my experience and finally everything made sense).
Good comic series across the board. Still okay.
June 3, 2020
Dark Horse Comics: Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron - Issues #21-35. Great collection of Rogue Squadron stories. Dark Horse did a nice job with this title and it was enjoyable. Sad to see the end, but they at least wrapped it up nicely while leaving the door open for more stories in the future. Glad to have read it.
August 24, 2018
*This* is what Star Wars comic books are all about. The third volume of Michael A. Stackpole's "Rogue Squadron" comic finds the perfect balance between starfighter battles, commando action, humor, pathos, and charm.
October 13, 2019
I think think was my favorite part of the series. The artwork was pretty consistent (although I also, uh, consistently had problems telling people apart) and the stories were compelling. I love Baron Fel and need a wrap up on the search for his wife. They sure felt the need to pair everyone off in this volume.
December 27, 2019
Good book
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October 7, 2019
En un tiempo muy, muy lejano...cuanto lo habría disfrutado.
February 28, 2020
Action, adventure and more!
Great artwork, combined with interesting legendary SW stories - very enjoyable. With digital version, this becomes cinematic in a very real way!
Great artwork, combined with interesting legendary SW stories - very enjoyable. With digital version, this becomes cinematic in a very real way!
April 17, 2020
Loved it. The backstory of Baron Fel, the intrigue of the Empire; the exploring of the different relationships within the Rogues -- it has everything I could've wanted.
December 23, 2023
Character stuff was hit and miss.
January 13, 2026
4.5-ish. definite improvement over volume 2 in terms of the overall art and story direction. the last arc was especially great in my opinion
January 12, 2015
In the empire's service
What are story, so much deceit and thirst for power since the emperor has been killed. This story does a great job of depicting this.
This show the true essence of the darkside, which is not just represented by the sith. This story lays great ground work on what is to come. I give this a 4.9 out of 5.0
The making of Baron Fel
The title says it all but the story line is incredible. There is so much to say and it only takes a little to spoil this story. He is so good I wonder about his force capabilities? This story gets a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0.
Family Ties
This was above average with some nice action scenes, a little disappointed with the total story and come. I just expected a little different outcome. overall I give this story a 3.8 out of 5.0.
Masquerade
More event occur in this story and you start to see the everything come together. This stroy had more romance then the other in this book, but did not lack in action. I loved the appearance of a couple of fan favorites as well. Overall this story would recieve a 4.5 out of 5.0.
Mandatory Retirement
This last story is why I love star wars so much. It depicts the issues of our society so vividly and makes the stories and characters relatable. You have this constant hunger for power then to top it off you have some extreme prejudice. I was emotionally involved in this story which held my attention. I was also saddened to see another fallen rogue. Fantastic ending, would love to read more about Isard. overall this story gets a 5.0 out of 5.0.
Overall 4.64 out of 5.0
What are story, so much deceit and thirst for power since the emperor has been killed. This story does a great job of depicting this.
This show the true essence of the darkside, which is not just represented by the sith. This story lays great ground work on what is to come. I give this a 4.9 out of 5.0
The making of Baron Fel
The title says it all but the story line is incredible. There is so much to say and it only takes a little to spoil this story. He is so good I wonder about his force capabilities? This story gets a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0.
Family Ties
This was above average with some nice action scenes, a little disappointed with the total story and come. I just expected a little different outcome. overall I give this story a 3.8 out of 5.0.
Masquerade
More event occur in this story and you start to see the everything come together. This stroy had more romance then the other in this book, but did not lack in action. I loved the appearance of a couple of fan favorites as well. Overall this story would recieve a 4.5 out of 5.0.
Mandatory Retirement
This last story is why I love star wars so much. It depicts the issues of our society so vividly and makes the stories and characters relatable. You have this constant hunger for power then to top it off you have some extreme prejudice. I was emotionally involved in this story which held my attention. I was also saddened to see another fallen rogue. Fantastic ending, would love to read more about Isard. overall this story gets a 5.0 out of 5.0.
Overall 4.64 out of 5.0
November 15, 2010
Kaboom! Goes the blast of an X-wing fighter. The book I read was called X-wing: Rogue Squadron. I think that this book was very good and had a lot of detail to get your attention.
In this book, this group of men is on an elite squadron of space fighters, called X-wings. When at their space base they must encounter great battles against their enemies, the Empire.
The main characters in this story are Wedge Antilles, Kirtan Loor, and Corran Horn. Wedge Antilles is the commander of the Rogue Squadron and leads his comrades into tough battles that could save the universe. Corran Horn is the new guy of the squadron, but the best pilot. People misread him for who he really is. Kirtan Loor, on the other hand, is the evil menace who used to be on Rogue Squadron. Now he joined the enemy and knows exactly where to find them and destroy them.
In this book I like how the author describes the scenes of the story. What he does is use sensory details to bring you into the story like you’re in the middle of a battle. He tells when they turn or make jukes or how close they are to another ship. The author is very good at using imagery.
I the end I believe this story is very good. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars. If you like action you should read this book.
In this book, this group of men is on an elite squadron of space fighters, called X-wings. When at their space base they must encounter great battles against their enemies, the Empire.
The main characters in this story are Wedge Antilles, Kirtan Loor, and Corran Horn. Wedge Antilles is the commander of the Rogue Squadron and leads his comrades into tough battles that could save the universe. Corran Horn is the new guy of the squadron, but the best pilot. People misread him for who he really is. Kirtan Loor, on the other hand, is the evil menace who used to be on Rogue Squadron. Now he joined the enemy and knows exactly where to find them and destroy them.
In this book I like how the author describes the scenes of the story. What he does is use sensory details to bring you into the story like you’re in the middle of a battle. He tells when they turn or make jukes or how close they are to another ship. The author is very good at using imagery.
I the end I believe this story is very good. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars. If you like action you should read this book.
June 18, 2022
Written: 26Nov2019
Thrilling read. I listened to this when I was younger many times. Probably one of the the few books that I regret not reading the whole series. However, with the release of new Starwars series (Mandalorian) and a peak of interest in this. I thought it was a good idea to revisit this saga as it really pulls at the strings of the old movies by George Lucas. But, I've found it also a good exercise in where the new boundry is between Fantasy and Sci-Fi. The story of Coran Horn is exciting in its own way and I need to point out that anything taken to an extreme can be bad.
It is worth noting that they mention a Launch Loop in/above the upper atmosphere of Corasant. While, I'm glad they mentioned that mega structure. It doesn't fit in a society with their level of technology. *Sigh* One of the problems of Sci-Fi.
Regardless, of my pedantic observations it still has some good relationships and I would rate 18+ in terms of content. (Disney would never show some of this stuff).
Edit: 18June2022
Came accross this "fan film" which covers the end of the book and the rising of the Lusankya. Looks professionally done!
https://youtu.be/urAnFZBx7rE
Thrilling read. I listened to this when I was younger many times. Probably one of the the few books that I regret not reading the whole series. However, with the release of new Starwars series (Mandalorian) and a peak of interest in this. I thought it was a good idea to revisit this saga as it really pulls at the strings of the old movies by George Lucas. But, I've found it also a good exercise in where the new boundry is between Fantasy and Sci-Fi. The story of Coran Horn is exciting in its own way and I need to point out that anything taken to an extreme can be bad.
It is worth noting that they mention a Launch Loop in/above the upper atmosphere of Corasant. While, I'm glad they mentioned that mega structure. It doesn't fit in a society with their level of technology. *Sigh* One of the problems of Sci-Fi.
Regardless, of my pedantic observations it still has some good relationships and I would rate 18+ in terms of content. (Disney would never show some of this stuff).
Edit: 18June2022
Came accross this "fan film" which covers the end of the book and the rising of the Lusankya. Looks professionally done!
https://youtu.be/urAnFZBx7rE
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2015
The third and final of the X-Wing omnibus editions, which contains the following 5 stories:
In the Empire's Service
The Making of Baron Fel
Family Ties
Masquerade
Mandatory Retirement
Well, when I say stories it's really one story arc told over all 5, with most of that arc concerning Baron Soontir Fel who (according to one panel) Vader had his TIE prototype made in order to avoid being beaten in sims by Fel. Set before the novels, the arc also takes in Ysanne Isard's - the main villain in the X-Wing novels - rise to power, but also leaves some plot elements hanging.
This, I felt, was the best of the three omnibuses: pity it was just in time for the series to end.
In the Empire's Service
The Making of Baron Fel
Family Ties
Masquerade
Mandatory Retirement
Well, when I say stories it's really one story arc told over all 5, with most of that arc concerning Baron Soontir Fel who (according to one panel) Vader had his TIE prototype made in order to avoid being beaten in sims by Fel. Set before the novels, the arc also takes in Ysanne Isard's - the main villain in the X-Wing novels - rise to power, but also leaves some plot elements hanging.
This, I felt, was the best of the three omnibuses: pity it was just in time for the series to end.
April 5, 2011
great read i just the first story was good. My faverite had to be of course the making of baron fel. The ending was the only thing i wish could've had more to do with fel's wife it just kind of leaves off with out even mentioning it.
August 5, 2010
I found the stories to be far better than the ones in the previous volume, as well as the artwork.
April 9, 2017
The heroic action of X-Wing Rogue squadron did not end after battle of Endor, but continued as the remains of the Empire simply refused to give up and continued to fight.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews