Star Wars: Shattered Empire

Star Wars: Shattered Empire #1-4+

by Greg Rucka, James Robinson, Marco Checchetto (Illustrator)

For the first time in the new Star Wars canon, journey with us into the time after the end of Star Wars Episode VI Return of the Jedi! Writer Greg Rucka (PUNISHER, WOLVERINE, Gotham Central) and artist Marco Checchetto (AVENGERS WORLD, PUNISHER) take us past the destruction of the second Death Star--and into the chaos of a Shattered Empire. It's the explosive lead-in to this winter's blockbuster big-screen Star Wars revival, and everything you need to know is right here! Plus, follow everyone's favorite protocol droid as he Journeys to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

COLLECTING: JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS - SHATTERED EMPIRE 1-4, STAR WARS SPECIAL: C-3PO 1

Genres: Star Wars, Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Fiction, Space Opera, Marvel

144 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

Greg Rucka, is an American comic book writer and novelist, known for his work on such comics as Action Comics, Batwoman: Detective Comics, and the miniseries Superman: World of New Krypton for DC Comics, and for novels such as his Queen & Country series.

Reviews

[A.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spinning out from the end of Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: Shattered Empire shows the empire launching a desperate contingency plan after their failure at the Battle of Endor that leads to several empire-loyal worlds being targeted for destruction via an Orbital Bombardment campaign known as Operation Cinder. Anyone who has played the Battlefront games or seen the Mandalorian probably already know what this is, but it’s dope seeing a book that actually shows the operation in action. I honestly have always been intrigued by what happened between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, and I’ll read anything that gives us glimpses into that time period. This story follows the parents of Poe Dameron, Lieutenant Shara Bey and Sergeant Kes Dameron, as they help the rebel alliance put a stop to the aforementioned Operation Cinder while also deciding what they want their future to be like after this war.

This was sadly only 4 issues, but I loved pretty much every second of it. I don’t really even like Greg Rucka as a writer all that much, but he did a great job with the script on this one. Marco Checchetto does all the art and it is absolutely stunning. This dude is probably my favorite artist to ever come out of Marvel, everything I have seen by him is jaw-dropping: Daredevil, Superior Spider-Man, and now Star Wars. His actions scenes are beautiful and the way he lays out pages is always interesting. The only part of this I didn’t like was the bonus C3P0 story that was included at the end of this. It isn’t the worst thing I’ve read, it’s just a really boring story about how he got his red arm from Episode VII. It was a tad emotional at points, but I was honestly way too bored and disinterested to really care all that much. This probabaly would’ve been a 5 star collection if that wasn’t included here.

Besides that slight hiccup, this was an amazing story set during one of the most interesting time periods in the Star Wars universe. Rucka delivers a fantastic script that has some incredible moments, including Princess Leia & Shara Bey protecting Naboo from Operation Cinder with only the help of the planet’s queen, and Luke Skywalker storming an imperial Star Destroyer to retrieve force sensitive objects. Marco Checchetto delivers incredible art that impressed me every single time I flipped the page. I’m honestly going to see if he’s done anymore Star Wars art since this, because I really did absolutely adore it. Fantastic book and an easy recommend to any Star Wars fan. I didn’t even like the sequel trilogy and still found this awesome.

[Michael Galdamez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shattered Empire has an interesting premise dealing with the immediate aftermath of the Battle of Endor. Yet I can't help but think it's inherently a bit flawed because of the money grabbing nature of its publication. For something with the subtitle: Journey to The Force Awakens, it's a pretty short "journey".

The story feels pretty rushed the whole way through, never wanting to get too deep into any of the characters, battles, or politics of it all. Each issue focuses on at least one battle, sometimes more than that, and that is where the problem lies. It's like one battle, flip, another battle, flip, another battle, flip, another battle, flip -- wait, what's happening?

I really would've preferred a whole run of Shattered Empire comics basically becoming the comic book equivalent of the Clone Wars and Rebels TV series, or at least being similar to Michael Stackpole's X-Wing novels or Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy.

The art, on the other hand, was pretty darn fantastic. Thanks for not rushing that.

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

Completely Meh.

[Antero Tienaho · Rating 1 out of 5]

Olipas väsynyttä.

Tartuin tähän puhtaasti Greg Ruckan nimen vuoksi. Gotham Central oli ihan kultaa, joten ehkä Rucka saisi jotain irti Endorin jälkeisestä Star Warsista? Mutta ei.

Tarinat on sillisalaattia, liian lyhyitä ja toimintakeskeisiä. Tavataan Poe Dammeronin mutsi ja faija, jotka tietenkin olivat kapinallisen mukana Endorissa ja seikkailuissa Luken ja Leian kanssa. On jotenkin tympeää, miten aneemisella tavalla kaikkien päähenkilöiden väleille pitää rakentaa yhteyksiä.

Lopussa on ihan kammottava tarina, jonka ainoa tarkoitus on kertoa miksi C-3POn käsi on Force Awakensissa punainen. Plöröä.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did this answer questions? Not for me. There's so little in this book in way of story I almost had to reread it to make sure I didn't miss anything. Two stars for the main story, an extra star for the C3PO story. That one was great.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This offered some interesting insights into the immediate aftermath of the celebrations/victory at the end of “Return of the Jedi.”

It has great artwork and action sequences. It also provides more information about Poe’s background, as well as a short story at the end of the main story regarding C-3PO.

Overall, it’s a nice story.

Happy reading, everybody!

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the individual issues of Shattered Empire as they were released but have finally gotten around to rereading it in one sitting in graphic novel form. I was spurred on by playing the Battlefront II campaign and being reminded of some of the events that take place in these comics.

I thoroughly enjoyed the second read-through, getting to see all of the classic characters from the original series back in action was great and the writing really made it feel like it was a continuation of Return of the Jedi. The comics literally describe what came next, and it wasn't just one big party.

Not limited to the familiar faces, there are also a few new characters that tie into the new movies and other fiction here. Having kept up with a lot of the books and comics, it was cool going back and seeing many of the story threads planted here that have born fruit in other works. But none of it is strictly necessary to enjoy this story or the others.

In addition to Shattered Empire, the graphic novel collection also includes the C-3PO one-shot that tells the story of how he received his red arm in The Force Awakens. It's an interesting tale that really dives into the programming and psyche of droids in the Star Wars universe and is a solid read.

Throughout the five issues, the artwork is great. Shattered Empire goes for a more screen-accurate look, which helps with the RotJ continuation feeling. C-3PO goes a little more abstract and messy, which fits with the story and is an interesting choice for a plot that focuses on mechanical creations.

All told, I would definitely recommend this to any Star Wars fan looking to fill in the gaps between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, especially for people who enjoy the original trilogy the most. It will make a great addition to any fan's collection.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shattered Empire is collection of the 4 comics issued in the lead up to The Force Awakens. It also contains a bonus C-3PO comic. The main thrust of the Shattered Empire story is the aftermath of the Battle of Endor (Star Wars VI: Return of the Jedi). The Rebels have won, but the empire does not simply vanish.

The book deals well with themes of guilt for a solider. How much is enough for one person to do? It's artwork and action scenes are beautiful and in keeping with Star Wars and not simply over the top in the name of a comic. Where it really shines is the C-3PO comic, where it touches on the nature of will and memory.

Where it falls flat is Luke's characterization. When he confronts a commander and group of Stormtroopers, he does not offer them a choice. It's not a moment of action, there's a dialogue, and he strikes first. Then when given the choice again to end a fight, he strikes out again, with a pithy one-liner. A clear give-in to a default comic book reader perhaps. But he's not the character from the movie this comic is trying to follow up.

A good collection, and the hardcover includes wonderful artwork, but the writing is far from a masterpiece.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Published in 2016 by Marvel Enterprises.
Illustrated by Marco Checchetto, Angel Unzueta, Emilio Laiso, and Tony Harris

This is an attempt to bridge some of the space in the Star Wars story line between Episode VI: Return of the Jedi and Episode VII: The Force Awakens. It starts (oddly, in my mind) at the beginning of the last big battle over the second Death Star in Return of the Jedi and introduces Poe Dameron's parents. His mother is a pilot who flew in the attack on the second Death Star and his father was in the ground forces that fought alongside Han Solo.

There is plenty of action, but I found the art did a "meh" job of conveying the action of a space battle and there were lots and lots of them. The story really depended a lot on space fighting action and was pretty shallow.

I did enjoy the last story. It was done by a different artist, written by a different author, and is not connected to the main story line. It features C-3P0 and is actually touching.

I rate this collection 3 stars out of 5.

https://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2023...

[Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're trying to decide which edition of Shattered Empire to get (even if it's just from the library), look no further.

Shattered Empire was a fun tale, each issue alternately focusing on Han, Leia, and Luke as they interacted with the parents of Poe Dameron in the days after the destruction of the second Death Star. All of your favorite characters of the era show up for cameos.

The "omnibus" edition differed from the regular edition in that its bonus story is Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1, a really engaging little story about how Threepio lost his golden arm and got a red replacement. If this were just a random story about the adventures of a prissy robot, it probably wouldn't have the power that it does, but since I've witnessed the adventures of C-3PO for 40 years, I found this tale really special.

Highly recommended.

[Joseph · Rating 1 out of 5]

So it is basically the same thing as the 'Shattered Empire (Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens)' comic. I was wondering what the difference was and well it was just the cover. Don't get me wrong I didn't buy it, just got it from the library. But after looking at it I noticed it was the same thing, so I really didn't read it.

BUT there was a bonus of a C-3PO "adventure" that was so far fetch are unbelievable that I don't understand how that got green lighted to do. Oh right, this is Disney...

SKIP!!!

[Marko · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art is nice but a bit generic for my liking, except the art in last bit with the C-3PO story. That had more interesting art and a nice little story.

The real problem is the main story: There was really nothing. I get it, that the writer really doesn’t have much room to work in, but I still expected more. Also, the story includes way too much empty fight scene panels or panels just with ‘empty army talk’ like: “Strike Leader to Strike Four; watch it Green Six; I’m hit, I’m hit; all fighters follow me; stay tight,; Green Two, on my wings; go, go, go...”

[Raul Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good story to kick off the New Republic Era that actually starts during the Battle of Endor. I did find it a little jolting at first, because it felt like I should have known who Shara Bey was from the get go. Not sure how integral this is to the overall saga . . . I guess as I move through this era, I will be able to make that determination. Between this and the video game Battlefront II, it sure seems the celebration at the end of Return of the Jedi was premature.

My Rating: 3.6 Stars

[Nathanael Brittain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short but excellent read containing events that are very important in the Aftermath and Alphabet Squadron trilogies (especially the latter). The artwork is beautiful and it captures the known characters from the Star Wars universe perfectly. It begins with the battle of Endor and continues on after the events of Return of the Jedi. If you want more of the original Star Wars trilogy or want to get into the post-ROTJ books, this is an essential read.

[Greg Kerestan · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Shattered Empire" feels like it's a little too short and scattered for the variety of stories it's trying to tell. Sure, we get Poe's parents as major characters bridging Rebellion and Resistance eras, but we get a Leia episode, a Luke episode, a Han episode... it's hard to see exactly where this miniseries is putting its attention. Still, "Operation Cinder" was a very cool concept, for the brief time it got to shine.

[Alternate Lore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a beautifully drawn book that gives us the Rebel perspective just after Return of the Jedi. The dialogue is great and the story itself isn't bad, even if its main purpose is to have Poe Dameron's parents interact with the original trilogy heroes. The lack of clear big-picture direction that plagues most of the new canon is apparent, but this is still a really well made comic.

[Khairul Hezry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Notable for two things: introducing Poe Dameron's parents and implying that Poe Dameron is influenced by the Force even though he may not be Force-sensitive himself. OK story, not bad art. Not really essential for your Star Wars library unless you're a completist.

[Sebastian Song · Rating 3 out of 5]

Four issues are way too short to do justice to what Greg Rucka had in mind. This could have been a great tale but it was too brief and too rushed. The C3PO Special did little to change one's mind.

[Cerrig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice pickup of the story right after Return of the Jedi. You meet Poe Cameron’s parents. The single issue answering the question of how Threepio has a red arm is a must read for die hard fans.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shara Bey is hot; enough said. Also the 3PO adventure at the end was a great story that explained how he got his Ted arm in The Force Awakens.

[Adrienne Organa · Rating 2 out of 5]

The stories were okay. I am not a comic person, so I didn't really enjoy it. But I'm glad I gave it a shot, and the art was pretty.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I also really enjoy star wars. Full of action and adventure.

[Corby H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty cool read. Leaves a whole lot of interesting plot lines unanswered which is awesome.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

First main story was great. The c3p0 story was meh.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Rucka. This wasn't ground breaking or anything that I would read a second time, but interesting. The C-3PO special was really the reason I went searching for this.

[The_J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up the pieces of the potential pay-off of "New Hope"

[Nate · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

[Marcelo Gonzalez · Rating 4 out of 5]

MINOR SPOILER: Leia pilots a Naboo Starfighter, which is kind of cool. This one is pretty entertaining.
I did think the end story of how C-3P0 got the red arm he sports in "The Force Awakens" was an attempt at philosophy that falls flat and the art from that one wasn't my favorite. However, the focus on characters OTHER than our heroes (Poe Dameron's parents) is refreshing and the ending leads one to believe that Poe might be force sensitive as well. Who knows?

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the type of comic that made me *not* like comics. So many of the panels started in the middle of conversations and only little tidbits and often it was difficult to figure out who was talking and sometimes it was meant to be read down the page and occasionally across two pages. The latter gripe is usually fine except the artwork was so dark at times that I couldn't tell what was what. And I hate that. BUT, the scene where three women fly Naboo Starfighters and fight the Imperials made it all worth it.

[Nicolas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This did a great job bridging gaps among all three trilogies. The C-3PO story was a real standout.

For more tune in to this episode of Comic Book Coffee Break: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zikuP...