IN THIS ISSUE…HOPE DIES. The REBEL FLEET is completed. It’s magnificent. It’s beautiful. It’s secret. But no secret is kept for long from DARTH VADER. The most epic story yet done in a STAR WARS comic begins here. Prepare to witness the Empire TRULY strike back.
I have never reviewed a single-issue comic on here and never planned to. Up until a few days ago, I was not even aware that I could.
This issue was so amazing that I could not hold back. Kieron Gillen weaves yet another incredible tale and keeps the reader entranced during the whole story. We know at some point that "hope dies", we just don't know when. He keeps us hanging on to hope until the end.
(Spoilers!)
I love the dialogue between the Imperial officer and Darth Vader aboard the super star destroyer when they exit hyperspace:
"Shall we begin bombardment, Lord Vader?"
"Wait."
"Lord Vader?"
"I sense their fear. It is insufficient. Give them time to understand."
Incredible!
The art by Salvador Larroca and Guru-eFX is also incredible. I hope this writer/art team stays together for a long time on this title.
"Now they understand. I feel their terror. Most satisfactory."
This one is coming is very strong with the Force as well! Damn good Star Wars comic to kick-off 2023.
Issue #50 begins a new story arc: Hope Dies, which is essentially Part 2 of the Munity of Mon Cala, which is some of the very best Star Wars content in existence you can get your hands on.
This first issue is really film/TV show quality material. This could be easily transferred to the big screen - it is really that good.
While I am doubtful that Hope Dies can meet or exceed Munity at Mon Cala, I am 'hopeful'.
The story is actually getting much better - it feels like it fits in to the Star Wars universe now and looks like it's leading up to something great. However the art has taken a dive again and is simply terrible, it lets the comic down!
okay this was awesome, especially the mini story at the end. its cool to know that the REASON the empire strikes back is becausd of queen trios infiltrating the rebellion and helping them build they’re armada
#50 – “Tell Jabba I’m good for it. he’ll get his money! I swear!” – Han. {this running narrative gets cashed in a lot in the S.W. multi-media} SHU-TORUN LIVES “Lord Vader. I … I … I meant no disrespect.”
While it is a bit cheesy to have Vader say the arc title "Hope Dies," this feels like it could be a turning point for this comic series. The backup story, "Shu-Torun Lives," also shows how Vader and Trios are willing to work together and how brutal Vader can be. Gillen's work in the last couple arcs as well as his Darth Vader series have culminated in this moment, which could reshape the status quo so that our heroes are on the course toward the world of The Empire Strikes Back. If Gillen has a plan, then I'm eager to see it play out.