Star Wars #1 Shocks Fans with Explosive Action and Stunning Political Twists in New Republic Era

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The following contains spoilers for #1, on sale now from .

As a gamer, I can’t help but weigh in on the ongoing Marvel Star Wars series that takes place after Return of the Jedi. I understand some folks aren’t keen because they already know the New Republic will eventually fall to The First Order. Frankly, I don’t get that perspective at all! We’re smack dab in the middle of a storyline starring a character who we know won’t survive until the series ends, but that doesn’t make the current drama any less captivating.

There’s a wealth of tension and excitement to be found during this era, and there’s plenty of room for many satisfying resolutions before the inevitable sad ending. This issue does an excellent job of setting the stage for what promises to be an engaging journey through these years. It’s not about whether things will “fail” or not; it’s about experiencing the thrill of the ride and enjoying the numerous happy endings along the way.

The first issue of Star Wars, penned by Alex Segura, illustrated and colored by Phil Noto himself, and lettered by Clayton Cowles, follows the lives of Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, and Han Solo as they each embark on unique journeys. However, these stories are not isolated; they’re subtly interconnected, with each adventure having a distinct flavor yet sharing a common thread, suggesting that they might all be part of a larger narrative.

What is Luke Skywalker up to?

In the initial stages of the series, Luke finds himself at a pivotal juncture. On one hand, he’s determined to reestablish the Jedi Order, but on the other, he remains a prominent pilot in the New Republic, which comes with duties that often keep him from his Jedi pursuits. Two years after the events of “Return of the Jedi,” these responsibilities have hindered him from realizing his Jedi objectives. As such, we find Luke commanding an X-Wing Squadron, engaging in combat against dangerous pirates, as they strive to safeguard crucial shipments destined for a sector desperately needing supplies. The successful delivery of these supplies would significantly enhance the New Republic’s reputation and morale.

In the narrative, we encounter a new character named Rynn Zenat, who significantly influences the storyline. Despite not being familiar with her backstory, you can still appreciate her role effortlessly, given that she’s associated with Luke Skywalker, and his concern for any member of his squadron is expected. The fact that this character has an established background doesn’t notably alter Luke’s response (except perhaps in cases where it was Leia or Han in peril).

As a curious fan, I can’t help but notice these swashbucklers seem unusually well-equipped, boasting some hefty firepower. It’s got me wondering about the inner workings of this pirate crew; there’s definitely something mysterious going on here.

How does the New Republic deal with proving itself?

For quite some time, the Rebel Alliance primarily focused on eliminating the formidable enemies, Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader. However, once they achieved this significant victory, they faced a new challenge: instead of one major adversary, they were now confronted by numerous smaller threats. This is illustrated in the storyline as Leia grapples with one such issue – the New Republic’s inability to effectively deliver supplies past pirates is causing complications in negotiations with the Fenril Sector. Essentially, why should other factions ally with a “big” Republic if it can’t even guarantee effective protection?

Segura presents an intriguing perspective where Leia’s intentions for expanding the New Republic are commendable, as helping more planets means aiding the galaxy. However, Fenril Sector representatives aren’t unjustified in questioning the effectiveness of their protection when faced with pirate attacks. This predicament ultimately leads to a significant turn of events where the Fenril Sector opposes the New Republic. While there are likely other factors at play (as always), I appreciate how Segura skillfully portrays both sides as having valid arguments that can’t be easily dismissed.

Meanwhile, Han Solo embarks on a separate escapade, featuring a cyborg warrior who significantly impacted the development of Cable. Adrift in the aftermath of the New Republic, Han exhibits a sense of aimlessness that Segura skillfully portrays. Yet, Han is never one to shy away from a battle, and it seems likely that Segura will weave these disparate storylines together, much like several blind individuals examining different parts of an elephant (an apt metaphor, I assure you).

Phil Noto stands out as an exceptional talent, particularly known for his exceptional character development. Here, this skill shines as we witness numerous engaging character-focused plotlines. Having an artist like Phil Noto, who excels in capturing subtle facial expressions, is a significant advantage. Moreover, he is one of the most transparent storytellers in the field, which makes it easier to follow multiple action sequences.

This initial installment of the new Star Wars series was fantastic, and I eagerly anticipate that this creative team will produce an additional 50 episodes.

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2025-05-10 06:04