Star Wars issue 7 "New Planets, New Perils"

Nice cover. I can't accuse it of having a melodramatic interpretation of a movie scene like the first six did. Although "laser-gun" is funny. As oppose to what? Are their still normal guns in the Star Wars universe?

After a long hiatus we're back. Over the summer I had some computer problems. By "some" I mean my computer got hit by lightning and I had to wait months to get a new one. Many projects, podcasts and blogs were put on hold and this one really suffered. Hopefully now we can get it back on track.

So now we pick back up and what a place to do it! We're finally in the post-movie issues and the birth of the Expanded Universe. "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" is a favorite of mine, but the book always gets credited with the birth of the Expanded Universe when this gem actually came first.

I skipped recaps during the movie adaptation because you all know the story. Now we're at stories many of you might not know so I shall start recapping those nutty tales.

This issue begins with Han and Chewie taking off from Yavin IV with their reward. They are on their way back to Tatooine (or Dantooine...they're not sure) to pay back Jabba (still Hut and not Hutt). I guess it makes sense that this is the first thing they would do. I don't know why everyone else assumes they got "sidetracked" for three years.

On the way they get ambushed by SPACE-PIRATES. Because we're in space I suppose every noun must be preceded by the word space. Why not just call them pirates? Because it doesn't sound as awesome as SPACE-PIRATES! This guy named Crimson Jack is their leader and he seems to have a history with Han. His new recruit Jolli is a very bloodthirsty girl who keeps asking if she could kill Han yet. They take the reward money and let them live. Jack's reason for doing so? If they live he can steal something else from them later.......um yeah because that's what SPACE-PIRATES are all about.

So Han and Chewie decided to hid from Jabba (who controls the Outer Rim) on an Outer Rim planet (so they could be out of his reach...yes that is their logic). They arrive at the spaceport of Aduba-3, which looks an awful lot like Mos Eisley.

They notice a scuffle between a Space-Priest (my phrase, not used in the issue) and defend him. Turns out he's burying a half-man/half-droid pilot on sacred ground which some people don't take kindly too because he isn't all-man. Apparently it's up to Han to help this Space-Priest. Why should Han care? Because according to weird customs, whoever buries the pilot is entitled the money the money he had on him. Seriously. So the job is done and Han decides to spend his money at the cantina picking up ladies. Seriously. It's actually quite funny. He pisses someone off though for unknown reasons and that is where the issue ends...

Let's look at some highlights!

NOTE: Click on the images to see them full-sized.




Same creative team as the adaptation. Their art and writing is getting better. This looks like it could take place literally right after the award ceremony (albeit after everyone changed).

Again, it's funny how Han just takes off while most other people assume he stuck around and got sidetracked for three years.



Dantooine or Tatooine? Where are you going? Make up your mind!



Awesome...except those don't appear to be X-Wings or Tie-Fighters.



I love how the Space-Pirates actually look like old school pirates.



I love how Jabba's reach won't get them in the Outer-Rim....which is where his empire is! And I kinda think Jolli is cool in a corny 70's comic way.



They have Sunday School in the Star Wars universe??? And boy that does look an awful lot like Mos Eisley. The first non-movie planet Marvel depicted is basically a copy of a planet seen in the movies.



It seems here that Marvel is trying to soften up the character of Han Solo. He seems to regret killing and only does it when necessary. This goes against usual depictions of him. I do love how they portray Chewbacca as blood-thirsty.



Nothing is better than Han and Chewie picking up girls at a bar. Look at those girls Chewie has. Look at them!

Before we go let's look at an announcement the Marvel team ran in the letter pages..


So let me get this straight....Mark Hamill spoke with them about the direction of this comic? How come I've never heard about this before? I wonder if it's true or just typical Marvel hype. Either way, it's amusing.

It's good to be back and hopefully it will be days, not months until I post the recap for issue 8! Jedi Rabbits coming soon!