Published: January 27, 2021
Rating: T
Writer: Greg Rucka
Adapted: Alec Worley
Penciler: Ingo Römling
Translation: Edward Gauvin
Letterer & Design: Amauri Osorio
Cover Artist: Ingo Römling
The synopsis;
After the Battle of Yavin, Han Solo and Chewbacca intend to use their reward to settle their debts. But Princess Leia asks them to accept a secret mission for the Rebellion. Mortal dangers, traitorous enemies, and thorny situations mark the path of these two heroes of the Star Wars saga. An adaptation by Alec Worley, based on the Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens Smuggler’s Run: A Han Solo Adventure by bestselling author Greg Rucka (The Old Guard, Stumptown)!
The review;
There’s an amazing noir feel to Römling’s cover for Smuggler’s Run #2, with its dusky colours, and Han Solo and Chewbacca skulking through the shadows. Then the bright light casting a long, dramatic shadow hints at the enemy trying to hunt the scoundrels down. It really fits the cat-and-mouse nature of this part of the story.
Back in 2015, in the run up to the release of The Force Awakens, there were many mid-grade novels released as part of The Journey to The Force Awakens publishing schedule. These were meant to introduce younger fans to some of the characters they’d meet in the film, perhaps especially those who hadn’t seen the Original Trilogy, but by being based on iconic characters then they were enjoyable reads for fans of all ages.
Smuggler’s Run by Greg Rucka was a fantastic action-adventure starring Han and Chewie as they helped the Rebellion just after the destruction of the Death Star. Smuggler’s Run #2 tells the second-arc of this story, where Han rescues Lieutenant Ematt, who carries vital information for the Rebellion. But the scoundrel has to somehow smuggle the rebel off the wasteland planet of Cyrkon, while evading bounty hunters and being chased by ISB Agent Beck. Han pretends he has a plan (he doesn’t) and tries to get through one sticky situation after another with plenty of quips and well-aimed blaster bolts.
This issue really picks up the pace and it’s definitely the action part of the story. In a book, action scenes can only be described in words, painting a mental picture for readers, so they usually take up quite a few pages. Worley’s adapted this into the limited space of a comic so that the action, and the tension, are built-up, yet nothing is ever too long. It’s a delicate balance and Worley has got it just right. And Römling’s artwork brings this action to life! The panels are so dynamic, with blaster bolts and running lines everywhere, which really creates a sense of chaos for the skirmishes. Another thing, which is small but adds to the realism, is that when Han and Chewbacca are running for their lives, their hair (or fur in Chewie’s case) is slicked back from the movement. It proves that the little details do make a big difference.
Osorio’s lettering also comes to the forefront for the action sequences, and the huge sound-effect words make Smuggler’s Run #2 feel like a retro superhero comic. Reading this issue fans will be hard pushed not to hear every ‘kapow!’ and ‘vam!’ in their heads.
Behind all this action though, the plot is still strong. Römling’s characterisation is so good, from Han’s many looks – skeptical to surprised – and the posing, which is often unusual or bold. Han’s determined to save Ematt, even if he says it’s all for the credits. Rucka’s original story really played-up Han’s leadership skills and that can be seen in this adaptation too. Even though Ematt is the ranking Rebellion officer, it’s Han who’s taking the lead and making decisions. The story is set just after the destruction of the Death Star, yet you can already see the future general that will appear at Endor. Chewbacca meanwhile is keeping Han’s ego in check and providing some much-needed banter that lends humour throughout the comic. There are some laugh out loud moments sprinkled through Smuggler’s Run #2.
ISB Agent Beck is the looming threat trying to catch Han, Chewbacca and Ematt in her grasp. She’s a strong Imperial villain and it would be nice to see her return in some future Star Wars story. A standout moment is actually when she fails – Römling’s artwork really captures her frustration and the anger she directs at herself. One thing that wasn’t in this adaptation is Beck’s backstory, so if readers are interested in learning more about Beck’s ruthlessness then the original book is well worth a read.
Just like the book though, Smuggler’s Run #2 has quite an open ending. Not a cliffhanger per se, but certainly open in case some of these characters are explored again. This IDW adaptation has literally been perfection; it’s almost impossible to tell that this comic was originally a book, and the two can be read separately or enjoyed together. Reading one version will not detract from enjoying the other and that’s testament to the amazing work of Worley, Römling, Osorio and the rest of the team.
Availability;
Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler’s Run #2 was published January 27, 2021 by IDW Publishing. This issue is available from all good comic bookstores in the USA and from Forbidden Planet in the UK. This issue retails at $5.99.
