Published: November 3, 2021
Rating: Rated T
Writer: Charles Soule
Penciler: Ramon Rosanas
Colourist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover Artist: Carlo Pagulayan, Jason Paz and Rain Beredo
The synopsis;
“COLLISION COURSE”
Reeling from the events on JEKARA and forced to confront the reality of her own choices and losses, LEIA ORGANA meets QI’RA to discuss the person they both have in common – heroic smuggler HAN SOLO! How has he influenced their lives to that point? And how will it change their fate moving forward?
The review;
With the War of the Bounty Hunters coming to an end, the regular series are starting to focus on where they are heading next. Soule has already begun to bring this series to its normal track, focusing on the main characters and their developments between the films. It has been fascinating and a real treat for fans of the original trilogy. The last few issues have really brought us insight for Luke and Lando, whereas this issue promises to show us more of Leia. With incredible artwork from Rosanas, this sounds like it has the potential to be an incredible issue.
This is an issue full of words and very little action. Yet it is full to the brim with depth and insights into Leia. This is the issue I’m sure lots of fans have been waiting for, the issue where Leia meets Qi’ra. For me, there is an even better focus for Leia, and that is seeing her vulnerable, From the very start of the issue we get to see Leia in a very rare sight; beaten. She is downcast and has lost what has remained of her hope. With someone as strong as she is, Soule shows us just how vulnerable she can be. Her emotions are always placed to one side in aid of the greater good. Leia refers to herself as a droid, doing everything by routine. To hear Leia talking this way is refreshing and to see her reflecting on what has come previously (with an incredible two-page spread) really brings home how much turmoil Leia is actually in. With Leia at her nadir, Soule gives a bit of a silver lining. All of this is shared with Chewbacca and Soule treats us to an emotionally moment between the two characters. To see them comforting each other at this time really pulls at the heartstrings. It’s a subtle reminder that not only is Chewbacca there for Han but he is also a rock for Leia through this time. For all the characters See has explored in this series, how Chewbacca is feeling and dealing with losing his best friend is still shrouded in mystery.
Having Qi’ra finally on board the Falcon was everything it should have been. Sending her apologies to Elthree, reuniting with Lando and sharing flashbacks of her life on Corellia, it was all masterfully done. Soule makes it quite obvious that Leia and Qi’ra have a lot of similarities (not saying that Solo has a type or anything), both lead people and get what they want. Whereas Leia does this through inspiring others, Qi’ra does it through manipulating. But what really makes this lengthy exchange so compelling, is that you never know what is true or not. Even Leia is not fooled that all of this could be a lie. It makes the character so much more interesting. Was she actually trying to help the Rebellion? Now the evidence is laid out, it certainly seems like that but also a little too convent. Even though Leia is on guard, she still accepts that Han is alive when told, showing just how vulnerable Leia is when it comes to Han. We are even treated to a flashback story with Han, yet even this is brought fully into question at the end. How far does Qi’ra’s manipulations go? Is she purposefully trying to send Leia to Tatooine to remove another crime lord? The events that are going to follow this are really going to make us rethink the films, I’m sure.
Although Lando is placed to the background for this issue, we still see the ramifications of last issue. Lando is still trying to help his friend Lobot. Even with recent events, he is still planning to leave the Rebellion. Soule also shows how aware Lando is of just how vulnerable he was last issue, that his companions actually saw the real him. You get a sense that this makes Lando fearful, as he is not use to people seeing that side of him. Leia is warned by Qi’ra to not trust Lando, but she ignores it as her focus is on the fact that Han is alive. I like that Soule gives Leia that warning but that it is not heard. Leia’s weak spot might cost the Rebellion more than they realise.
The artwork in this issue is wonderful. As mentioned, the double page spread of Leia’s flashback is astounding, seeing these familiar scenes reinterpreted by Rosanas. For an issue that has barely any action, Rosanas really shows his breadth, from flashbacks, to Tatooine and Fett, from emotional character moments to blasters firing. Rosanas does a fantastic job with it all.
This really feels like the culmination of the last few months as well as appeasing fans who have been clamouring for Solo 2. This is everything a film could have been, everything I think fans could want. To see Leia and Qi’ri face to face, to talk and not over blasters or fighting, seems so fitting. The constant questioning of whether Qi’ri can be trusted just adds more and more to the moment. Not only that but we see Leia at her weakest, of letting Chewie into her vulnerabilities. There are so many perfect moments here and moments captured perfectly by the incredible artwork of Rosanas. This series just keeps going from strength to strength and is a dream for original trilogy fans.
Availability;
Star Wars (2020) is an ongoing series available from Marvel Comics. This issue is available via the Marvel App and all good comic bookstores. This issue retails at $3.99.
