Comic Review: Star Wars (2020) #39

I have to say, I feel a bit like a bit of a broken record. Dark Droids: it’s incredible. The crossover event is really setting the expectations of what a crossover event should be. The issues of Dark Droids that are also written by this series’ writer (Charles Soule) are simply perfection. The fact that every other series is been guided around this event so effortlessly demonstrates the care and planning that has gone into this. Star Wars is no different. This series has primarily focused on two characters since its inception, Luke and Lando. We have had a lot of Luke recently and I love that for Dark Droids, the focus has once again returned the scoundrel. The look at his relationship with Lobot has been fascinating but after Dark Droids #3, I wonder if that fascination is going to become dread for Lando! Soule knows how to write these characters, he knows how to make us see them in a new light, and with Madibek Musabekov joining him, I’m sure fans (new and old) will not be wanting to miss this issue.

The issue starts with a simple way out, the talky droid. Of course, he knows a frequency for the rancor, of course the rancor is going to devour some droids, it’s almost textbook. And when something seems so obvious with Charles Soule? That’s because that’s not what we’re here for. It’s a quick escape so Soule can get to the parts of the story that really matter. Throughout Dark Droids, whether it be in its namesake series, in Vader or Aphra, there is this overwhelming sense of dread that fills everything. The first half of the issue brings this dread by the knowledge that we already know from Dark Droids. We know why the droids are attacking, we know why they want Lobot, we know their goal. What works so well is that we may know, but the characters don’t. It’s fascinating to watch them try to work it all out but with that also comes a sense of dread as we’re urging them to fill in the gaps, to connect the pieces together.

Then of course the full weight of the dread swallows the issue. Here I must take my hat off to Musabekov. The artwork is incredible. The terror of the droids, capturing the place, bringing us Jabba and his minions. It’s all superb. However, this issue really hinges on a single image, a single panel to absolute send you down the path of despair and pull at your heartstrings: Lobot. That one panel, with Lobot looking directly at the reader… Musabekov captures it so well it’s terrifying in its perfection. You can’t help but be moved, you can’t help but feel concerned about this character. Much like Casablanca is all about the look the two actors give each other at the end of the film, the look that says so much more than words, that look Lobot give is worth a thousand words.

Following on from this, we see a flashback with Lando and Lobot and ‘the phrase’ that gets repeated. For me, it’s the interaction between these two that is one of my favourite parts of this issue (and the series). Lando, who has no loyalty to anyone but himself, actually has loyalty to this singe person. Not a lover but a friend who he would do anything for. Knowing more of that backstory really fleshes this character out. The other part that Lobot adds is the unknown. We have no idea if Lobot survives. We have no idea if he makes it to Return of the Jedi. The threat to this character is very real and I have no idea if Lando is actually going to be able to save him. It makes the stakes for this story very high indeed, particularly when Soule and Musabekov have worked so hard to make you really care about this character.

Jabba makes an appearance, well, while he is away on his sail barge enjoying the nicer things in life (it’s alright for a crime lord!). We don’t see too much of Jabba in this series, as it should be, so when we do it’s always a treat. Soule shows us Malakili (the rancor keeper) who stands up for his pet. Of course, Jabba spares him but the wonderful humour he brings with the reason why is not filled with laughter but more dread. that atmosphere once again coming through.

Soule knows the Star Wars formula and never forgets the most important parts that make the Original Trilogy so unique. Soule remembers to add the quiet moments yet the one in this issue really feels special. To see Lando and Han (still in carbonite) was a scene I was not expecting and there was another tug at those heartstrings. The words Soule chooses, you can’t help but hear the remorse in them, the fact that Lando is genuinely sorry for what he has done. You can also feel the pain of not been able to free Han. We know it can’t happen because of Return of the Jedi, yet the reasoning Soule provides doesn’t feel cheap but a well thought out reason that rationally makes sense. It’s a beautiful moment.

Let’s be blunt, it’s Charles Soule, this issue was always going to be good and enjoyable to read. However, the pull on several heartstrings and unexpected moments really let this issue shine. Throw in that face (Musabekov I swear I’m going to be seeing that in my nightmares!) and you can’t help but feel the emotions been thrown out in this issue. Not only that, but I’m really starting to worry about some these characters. This threat is surely going to consume some characters we know but Lobot… surely Soule wouldn’t go there… right? You don’t need an excuse to read this issue. This, along with everything with the Dark Droids header is essential reading for Star Wars fans as well as anyone who wants to know how you do a crossover event right.