Prisoner of the Floating World Part One
It is a time of fragile peace in the galaxy. A fledgling power-sharing government has risen from the defeat of the One Sith and forged an uneasy triumvirate of Jedi Council, Imperial Court, and Galactic Alliance.
Many doubt the new government’s motives and ability to hold power. To reassure the galaxy, initiatives have been launched to improve the fortunes of outlying systems.
On a mission to prove the Triumvirate’s good intentions, Imperial Knight Yalta Val speeds toward isolated Carreras, in the Outer Rim…
That’s how scripters Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman, artist Gabriel Hardman, colourist Rachelle Rosenberg, letterer Michael Heisler and cover artist Dave Wilkins set up the return of the Legacy title. But will the story of Han and Leia’s great-great-granddaughter satisfy long-time Legacy fans? Let’s find out.
The Review
Legacy Volume 2 #1 launches the Legacy series off in a new direction: the fringes. There are new planets, new people and new species. It’s a great reminder that a Star Wars story should be as much exploration into the unknown as a journey of familiar themes. This issue plunges the reader into new territory with a few familiar reference points. Yet it’s that feeling of being out there on the fringes that really hooked me.
Ania Solo has been billed the great-great-granddaughter of Han Solo. After so many books of Han exploits and Jedi Solos, it’s nice to return to the roots of the character. That’s exactly what Corinna Beckho and Gabriel Hardman were able to do with Ania. She feels like the Han we met in the Mos Eisley cantina. Neither of them know much about Jedi. Their moral compass is closer to the gray side as they shoot first and ask questions later. Plus they both have a side kick. Ania’s just happens to be a Mon Calamari.
In this issue, the story jumps around a lot and tosses quite a bit at the reader. There’s an Imperial Knight on a scouting mission whose ship and crew runs afoul of a Sith. The galactic leaders of the Triumverate discuss a project to unite the farthest reaches with a system of communication arrays. The plots come in short, rapid fire bursts that create an interesting method of storytelling. I thought it worked pretty well, especially for the start of the series.
The art is also worth mentioning. It’s very different from other Star Wars comics. There’s a darker, grittier feel with a bit of a Hellboy vibe but with greater detail. It’s perfect for a story exploring the fringes of the galaxy and the rogues that inhabit it.
For starters, I thought Legacy Volume 2 #1 was great. The tone of the story and the visuals are compelling and entertaining. I love the gritty, edgy vibe it has going. Best of all, Ania turned out a lot better than I was expecting. I’m looking forward to where she goes next. I give issue #1 a five out of five.
Next Issue: Hunted on Carreras Major!
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