Published: December 7, 2022
Rated: T
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Steve Cummings
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Colourist: GURU-eFX
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Cover Artist: Paulo Siqueira, Rachelle Rosenberg
The synopsis;
• The plans of LADY QI’RA to use an ancient Dark Side weapon known as the FERMATA CAGE to destroy the Sith are falling apart, and she has lost many of her primary resources and allies, with DARTH VADER drawing ever nearer.
• Can she salvage victory from certain defeat?
The review;
Last issue saw the start of the final part of this incredible trilogy. It was the perfect blend of catch up for new readers as well as moving the story for those of us who have been here since the start. It has been a journey that can be summed up by a single word: cinematic. Charles Soule has quickly become one of the masters of the Star Wars universe, understanding its complexities as well as what is needed throughout each story and what subtitles need to be added for the era he is writing. This feels like a culmination of all he has learnt while in a galaxy far, far away; I’m just happy to be along for the ride! Joining him is Steven Cummings, whose artwork feeds into the cinematic vision that we are presented with, sometimes being the driving force behind this. The way a panel is viewed, the aspect, it all comes from those first films, creating a truly Star Wars experience. So, let’s see what’s in store for us this issue.
Just like in the first part, we are treated to the Archivist talking with two mysterious figures, figures who know much about the Rebellion. Clearly, their identities won’t be answered for a while yet, but I do think Soule is playing with us, the answer almost two obvious it makes me think this could be a surprise. Whoever they are, the Archivist discusses how the Empire needs enemies to battle and you’d be forgiven if you think you’ve suddenly started reading Orwell’s 1984. The principles within that book have striking similarities with how the Imperials operate, their need to have a focus, a need to have an excuse for military might, a need for an enemy. Crimson Dawn are not that, those sorts of enemies are planned for and controlled, they are not. I like that Sole provides this distinction. That enemies are needed but need to be controlled; it’s the chaotic ones that are the real threat.
We are introduced to Dawnfall Base and get to see exactly what Qi’ra has been planning. She hasn’t been working in the criminal underground gathering wealth just for operations, she’s been building a fleet. Qi’ra understands that trying to attack the Emperor with a single method just isn’t going to work, there needs to be several plays in effect in order to disrupt them. Not only does she have the base and her operatives, but she also has the Fermata Cage. I can’t help but draw the comparison to Return of the Jedi, the Rebels having their fleet to attack the Death Star but look having a battle with his father with the force. I wonder if those similarities will continue in future issues. We know that what Qi’ra has planned is doomed to failure, where the Rebels, mainly due to our main heroes succeed. Perhaps this will explain why.
The biggest reveal for me this issue was the Fermata Cage. Hidden Sith lords that could escape? Cloaks of dark side users? Little hints but Soule does make sure to leave some breadcrumbs. I said in my introduction that this feels like Soule’s culmination of his work, and this can easily be seen here. At the mention of Lady Shaa, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one to rush back to my Darth Vader series comics by Charles Soule to check that surely, this must be Darth Shaa? The next breadcrumb then allowed everything else to fall into place as well as guess that the ‘throwaway’ cloak might have some relevance when the cage is unlocked and Shaa’s apprentice may recognise it. I won’t say much more, but I love that Soule is using some of his older works to feed into this. For new readers it will just be an adventure, maybe a way to get them to revisit the previous series. For long time fans, this is a great way to bring everything together.
There are lots of little nuggets of gold within these panels. The communication between the Emperor and Vader is like a lift from The Empire Strikes Back, and I mean that in a very positive way. Cummings always makes sure that with anything that mirrors something that we have seen in the films has the same viewpoint as the film itself. It allows us as the reader to find something familiar while being introduced to something new, and Cummings knows how to do it so well. The rest of the artwork in the issue is wonderful, going from the spooky atmosphere of the opening panels to the wide shots of Downfall base. We are even treated to brief glimpses of Luke and Yoda, which I thought was a particularly nice touch (as well as wondering if it’ll be picked up in the main Star Wars comic series).
There is so much here to enjoy, no matter your level of fandom. Soule has put a welcome sign for all up. If you’re a fan of the films, there is something here for you, a familiar feeling of scenes and story arcs. If you’re a fan of Crimson Dawn and have been reading this trilogy for the start, there is something for you here, seeing how it all plays out, what ultimately happens to Qi’ra. If you’re a long-time reader of everything that Star Wars has to offer, you are also catered for, with links to storylines over five years old (has it really been that long?!). Soule has been able to provide something for everyone while maintaining the standard that we fans have come to expect from him. The ultimate ending, we know – well, at least we think we do- yet the journey to get there will have many twists and turns. Another great issue and another, long, long wait to see where Soule will lead us to next, just enough time to reread those Darth Vader issues.
Availability;
Hidden Empire is a 5-part mini series published by Marvel comics. This issue retails at $4.99 and is available via the Marvel App, ComiXology and all good comic book stores.
