Published: April 5, 2023
Rated: T
Writer: Charles Soule
Artist: Steve Cummings
Inker: Victor Olazaba, Wayne Faucher
Colourist: GURU-eFX
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Cover Artist: Paulo Siqueira, Rachelle Rosenberg
The synopsis;
CHAOS REIGNS!
• The epic conclusion to the trilogy begun with WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS and CRIMSON REIGN!
• At last, Qi’ra will reveal herself to the Sith.
• At last, she will have her revenge.
The review;
Decades ago, Del Rey introduced fans to The New Jedi Order, a series of books all interconnected, telling a war that would last five years. It was like nothing fans had seen before and it was agreed by most that it was epic. It was planned carefully and thoughtfully, every decision carefully weighed up. These last few years have seen two projects that have gone one step further, integrating comics, books, the movies, audio dramas (I could go on): The High Republic and Crimson Dawn. Both of these masterpieces have one thing in common, Charles Soule. The man has some amazing titles to his name already, yet these two ‘events’ really show him at his best. Of course, we’re here to talk about Hidden Empire, but with how the last issue ended, we can’t ignore the fact of his work on The High Republic. They are both interconnected and also show just how much thought, care and planning has gone into both projects, and it shows. This trilogy of events, and the aftereffects felt in every series has been monumental and really showcases just how well Star Wars can work in the right hands. The explosive finale, it could go anywhere, a showdown that really should be incredible. With the talents of Steven Cummings, I think this really is going to be the issue to not only end this series, but also this trilogy.
From the very first panel, there is a lot of action. Vader and Palpatine are side by side, fighting through the waves of Crimson Dawn troops. Soule even has Palpatine mention how rare an occurrence this is, making sure that us readers know how special everything is, we won’t be seeing this again for a while. This trilogy has always shown similarities to Return of the Jedi, showing how things could have gone and I don’t think this issue is any different. Emperor and Vader fighting side by side to try and defeat a great enemy, when in a few weeks, Vader and Luke face the Emperor. Surely in Vader’s mind he would be thinking about his offer in The Empire Strikes Back, that he wants Luke to fight by his side against Palpatine. Even though this master and apprentice team have been together for decades, Palpatine still has to school Vader, keeping him on a very short leash. Even with everything that Vader has learnt, he is still not as focused on the correct task as the Emperor, still takes too much time in combat, on the things that don’t ultimately matter.
For anyone who has been following Doctor Aphra, there are some conclusions here, but even more questions. The Doctor, well the Spark that is within the Doctor, finally encounters the two Sith masters. The thing this character has been dreading since Alyssa Wong took the helm is occurring. Rather than have the Emperor in the way of it all, it is left for Aphra and Vader to have a showdown, which it should be. It has always been between these two characters. Although the Spark has caused such havoc, I love that it is no match for Vader. Having Aphra (the real Aphra), hide from Vader instantly brings back memories of Luke hiding from Vader on the Death Star. Yet, unlike Luke, Aphra isn’t important enough to get all of Vader’s attention. Aphra is left on the station, the Spark? Well, there looks like there is a lot to tell with the cage and I can’t wait for Wong to bring us some answers (please?) in the next issue of Doctor Aphra.
How often is it that trying to capture the villains is never truly thought out, that they make some glaring errors? Qi’ra has never been that short sighted. What I have always liked about her and how Soule has written her, is that she is competent, that much like this trilogy, she has carefully thought it out and planned for every eventuality. The last piece of the puzzle finally fits into place, and I have to say it is glorious. It is everything you could possibly hope for. Yet this also comes with the knowledge that it will ultimately fail. We know no matter how good the plan (and it is a good one), that something will go wrong. Enter the Knights of Ren, sigh! Is it frustrating? Yes. Do you want to shout at them for their stupidity? Obviously. However, Soule has made it clear with this trilogy that they are not leaders, thinkers or optimistic. They are rats trying to survive in a galaxy that shows them no respect and have no real power. Frustrating but completely true to character… sigh!
There is so much action here, scene after scene, and Cummings captures every swing, every force power, every explosion to perfection. You feel you are watching a movie, which is true for every part of this series. The scope that Cummings comes to this project can be seen in the panels that speak for themselves. You feel you are moving through this comic with the characters, that they are guiding you. Cummings saves the best to last, this is a visual treat for the eyes.
The journey is important, but the ending has to work, it has to pay off. Soule has led us through three miniseries to reach this point, is it worth it? For me, it is a resounding yes. We finally see our mysterious figures listening to the Archivist: Luke and Leia. Perhaps too obvious, yet it is the message they provide us, the reader, that makes their inclusion essential. Where Qi’ra sees failure, they show that her actions, her deeds did succeed and helped to aid the Rebellion ultimately achieve her and their goal. One of the truest lessons we learn about the force is how everything is connected, and Soule shows us here that that is absolutely true. Nothing can be held in isolation, that its effects will be felt by others. It is this that makes you feel so sorry for Qi’ra. Everything she did, everything she had to endure, she did alone because life had taught it that was the only way. Luke and Leia wish she’d reached for help, to realise she wasn’t done, even though everything she did, she did for the betterment of everyone. A classic tragedy. It is an emotional end that feels so right for this trilogy. And Qi’ra’s fate? Shadows of the Empire was the Legends story that was set originally during this period and the ending of that and the ending of this are very similar. I can’t help but think Soule was providing a courteous wave of sorts with it.
A new tale for a new era of Star Wars. Planned and executed beautifully, this is how Star Wars projects should be. Soule has taken his time, building up the story across multiple story lines to have a finale that feels wonderful and in the tradition of Star Wars. The payoffs are there, the action is there, and the emotional ending is most definitely there. Soule is the master of changing the perceptions of the films and watching Solo and Return of the Jedi will definitely be viewed differently by myself, and possibly others. This is a series that fans need to read. With an open ending that hopefully will be picked up one day, I can’t help for feeling a little saddened that this project has had to come to a close. If you ever need an example of Soule at his best, it is this.
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.
