Published: April 19, 2023
Rating: Rated T
Writer: Justina Ireland
Artist: Pere Pérez
Colour Artist: Dono Sánchez-Almara
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Cover Artist: Ken Lashley & Juan Fernandez
The synopsis;
PARTY CRASHERS!
• Sana has just run into one of the roughest bounty hunters in the galaxy: DEVA LOMPOP!
• But what does she want with Sana?
• And why is Sana on a RANCOR?!
The review;
Justina Ireland has had to do a lot of setting up for this series. Although we think we know a lot about the character from her appearances in several Star Wars series’, her early life involving her family is relatively untouched. Not only that, but Ireland has had to carve out a reason for fans of Doctor Aphra to want to read this, that it’s different enough to make it enjoyable. Ireland so far has done this, providing a story of two halves between Sana and her cousin, Arhyssha. With the introduction of a character from The High Republic and artwork provided by Pere Pérez, this issue could head in any direction.
The comic this month really focuses on family. Almost immediately we are greeted with the repercussions of Phel, Dana’s brother. It’s very interesting to see how Ireland writes the family, for even though Phel is Imperial, the family still treat him as family. It might seem obvious, but it then raises the obvious question of families who have members that are part of the Empire; can you trust them? The Empire requires obedience and loyalty, however, so does family. In Phel’s case, he has given his full loyalty over to the Empire, forsaking his family, who in turn, still treat him with the same love and trust they would any other member of their clan. It’s easy to see how this can tear families apart and I love how Ireland focuses on this. Sana’s family is not the exception, there must be lots of incidents like this throughout the galaxy where duty comes up against loyalty.
One of the most interesting introductions in this issue is Lanitva. We see odd little moments with her, starting with her being rather suggestive to Sana, who seems to welcome the advances. What would a Star Wars comic be without a love interest? Yet, we don’t know when in the timeline this exactly falls, what about Aphra? Many questions with far fewer answers. Throughout the issue, we see odd little bits of information dropped but always with a warning, stay clear of her. This makes me want to know so much more about this character; who is she, what has she done and why is she in this story? Something tells me she’ll be one to watch in the next issues.
The artwork by Pérez has been wonderful to see in this series so far and this issue is no different. His artwork captures the motion of action perfectly, making reading the issue very easy. But it is how he captures the Imperial moments that really stand out for me. When characters are stood on a star destroyer looking out on Coreilla, or in the depths of the detention centre, Pérez captures the feel and atmosphere perfectly.
The return on Deva Lompop. It’s very interesting to see her at home, far more relaxed, dressed up and different to how we have seen her before. Yet as soon as she’s on Hom-Tallos, there is an immediate change to the character that we know. And of course, why wouldn’t Rancor’s be involved? Ireland shows us just how dangerous Lompop is when even a rancorous won’t even attack her. It makes for rather entertaining moments with Sana who has to wear a new perfume to be anywhere near a rancor and live. Lompop is also not the only High Republic appearance, I was delighted to see a Hragscythe emerge from the pages of this issue. In Rising Storm (by Cavan Scott) and Race to Crashpoint Tower (by Daniel Jose Older) we get to see these creatures, Ireland uses a zoo visit to bring them back al hundred years later for a guest spot. It’s these little nods to other eras that I really enjoy seeing.
This issue still feels like Ireland is moving pieces around, introducing us to some more new characters that are going to have important roles moving forward. She shows us what this series is really about: family versus Imperial loyalty. With the ending we are given, there can be no doubt that this theme is going to continue throughout this entire story arc. It’s this issue more than any other that helps to set this series apart from Doctor Aphra as well as adding much needed backstory to Sana’s character. But before getting too bogged down by all the family issues, Ireland provides a pause with some action, and not just any action, rancor action. It keeps the story moving at a steady pace while giving us some stunning panels from Pérez to admire. There is something here for everyone, from those who are here because of Doctor Aphra, to those who enjoy The High Republic, to those who just want more depth into what is happening during the time of the Empire. Now that Phel is back, hopefully we get to see more of his story and the impact that has had on Sana.
Availability;
Sana Starros is a 5-part mini-series available from Marvel Comics and retails at $3.99. This issue is available via the Marvel App, comiXology and all good comic book stores.
