Comic Review: Star Wars (2020) #47

Let’s start with the obvious, there isn’t a lot of action, this story is a courtroom. We’re here to hear the case of Lando and how he does the impossible. For a comic like that to capture so the reader’s attention, the artwork has to be on point. Thankfully Musabekov is easily up to the task. The artwork is, of course, wonderful to look at. The opening scenes that really rely on the artwork rather than the words, captures the scene incredibly well. The gone droid, the gas, Lando’s choking, you can ‘hear’ it all so well coming out of each panel. As the issue continues though, it’s the characters and their emotions we need to see. Musabekov is able to capture the facial expressions, the body language so well, that you feel you are watching a real court case proceeding. It allows you to be submersed into this world.

The main focus of this issue really does come back to Lando. This entire series has always shifted between Lando and Luke and this is firmly Lando. No distractions by other characters, it’s Lando’s and Lando’s alone. What I love as this arc comes to an end, is that you can really see the character growth in Lando. You can really see how far he has come from The Empire Strikes Back. You can really see the reason as to why he changes so much between the films. Lando at the end of the day – contrary to belief – is selfless. He is always doing things for others. He sacrifices Han in order to try and save the people under his care, he betrayed the Rebellion to save Lobot. Even near the end, when he thinks he is doomed, he offers up information to Leia to save Han because he wants to save others. It’s a realisation that works beautifully in the moment.

But if that wasn’t enough to convince you, Soule uses Lobot to explain exactly how Lando thinks. the hierarchy of loyalty is a great explanation to how Lando thinks. Lobot is at the top, then the Rebellion. It’s a great way to explain how the Rebellion can so quickly trust Lando again. It also fits in perfectly with The Empire Strikes Back. Lando’s hierarchy is to the people of Cloud City, who are higher up than Han and his friends. It’s the missing piece in Lando’s development that Soule is able to weave into his overall story, and it makes the story and Lando’s development so much stronger for it. Speaking of Lobot, I also love the pride that Lando has when the proceedings come around to him saving his friend. The artwork by Musabekov captures the smile perfectly and it instantly makes you warm to Lando even more. Even facing death, he’s happy he saved his friend.

Lando takes all the limelight, yet Soule never forgets the other characters in the room. Mon Mothma is of course present and looking stunning. The outfit that Musabekov has her wearing is rather different from the Mothma we know, yet I can’t help but like it. Soule shows us Mothma and Madine together and it’s so interesting to see their interactions. Madine is hot-headed, doesn’t listen very well and gets angry quickly. Mothma on the other hand is the cool, collected politician that has to calm Madine down. There almost like a married couple with how well they compliment each other’s styles. They are not the only two that Soule shows off. Leia we see her back to her noble nature, never sacrificing the Rebellion for Han.

Finally, there is Ms Georgio. Soule never lets us know too much about her. Her part in all of the events is never revealed and we are left wondering. It’s the perfect role for her and I like that not every question is answered. It’s also used to question the Rebels, to ask the question, what lengths would they go to to achieve their aims. As Lando points out, they are all criminals, how is he any different. Back to Ms. Georgio, her use of humour is exceptional; I loved her little quib about making Lando a general (good idea I would say!). She’s a character I’d be very interested in seeing again. Her take on the Rebels casts a mirror that the Rebels don’t want to look at too closely, and this is only reinforced by Lando’s speech.

An arc that is mainly legal and set in a courtroom (of sorts). I mean let’s be honest, Star Wars and politics have never had the best of relationships. Of course, when you have one of the best writers who understands the franchise and who is also an attorney, I think it’s safe to say we’re in safe hands. Not only does Soule create an engaging story but he also shows us how Lando can change so quickly, how the Rebellion can trust him so quickly after The Empire Strikes Back and provide the character with a really satisfying character arc. Throw in some emotionally charged panels by Musabekov and you have a comic, an arc, a series, that really will appeal to all fans of the Original Trilogy.