Comic Review: The Battle of Jakku – Insurgency Rising #2 (of 4)

Noto’s direct cover for The Battle of Jakku: Insurgency Rising #2 beautifully focuses on the women behind the Rebellion as Mon Mothma and Leia Organa drastically stare into the distance. Meanwhile a villainous Bib Fortuna lurks below as the criminal underworld try to seize power during this tumultuous time. Sabbatini’s features a dramatic portrait of Commander Bragh in his dark armour, flames eerily reflecting off his helmet. And Sprouse’s anniversary variant is just as dramatic as Obi-Wan faces off against Darth Maul.

At the Battle of Endor the Empire fell. But that was only the beginning. While the Rebel Alliance has achieved a massive victory, the Imperial remnants are desperate to keep control of the galaxy or seize power for themselves. It’s a time of unrest that will push the newly emerging New Republic to its limits. It’s also an area that has been explored in quite some depth during the Journey to the Force Awakens publishing, including the Aftermath series and Shattered Empire.

So, what can Insurgency Rising add to this time period? A lot of the storytelling will feel familiar to fans who have read Life Debt or Alphabet Squadron. An Imperial sector is refusing to bow to the Republic and is continuing the fight. Brave Rebels are trying to get them to surrender. Where Insurgency Rising feels different is how it’s tying together some stories that have previously been limited to Star Wars gaming titles.

Grand Moff Ubrik Adelhard doesn’t appear as much in this issue, but what glimpses we do get truly demonstrate his delusion. He’s obsessed with retaining power. Although he states that it is in the name of the Empire, it’s quite clear he wants the power for himself, and for those who serve under him to bow to his command. He’s a chilling villain because there is no way to reason with Adelhard.

And it seems the rest of the Empire doesn’t want much to do with his delusions of grandeur. A mysterious conversation happens aboard the Ravager, a Super Star Destroyer, as Grand Admiral Sloane informs someone about Operation Cinder. Yet this other admiral is kept hidden, so Segura has a surprise reveal yet to play. It links Insurgency Rising #2 with Aftermath, Alphabet Squadron, and Shattered Empire brilliantly. While the Battle of Endor has been won, the galaxy is still in turmoil.

Meanwhile on Chandrila, Mon Mothma is deciding on the best course of action. While the nascent New Republic has taken back certain systems, other sectors are firmly held under Imperial control. Segura perfectly writes the reality of war and how it is not simple. There are no easy victories. No ultimate battle. Both sides have to make tough choices. The New Republic is made from weary Rebellion fighters and the Galactic Civil War is taking its toll.

But that doesn’t stop Mon Mothma and Leia from wanting to help the Anoat Sector. They won’t let Adelhard keep hold of it. But with limited intel and the whole system blockaded by Imperials, it will take a special task force to sneak through. Enter Kes Dameron, Ryan Zenat, Jarek Yeager, and Theresa Alern. Star Wars fans should recognise most of those names and it’s especially exciting to see Yeager aiding the Rebellion! 

Segura’s already written a bit of Kes Dameron in Free Fall, in which he was an overwhelmed single dad to a rebellious Poe Dameron. As a Pathfinder for the New Republic, he’s got the special skills required to help sneak into the Anoat sector. However, there’s someone waiting for them on the other side of hyperspace – the Spice Runners of Kijimi. Again, this gang featured in Free Fall and it’s thrilling to have them in this story as they’re a real wild card.

Kirk’s artwork brings this story to life and his use of composition is superb. Shadows keep characters secret while also portraying so much emotion. It’s possible to feel the tension between Mon Mothma and Leia during their meeting, with so much subtle detail caught in their expressions. And then the likenesses on characters, including translating Yeager’s appearance from animation into the comics, is absolutely incredible.

Insurgency Rising #2 keeps up the fast pace from the introduction and only adds to the stakes. There’s a great balance between focusing on characters who we know and love, as well as the new cast. Plus getting a bit of an Imperial perspective only adds an extra layer to the plot. Next issue will see Kes Dameron trying to get out of a tight situation with the Spice Runners of Kijimi…

Star Wars: The Battle of Jakku is a 12-part maxi-series. Insurgency Rising is the first 4-part mini-series within it and is published by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $4.99 and is available online from comiXology and your local comic book store.