Published: February 1, 1978
Writer/Editor: Roy Thomas
Artist/Co-plotter: Howard Chaykin
Embellisher: Tom Palmer
Colourist: Tom Palmer
Letterer: John Costanza
Consulting Editor: Archie Goodwin
The synopsis;
Han and Chewie take a new job defending a moisture farmer from a local gang known as the Cloud-Riders.
The review;
Last time out we left Han and Chewie celebrating in a cantina, even after losing their fortune gained in their part in blowing up the Death Star. Their fate had turned when they helped out a priest on Aduba-3, but now some locals have a proposition for him.
It already looks like life for Han and Chewie is never going to be simple. They just seem to attract attention, but it’s usually the wrong sort. On this occasion Han has angered a local by flirting with his partner. Now, come on folks, I think we can safely say this is a situation that many of us have witnessed or experienced in our younger days!
A simple act like this is what endears me to these comics after all these years. Modern era comics have very little cross pollination with our way of life in general, we had Han talk of Sunday school in #7 and this situation too relates so well to everyday life.
Obviously, this ends up in another bar brawl for Han that Chewie has to step into and save his skin. As in Chalmun’s cantina after Obi-Wan uses his lightsaber on Ponda Baba and Dr. Evazan, everybody goes back to their business as soon as it’s all over allowing the local farmers to approach Han about their offer.
The farmers are having issues with a band of thieves led by Serji-X Arrogantus – The Arrogant One! He is the figure head for the Cloud Riders. Wait, did I just read Cloud Riders. Whoa, now weren’t they something to do with Enfys Nest in Solo: A Star Wars Story? This is an amazing twist to hear that name and concept has been resurrected. It also makes me realise that how important these comics are to those currently writing new Star Wars material.
It’s another paid job and after their run in with Crimson Jack in issue 7, credits are a commodity they are short on for paying Jabba the Hutt. Han decides they need to build a crew of talents as Chewie and him won’t be able to do this alone. Hold on, Beckett wants to build a crew in Solo as well to pull off a job!?!?!?!
Holding interviews in his lodgings, a bare-chested (Like father, like son!) Han Solo picks an eclectic bunch for his crew. First up is Hedji. He is a ‘Spiner’ who doesn’t carry weapons but can fire the quills that cover his body at his enemies. A demonstration of this skill soon gets Solo’s attention.
Amaiza is a female human that dresses like a 70’s go-go dancer. Adorned in a red bikini embellished with pink fur, thigh length boots, a rose in her hair and a blaster on each hip. Now I don’t know why, but every time I see her in my older years, I get a vision of who would have played Amaiza in an on-screen appearance. For me, Jamie Lee Curtis would fit the bill perfectly especially thinking of the role she portrayed Ophelia in Trading Places.
A human male called Don-Wan Kihotay claims to be a former Jedi and carries a lightsaber, although Han believes him to be crazy, he accepts him to the group. Now we have a Jedi style name, but a character that I can only imagine derives from the Spanish classic novel written in the early 1600’s about Don Quixote the Man of La Mancha.
Then we encounter Jaxxon! Fanfares from so many when his name is mentioned. Jaxxon is a bipedal green furred rabbit that eats meat. I don’t where they pulled this one from, but someone had a moment of genius. It is such a left field character and I can only assume he is born through the popularity of an old favourite in Bugs Bunny. He’s got the same attitude and violent streak, but without a carrot in sight!
Finally, Han selects Jimm, who like to be known as the Starkiller Kid. He is a wet behind the ears farm boy, who dresses and looks similar to Luke Skywalker. Accompanying him is his droid Effie, who is half Threepio, half Treadwell.
Bringing Jimm on board brings a change of scene to the story. Han reminisces about his recent escapades with Luke and the rebellion and ponder what he is up to. Luke is spreading his wings, he’s leaving Yavin-4 with Threepio and Artoo in tow to scout a new base for the rebels. Setting off on his own adventure and alone for the first time.
The following day the merry band that Solo has brought together head out to the homestead to meet the farmers. It hasn’t taken long for word to reach the Cloud Riders and they turn up on queue. Han lays down the law, but Jimm gets ahead of himself and tries to take on Serji-X. Amaiza spots the danger and stops him in his tracks. Experience over youth prevailing. After a brief war of words and veiled threats. Serji-X and the Cloud Riders retreat, but we all know that’s not the end of it.
I felt that the artwork improved in this issue and had become more consistent. The page where Han looks back at the Death Star escape is so beautifully drawn. As I have already mentioned the link ups and little nuances that reflect in the modern era comics and cinematic releases is quite surprising. I am reading these comics again for the first time in possibly 20 years, so it makes me happy on 2 levels. I am able to relive a fond part of my childhood, buying the original comic and reading it. Secondly, it’s those little link ups. Some of these comics may be forgotten by so many, but there are still those creators out there who want to bring these little homages back into a galaxy far, far away.
A prime example of this is Jaxxon and Amaiza. They have both now been reintroduced by Cavan Scott to a new generation in the Star Wars Adventures series from IDW Publishing. So, a huge thank you from me to Cavan for doing just that. This is a series of comics that is a worthwhile read for any Star Wars comic fan. So, why not take a look at these for your own lockdown reading in the coming weeks?
Issue 9 is entitled ‘Showdown on a Wasteland World’, so until next time, clear skies!
Availability;
The original Marvel Star Wars series ran from 1977 to 1986, encompassing 106 issues. Star Wars (1977) #8 is currently available in digital format from the Marvel Online Comic Store, via the Marvel App, comiXology or by subscribing to Marvel Unlimited. A physical copy can be found in one of the many trade paperback releases from Marvel. Please check with Amazon UK and US or your local comic bookstore for availability.
