Published: September 1, 1995
Writer: Michael A. Stackpole & Mike Baron
Penciller: Allen Nunis
Inker: Andy Mushynsky
Letterer: Steve Dutro
Colourist: David Nestelle
Editor: Ryder Windham
Designer: Scott Tice
Cover Artist: Dave Dorman
The synopsis;
Tycho Celchu has infiltrated the Imperial Forces. Now he can communicate vital strategic information that will give the Rebellion an upper hand! But when he’s pressed to lead a raid on his old Rogue Squadron teammates, he must choose between saving his comrades and serving the cause.
The review;
I’ve been really enjoying this series of comics from Dark Horse, so far I’ve read each one three times, and not just because we’re on lockdown, but because they’re just so good. I admitted before that I’m not too well versed with the comics side of Star Wars and this series for me has been a great way into that brilliant and creative universe. I think maybe because one already has an affinity with Rogue Squadron, and of course Wedge Antilles, it’s a perfect story to use as a springboard into this world.
Ok, chapter 3, the cover art yet again pulls you in. It’s like a still from a Star Wars movie. You can hear the screaming sound of TIE Fighters and canon blasts in your head as you drink in the image. Again, a fabulous trademark fireball and the unmistakable remnants of a TIE within it, tells the reader this will be another action-packed installment. Add to that the central image of the X-Wing pilot, gritted teeth and fixed expression, showing the never faltering brave determination of Rogue Squadron. Gets you right back in there!
Our Rebel, posing as a TIE fighter finds himself in a real quandary. He’s drafted into a search and destroy mission against his own side but can’t let his cover down. He manages to get word, via a low-level frequency, to his R2 unit. Getting his X-Wing in the air maybe the only way to warn his friends of the incoming imps, himself included!
Meanwhile, the two bands, having been reluctantly forced together, are now seemingly forming an alliance. The trust is growing between them as they scour the old temple base for supplies. Then comes the warning, from the X-Wing swooping low, seemingly piloted by the R2 unit. Time for the rebels to escape. Meanwhile, in the skies above, Major Grode and his genuine TIE pilots are now alerted to this troublesome X-Wing, surely an easy target for these imps. Though not so good for Tycho, as he can’t bear to see his beloved ship, or his R2 unit, blown to smithereens.
The rebels are also being hunted by the imps; they blast through dense forest to destroy their cover. Then one of those real ‘YEAH’ moments Star Wars delivers. Just as Rey slices off Kylo Ren’s wing of his TIE Fighter midflight, it seems this trick was a favourite of Wookiee’s long before young Rey came on the scene. Sitting in his treetop, he ambushes a TIE with a stick. A STICK! The Imperial fighter disintegrates in a red, yellow and orange fireball. And our Wookiee friend’s silhouette is seen in the background, celebrating as all their kind do. Arms waving high in the air.
In the sky, the X-Wing is remarkably making light work of the imps, but then turns on Tycho!
There’s a lot going on in this chapter and also ends on another cliffhanging betrayal… I’ll be sad when this is over.
May the Force be with You!
Availability;
Originally released by Dark Horse Comics, the Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron series ran from 1995 to 1998, for 35 issues. Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron #3 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.
