Disney acquiring Marvel Comics and Star Wars is a beautiful thing because they were left alone to their devices. This allowed Marvel Comics to start creating and printing comics for the popular Star Wars franchise and Star Wars: Princess Leia is one of them.
The first issue of Leia’s own comic series, Star Wars: Princess Leia #1, was released a few days ago on March 4th. This is a throwback to the first movie in the franchise, Episode 4: A New Hope, that centered on the rescue of the titular Princess Leia and the destruction of the Death Star.
I was intrigued that the first page contained the medal ceremony that was shown at the end of the first Star Wars film.
Star Wars: Princess Leia #1 goes in-depth on the ceremony and adds things never revealed in the movie. Leia laments on the heavy losses that the Rebels have suffered such as the destruction of Alderaan, including the death of her foster father, to the deaths of the pilots when they flew to the Death Star.
It obviously shows that you have more creative freedom in the comics because you can add things ant not worry about budget constraints. I think that it was a good thing that the movie ended when Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C3PO, and R2D2 were praised for their efforts because it was the perfect ending.
I thought it was the perfect ending.
The first issue to Star Wars: Princess Leia #1 reveals that the celebration is short-lived when Leia’s adviser, General Dodonna, announces the immediate evacuation of Yavin. I found it interesting because Luke and the others are awarded only to be ordered to leave Yavin immediately.
I enjoyed reading Star Wars: Princess Leia #1 so far.
What I thought about the plot for Star Wars: Princess Leia #1?
I liked it a lot because it sets Leia up to be strong in her own right without the aid of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, respectively, her future husband and long lost twin brother. I laughed at one of the earlier scenes in the comic when there was a bit of romantic tension between Leia and Luke because it set up the kissing scene in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.
This was before Leia and Luke learned that they were related let alone twin siblings. I couldn’t help, but laugh at the irony of the situation. Since I have seen all the Stars Wars films, I can say that I’m glad that they didn’t “reach first base.”
I will stress that the brief scene of tension lights the fuse to semi-borderline twincest.
Reading this comic made me compare Princess Leia to Yona from Yona of the Dawn, a currently airing anime series, because they share commonalities. Yona discovered her dragon spark in the previous episode to Yona of the Dawn and Leia is discovering her “spark” in this issue.
General Dodonna set up the perfect scenario for Leia as she is expected to live in isolation and away from the public. Dodonna has a point because the Galactic Empire has placed a huge bounty on Leia’s head, but she wants to prove that she is more than just a “symbol.”
Leia proves it, though recklessly and impulsively, by sneaking out and quietly leaving Yavin to recover the surviving citizens of Alderaan. I doubt Leia knows what she is doing, but I expect her to wing it and learn as she goes along.
I have the feeling that the comic series will likely build up to Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and I wouldn’t be surprised if the series builds up to Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. You have to remember that Leia disguised herself as a bounty hunter and infiltrated Jabba the Hutt’s inner sanctum to rescue Han Solo from carbonite imprisonment.
Mark Waid, the writer, does an excellent job in creating a deep back-story for Leia. I am curious on what happens between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.
What I thought about the characters?
I think General Dodonna is a guy with a major stick up his @$$, but I find myself agreeing with him out of military strategy and government politics. Princess Leia is the symbol of the Rebellion and it is obvious that the morale would be royally f—ked if anything bad happened to her.
Dodonna is a pragmatist and has to think about practicality because the Rebellion is outgunned by the Galactic Empire.
Star Wars: Princess Leia #1 introduces a new female heroine, Evaan, a talented X-Wing pilot whose skills rival Luke Skywalker and Wedge Antilles. I liked the loose connection between Leia and Evaan because the latter is part Alderaan’s nobility. It becomes more poetic when Evaan reveals that she was tutored by Leia’s foster mother, too.
But I liked the fact that Leia and Evaan didn’t become buddies let alone instantly.
It is obvious that Evaan still has a lack of respect for Leia because of her “ice queen” persona. She does express surprise at Leia’s mission to locate the survivors of Alderaan. I think Evaan is a good balance because she knows that Leia’s mission is reckless and she feels that the Princess is simply trying to “prove herself.”
I think Leia is looking for a friend and confident instead of a “yes” person. Evaan fits that role perfectly from what I have read.
What I thought about the artwork?
Terry Dodson’s artwork does a great job in bringing new life to the old Star Wars franchise. I was excited for this comic when I looked at the artwork alone. It goes to show that the Star Wars comic series is in good hands when Marvel Comics is steering the ship.
Overall?
I’m very confident about Star Wars: Princess Leia and it has me excited about what adventures the titular princess will go on. The team-up between Leia and Evaan is the true embodiment of “girl power” in the Star Wars franchise.
I am happy that there’s a new heroine added to the franchise. I’m glad that purchased a digital subscription to Star Wars: Princess Leia.
