Welcome to the Legion!

Screen Shot 2016-03-04 at 2.57.07 PM

With the scope and breadth of the Star Wars Universe set to expand on and on into oblivion thanks to new owners, we’re about to a lot of expanding material beyond the films (particularly now that the Expanded Universe is non-canon). To that end, Marvel has just revealed they are set to release a limited comic book series starring everyone’s favorite Nerf-herder, Han Solo. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, writer Marjorie Liu had plenty to say about her love of the material and influences of how she shaped the story.

The comic will take place between the original Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back, hoping to show readers a little more of Han’s original, roguish temperament. Han has found himself in service to the Rebellion and struggling with his loyalty to his new friends and their ideals. Leia recruits him for a rescue mission: smuggling Rebel allies off planets and across the galaxy and bring them to safety. However, his cover for this mission proves to test Han’s loyalty: the Millennium Falcon will be entered into the millennia old Dragon Void Race, described as every pilot’s dream. On this mission Han is forced to wrestle with his loyalty to the Rebellion and his more selfish desire of actually winning.

I’m digging this concept. We’ve never really seen Han struggle between his own desires and the needs of his friends, only ever in small moments. An entire story dedicated to this aspect of Han’s character is the best excuse I’ve ever heard to bring him to the forefront as a leading man.

Of course, Han will not be alone on his journey. He’s of course joined by Chewbacca, loyal wingman as always. But they will also encounter Loo Re Anno, a legendary alien pilot thought to be the last of her kind, and favorite to win the Dragon Void Race. Liu stated that although the Empire will factor in as an antagonistic force, they are not the “heavies” for this story. She remains coy of the identities of the true villains, commenting merely that one is from Han’s past, the other an enemy of Leia.

Entertainment Weekly also posted a number of first prints of the pages of the comic, be sure to check them out. Personally, I’m a fan of Leia’s costume redesign.

About author View all posts

Andrew Walsh

Andrew Walsh is an independent filmmaker and freelance writer based in LA. He co-directed his first feature in high school, is an avid juggler, and is a descendant of director Raoul Walsh. One of those might not be true.

Follow him on Twitter if that's your deal @AndrewKWalsh