Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #94

Hello there,

It's time for me to recap the ninety-fourth issue of Marvel's first Star Wars title. Bear in mind, this issue is where I felt the series jumped the shark, but if you've followed along this far, I hope you'll see me through to the series' end. The cover for this issue showed Wicket W. Warrick standing, holding a spear in his left hand and resting his left foot atop an Imperial Stormtrooper helmet. The story was called "Small Wars." The issue had a cover date of April 1985.

The tale began on Endor, with C-3PO lamenting what he believed would be the end of the Alliance of Free Planets. He was busy describing the breakdown to his trusty counterpart, R2-D2. Luke Skywalker and Han Solo were resting against a tall tree, talking things over. Leia arrived moments later, followed by Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, Admiral Ackbar, and the admiral's new aide, Hirog. 

They had no good news to report. It seemed that discussions between the two parties had broken down, and despite the Alliance members' best efforts, nothing could be done to salvage the situation. Ackbar and Hirog left shortly thereafter to start preparing for the inevitable, which was that the Ewoks had just declared war on the Lahsbees. 

It is rather humorous that the peaceful Lahsbees would have offended the proud Ewok warriors, but apparently, something happened to bring them to that point. Luke tried to quell the tensions by inviting both groups to assist in his lightsaber practice. The Ewoks declined as they were gearing up for battle, while the fun-loving young Lahsbees jumped right in. 

A short while later, Hirog sat behind a tree, using his communicator to speak with others of his kind. He was the one who'd masterminded the tensions in the first place. He observed Luke's practice session from a safe distance away, not knowing what Lahsbees were like in their adult forms. 

The session began with some unexpected obstacles. Ewoks tossed stones at their mortal enemies, which Luke destroyed with his saber and deflected. One stone hit Hirog, who was a bit battered, but still faithful to his populace. The droids came across him at one point, but they didn't learn anything discriminatory.

Afterward, the battle began. Both sides took their positions, while Hirog readied a bomb in the bushes. Han bent down to talk to one of the Lahsbees, who took the blaster pistol from his hand. The little creature pulled the trigger, and its shot hit the weapon that now had a broken timing system but was still ticking away.

Meanwhile, the conflict continued. The Lahsbee who had taken Solo's gun became frightened by the oncoming Ewok assemblage and quickly matured into a large Huhk. He presented a challenge that both sides fought against. Eventually Hirog ran from his hiding place into the chaos. Upon seeing the Huhk, he fled. The beast then hurled a boulder, which happened to land right on the bomb, disarming it. 

Upon the cessation of Hirog's reports, his fellow Hiromi in a nearby ship assumed the worst. They'd heard his cries of terror and thought that he'd been lost for the cause. The vessel then flew off, as if Hirog had never existed. The skirmish was over, and things were calm for the moment. The Ewoks and Lahsbees had made peace with each other, and the only concern then was Hirog's, as he continued running away from the Huhk. 

I remember first reading this issue when I was twelve and realizing what a silly premise this story had. I was very unimpressed by the artwork. Except for the drawings of the droids, most of the pencil work was very sloppy. Not even Tom Palmer's incredible inks could save this issue. Martin would be the regular penciler for the rest of the title's run, and readers and subscribers just had to bear with it. I remember losing interest after reading this issue, although I would still go on and pick up the remaining issues years later. 

That's it for this article. Next time, I'll talk about the ninety-fifth issue of this series. Luke, Kiro, and Dani embark on a mission where they encounter a familiar foe. Han and Luke are dispatched on a diplomatic mission, where they're assisted by some new characters that the Princess is less than pleased with. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #93

Hi there,

Hope all's well. Today's topic is the ninety-third issue of Marvel's first Star Wars title. The cover showed Luke Skywalker and Han Solo facing a half-dozen strangers, including one pointing a blaster at them in the foreground. The story was called "Catspaw." The issue had a cover date of March 1985.

The action began in space, as an X-Wing was attempting to flee from a trio of Y-Wings that were firing at it. The pilot was trying to reach the planet Saijo unscathed, but unfortunately, that didn't seem likely. As the craft neared the planet's orbit, a targeted shot bracketed the pilot's cabin.

On the surface of that world, Luke, Han, and Princess Leia Organa were walking the city streets. Han was impressed by the hospitality they'd received from the locals. The trio was talked about in reverent tones as heroes of the Alliance. Just then, Luke pointed out the dogfight in the sky above them. They were surprised by seeing fighters that would normally be aligned together, but quickly decided which side to support. 

After reaching the Millennium Falcon, Han put his ship on a course that followed the fighters. Luke and Leia occupied the gun turrets and fired shots to protect the fleeing X-Wing from its attackers. They defeated her foes, but the female pilot's fighter still crashed on the planet. Lan retrieved her from the cockpit, and he, Luke, and Leia brought her to the medical facility on the base. 

A short while later, the pilot Minka informed her rescuers that she'd arrived from an asteroid base in the Cantros system. Her wingmates had been gradually picked off by her attackers, and she was under the assumption that they were still fighting against the Empire. Leia informed her of the Emperor's defeat, which Minka found hard to believe, stating that Imperial forces were still strong in her region. She began to wonder just who they'd been fighting. 

Minka returned to her home base on board the Falcon with Han, Leia, and Luke. She sought out her allies, Durne and Sami, to confer with her new friends. Han explained that they had maps listing Imperial strongholds, and that the closest one was past Saijo. Sami and Minka went with the Falcon's crew to check things out.

The ship neared the Imperial base they had just been talking about, and was soon fired upon. A few stray shots hit the Falcon, and Han did his best to avoid crashing. He landed safely in a gully, and the passengers disembarked. Luke used the Force to raise Leia and Minka out of the gully, but before he could do more, he, Sami, and Han were surrounded by more feline humanoids who took them prisoner. 

Inside a nearby cave, the captors discussed what to do next. One of their party condoned torture, noting that it went against what the Rebellion stood for. That utterance was shocking, but it made Luke think that someone had been deceiving them. That person was soon revealed to be Durne. 

Things shifted after Sami and Han informed the catwoman who'd spurned the plans for torture that they were also Rebels, and that Durne had lied to them. Luke freed himself from his bods right before Minka and Leia arrived on the scene. A firefight broke out, which Luke ended by deflecting Durne's blaster shots, which made him recognized as the Rebellion hero that the participants had heard stories about.

His companions were correctly identified as Han Solo and Princess Leia, which gave credence to their words. Durne tried to escape, but was tripped and tied up by his former compatriots. Sami and Minka talked to their former foes and realized how much they had in common.

While Durne sat outside tied up in front of a campfire, Han reflected on the victory. Luke was still concerned about the skirmish. Leia asked what was troubling him. He replied that Rebels had killed other Rebels, and that he'd feel better once he knew who employed Durne. Skywalker questioned what was going on in the galaxy.

The mistaken identity plot was okay, but Sal Buscema's art really saved this issue. This was the first of two issues that he penciled during this series' run. Regular readers of this blog know how much of a fan I am of Sal's artwork. I recapped his run on the ROM: Spaceknight title last year, and I'll talk about his Incredible Hulk run at some point in the coming years. He worked on many Marvel mags from the 1960s to the 1990s, and sadly passed away this past January, just two days before what would have been his ninetieth birthday. 

Well, that's all I have for now. Next time, I'll discuss the ninety-fourth issue of this series. Cynthia Martin, penciler for the last two issues' covers, makes her debut as series artist in a tale that takes place on Endor. Everyone's back together, just in time for a pair of unexpected tribes to engage in a small conflict. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #92

Good afternoon,

Today's focus is the ninety-second issue of Marvel's first Star Wars title. The cover box had Han Solo, Chewbacca, Princess Leia Organa, and Luke Skywalker in the familiar poses used for The Empire Strikes Back promotional materials, and an image of Luke going against Darth Vader. The story was named "The Dream." The issue had a publication date of February 1985. 

The tale began with Luke facing off against the Dark Lord of the Sith. He knew that Vader was actually his father, but still panicked when his opponent moved to remove his helmet. Then Luke woke up. He'd been having a dream in his quarters on the forest moon of Endor. 

He was comforted by his faithful companions, R2-D2 and C-3PO. They had arrived to inform him of a meeting that was being held for Alliance leaders. Admiral Ackbar led the conversation and discussed the recent missions that several of his colleagues had recently returned from. Leia, Han, and Chewie had encountered slavers on Herdessa and Kashyyyk, respectively. There were also Imperial remnants that still existed on other worlds.

Luke had been responsible for training some of the new Alliance members, and he reported that things had been going well. However, Leia noticed her brother's distractedness. After the meeting, she asked her brother what was bothering him. He explained the recurring dreams that he'd been having. He hadn't told anyone else about them, because he didn't want to reveal the truth about their parentage.

Skywalker continued to train new recruits like Barney, Rik Duel, Dani, Chihdo, and Kiro. He was reluctant to train anyone in the ways of the Force just yet, because he felt that he wasn't ready quite yet, and he feared the consequences if something went wrong. When asked about his own learning, he replied that he'd had a very good teacher who had since passed on.

He had the same dream again that night. When he awoke, he remembered that his father was closer to revealing his face behind the mask. Luke ran to find his colleagues after an alarm went off at the base. A small ship had entered Endor's atmosphere and had not identified itself. Rebel defenses were readied, but Luke asked to let it land, after reaching out through the Force to ascertain its occupants' intentions.

A short while later, its only passenger disembarked. He identified himself as Prince Denin of Naldar, a planet that had been taken over by the Empire. He hoped that he'd arrived in the company of members of the Rebel Alliance. When Luke introduced himself, Denin insisted that he was the one he'd been looking for, and that Skywalker had to teach him the ways of the Force.

Luke agreed to help, but added that he would not train him. Denin was adamant, and Leia helped him plead his case to Alliance leadership. Meanwhile, Barney, Han, Luke, and Leia waited. Barney thought about how Denin's plight was similar to his own. He brought up a hologram of himself, his former friend Flint, and his mother. When Flint's mother died after an Imperial attack (shown in the third Star Wars annual) on their home planet of Belderone, Flint joined the Empire. Barney wondered what had happened to the boy he'd known since they were children.

A short while later, Luke caught up with Denin. He reported that Ackbar had no fighter squadrons to send, but that he'd promised to send a team with him back to Naldar to assist. The group would depart in the Millennium Falcon the next morning. 

Luke later spoke to Yoda in his dreams. The wise old Jedi Master questioned why Luke had brought him there. Obi-Wan Kenobi appeared later on, trying to explain to his former pupil that Yoda was trying to stress that his teachers were there because Luke wanted to help them learn something. Luke started to understand, just as Vader's hand was placed on his shoulder.

Skywalker turned to face Darth once more. This time, he wasn't afraid. His father, Anakin Skywalker, complimented him and asked his son if he now recognized the figure before him. The image shimmered and turned into the metallic armor worn by someone else. He knew that he had to save this person, but the dream ended before he could remove their helmet.

He woke in the Falcon, which was just about to land on Naldar. Han and Chewie were piloting the ship, and he, Leia, Artoo, Threepio, Barney, Denin, and Lando Calrissian comprised the crew. Many of the buildings looked heavily damaged. Denin and Luke took to the ship's gun turrets right before incoming TIE fighters entered the Falcon's airspace.

Han was forced to crash-land his pride and joy. No one was hurt, but there were several circuits that needed to be replaced. Leia and the droids went out in search of those components. Before long, the trio found a computer terminal. Artoo plugged in immediately. He located the circuits they needed and learned some interesting facts about the planet's history.

Meanwhile, Denin, Luke, and Lando walked through the mostly deserted city streets around them. Denin soon found one of his citizens, who spoke to him with his last dying breaths. Denin had little time to mourn his comrade Foss, because Luke pushed his friends down just before lasers started firing. They looked up and quickly returned fire against the Imperial Stormtroopers in their midst. Denin fought well, but was saddened by his first kill in battle.

Artoo, Threepio, and Leia rushed back to the Falcon. Chewie and Barney were making repairs and used the circuits that Threepio provided. Leia hurriedly told Han that two years before, while defending the city against Imperial forces, Prince Denin died in battle.

Lando, Luke, and Denin soon found themselves surrounded and were introduced to the troop leader, who was someone that Luke recognized from his dreams. The figure was none other than Barney's childhood friend, Flint. He was now in command and ordered his subordinates to eliminate the Rebel threat. 

Luke knew he had to face Flint alone. Lando and Denin retreated to the Falcon, with the Stormtroopers close behind. Once inside, Leia confronted Denin. The person who said they were Denin admitted that they were actually Princess Vila. She'd assumed her brother's identity since his passing. Lando was more concerned about Luke's fate than this masquerade.

Flint had been trained in the Dark Side of the Force. He'd wanted someone to teach him in the ways of the Force, initially hoping that teacher would be Luke. He didn't know the truth about Luke and his father. When Luke tried to explain the truth, including how Vader had turned good at the end, Flint called those assertions lies and began their battle. 

The two Force users were rather evenly matched. Luke didn't want to fight and still tried to explain what had happened to his father. A stray Stormtrooper fired at Skywalker, clipping his arm right before his friends arrived. While Chewie and Lando tended to Luke's wound, Barney approached Flint.

He talked about the Alliance's efforts and asked his buddy to make a choice. When Flint failed to kill Barney, the Stormtrooper called his leader a traitor. He was about to shoot his commander when Vila intervened. She picked up the saber that had fallen and struck, right as the blaster bolt went off against her chest. Both forms dropped to the ground.

Vila slumped in Luke's arms. Leia quickly explained, and Luke replied that he was proud of Vlia, adding that she would be a fine Jedi Knight. Flint's last official act for the Empire was destroying his base. The last words spoken to Vila were that it's all right.

She then found herself somewhere else, reunited with her long-lost brother Denin. Vila was overjoyed to see him. He'd been waiting for her, as was her teacher, who could finally begin their training. The teacher was a small, green alien, who regular Star Wars fans had seen earlier in this issue. 

To me, this was one of the best issues in the last years of this title's run. I enjoyed the story and Jan Duursema's artwork. I understood Luke's reluctance to become a trainer, especially since he still had much to learn himself. The only thing that I felt was left dangling was Flint's fate. We never heard from him again after the events in this double-sized story. I also don't know the name of the lizard man whom Luke was training back on Endor, but that's a very minor detail. 

Well, that's all I have for now. Next time, I'll recap the ninety-third issue of this series. "Our pal" Sal Buscema joins Tom Palmer and Jo Duffy to craft a yarn that involves Luke, Han, and Leia's journey to another world, where they try to figure out which of the two opposing sides is really which. It's a fun story that's well-worth reading. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #91

Good evening,

This article will concentrate on recapping the ninety-first issue of the first Star Wars comic. The cover showed Han Solo, along with a handcuffed Chewbacca, in front of several handcuffed younger Wookiees with an unknown character reaching out from the foreground. The story was called "Wookiee World." The issue had a cover date of January 1985.

Chewie, Han, and Lando had finally landed on Kashyyyk. Chewbacca was a bit on edge, which Han figured was probably because he hadn't been home and spent time with his family in quite some time. Solo reminded Calrissian of how the planet had once been a source of slave labor for the Empire, a terrible trade that was thankfully no longer in existence there.

The trio moved on until their path was blocked by a pale white humanoid and Chewie's brother-in-law, Vargi. The group decided to move on to Chewbacca's home. On the way, the stranger explained that his name roughly translates to the word "knife" in the Wookiee language. 

No one else was home at the time, but they decided to stay for a spell. At one point, Knife tossed one of his namesake weapons at the wall by Han and Lando, which killed a poisonous flame beetle. A few moments later, Chewie's son Lumpy arrived, only to be taken by a pair of Wookiees who pointed blasters at the heroes. 

Han tried to reason things out, only to learn that Knife was part of the slave trade revival on Kashyyyk. They were led away, and Han and Lando were chained together and placed in another room. While Lando worked to free them, several Wookiees were being loaded into a transport ship. Lando and Han came across the vessel minutes later and concocted a plan.

Han crept behind Chewbacca to release his bonds. The tall Wookiee then pushed his friend aside to save him from Vargi. The two relatives engaged in a fight before Solo intervened. The growing native crowd observed for a while before taking action. Things looked grim for Chewie, as Knife was ready to attack again. This time, his weapon was blasted from his hand by Calrissian.

Lando had stopped to free Chewie's wife, Mala, and the other imprisoned Wookiees before joining the fracas. That was enough to motivate Chewbacca to finally defeat his brother-in-law. While the Wookiees celebrated, Knife slipped away. Lando realized that he'd forgotten to reset the defense systems for his ship, the Cobra, and that their enemy would probably use it to leave the planet. Han was glad that everyone was okay, but wanted a rematch with their new foe as soon as possible. 

This was the first time that Kashyyyk was shown in a Star Wars comic book. Its only other previous appearance was in the infamous 1978 Star Wars Holiday TV special. The surroundings changed quite a bit from then to its movie debut in the Revenge of the Sith film, but it was good to see more Wookiees, especially Chewie's family. Knife would return in a few more issues before the title ran its course in 1986.

Next time, I'll cover the ninety-second issue of this series. The double-sized story shows key Alliance members engaging in a conflict with more Imperial remnants. A new character will burst onto the scene, and we'll learn that not everything is always what it seems. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #90

Good afternoon, everyone,

It's time for me to recap the ninetieth issue of the first Star Wars comic book series. The cover showed Princess Leia Organa split between her diplomatic duties, with Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar to her right, and her Rebellion associations with Luke Skywalker and Han Solo on her left, all with the shadow of Darth Vader in the background. The tale was titled "The Choice!" The issue had a publication date of December 1984.

The story started on Endor, as C-3PO and R2-D2 were waiting for the return of several Alliance ships. The first of which contained Leia, Mothma, and other Alliance delegates who had returned from Herdessa shortly after the droids did. Leia was feeling a bit discouraged about that journey (chronicled in issue #88), but perked up once she saw the arrival of Luke's X-Wing, accompanied by another craft.

She ran to catch up with her brother, who had visited a few planets along with the telepathic Hoojib named Plif. The other ship was the Moonshadow. Its crew of Rik Duel, Chihdo, and Dani emerged from it, along with the Iskalonian Kiro (who had been injured in a battle on the planet Shawken). Luke explained that he'd been trying to keep the pirates out of trouble and that Kiro had actually saved them from trouble. He wanted his friend to get the best possible medical care available, even though several Ewoks thought his container was full of something good to eat.

A short while later, Leia and Luke stood together, admiring their surroundings. Leia talked about her dual responsibilities of attending to diplomatic functions and becoming a face of the resistance against the Empire. Luke knew that what happened next would be a test, adding how their father had been much different before turning to the Dark Side of the Force. He hadn't told anyone else about their parentage and was certain that his sister's dilemma would resolve itself in time.

They then went to check on Kiro. The Iskalonian was happy to see his friends and grabbed a breather helmet so that they could communicate. Luke asked if Kiro had felt the danger that he'd saved their party from. It was suggested that Kiro had sensed it through the Force, but Luke was not about to train the lad, much to Kiro's surprise. He then retreated into his aquarium after being denied.

Elsewhere on Endor, a short while later, Ackbar and Mothma conferred with the representatives who had accepted the offer to join the Alliance of Free Planets. Everyone in attendance was welcome to participate, but they assumed that those who did not reply or were not present had given up their voting rights. Luke and Leia were walking around with the droids, while Rik and his crew were involved in a card game with several Rebels on the platform above. 

After Rik won the latest round, a Rebel accused him of cheating. Kiro stood up for his friend, as did Chihdo. The accuser blasted the Rodian, who fell from the platform. Luke used the Force to slow his fall and tended to him immediately. As the Rebels sided against the newcomers, Leia, the droids, and several Ewoks prepared. Moments later, they evaded a stray blaster shot.

Luke leaped up to the platform and activated his lightsaber to deflect blaster fire. He then jumped in front of the first gunman to ensure he wouldn't escape. Kiro then spoke up about Luke's bravery and how they all had to be patient with one another and work together. His words were more effective than any other actions taken that day. Afterward, Alliance leadership expressed dissatisfaction with decisions made, and agreed that Han, Leia, Luke, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca had lost their rights to assist in governing by their absences.

I felt like the title of this story was a bit misleading. Leia always sided with her friends, and it was rather short-sighted to blame the heroes of the Rebellion for their nonparticipation, especially since some of them were occupied with quelling infighting and others were still offworld. Nevertheless, it was good to see some of the familiar faces reunited, and that Kiro had recovered quickly. 

If you've been wondering what Han, Chewie, and Lando have been up to, you'll find out when I discuss the ninety-first issue of this title. We'll see the Wookiee homeworld for the first time, and Chewbacca's reunion with his loved ones. The heroes will also encounter another threat, from someone who will play a significant role in the rest of the series. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #89

Good afternoon,

The focus of this article is the eighty-ninth issue of Marvel's first Star Wars series. The cover depicted Luke Skywalker in the foreground with a large red humanoid appearing to lunge after him from behind. The story from writer Ann Nocenti and artist Bret Blevins was called "I'll See You in the Throne Room!" The issue had a cover date of November 1984.

Somewhere in the galaxy, Luke was helping a valiant group of freedom fighters overthrow the Imperial presence shortly after the Emperor and Darth Vader's demises. The group was led by a man named Raggold, who was unfortunately cut down just before reaching their final destination. Luke and his colleague Mary rushed to the old warrior's side. He explained that a traitor from within had struck the killing blow minutes before his last breath. 

The saddened duo ascended to the throne room to set their dear departed compatriot on the throne, where he belonged. As Blackart, the former ruler, was being led away, Mary reminded Luke that the people now had rule by the many instead of the few. People were free to do as they wanted. Despite Luke's concerns about theft, Mary's words rang in his head. 

Celebrations broke out across the city. At one point, Luke and Mary were planning to spend some quiet time together. However, the peace was soon broken by the return of Imperial warships. Their cannons fired down upon the population, and several shots hit Mary before she could return to the castle. Many of the citizens scattered in panic, while some took advantage of the chaos to plunder, including taking valuables from Mary's person.

Luke cried out and used the Force to levitate her to his side. She died in his arms, leaving the young Jedi heartbroken. He wished he could become a god in moments like that. 

Some time later, as Skywalker walked through the streets, he noticed a young scamp trying to swipe his saber. The child led him around town as he tried to find the traitor in their midst. A former Rebel was ruled out, as was Blackart, who had broken out of jail and was trying to flee the planet before the Empire's forces returned. 

Scamp eventually took the Rebel hero to his home in the slums. He was greeted by his family, including his father, who ravaged his boy's loot. The pair left soon afterward, with Scamp admitting that he kept his best treasures for himself. The lad took the Jedi to a tavern, where he would meet with an alien named Braxas. 

The elderly being told Skywalker that he had information on the traitor if he would pass a test. All Luke had to do was pick a piece of meat from a bowl filled with scorpions. He had to accomplish this without using his mechanical right hand. Luke used a pair of chopsticks with his left hand to grab the morsel, and succeeded, but opted not to eat it, as it had a scorpion's mouth affixed to the bottom.

A short while later on Luke's ship, Skywalker played the tape that showed Raggold nearing the end of their journey. He admitted on camera that he was the traitor in their ranks. He shot himself before he could be revealed by others. Luke understood, knowing that his former comrade had been killed by the war and by himself. He and Braxas then sailed away, evading the Imperial fleet while heading toward freedom. 

This issue was my introduction to Blevins. His drawings seem more appropriate for titles like Elfquest, Weirdworld, or other fantasy titles, but they were adequate for this story. Braxas reminded me a bit of an older version of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, albeit in a wheelchair. Mary was a good character, but she wasn't fleshed out much before her passing. The story was good, and it was a fine filler between parts of the main storyline. I just wonder what happened to Braxas after the events of this tale. 

That wraps up this article. Next up will be the ninetieth issue of this title. Several of the Rebels return to Endor after their various missions elsewhere. Leia feels like she's forced to choose between her diplomatic responsibilities and her loyalty to her brother, her lover, and other freedom fighters that she's battled side by side with over the years. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #88

Good morning,

Hope everyone's having a great Sunday! It's time for me to discuss the eighty-eighth issue of Marvel's first Star Wars title. The cover showed Princess Leia Organa facing off against a mysterious female opponent. The tale was titled "Figurehead." The issue had a cover date of October 1984.

The story started on the planet Herdessa, where C-3PO announced the arrival of the Alliance delegation, which included Leia, Mon Mothma, R2-D2, and himself. Their arrival was not entirely received with approval. There were a few boos and even a clod of dirt that was tossed at Organa. The native government promised to send their security forces, led by the cyborg Lumiya, to track down the dissidents.

It became quite evident right away that there were differing opinions on how the people should be led. Leia offered more freedom through membership in the Alliance of Free Planets, while guild spokesman Brylin countered that his word was the voice of his people, and that he had always decided what was best for all. A short while after the ship's arrival, the delegates met in a more secluded section of the city. 

Leia was tired of the discussion after a while and went for a walk. She was accompanied by Luke Skywalker's faithful droids. Before long, they saw Lumiya, who had apprehended the person who had thrown mud at Leia. Organa was more upset with how the young girl was being treated than with having mud thrown in her face. The girl talked about how laws protected the strong and the rich and killed anyone who opposed those laws.

The girl went on to say that she wished she'd thrown a knife, even though Leia was more than willing to discuss things and allow the girl to go free. Leia stepped in to try to release the prisoner, which angered the cyborg. Lumiya was distracted enough to free her captive and turned her ire on the Rebels, firing blaster bolts from one of her gloves at the trio of Alliance members after calling for reinforcements. 

Leia wanted answers and followed the girl to her hideout, followed closely by Threepio and Artoo. While she was trying to get to the bottom of things, Mothma continued to explain the Alliance's plans, although Herdessa's leaders had other ideas in mind. Later that evening, the security detail stormed the hideout. Leia was forced to flee and leave the droids behind. 

Ogana ran through the city streets alone. When she knocked on a window asking for help, the occupants quickly locked the window, shutting her out. She returned to the city headquarters and found out that their main trade was slaves, and that Mon and other fellow delegates were now prisoners of Imperial Stormtroopers. 

Lumiya led the charge and called for Leia to show herself. Mothma called for the townspeople to revolt against their oppressors, and her words had some effect. Lumiya was about to torture a captive when the girl she'd captured earlier caught her attention. The soldiers and troopers ran into the woods following her, not expecting anyone to fight back.

Leia shot at the cyborg, accidentally exploding one of the chief of security's power packs in the process. She and the other dissidents fought back and eventually overpowered the slavers. Afterward, the freedom fighter thanked Leia and her companions for their efforts. Things would be different on Herdessa, but this wasn't Lumiya's last fight. 

If you think that Lumiya looked familiar to another character that was featured earlier in this series, you're probably right. More details will be revealed later on during this title's run. This was an interesting issue. It was the first time I can remember where Mothma was involved in visiting other worlds to promote the Alliance's mission. I just wish that we had had a return trip to Herdessa to learn what the people did after overthrowing the slavers. 

That's it for this article. Next time, I'll cover the eighty-ninth issue of this series. Luke assists revolutionaries on another planet in overthrowing the Imperial yoke. However, their victory is tainted when word is spread that there was a traitor in their ranks. Luke will experience a painful loss as he tries to discover just who the traitor was. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.