Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #20

Good afternoon everyone,

Today's topic is the twentieth issue of the first Star Wars comic book title. The cover showed Han Solo about to succumb to a four-armed opponent who carried a blade in each hand. Artoo-Deeto, See-Threepio, and a couple of aliens watched the conflict from a viewscreen. The story was called "Deathgame!" The issue had a cover date of February 1979. 

The story started with an X-Wing fighter attacking a pleasure vessel that had just departed the Wheel space station. As the gambling platform's patrons watched the action, a pair of TIE fighters swiftly eradicated the Rebel threat. Princess Leia Organa was outraged by the outcome, knowing that it was all staged by her former fellow Galactic Senator Greyshade's Imperial cohorts. 

Leia lashed out at the station's administrator, who soon left her in the sole company of his protocol droid, Master-Com. Greyshade boarded a shuttle that took him to the Star Destroyer that had been docked nearby. Inside, he began a conversation with Commander Strom. Greyshade knew that the Imperials had destroyed a House of Taage ship that had been transporting Wheel profits, and made it to look like the attack had been conducted by the Rebel Alliance. He was fine with the eventual Imperial takeover of his station, so long as he could have the Alderaanian princess to do with as he wished.

One condition of their arrangement was that Leia's companions were to be eliminated. Luke Skywalker still lay unconscious in the Wheel's medical facility, while Chewbacca and Han Solo were busy competing in the highly wagered-upon gladiator games. Artoo and Threepio had been placed in storage after being put in hock by Solo and were scheduled to be melted down. It seemed that part of the bargain would soon be fulfilled.

Han was surprised to be fighting competitors who were far above his class. His second opponent was a large four-armed humanoid who carried venomous dagger thorns in each fist. Solo's small shield would hardly prove adequate against such a threat. As Strom and Greyshade watched the bouts, Threepio and Artoo were about to be led off for a memory flush by a Wheel guard when Master-Com interfered and superceded that order.

The droids went off with Greyshade's assistant, who was curious to learn more about the droids' independent spirits. They then went to the ship's hospital, where they were astonished to find that their master was gone. Luke's restraints were broken. Master-Com noted that an alarm had sounded from the hospital area as well as a warning from the executive tower.

Leia had been using a knife to tamper with a vent's seal, and was eventually able to escape through the narrow passage. Master-Com left the droids soon thereafter, leaving them with the knowledge that they may have a new ally. Meanwhile, just as things were looking grim for Han, his opponent finally met his demise. These competitions were to the death, and while Han's passing was averted, it appeared that it was just a temporary reprieve. 

If you're a regular reader of these blog articles, you already know how I feel about this storyline. I really feel like it could have been shortened. I think that some of the battles and plot points were drawn out longer than necessary. The one new character that I found to be somewhat interesting was Master-Com. He seemed to be a free thinker who was starting to doubt the ethics of his superior. He also reminded me of a similar robot that we'd see a bit later on in the series.

Well, that's all for today. Tomorrow, I'll discuss the twenty-first issue of Marvel's first Star Wars title. We'll find out where Leia and Luke went. There will also be the return of an infamous Imperial, and Han learns who his next opponent is. It isn't someone that he'd ever want to face. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #19

Hi everyone,

Today, I'll be writing about the nineteenth issue of the first Star Wars comic book series. The cover showed the space station known as the Wheel, with a skull set in its middle, along with headshots of C-3PO, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Chewbacca. The tale was titled "The Ultimate Gamble!" The issue had a cover date of January 1979.

The story started near the Wheel's medical facilities, where Threepio was carrying the unconscious Skywalker (who had passed out during a Jedi meditation session in the previous issue). Stormtroopers were right behind, as R2-D2 was attempting to open the door to that particular section. Before the troopers could blast their targets, a containment wall dropped in front of them. Their shots ricocheted across the corridor as the droids continued on their mission.

Artoo's actions were soon noticed by the Wheel administrator Senator Greyshade's droid, Master-Com. The robot wanted to study Luke's droids. His master was more interested in the exploits of Leia, a former fellow member of the Galactic Senate whom he'd noticed had recently boarded the station. 

At the moment, Leia and Solo were occupied defending the Millennium Falcon from more Stormtroopers. They'd recently entered the Wheel after discovering a bombed House of Taage merchant vessel, which they'd learned had been attacked by Imperials but made to look like Rebels were responsible for that act. The ship arrived at the station soon after being attacked by a Star Destroyer whose commander accused them of piracy and traitorous acts against the Empire.

The troopers were overtaken by Wheel security guards, who announced that Greyshade would handle the affair. Leia remembered the senator as a vile, corrupt, contemptible person. While this sounded more up Han's alley, Solo was led away to inspect his ship for the missing Wheel profits that were supposedly on the Taage ship, while Leia was taken to the administrator's quarters.

Meanwhile, Chewbacca had safely hidden the rebel pilot that they'd rescued from the Taage craft's destruction, and was stealthily making his way to the casino area. He'd just arrived when a pair of guards approached him from behind, noticing that the Wookiee hadn't established a credit limit or paid a Wheel registration fee. Chewie struck at the strangers, and a fight broke out, which several patrons quickly placed bets on. 

Only a maximum strength stun blast was able to fell the Falcon's first mate. He was taken via cart to the gladiator pits while Han anguished over the guards' inspection of his vessel. Leia was less than overjoyed to reunite with Greyshade. She'd just pointed out the possibility that the plundered Wheel profits were a crime committed by Imperials to pin on the Rebellion when Master-Com returned.

The robot had no sooner announced the arrival of the Star Destroyer's Commander Strom, when that very same Imperial blasted the droid from behind. Greyshade's security system prevented the commander from firing his weapon again, moments before Master-Com returned from a side panel in another body. Greyshade offered Leia the use of his private suite and went on to have a conversation with the Imperial.

The Wheel administrator offered Strom a partnership. He was onto the scheme and was willing to stay silent in exchange for Leia. Her traveling companions wouldn't be allowed to leave the Wheel alive. The bargain was agreed upon over drinks. 

Master-Com was in the ship's hospital minutes later, as a doctor inspected the unconscious Luke. He was about to ask who brought the human there when the droids in question were led to the Wheel's storage area, after a guard informed them that Solo had just put them up as a gambling stake. The droids were surprised by the news, but reluctantly agreed to do as they were told.

By then, Chewbacca was a hesitant participant in the gladiator games. It was a way to pay off the fines and penalties he'd accrued since his discovery on the casino floor. Meanwhile, Han was also in debt. Putting the droids in hock wasn't enough to pay for the Falcon's docking fees. He then saw a poster for the gladiator games and decided to sign up. That news was quickly transmitted to Greyshade, who was fine with that, as long as the Correllian didn't win, which was something he was determined to ensure. 

I'll be honest: this storyline wasn't a favorite of mine. I kept reading because I wanted to continue collecting the entire series. Archie Goodwin's script was better than Carmine Infantino's artwork. Overall, I kind of felt like this storyline dragged on a bit longer than necessary. Greyshade's deal with the Imperial commander was an interesting touch, and I wasn't surprised that Han put the droids up as collateral, knowing that Crimson Jack had stolen his reward from the Rebellion back in issue #7. I did want to know more about Master-Com, as he seemed to be a lot more independent than other similar droids of his kind. 

That's all I have for today. Tomorrow, I'll cover the twentieth issue of this series. We'll find out what happens to Han after his enrollment in the gladiator games, and who his opponents are. We'll also learn more about what Leia's intentions are and see Master-Com's first meeting with Threepio and Artoo. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #18

Good afternoon,

Today's focus is on the eighteenth issue of the first Star Wars comic book series. The cover showed C-3PO carrying an unconscious Luke Skywalker in his arms, with R2-D2 behind him and a squadron of Imperial Stormtroopers in the foreground, ready to attack the trio. The story was called "The Empire Strikes!"  The issue had a cover date of December 1978.

The tale began in hyperspace, as the Millennium Falcon was on its way back to Yavin 4. Its captain, Han Solo, and his Wookiee first mate, Chewbacca, were concentrating on an issue with the ship's autonavigator when Threepio pointed out a problem: namely, that his master, Luke, was unconscious.

Princess Leia Organa used a medpack to determine that Luke's vital signs had slowed but were stable. Threepio explained that he and Artoo had been observing Luke's lightsaber practice session. Their master soon ended his exercise and began to meditate. He apparently saw something with the Force that caused his body to shut down. 

The Falcon dropped out of subspace and was quickly contacted by an Imperial TIE fighter whose pilot warned them that they were entering an Imperial military containment zone. Han blamed that mistake on the autonavigator's drift error and blasted the fighter out of the sky. A little while later, their ship came across a battle-damaged House of Taage mining explorer. Leia persuaded Han to bring the Rebel pilot she'd spotted near the wreckage aboard.

Unfortunately, the pilot was beyond the help of a medpack, but he did tell his new comrades that he and his wingmates had been forced into the Taage ship before it was attacked, so that it would look like the Imperial allies' ship had been destroyed by members of the Rebellion. 

Han and Leia were so busy arguing about what to do next after the pilot passed out that they almost didn't see the arrival of an Imperial Star Destroyer, whose commander suspected the small ship's inhabitants of piracy and/or rebellious acts against the Empire. Chewie's quick thinking helped them evade the warning shots, but the Falcon was soon pursued by more TIEs that were dispatched under Commander Strom's orders. By then, Han had taken over the controls and was guiding his ship toward sanctuary at a large station known as the Wheel.

The Wheel was known throughout the galaxy as a neutral location where patrons could relax and gamble. While the Falcon successfully survived the landing in one of the Wheel's docking bays, the Rebel pilot did not. Chewie went to dispose of the body, while the droids would take Luke to the station's medical facilities. Han and Leia were going to make their way to the Crimson Casino Lounge, where Chewbacca would meet them after accomplishing his task.

Of course, their arrival didn't go unnoticed by the ground crew or the Stormtroopers who were already stationed on the Wheel. The soldiers demanded to know more about the Falcon and its passengers. A request for information was raised by Strom to the station's supervisor, Senator Greyshade. Greyshade was no fan of the Rebellion or the Empire, but allowed the pursuit on the condition that one of the Rebels be kept alive for questioning and brought to him directly.

While Strom continued to scheme, a pair of Stormtroopers found the droids and their unconscious master and were about to open fire upon them. In Senator Greyshade's quarters, he kept up on updates about the Falcon's crew. One particular passenger, Leia, piqued his interest. They'd served together in the Galactic Senate, and she was now a Rebellion leader. Greystoke then informed his droids, Master-Com, that it was time to act.

Knowing what I did about Solo's background, I wasn't surprised to see a station like the Wheel that was bound to interest rogues and squadrons from various star systems. Penciler Carmine Infantino apparently didn't know the difference in designs between standard TIE fighters and Darth Vader's personal TIE, as the fighters he drew in this issue were almost identical to the Sith Lord's ship. I never did like how he drew droids, Vader, Stormtroopers, weapons, or ships, but I was willing to overlook that for the sake of this storyline. The tale's title was a play on the name of the first Star Wars sequel, which may or may not have been announced by the time this issue was published. 

That's all from me for now. Next time, I'll recap the nineteenth issue of this series. We'll find out what happened to Luke and his robots, as well as see Leia's reunion with Greyshade. In addition, we'll learn what Chewbacca did after disposing of the pilot's body and the crucial choice that Han was forced to make. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #17

Good morning,

Today's focus is on the seventeenth issue of Marvel's first Star Wars series. The cover showed Luke Skywalker in action on his homeworld of Tatooine. The tale was titled "Crucible!"  The issue had a cover date of November 1978.

The story started on board the Millennium Falcon. Skywalker was manning the controls for his friends Han Solo and Chewbacca. The solitude gave him time to think back on his days before meeting the ship's pilots. He remembered a time when he had just bulls-eyed a womp rat with a blast from his energy rifle while steering his family's landspeeder. He picked up the creature and brought it back with him, hoping that his Uncle Lars would pay him a bounty for the rodent that would allow him to purchase a set of macrobinoculars that he'd had his eye on. Little did the farmboy know that his activities had been witnessed by several Sand People (aka Tusken Raiders) and their Bantha mounts.

Luke's excitement when he arrived home was countered by his uncle's reminder that his nephew lacked the necessary parts to get their Treadwell droid up and running again. That would delay the installation of their new vaporators. Luke replied that the parts were on backlog, and that he wanted to attend his friend Biggs Darklighter's farewell party the next day.

Darklighter was leaving for the Imperial Academy and had been best friends with Luke for years. Aunt Beru pointed that out to her husband, who allowed his nephew to attend the celebration, with the caveat that he was to not ask for anything more until they had a fully functioning Treadwell. Luke happily agreed.

Afterward, Luke asked his aunt about his uncle's relationship with his father. Beru said that Owen might have depended too much on him staying on the farm, much like he did with Luke. Luke understood that his uncle cared about him and was loyal to his aunt and uncle. However, he still felt like there was more for him to accomplish outside of the farm. 

Later that evening, Luke occupied himself with repairing the family's skyhopper. He sat in the pilot's chair and started daydreaming about flying in deep space, attacking an enemy cruiser, and rescuing a damsel in distress, who thanked him warmly for his efforts. He was so lost in thought that he initially didn't hear his uncle standing right next to him, informing him that he was shutting down the external power. 

The next day, Luke joined Biggs and their friends for a friendly skyhopper race across Beggar's Canyon. The two best friends soon emerged as the front-runners. Darklighter won the competition by using ground-charge missiles to blast a pair of womp rats while he accelerated out of a dead end. 

A party began afterward. Their reverie was interrupted by the crash landing of a landspeeder that was on fire. The vessel had been driven by a military scout who was fleeing from a Tusken rampage. The Sand People had been furious that a bunch of gun runners had accidentally polluted one of their sacred wells. The Tuskens acquired their weapons, some of which were used to fire on Luke and his friends moments later.

Windy tried to radio for help, but atmospheric interference prevented anything from being sent or received, at least until the twin suns had set. Luke and Biggs decided to make a break for one of the skyhoppers. They were confronted by a Tusken, who tossed his Gaderffi stick at Biggs. The weapon's tip had been dipped in sand bat venom, which was very poisonous.

Luke took the controls of his family's skyhopper after loading his friend inside. His only chance to save Biggs was to cut through the deadly Diablo's Cut. It was a treacherous cavern passage, which ended with a Tusken scouting party. A few shots found their mark, but Luke was able to pilot the craft close enough to his family homestead to alert his aunt and uncle and call for help. 

Things had resumed to normal several hours later. Luke took some time to consider the ordeal as a test, one that he'd passed. His thoughts then drifted to recent events, from acquiring R2-D2 and C-3PO to meeting Ben Kenobi, who gave him his father's lightsaber, rescuing Princess Leia Organa, and the attack that destroyed the Empire's Death Star.

His reminiscing was broken up by Han Solo. He had woken up and was ready to relieve Han. Luke was thankful for the break, but was just fine where he was for the moment. 

This was a nice fill-in issue scripted by Chris Claremont and illustrated by Herb Trimpe and Al Milgrom. IT gave fans a little insight into Luke's past, as well as more details about Biggs Darklighter and Luke's aunt Beru and uncle Owen. I'm sure that Marvel was limited by Lucasfilm as to what they could portray, but it was still an enjoyable story, one that could be used as a point to start reading this series.

That's all from me for today. Tomorrow, I'll discuss the eighteenth issue of this series. The Star Warriors resume their journey and encounter more Imperial resistance. We'll also see a person from Leia's past. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #16

Hi there,

Today I'll be writing about the sixteenth issue of the first Star Wars monthly comic book. The cover showed images of R2-D2, C-3PO, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker, and the rabbit Jaxxon in the background, with an unknown soldier in the foreground. The story was called "The Hunter!: The issue had a cover date of October 1978.

The tale began with the man from the cover, who was known as Valance, launching an attack on a base with his allies. The soldiers pushed their way to the records section of the Telos-4 medical station before obliterating the records with their laser weapons. One of the patients, a man named Don Wan Kihotay (who you may remember from Han and Chewie's adventure after the destruction of the Death Star), talked aloud about his exploits with Amaiza, Jaxxon, Han, Chewbacca, and a boy and his droid.

One of Jaxxon's soldiers overheard the old man's mutterings and reported immediately to his superior. Valance then ordered his men back to his ship, now that they had a new objective. A short while later on another planet, Jaxxon and Amaiza were parting company when the long-eared pilot was captured. His captors pumped him for information about Solo and his young companion with the robots.

Jaxxon wasn't about to spill the beans, but Amaiza inadvertently provided the details that Valance's men were looking for in her attempt to rescue her friend. Jaxxon and Amaiza then raced to Aduba-3 to inform their former colleague Jimm about the threat. Jimm and Merri were skeptical, since after their initial battle against Serji-X, Jimm had since retired from combat and settled down with Merri, who was due with their first child.

None of them knew just how close Valance's ship was to the system. The bounty hunter thought back to his days in service to the Empire and the injuries he'd suffered during a Rebel bombing on an outlying world. The Imperials left the wounded warrior back on Telos-4 to die, and Valance knew that he could never again be of service to their cause. 

However, he did stay abreast of their efforts to squash the Rebellion, including the recent infiltration of the Death Star by Solo and his companions. He was most interested in the farmboy and the droids who had accompanied Han and the Wookiee on that mission. His vessel had no sooner entered Aduba-3's atmosphere when it was attacked by the Rabbit's Foot, Jaxxon's light cruiser. 

A brief space battle ensued, and Jaxxon and Amaiza eventually retreated to the planet's surface. Valance's ship was in hot pursuit, and it didn't take very long for them to find their attackers' craft. A squadron of his best men was sent out on foot, unaware that they were walking into a trap. 

Amaiza opened fire on the intruders, and a blast from Jimm's pistol sent a herd of Banthas stampeding across the open field. Valance emerged on the scene afterward. When he caught up with Han's former employees, he finally realized that Jimm wasn't the same farmboy from the Death Star transmission tape. Angered, he fired a hand weapon at the trio.

Jaxxon, Amaiza, and Jimm got back up and watched the enemy ship blast off into space. They were wondering why they'd been sought after in the first place. None of them knew Valance's secret, which was displayed in the last panels: when he was repaired after the Rebel attack, portions of his body were replaced with cybernetic parts. Rather ironic that the droid-hater was partly mechanical. 

This was penciler Walt Simonson's first issue of Star Wars. He would return for a memorable run after the Empire Strikes Back adaptation. Valance proved to be an intriguing character. He was the first-ever bounty hunter featured in this series, before we even knew about Boba Fett. Although his run on this title was rather short, it was memorable. Valance would resurface in the newer Marvel Star Wars comics and was a major character in the 42-issue Bounty Hunters comic book.

Well, that's it for this article. Next time, I'll recap the seventeenth issue of Star Wars. X-Men scribe Chris Claremont and Incredible Hulk and G.I. Joe penciler Herb Trimpe team up as guest contributors as they chronicle a tale from Luke Skywalker's past, not long before the incidents that occurred in the first film. Until then, have a great week, and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #15

Good afternoon everyone,

Today's topic is the fifteenth issue of Marvel's first Star Wars comic book. The cover showed Han Solo squaring off against Crimson Jack and his commandos outside a Star Destroyer in space. The tale was titled "Star Duel!" The issue had a cover date of September 1978.

The story started in outer space. Jack's captured Star Destroyer was orbiting the planet Drexel after being lured there by Solo's story that the Rebel treasury was on the water world. The massive vessel had been locked in place by General Quarg's sonic jammer, which ceased functioning after the events from the previous issue.

Jack wanted revenge on the Correllian, and his assistant Jolli was preparing three fighters that Han and his friends had sabotaged (during their escape in issue #13). Meanwhile, Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia Organa were on Quarg's ship after defeating the pirate and his crew (as depicted in issue #14). The dragon riders, Quarg's former technicians who had since formed a bond with the native creatures, were more than willing to let their new allies stay with them, but they already had other plans. 

Threepio had no sooner started checking out the Millennium Falcon when the ship was under attack by Jolli, who was flying a commandeered Y-Wing fighter. Luke, Leia, and Han dove into the water to rescue him, not knowing that he was okay. Chewbacca and R2-D2 were still on board. Threepio soon used an overhead firing toggle to blast the rogue ship. 

The Falcon soon burst free from the planet's atmosphere and engaged in combat with Jack's other two fighters. The trio of fighters was small and speedy, but none of them posed much of a threat. While renewing her attack, Jolli thought back to her youth, when her father abandoned her and her mother before declaring that they weren't good enough. Her initial interaction with Han evoked some of those long-lost feelings, which inspired her actions in part.

In attempting to evade the Star Destroyer, the Falcon brushed up against the larger craft, damaging its gyro control module in the process. After learning that the module had to be replaced and couldn't be fixed, Solo offered Jack a trade: the navi-computer charts that Chewie had stolen while on board their ship in exchange for the parts that they needed.

A bargain was struck, and the two pilots agreed to make the exchange outside their own ships. Before that encounter, Jack said that Jolli, whose ship had been damaged in the battle, could find her way back to them if she was good enough. Han expected betrayal and was prepared to fight.

What neither of them anticipated was Jolli's ire at her captain's remark, which was similar to the last words that her father ever spoke to her. She went on a rampage, firing at the Star Destroyer before ramming her battered ship against its control tower. The exchange had taken place beforehand, and now Jack found himself without a vessel to take him anywhere.

Solo fired a blast at the old pirate before giving Jolli her first and last kiss. He perceived how her feelings toward men had changed after their first meeting. Han then reboarded the Falcon, and he and his comrades finally left the system in peace.

This issue wrapped up both the Crimson Jack and Drexel storylines. It was a quick battle. My only regret was Jolli's sacrifice. She could have chosen to reform and join the Alliance. Crimson Jack was an interesting character who was largely forgotten until Marvel reacquired the license in 2015. This was the last issue that he and his crew were featured in during the initial run. 

Well, that's all for now. Tomorrow, I'll recap a new story in issue #16. Walt Simonson and Bob Wiacek are the guest artists, and they teamed with writer Archie Goodwin to present a new bounty hunter, the very first one to be included in this series. We'll find out more about this character and just what his mission is. Until then, have a great week, and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #14

Good afternoon and Happy Valentine's Day/Singles Awareness Day, everyone,

My focus for this fourteenth day of February is the fourteenth issue of Marvel's first Star Wars series. The cover showed Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker, R2-D2, and C-3PO poised and ready for battle. The story was called "The Sound of Armageddon!" The issue had a cover date of August 1978.

The tale began on Governor Quarg's flagship. Chewbacca was striking at Luke, thinking that the Tatooine native had fired upon the Millennium Falcon (when in reality it had been another of Quarg's men). Threepio and Artoo stood by and watched, unsure how to assist their friends.

None of them fully understood that their ship was engaged in a full-scale war with the dragon riders. Multiple beasts attacked the very craft they were in. Quarg refused to let their sonic jammer cease operation for even an instant, since it was what they'd used to lure large ships into their vicinity.

That included the Imperial Star Destroyer that was being piloted by the pirate Crimson Jack's crew. They were frantically trying to figure out how to evade its impact. Jack then learned that the Falcon had escaped from its hold shortly after the jammer began to impact their vessel. 

As for the Falcon's pilot, Han Solo had been knocked off board (last issue). When he came to, he saw that he was being carried off by one of the dragon riders. Leia was still on his ship and preparing for any trouble that might cross her path, as the Correllian ship was being towed toward Quarg's flagship.

It wasn't long before Quarg and his associates realized how the Falcon's power could be used to boost their signal jammer. It was a task that Luke and his droids could help with, but they were busy fighting for their lives at the moment against a raging Wookiee. Artoo finally blasted his comrade with a burst of fire extinguisher, putting him down for the count. 

Not long afterward, Leia was reunited with Skywalker and the droids. Quarg instructed his new machinesmith on his work, while he took Organa captive. None of them knew that Han was very much alive, and had resurfaced in an underground cavern where Quarg's former technos had made a home for themselves and the dragons of Drexel.

One of them explained to Solo their peaceful coexistence with the creatures. He noted that ultrasonic sound, like that emanating from Quarg's sonic jammer, had been known to drive some of the larger beasts mad, which would explain their frenzied actions during the current battle. Continued use of such a weapon could even kill the dragons. Han was shocked to learn that, as well as the news that Quarg planned to use his ship to augment the jammer.

Han agreed to join the technos, knowing it was probably the only way he could return to the Falcon. Meanwhile, the conflict continued. The droids worked on the task, albeit not at a fast enough pace for the general's liking. Luke, Artoo, and Threepio were working on the connection when Solo returned. He arrived to stop them, but Luke fought off his old friend. 

Solo warned the farmboy that they were giving Quarg a weapon that could rival the Death Star's destructive capability before more dragons fell from the increased power of the jammer. Leia fled from the general moments before Chewbacca broke through his prison and attacked Quarg and his men. Luke explained to Han that the connection helped Quarg, but it also negated the jammer's effect on his ship. Everything was now fully functional again, including the weapons.

Han took the opportunity to man a gun turret. He aimed his scope at a beam right below Leia, who by then had been chased up that far ledge by the General himself. Luke swooped in and grabbed her mere moments before the Falcon's guns fired on the ancient ship. 

Quarg and his threat were now gone. The pirates wouldn't harm the dragon lords or their animal companions ever again. However, that didn't mean that the Rebels were out of trouble just yet. 

I still don't like how Carmine Infantino drew laser blasters, mainly because they were usually quite unlike anything shown in the Star Wars films. I understand writer Archie Goodwin's intentions of likening Quarg's ships to pirate ships of old, and can appreciate how he crafted Quarg into a kind of Napoleonic leader. I just wish that there had been more of a backstory or an aftermath involving the dragon lords. We were just starting to learn about them before this conflict was resolved rather violently.

Well, that's all for today. Tomorrow's topic will be the fifteenth issue of this series. The Falcon is finally free to leave Drexel. But before Han and his friends can leave the system, they still have to deal with Crimson Jack and his crew. Find out what happens then. Until that article is written, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.