Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #40

Good morning,

This morning's topic is the fortieth issue of Marvel's first Star Wars series. This issue is the second part of the company's adaptation of The Empire Strikes Back movie. The cover showed Luke Skywalker wielding his lightsaber in front of a downed snowspeeder as an Imperial All Terrain Armed Transport (AT-AT) points its guns at him. A few more AT-ATs and snowspeeders can also be seen in the background. This chapter was called "Battleground Hoth!" The issue had a cover date of October 1980.

After the initial splash page (these splash pages were only found in the monthly magazine, and not the Marvel Special Edition movie adaptation), we see several Rebel soldiers preparing for incoming Imperial troops. The attention then shifts to C-3PO and R2-D2, as they listen to a captured Wampa before heading to see their master, Luke Skywalker, who was in the medical wing, recovering from his recent encounter with one of those creatures (as shown in the last issue).

Luke's scars are healing well, according to medical droid 2-1B. Princess Leia, Artoo, Threepio, Han Solo, and Chewbacca soon arrive to check in on their colleague. We see a bit of a romantic triangle form among the three movie leads before attention is averted to Darth Vader's Super Star Destroyer.

The Sith Lord was just informed by General Veers that the Rebels have erected an energy shield on the fourth planet in the system by General Veers. Vader realized that Admiral Ozzel brought their fleet out of lightspeed too close to the system. He made sure that the admiral paid the ultimate price for his failure before promoting Captain Piett to fill the now late admiral's role. 

Meanwhile, Leia and other Rebel leaders are preparing for the imminent Imperial assault. The base's ion cannon is being activated to defend outgoing ships, and ground staff are being instructed on their leaders' strategy. Han and Chewie are still working on repairs to the Millennium Falcon, which aren't going as well as hoped.

The ion cannon proves to be effective, as its blast strikes one of the Star Destroyers in the path of the first Rebel transport to leave the system. Luke and Han wish each other well before Skywalker goes to join his snowspeeder gunner, Dack Ralter. Luke will be leading Rogue Squadron in their aerial defense of the Rebel base. 

It doesn't take very long for the first AT-ATs to arrive on the scene. The large Imperial Walkers pose a formidable threat to the relatively smaller Alliance forces. Luke and his squadron try an aerial assault, only to find that the walkers' armor is too strong for blasterfire, as Chewbacca and Solo see the falling rubble above them and know they have to leave sooner rather than later.

While General Rieekan and Leia advise the remaining ground staff to evacuate, things turn for the worse outside. Luke loses his gunner, but his friend Wedge decides to attack from below, using his speeder's tow cables to successfully constrict and bring one of the AT-ATs down. However, Luke has little time to celebrate that victory, as his ship is soon hit. He navigates as best as he can with a damaged ship as the remaining walkers continue to advance, including one that appears to be heading right for him. 

I can't say enough good things about this movie adaptation. Although there are a few bits and pieces from the film that are omitted or were shown in this adaptation but cut from the movie's final draft, it's still a very accurate and beautiful story. The artwork is superb, and the story pacing is just right. It's a significant upgrade over the adaptation for the first film and shows just how seriously Marvel took this project. 

That's all I have for now. Next time, I'll recap the third part of this six-part adaptation from Star Wars #41. We'll see the conclusion of the Battle of Hoth, and find out what happens to the movie's major stars as they go their separate ways. The Empire remains in hot pursuit of their targets, and another popular character makes their debut. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #39

Good afternoon,

It's finally time for me to tackle Marvel's Empire Strikes Back adaptation. They released a Marvel Super Special (which I still have in my collection) and adapted the movie into six parts in their monthly Star Wars comic. This article will touch on the first part of that adaptation in the thirty-ninth issue of the title. It featured Darth Vader on the cover, with a Super Star Destroyer and several other smaller Star Destroyers in the background. This was also the first issue to feature R2-D2 and C-3PO in the front corner box, instead of the usual image of Luke Skywalker with an ignited lightsaber. The issue had a cover date of September 1980.

After the front splash page, the tale began on the ice planet Hoth. Skywalker was on patrol astride a native Tauntaun. He had just radioed to Han Solo that he was going to check out a meteorite strike when a large arm knocked him off his mount. Luke didn't get to see the strange robot that had emerged after arriving on the planet.

A little while later, Solo and his Tauntaun returned to the Rebel base. After dismounting, he yelled up at his copilot, Chewbacca, who was busy working on repairs to the Millennium Falcon. A nearby officer offered remorse at Han's decision to leave, which Han replied to by saying that the bounty hunter they ran into on Ord Mantell (a tale that was covered in the Star Wars newspaper strip by this issue's artist, Al Williamson) had changed his mind. 

Han then ran into Princess Leia in a hallway, and the two engaged in a spirited debate about Solo's decision to leave the Alliance. Afterward, we saw another similar-looking alien arm break open one of the interior walls of the base. Meanwhile, Luke awoke and found himself hanging upside down inside an icy cavern. He spotted his lightsaber on the ground and used the Force to bring the blade to his waiting hand.

He then used the laser beam to free himself and to swing defensively at his captor before running for safety. While their master was trying to make his way back, Artoo and Threepio were on their way to the Falcon. Threepio wondered if anyone had heard from Luke. Han certainly hadn't, but wanted the latest from the deck officer closest to his ship. 

Moments later, Solo was conferring with a pair of Rebel officers who were inspecting a Tauntaun that had been attacked. Han couldn't take a speeder to find his friend, since they hadn't been properly adjusted to the cold weather just yet. He decided to go out on Tauntaun, knowing that the weather was becoming an increasing danger to his friend. 

Luke had just about reached the point of exhaustion when an apparition appeared in front of him. It was the image of his former mentor, Obi-Wan (Ben) Kenobi. The Jedi instructed him to go to the Dagobah system to learn the ways of the Force from Yoda, the Jedi master who had instructed him. Luke passed out moments before Han found him.

 Solo raced to Skywalker, just before his Tauntaun collapsed from the cold. Han worked feverishly to erect a portable shelter, while Artoo tried to use his limited scope to find their friends. Major Derlin (played by the future Cliff Clavin, John Ratzenberger) advised Leia that nothing more could be done and that the shield doors had to be closed. She reluctantly agreed, hoping for the best for her colleagues.

The next morning, a Rebel pilot out on patrol in his speeder located the missing Rebels. Luke was soon rushed to the base's medical facility and was placed in a bacta tank where his progress was monitored by the droids 2-1B and FX-7. Luke's friends knew that he'd run into some kind of trouble but weren't sure just what as of yet.

As Luke was improving, more danger loomed. Several soldiers fended off an attack by the same type of creature that attacked Luke (which was in a scene that was cut from the movie). Later, technicians detected a metallic visitor. Han and Chewie went out for a closer look. The droid blasted at them, before a lucky shot fired from Han's pistol caused a self-destruct.

The unwanted guest was an Imperial probe droid. It was a good guess that the Empire now knew of the Rebels' hiding place, and General Rieekan ordered the beginning of their evacuation. On board a massive Super Star Destroyer somewhere in the galaxy, Imperial Admiral Ozzel was informed of a possible lead in the Hoth system. While the commander demanded proof instead of leads, Darth Vader was convinced that was where the Rebels, including Skywalker, were hiding. He ordered an immediate course direction to that system. 

This adaptation was developed by writer/editor Archie Goodwin and artists Al Williamson and Carlos Garzon. It's said that Garzon and Williamson would take turns on pencils and inks in this adaptation, as well as the one for Return of the Jedi. Goodwin and Williamson had already been working together on the Star Wars newspaper strip, so this felt like a natural evolution. I loved the artwork in this adaptation and wished that Williamson had drawn more Star Wars comics after the newspaper strip ended. He sets scenes wonderfully and was a marvelous artist for many years. 

Well, that's it for this article. Part two of this adaptation will be in the fortieth issue of this title. The battle for Hoth begins as both Rebel and Imperial forces wage a ground war. Find out how this battle begins, and what roles the major characters from the movie play in this conflict next time. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #38

Hi everyone,

This article will be dedicated to discussing the thirty-eighth issue of the first Star Wars comic book series. The cover showed Luke Skywalker trying to free Princess Leia Organa from a set of strange green tentacles, while a yellow robot wielding a lightsaber prepared to attack from behind. The tale was titled "Riders in the Void!" The issue had a cover date of August 1980. 

The story started somewhere in the galaxy, as Luke and Leia's ship was suddenly being attacked by a pair of Imperial TIE fighters. Luke wasn't about to let their foes distract him. He soon made the jump to lightspeed, but on that voyage, the ship started experiencing several mechanical issues.

Luke slowed the craft to sublight speed, and he and Leia soon noticed that the stars had disappeared. It appeared as though the galaxy itself had disappeared. Off in the distance, Leia spied a bright source of light. As they drew nearer, the Rebels saw something that looked very much alive.

The smaller ship was drawn into the larger mass. After confirming that the interior atmosphere was breathable, Leia and Luke exited their ship and started exploring their new surroundings. Several minutes later, they fell through the floor that they had just been standing on. 

Both heroes were under attack before long. Leia fended off several alien tentacles, while Luke encountered a robot who engaged him in a saber battle. The mechanoid seemed to improve with each move, but the young Jedi soon defeated his opponent. Afterward, the ship tried to violently expel both of its new guests.

Leia and Luke struggled to save themselves and help each other. These selfless acts of bravery were recognized by whoever was in control, and the violent winds that had tried to cast them out ceased just as suddenly as they had started. A voice invited the pair into an inner chamber, where we saw a strangely garbed being who had been observing everything from his viewscreen.

The being explained that he'd seen the ravages of war long ago. It had taken many of those that he knew, and things got to a point where he'd become linked with the very vessel they were traveling in after he chose to flee conflict. It seemed that the current struggles were nothing more than amusements for him, although both of the Rebels knew that their battles were all too real.

Not long afterward, the bioship exited hyperspace right in front of an Imperial Star Destroyer. The Imperial vessel opened fire, and its opening salvo buffeted the ship, but didn't do much damage. Several TIEs were dispatched to defend the Empire's vessel, only to be taken out by bulbous anti-matter pods. The pods continued to disperse until they had eventually eliminated the Imperial threat entirely.

The ship's owner then allowed his companions to resume their travels. Their ship was repaired and could depart at any time. As the heroes boarded their craft, their host stated that their world was too real for him. They took off, watching the biovessel retreat further into the stars, perhaps to a place where its owner could continue his contentment in peace. 

This was a rather unexpected, offbeat story that was published because of deadline and format issues at the time. Marvel wasn't quite ready to begin their Empire Strikes Back adaptation at the time, so this story ran in its place. It's a visually stunning book. I'm used to penciler Michael Golden's artwork from the first year of the initial Micronauts title. He doesn't stay on regular comic titles for very long, but he's definitely one of the best artists in his field. The art would only continue to improve over the next several issues.

Well, that wraps up this piece. Next time, I'll begin Marvel's six-part adaptation of The Empire Strikes Back. We'll start with the Rebel base on Hoth. Luke runs into a bit of trouble after going out on his own to investigate a meteor strike, and we'll see just how doggedly the Empire is pursuing the Rebellion. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #37

Hello there,

It's time for me to discuss the thirty-seventh issue of Marvel's first Star Wars title. The cover showed Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 ready to do battle, with an asteroid field in the background and a black glove holding a red-bladed lightsaber in the foreground, and a shadow cast before the heroes that could only belong to Darth Vader. The tale was titled "In Mortal Combat!" The issue had a cover date of July 1980.

The story started at dawn on the planet Monastery. Lady Domina Taage was directing Luke and Vader toward opposite paths that would eventually join up. Once the participants met, the battle could begin. Vader set off first. Luke was a little hesitant, knowing that Artoo couldn't join him. Once both fighters had left, Domina smiled, thinking that this contest could spell the end for both of them.

Skywalker took his time familiarizing himself with the terrain. He soon learned that moisture in the area could cause crystals to sprout from the ground, and that attacking those crystals had explosive results. As the hero raced on, Vader stood still, observing his surroundings. Meanwhile, the Millennium Falcon flew over the range, partly due to the influence of their unwanted guest, Baron Orman Taage, who held its pilot, Han Solo, at gunpoint.

The Baron wanted to protect his sister while simultaneously wishing to have his revenge on both Skywalker and Vader, each for separate reasons. An abrupt landing on the planet distracted the baron enough for Princess Leia Organa to wrest the blaster from their enemy's hand. Chewbacca alerted Han to the approach of a pair of Imperial TIE fighters, who were soon taken out by the Falcon's guns. However, that skirmish had preoccupied the crew so much that they didn't notice Taage had fled from their ship.

Luke was continuing on his way when Artoo arrived from behind. He was still connected with C-3PO, who was still aboard the Falcon. The translator droid knew the way out of the dangerous crystal field and encouraged Artoo to lead their master to safety. That was information that the baron probably wished he'd had, as he ventured out to confront his opponents by himself.

It didn't take long for Orman to run into Vader. He was no match for the Sith Lord, who soon convinced the baron to perform a task for him, after Orman was informed that his formerly innocent sister had been corrupted by the Empire. While Han and Leia were running to inform Domina that her brother Orman was in the meadow, Luke went up against what he thought was Darth Vader.

The long-awaited struggle began. Luke sensed fear in his foe and noticed that his opponent's moves were not what he was expecting. Artoo continued to follow his master, and Threepio, through his link with the astrodroid, informed Skywalker that his sensors were detecting something that human senses couldn't pick up. 

After a final slash, Luke learned that he'd been facing Orman Taage. He was surprised by the deception and was about to confront Vader himself, who'd appeared by the two combatants, before realizing that the only way to win Vader's game was not to play. By the time Domina heard the news from Leia and Han, Vader had already taken off in his personal TIE fighter.

Luke arrived moments later and was chastised by Domina for not saving her brother. She was angered by both sides and allowed the Falcon to leave, but not without her warning. Han, Leia, Luke, Chewie, and the droids were thankful that the ordeal was over and talked about what they'd learned during their flight.

Elsewhere in space, a ship came across the ruined Star Destroyer that was once hijacked by Crimson Jack. The being that this comic called Jabba the Hut (last seen in issue #28, who was later retconned as a Nimbanel by the name of Mosep Binneed, who worked for the Hutt and sometimes operated using his boss' name) stated that he'd financed the refurbishment of that vessel. In retaliation for the damage done to Jack's ship, Jabba placed a substantial bounty on Han's head, which made our favorite spice runner a wanted man once again. 

This was Orman Taage's last appearance in this series. It's assumed that Luke's blow was a killing one, even though it wasn't really confirmed in this issue. Domina would return in another issue after the ESB adaptation and then remain dormant for three decades. She basically worked for herself and had long since abandoned the Monastery religious group by the time she reappeared, mainly in the Doctor Aphra books. The Taages brought a new perspective to the galactic conflict, but were pretty much forgotten after this storyline, for the most part. That can happen when books change creative teams, I guess. 

Next up is the thirty-eighth issue of this series. Luke and Leia take a journey into an unexpected corner of the galaxy, in the final story before Marvel's adaptation of The Empire Strikes Back began. The yarn was beautifully illustrated by Michael Golden and is a bit out of the ordinary, but nonetheless appealing. Be here when I describe it in greater detail. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #36

Good Saturday afternoon, everyone,

It's time for me to recap the thirty-sixth issue of the first Star Wars comic. The cover depicted Luke Skywalker in a body of water, battling a pink and purple horned creature while Lady Domina looked on. The story was called "Red Queen Rising!" The issue had a cover date of June 1980.

The tale began in orbit around the planet Monastery, as the Millennium Falcon was warned to stand by for Imperial inspection by a Star Destroyer. The larger craft soon hauled in the Correllian freighter via tractor beam, and its Imperial crew was quick to conduct a scan of its contents, including the smuggling compartments that they were apparently made aware of.

On the planet, Luke was awake at dawn. He didn't get much sleep because he was busy thinking about how to convince the world's people that the Empire was the real threat to the galaxy. He and Darth Vader had been sent as emissaries of their representative groups to present their case to the council. A while later, Skywalker saw what he assumed was another beast preparing to attack Domina. 

The young Jedi leapt to her defense and engaged in a brief battle with the blue panther-like creature. His lightsaber made short work of the animal, whom he later learned had been a pet of Domina Taage's. That act seemed to sway the lady's favor toward Vader, who approached her afterward.

Domina's brothers, Orman and Silas, were being kept in stasis containers on the same ship that had captured the Falcon. The Imperial commander's men found nothing out of the ordinary on board, but took the captain Han Solo and his first mate Chewbacca as their prisoners. After their departure, Princess Leia emerged from the hidden panels in one of the storage compartments. She and C-3PO were safe. She instructed the protocol droid to make contact with Skywalker to update them on what they'd learned.

Luke and Artoo ended the call moments before Domina and her companions arrived in Skywalker's quarters to invite him to meet with the temple elders. Luke didn't know that Domina's brother Ulric had talked to her earlier, and falsely stated that Orman and Silas had died by Luke's hand. Vader wanted Skywalker and was more than willing to persuade Domina to make that happen. After speaking with the Sith Lord, Domina thought back to a time years earlier when Orman told Silas that their sister would never marry into the Imperial family, and that he didn't want her innocence and purity corrupted.

In the council chambers, Domina announced that the order members had opted to revoke the circle of elders' authority and named her as all-high priestess. She went on to declare Luke and the Alliance must be eliminated as threats to the natural cycle of galactic life. Luke protested, but Domina pointed out Luke's recent violent activities as examples proving their decision was just.

Skywalker tried to point out that Vader was likely behind the grand scheme, which the Imperial leader took as an accusation. He was willing to face the young pilot in a lightsaber battle. Domina would not allow either of them to fight in their chamber but instructed that both warriors would meet at sundown in the crystal valley. 

Meanwhile, Leia was busy creating diversions on board the Star Destroyer. She was able to deactivate the cruiser's artificial gravity long enough to free Solo and Chewbacca and turned off the tractor beam, allowing the Falcon to escape. The ship made its way toward the planet before the crew knew they had a guest on board, who turned out to be none other than Baron Orman Taage. He soon revealed himself by holding the pilots at gunpoint. The Baron wanted vengeance on Skywalker and Vader, not knowing that the two in question were about to face off on the planet in a contest of skill. 

Domina definitely changed after the events in this issue. While Silas and Orman were largely forgotten after this storyline, Domina Taage would make one post-Empire Strikes Back appearance and would not be seen in another Marvel Star Wars magazine until after the company reacquired the license in 2015. I liked the fact that Han had revised his smuggling compartments and was a little surprised that the Empire even knew about them. I know that the Marvel creative staff were rather limited by Lucasfilm as to what they could and couldn't do, so I guess I'm okay with the Taages' involvement in the affairs of the Empire versus the Rebellion.

Next up is the thirty-seventh issue of this series. The final part of this story arc kicks off with the showdown at sunrise on Monastery. We'll see which contestant is the victor, and just what Orman had in store for Han and company. There will also be a brief precursor to the next Star Wars movie adaptation. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #35

Good afternoon,

It's time for me to talk about the thirty-fifth issue of Marvel's first Star Wars color comic. The cover depicted Darth Vader in front of a game board, with sculptures of Luke Skywalker, Orman Taage, C-3PO, Han Solo, R2-D2, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia Organa. The tale was titled "Dark Lord's Gambit." The issue had a cover date of May 1980. 

The tale began on an unnamed world, where the Dark Lord of the Sith finally learned the name of the Rebel pilot who destroyed the Death Star. He soon returned to his Star Destroyer with this knowledge and conferred with his subordinate Wermis before his rendezvous with a Taage Star Destroyer. The general on board that particular craft had recently risen to the rank of Baron after his brothers' Silas and Orman's recent defeat at the hands of the Rebel Alliance.

A few minutes later, the general shared details about their recent setback at the hands of the Rebel fleet. He disclosed that Solo and Skywalker were aboard the lead attack craft. Upon hearing this, Vader became incensed, knowing that they had let an opportunity to capture those Rebels slip from their grasp. The Sith Lord then revealed the forms of Silas and Orman Taage, each encased in his own stasis chamber, much to the surprise of their brother, who'd assumed that they had perished during the battle.

Convinced that he'd had the upper hand, Vader soon returned to his own flagship. He was ready to proceed with his plans, now that he had the Taage family as pawns to use as he so chose. Meanwhile, an X-Wing patrol headed by Skywalker was making a pass around the planet Yavin when they noticed an unidentified craft being attacked by a squadron of Imperial TIE fighters. 

The Rebel pilots leaped in to save the larger vessel, which landed on the planet before them. On the surface, Han and Chewbacca went to get Leia, who was recovering from a recent injury (in a tale that, to the best of my knowledge, still has yet to be chronicled), so that they could properly greet their guests. The passengers from the ship, which had just been attacked, began to disembark and stated that they were part of the Order of the Sacred Circle and had risked violating the Imperial blockade to ask for their help.

Their leader, Lady Domina, immediately attracted Luke's attention. A short while later, the group conferred with General Dodonna and other Rebel personnel. Domina stated that their homeworld of Monastery was a neutral planet, but that Imperials had recently landed trying to win their favor. Their order had always been neutral during the galactic conflict and had intended to stay that way.

It was suggested that members of both the Rebellion and the Empire be allowed to convene on their planet, so that their order could make a final decision regarding their position on the matter. Luke enthusiastically volunteered to go and soon departed with Artoo in his own X-Wing that followed the bigger ship. His comrades were understandably wary, but were taking measures just in case the Empire might have a few tricks up its sleeve.

Threepio was monitoring their progress via a computer linkup with Artoo, and provided Leia and others with updates, like the one the astrodroid reported when the group encountered a Nightshrike flying toward them mere moments after landing on Monastery. Although blasters were forbidden on that world, Skywalker was allowed to carry his lightsaber, which was seen by natives as a largely ceremonial weapon. It came in handy, as Luke used it to end the threat.

No sooner had the creature been defeated than Luke wheeled around to see Vader right behind him. Only Artoo bumping into him prevented another battle. The Sith Lord left soon thereafter, and Domina tried to calm the hero. Later on, in his quarters, Luke and Artoo relayed what they'd learned so far. However, what they didn't know was that Vader had used the Force to send the beast after the heroes.

It was something that Vader admitted to Lady Domina, who we learned was also a Taage. Vader had hoped to win her favor by falsely claiming that her older brothers, Silas and Orman, had been slain by Rebel forces. She had no idea that they were still alive. Vader even went so far as to claim that Skywalker was responsible for their deaths. With that seed planted in her head, the Imperial leader reported to Wermis that all players of the game were in place and that the contest could now truly begin. 

I'll be brutally honest: I never liked how Carmine Infantino drew Darth Vader. His face seems rather unnecessarily expanded, much like how he drew Artoo. I think that's one of the reasons why I initially didn't buy some of these earlier issues. The Dark Lord of the Sith is supposed to instill fear and reverence, but this rendition does anything but. I'm just glad that this storyline was rather brief. Domina wasn't featured very often during this series, but played a larger role in more recent Marvel Star Wars books, especially in the Doctor Aphra titles. She has changed significantly since her debut here.

That's all for today. Tomorrow, I'll discuss the thirty-sixth issue of this title. Luke will face another challenge in the second part of this three-part story. We'll also see how allies on both sides interact during the conference on Monastery. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another. 

Retro Comic Recap: Star Wars (1977) #34

Good Friday morning, everyone,

Today's topic is the thirty-fourth issue of the first Star Wars comic book series. The cover showed Luke Skywalker in a spacesuit watching helplessly as the Millennium Falcon and other Rebel craft behind it were apparently flying into a trap. The story was called "Thunder In the Stars!" The issue had a publication date of April 1980. 

The tale began with Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia Organa in the Falcon's cockpit as the ship was on its way to rescue Skywalker, with several Alliance vessels in tow. C-3PO and R2-D2 were also on board the Falcon as it was heading toward the Junction space station, where Skywalker had last been seen before being captured by a House of Taage ship.

Meanwhile, Silas Taage had just supervised the release of another omega frost container tower from his family's vessel. Once activated, the container towers that had been dispatched to nearby asteroids would freeze any incoming ships, including the anticipated Rebel fleet. Silas wasn't concerned about Skywalker, who had defeated his brother Orman (last issue) and escaped in a TIE fighter, because he knew his escape craft had no weapons or communication system and only limited fuel. 

Luke was just beginning to realize those limitations, not long after flying off to freedom. He decided to hit the eject button and was thankful that his space suit's jet pack hadn't been disabled or tampered with. At the same time, the Falcon and Rebel ships were approaching the asteroid belt. 

The omega frost activators hadn't been turned on yet. Luke used his lightsaber to direct his flight, allowing him to land safely on one of the asteroids on which a container tower had been launched. He saw the tower and tried to attack it, only to find it had a strong force field. 

Moments later, the omega frost towers were activated. Han and the ships behind him stopped as soon as they noticed the frozen planetoids in their path. They were spared from sharing that fate because Luke had used his saber to cut through to the base of the tower and was able to destroy the machine from there.

Silas soon recognized that something was wrong. He began to panic upon seeing the Rebel ships amass near his vessel, pleading with his now comatose brother for guidance. Rebel forces made quick work of their foes, as did the Falcon when it took out a TIE that was aiming for the unconscious Skywalker. Han donned a flight suit of his own and prepared to go down to the asteroid's surface to rescue his friend. 

This was a rather swift conclusion to this storyline. Silas was the more logical, methodical thinker of the Taage brothers, but even he failed to account for reasonable contingencies when executing his plan. I wasn't surprised by how quickly Luke figured out how to take out the omega frost tower, but I thought that it might take eliminating more than one, since several had been sent out to accomplish that goal. It was an okay issue, one leading up to the adaptation of the long-anticipated Star Wars movie sequel.

Next time, I'll discuss the thirty-fifth issue of this series. An old enemy reappears and crosses paths with the Rebels once more. We'll also see more of the Taage family lineage become involved in the warring factions. Until then, have a great week and don't forget to be kind to one another.