Star Wars Infinities: A New Hope

Star Wars Infinities: A New Hope 

By various (Dark Horse Books)
ISBN 1-84023-432-6

It would appear that there is an inexhaustible demand for stories from “A Galaxy Far, Far Away…” but this time as another tale of noble rebels and dastardly Empires unfolds there’s a big difference. Taken from the first four issues of the Dark Horse comics series, this tale explores what would have happened if one simple, but key, event had been changed in that first movie all those years ago.

When Luke Skywalker blew up the Death Star he did it by firing a Photon torpedo into an exposed vent tube. But what if that torpedo failed to detonate? Asking that question, and providing a rip-roaring answer are writer Chris Warner, artists Drew Johnson and Al Rio, ably assisted by colourists Dave McCaig and Helen Bach, and Steve Dutro provided the lettering.

With the super-weapon still in Imperial hands the Rebellion is crushed and Leia becomes an acolyte of the Emperor. Luke and Han Solo must find a lost Jedi Master before the last hope for the galaxy is lost forever…

It’s easy and fun to play the “What If” game. It has been a staple of comic strips since the earliest days, and frankly, those tales often range from the inane to the insane, but here the creative team has pulled out all the stops, encapsulating and even topping the first three movies (I’m speaking chronologically here) in one go. Especially satisfying is the role by Yoda in a quite spectacular climax. I know that fans of all types are essentially purists but this is a book that all aficionados should read.

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