Star Wars: Empire vol 4 The Heart of the Rebellion

Star Wars: Empire vol 4 The Heart of the Rebellion 

By various (Dark Horse Books)
ISBN 1-84576-029-8

This volume of the series, set during the time frame of the original triptych of film blockbusters, shines its spotlight on Princess Leia Organa, with four tales set at key points of her Rebellious life.

Set just before the opening of the original movie, ‘Princess… Warrior’ (reprinted from issues #5-6 of the Star Wars: Empire comic book) tells of the tragic events that stem from her half-hearted attempts to aid the Rebellion, and how she learns the hard tasks and responsibilities that leadership demands. Randy Stradley adapts Brian Daley’s radio script, with art from Davidé Fabri and Christian Dalla Vecchia.

‘A Little Piece of Home’ by Ron Marz and Tomás Giorello (issues #20-21) follows Leia’s search for a new Rebel sanctuary to the palatial planetoid preserve of an past boy-friend and where old feelings are rekindled. As so often before grim reality once again intrudes with heartbreak and disappointment the only rewards.

Issue #22 originally provided ‘Alone Together’ as Han Solo’s latest flirtation provides character insights into the nature of her perceived rival for the Correllian’s affections. When Deena Shan, Leia, Chewbacca and Solo are trapped on a world with a deadly monster her rivalry turns into something more positive in this fluffy change of pace tale from Welles Hartley, captivatingly pictured by Adriana Melo.

Star Wars: A Valentine Story was the original venue for ‘Breaking the Ice’ a sadly lacklustre offering from the usually excellent Judd Winick and Paul Chadwick. Set immediately before the Rebels moved to the Ice planet Hoth (The Empire Strikes Back) it depicts the gradual warming of the frosty relationship of the arrogant and insufferable Han Solo and the haughty and controlling Princess.

Although not a great issue by the impressively high standard of the franchise, this book is still a readable and pretty package foe readers and fans of al ages and persuasions.

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