Writer: Greg Rucka

Artist: Marco Checchetto

Colorist: Andres Mossa

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Release Date: September 9, 2015

Spoiler-Free Review by Matthew Funk

Since they began publishing Star Wars titles at the beginning of this year, Marvel Comics has been doing stellar work. From the compelling and dramatic Darth Vader, to the emotional and colorful Princess Leia, the line has consistently delivered quality books, and its sales have reflected as much. Marvel put their A-list talent on these books, and it has paid off in spades. With that said, they’ve been forced to play it relatively safe. The people in charge of such things at Lucasfilm have restricted the Marvel line to the time period just before and during the original trilogy. This has produced good stories that have filled in some story spaces that I didn’t even realize needed filling, but hasn’t had an opportunity to push forward.

Which is why, as someone who is becoming increasingly unable to resist the Force Awakens hype, I could not wait to get my hands on this comic book.

Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens–Shattered Empire #1 is Marvel’s first time exploring truly new territory in the Star Wars universe, finally allowing the comics to pull back the curtain on the state of the galaxy immediately after Return of the Jedi ends. And I do mean immediately.

Don’t go into this book expecting grand revelations of what the cast of the original trilogy gets up to in the years following the second Death Star’s destruction. No, writer Greg Rucka’s goals in this issue are much smaller and more human. In the final moments of the battle, as Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader clash, we get a peek into the battle raging outside the Emperor’s window. Rucka introduces us to Rebel pilot Shara Bey, and gives us her perspective as a Rebel with a small but key role to play. Through her we see the heavy emotional toll that the war has taken on the foot-soldiers of the Alliance, but also the joy and relief of their victory. Following Shara on her search for her husband Kes, we only get far enough to see the day after the Battle of Endor, but by slowing down and placing these new characters against the backdrop of familiar events, Rucka makes them feel like they were always there.

Star Wars 2
Art by Marco Checchetto and Andres Mossa

That feeling of authenticity is in large part due to pristine line work of artist Marco Checchetto, which breathes life into the galaxy in painstaking detail. Each page is packed with content, giving the book an atmosphere–not unlike the movies–that feels like new stories are waiting around every corner. Each ship is rendered perfectly, but with a Star Wars-appropriate level of wear and grime, with each dent and bit of scraped paint feeling like it has a tale to tell. The characters we already know are oozing with their trademark personalities without devolving into caricature, and those we don’t know are given life through smart design work and a keen sense of storytelling. Checchetto’s lines are colored by Andres Mossa, who fills each page with the bright lights, shadowy corners, tactile textures and bold colors that we’ve come to expect from Star Wars. The pair’s work blends seamlessly, and the product is a wonder to behold.

Despite being a character-driven issue, the book is full of spectacle and sets up big things to be paid off in future issues. The name of one new character will be particularly intriguing to fans who’ve been closely following the marketing for the upcoming film. This beautiful first issue holds back on the big reveals in favor of giving readers time to connect with the new protagonists, and it really pays off. With meddling Ewoks, smooth Lando lines, compelling characters, and a last page that promises big thrills ahead, this is truly a must-read comic for any Star Wars fan.

Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens–Shattered Empire #1 earns 5 meddling Ewoks out of 5.