Star Wars 2025 - Issue 1 "Out of the Darkness" Thoughts
"Believe me, I understand--the stories from the front lines were devastating. But we can't lose our sense of urgency either. This trade summit is a pivotal moment, Mon. We didn't fight these battles--these wars--to merely sit back and savor the victory. There's work to be done. And the onus is on us to spread the ideals that we hope to build this New Republic on. We've got to welcome the galaxy into our fold. And it won't always be easy--it never is." Leia Organa
The first issue of the 2025 run is a solid start to the rebooted mainline run. Most of this issue is just set up for future issues, however, there is some interesting details for what holds for the future of this run.
Luke and Rynn's section of the plot features a really cool retrofitted ISD. The Nagai pilot does raise some potential interesting storyline if they're the trouble from the Unknown Regions Valance spoke of in the Jakku comic. Luke's characterization here is much better compared to the FCBD issue.
I'm disappointed we didn't get to see Yeager, Gunny, and Blade Squadron in this art style. Hopefully, we'll get to see them. For that same reason, I also want to see Luke fly a U-Wing in Noto's art style.
The New Republic faces trouble regaining some former worlds of the Galactic Republic. This ties well with how the New Republic struggles to regain the glory days of the Galactic Republic. I like how Leia makes it clear how she's having none of Kezrin's BS. I'm pretty sure the Fenril Sector is collaborating with the Zantarrk gang. Kith becoming a Councilor is an interesting development.
I did laugh at how much they claim Adelhard's last stand had a massive impact in the same manner as the Battle of Jakku on the New Republic. It's just so jarring when you actually read the Jakku comic and see Adelhard bring one ISD to the Battle.
It's really fun to see Han Solo and Beilert Valance back at it again. I'm really interested to see what adventures the two will have in future issues of the comic. I also like the designs of the Zantarrak gang's scavenged Imperial gear.
Overall, this is a solid issue, but it doesn't have many moments where I was as pumped as I was about Legacy of Vader. I think future issues might have those moments, but for now, the first issue is a solid start. Let's hope Alex Segura brings his A-game like he did with Free Fall with this comic. Speaking of Free Fall, something I notice is how much Alex weaves elements from the novel into his Star Wars comics. After reading some of Free Fall, the novel makes its comics more interesting with an overarching storyline. It still doesn't fix the mistakes and boring elements of the Jakku comic, but the Spice Runner plotline in particular gained a lot more interest from me after reading the novel.
"--We've been expelled from the summit? How is that even possible, Bastion? Who--?" Leia Organa
"We're still trying to get to the heart of it, but Pirros and their allies are adamant--the New Republic is not welcome at the trade summit, no exceptions." Bastion
"This is madness, Bastion! What can be decided without us in attendance?" Leia Organa
"Quite a lot, Princess--further proof that your New Republic is not nearly as essential as you'd lead us all to believe... The New Republic offers us little, Princess Leia--and we require more than your half-chewed scraps, even those veiled in diplomacy. As of this moment, the planets of the Fenril Sector have united under one banner. Trade with the New Republic is suspended until a new treaty is agreed upon, and any trespassers into our territory will be dealt with--and met with lethal force." Kezrin Almovar
