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Longbox Junk: Star Wars Princess Leia

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Longbox Junk: Star Wars Princess Leia

9344 views • Dec 26, '16 • (0) Comments

Can it really be called Longbox Junk if there's a $250 variant cover?  

I only have $4 covers, so in my case. . .yes.  

ISSUE 1

After the events of the first Star Wars movie, the rebels are pulling out of their base and scattering until they can find a new one. Princess Leia is frustrated because she wants to be part of the action instead of being treated like a delicate Princess. Against everyone's wishes, she leaves with R2-D2 and a pilot named Evaan to seek out and preserve the remaining people and bits of culture from her destroyed home planet.

This issue starts off at the exact moment Star Wars ended. . .the rebel award ceremony. One thing. I remember Leia showing a bit of cleavage in the movie, but here she's sporting a rack Carrie Fisher only dreamed of! That aside (Terry Dodson art. It's to be expected), it's a GREAT opening! I really liked the way it is literally a direct continuation of the original movie. The rest of the issue is pretty good, introducing fellow Alderran survivor (and fellow busty hottie) Evaan, along with plenty of cameo action from the rest of the Star Wars action, I declare this first issue a winner. And after the bad taste X-Files/30 Days of Night left, I need to read a winner.

ISSUE 2

First stop for Leia and Evaan is Naboo, where Leia wants to rescue an Alderaanian singing group. Along the way, she is betrayed by Lord Junn, and old friend of her family and narrowly escapes with the group. . .not knowing that one of them is in contact with her sister, an Imperial officer.

I'm really liking this series. The story is nicely done, although it seems like Leia is a little out of character and taking a few too many foolish chances. . .almost like she's a female Han Solo. That said, I liked the flashback scenes with young Leia and Bail Organa. The art is also fantastic. I especially like the vibrant colors of this series. It's bright, it's fun, it's good.

ISSUE 3

Princess Leia and Evaan head to Sullust, where they plan on rescuing an enclave of Alderaanians. When they arrive, they find the enclave to be paranoid and secretive. They are convinced that Leia is an imperial spy, and when the Imperials attack (guided by the unwitting information given to her sister by Tula on board Leia's ship), Leia comes under attack as well. An Ex Machina rescue by R2-D2 leads to a teamup victory that convinces the Alderaanians to leave with Princess Leia.

Not as good as the previous 2 issues. This series is beginning to fall into a "Trap of the month" feel. The art is still fantastic, but hopefully Leia won't fall into a trap and narrowly escape next issue. . .

ISSUE 4

Leia discovers that Tula is the unwitting spy on her ship. In a bad attempt at turning the tables, her sister Tace is taken prisoner and Leia agrees to turn herself over to the Empire in exchange for her freedom. During the exchange, the rebel fleet shows up for what will surely be a big 'ol trademark Star Wars space battle fiesta in the final issue.

I really liked this issue, but the sub-plot about a failed diplomatic effort to bring in some half-breed Alderaanians because of racism sort of dragged it down a bit. Still, a nice setup for the final issue.

ISSUE 5

A strong finish to a great mini! Leia turns the tables on Commander Dreed and escapes. A Star Destroyer shows up to take out the gathered fleet of Alderaanian survivors, but she makes a "We can do it. . .TOGETHER!" speech and they pull off the big win. Okay, the ending was a bit predictable, but it was still very nicely done.

All in all, I really liked this whole series. There were a couple of issues where it looked like things were slipping off course a little bit, but Mark Waid kept a steady hand on the wheel and gave us a very nice little piece of Star Wars focused less on space battles and the force and more on how do you keep a people together when they no longer have a home. The bigger picture of Leia bringing together the remaining Alderaanians reflects the smaller picture (as shown silently at the end when Leia returns to the rebellion) of the group of heroes in the original films coming together as a team. Nicely done.

And so there it is. . .Princess Leia.  A great read!

Coming Next, the practically-forgotten DC effort to start a new pulp-influenced universe. . .First Wave!  Be there or be square.

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