Star Wars #26 Review

Writer: Charles Soule
Art: Andres Genolet and Rachelle Rosenberg
Letters: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price: $3.99
Release Date: August 17th, 2022

Previously, General Leia Organa delivered the final blow to the brilliant and ruthless Imperial Commander Zahra, giving the Rebellion their first victory since they were decimated on Hoth. In Star Wars #26, the Rebellion isn’t just sitting back and drinking Moogan tea, they’re pressing the attack, wanting the rest of the galaxy to know that they’re still very much alive and a serious threat to the Empire.

If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, then simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon as you read the Star Wars #26 Review.

The Story

There was something so irritating about those Imperial Commanders in the Star Wars films. They always seemed so haughty, snotty, and sinister. What makes Star Wars #26 so enjoyable is that a lot of Imperial high muckity-mucks get taken down a peg or two.
The issue opens with a stunning hit-and-run by the Rebels as they swoop in with X-Wings and bombers at maximum speed and rain hell on an Imperial parade, Lando and Chewie leading the way in the Millenium Falcon, completely taking the Imperials by surprise.

It’s hilarious seeing the Imperial Commanders and officers race around in a panic as Tie Fighter and AT-AT walker debris lays all around. It’s a fun moment and one that’s a great counterpoint to the somberness of “The Empire Strikes Back”. Afterward, we get some great scenes with Luke and Leia. I love that Luke’s lightsaber serves as an inspiration to the fighter pilots. It’s light symbolic of the hopes they all have for victory.

Charles Soule writes Leia so well, that you can practically hear Carrie Fisher saying her words. She’s strong and holds her own in a scene where she discusses strategy with Mon Mothma, Admiral Ackbar, and General Syndulla (as analytical and wonderfully straightforward as she was in “Rebels”).
It’s always great seeing these characters interacting when we got so little of it in the shows and movies. Call me crazy, but I’d love to see a Disney+ show, a book, or a comic series that shows Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar’s early years before the Rebellion started. I’d like to see more of their lives before the Empire crept in and they joined the Rebellion.

We also meet some new characters in a top-secret Imperial base who promise to be major players in future issues. These characters and the location of the Imperial base will surprise you in the best ways.

The Art

Andres Genolet’s art on Star Wars #26 was the only negative aspect of the issue.
I found Genolet’s a bit too cartoony and sketchy. It seemed more fitting to IDW’s all-ages Star Wars books than to Marvel’s flagship book.

The Star Wars tech and vessels suffered the most. On the first page, where dozens of AT-ATs and other assorted Imperial transports and weapons roll forward in the Imperial parade, they’re drawn with the barest minimum of detail. The size of them is proportional, at least, but it would have been more powerful had the art been more detailed. The characters themselves are drawn a bit better, with good expressiveness.

Final Thoughts

Star Wars #26 is a great kickoff to a new storyline, giving us some great moments with the Rebel fleet and setting up some fascinating new characters for the future.