Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Echoes of the Empire #1

Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the FIRST issue of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Echoes of the Empire from Marvel Comics!

This comic series is set in the 1 year that takes place between the Empire Strikes Back & Return of the Jedi! Luke, Leia & Chewbacca are on the hunt for some intel about Jabba the Hutt’s palace in their attempt to rescue Han Solo. Their journey has lead them to none other than Batuu! The only problem is they’re not the only ones there! So let’s jump into it!

Credit: Marvel Comics // Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - Echoes of the Empire #1 by Ethan Sacks (Story), Jethro Morales & Roi Mercado (Art), Rachelle Rosenberg (Color), VC’s Clayton Cowles (Letterer)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The Story

The first issue of this series is an interesting one, and it starts off solidly and leaves you anticipating the next issue. As I mentioned before, Han is frozen in carbonite and in the clutches of Jabba the Hutt. So obviously we know how things are going to end up, however the story is being told from the perspective of Rey hearing the story after it’s already taken place.

If you’re a fan of some of the big names of Star Wars appearing in the comics than you’re going to love this issue. You’ve got appearnaces from Luke, Leia, R2, C-3PO, Chewie and some familiar faces from the dark side of the galaxy. It’s filled with action packed sequences that are sure to appeal to the reader.

The story is a relatively straightforward one that doesn’t try to hard to reinvent the formula. There are some familiar beats in this issue that long time fans are sure to pick up on. Plus the ending leaves you with some anticipation for how things are going to play out. Whenever THAT character shows up nothing good ever follows.

The Artwork

Jethro Morales, Roi Mercado & Rachelle Rosenberg are in charge of the art for the issue and it really does a great job recreating the likeness of the actors from the movies. There’s also the familiar look that Marvel has done for the Star Wars series over the years that really lends some familiarity to longtime fans.

Overall Grade: 7/10

As far as first issues go, this is a solid start and builds nicely and leaves you wanting more. Together with artwork that is simply spectacular, this is an issue that’s sure to keep an eye on going forward.