Comic Book Review - Star Wars #15

Rob reviews Star Wars #15...

Whilst I've not been openly reviewing all of the 'War of the Bounty Hunters' crossover, its now becoming more apparent that I'll probably have to, to keep up with it all. 

As such Star Wars #15 is going to be my first review into the main Star Wars series. And what an issue to start with. 

'War of the Bounty Hunters' has quite literally thrown the entire Star Wars galaxy into another state of war, and its all over Han Solo - who's still frozen in Carbonite. There's so many variables in the crossover that it's hard to see how it's all going to fit into the "canon" story seen in Return of the Jedi. So far we've seen Boba Fett, Crimson Dawn, Jabba The Hutt, and Darth Vader get involved in the hunt for Solo. 

This time around it's Luke and Starlight Squadron's turn. And in joining the search we're treated to some great space combat! 

The issue kicks off with Luke aiding Wedge Antilles and Starlight Squadron in rescuing a besieged Rebel base on the planet Ab Dalis. With Luke still dealing with the reval that he is Darth Vader's Son, and Starlight Squadron also suffering their own loss. It's fair to say that moral within the Rebel fleet is at a low. However, Princess Leia has gained information as to where the Crimson Dawn are holding Solo and his rescue could give the Rebel Alliance that boost it desperately needs.

First however it's over to Ab Dalis. This opening part of the issue deals with a pretty incredible battle in the skies above the ruined planet. There's plenty of that classic Star Wars feel as Starlight Squadron engage the Star Destroyer and its TIE Squadron as they attempt to destroy the Rebel fortification. It's a great action packed issue as Ramon Rosanas packs every scene with plenty of close-ups which guides the ferocity of the battle at hand. 

It all feels very cinematic as writer Charles Soule brings plenty of twists and turns which seems to turn the tide into both parties favor. There's also plenty of dialogue as the Rebels way up their options in how to exactly take on the lone Star Destroyer. In a great call back to A New Hope we also see Luke re-visit the Battle of Yavin, although this time he uses his targeting computer rather than trusting the Force. This then results in a gorgeous full page spread as Rosanas and colourist Rachelle Rosenburg deliver the Destroyers demise. 

After the battle, Soule takes us to Leia's raid on the Crimson Dawn's flagship. As the raiding party deals with Boba Fett. Someone far worse has also arrived on Jakara in search of the Vermilion...

Rating 8/10 

Rob Lake - For more comic book and video game chat why not follow Geek Culture Reviews on Twitter and Facebook @GeekCultureRev