Dark Empire (Star Wars)
by Tom Veitch
from Dark Horse
Tom Veitch's original comic strip story traces Luke Skywalker's entrance into the Dark Side in the years after the fall of Darth Vader. The Empire is fragmented, and the Rebels seem on the verge of winning their long struggle when the sinister power of World Devastators emerges from the galactic core. These Devastators chew up worlds and manufacture robotic war machines out of the resources they consume. Luke's dark journey seems the only way to halt the massacre. But despite the importance of Luke in Dark Empire, the portrayal of Leia as an emerging Jedi is really the centerpiece of this volume. Married to Han (who goes flat in Veitch's hands) and with two children, Leia is torn between her role as mother and her role as Jedi warrior. While the story sometimes jumps too quickly between major scenes, Veitch does a good job of capturing the epic feel of George Lucas's masterpiece trilogy. Cam Kennedy's artwork is mixed in quality. Some of his drawings of the Millennium Falcon, hunter-killer probes, and robotic TIE-fighters seem to leap directly from the movie screen, while his human figures (especially of Han and Luke) can appear generic. Also, his style of coloring, using washes of similar colors on each page, is good for capturing moods but tends to obscure details. Despite these occasional shortcoming, this comic is recommended for one simple reason: once you start reading it, you won't be able to put it down. The other two parts of the Dark Empire trilogy include: Dark Empire II and Empire's End.--Patrick O'Kelley
Six years after the Battle of Endor, the fight for freedom rages on. Darth Vader is dead, but a reborn Empire -- under a mysterious new leader -- strikes back at the struggling Rebel Alliance. Massive World Devastators, more powerful and unstoppable than the Death Star, ravage entire planets, while the ruthless heirs of Jabba the Hutt place a monumental price on the heads of Princess Leia and her husband, Han Solo. Along with Lando, Chewbacca, Artoo, Threepio, and other old allies, Han and Leia struggle to protect the future for their unborn child. But their greatest foe may be their closest friend: Luke Skywalker...
Dark Empire II (Star Wars)
by Tom Veitch
from Dark Horse
The second chapter in the biggest Star Wars graphic novel of all time! The Empire in retreat, Luke Skywalker is on a quest to rebuild the Jedi. But before he can revive that elite corps of protectors, he must first rebuild himself. Can he pull together the Jedi--and himself--before the New Republic loses the upper hand, or will the Empire take root once more?
The Empire in retreat, Luke Skywalker is on a quest to rebuild the Jedi. But before he can revive that elite corps of protectors, he must first rebuild himself! He has spent time as the Emperor's thrall, and the taint of the dark side still tugs at his subconcious. Can he pull together the Jedi, can he pull himself together, before the New Republic loses the upper hand, or will the Empire take root once more?
The long-awaited second chapter in the biggest Star Wars series of all time is here! Tom Veitch and Cam Kennedy, the creative team of Star Wars: Dark Empire, have reunited to take you through the action-packed events immediately following those in the first trade paperback! This 168-page trade paperback features all your favorite players, from Luke, Han, and Leia to Lando, Threepio, and the bounty-hunting Boba Fett! Dave Dorman has put together an out-of-this-galaxy painting for the cover of this collection, and all 12 of the paintings featured on the covers of the original two series are included within! When you pick up your copy of Star Wars: Dark Empire II, you'll want to strap yourself in for the experience of a lifetime!
Empire's End (Star Wars: Dark Empire Series)
by Tom Veitch
from Dark Horse
Emperor Palpatine has a new weapon -- one that can annihilate a planet. But he's not targeting a planet -- he's targeting the future of the Jedi, Leia's children. It looks like a hopeless situation for Luke Skywalker, who has the critical task of protecting the children. But it's not the first time Luke has found hope where none existed. The finale to the Dark Empire trilogy is collected here.
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