As this first year comes to a dramatic close, one has to ask: is this still an intergalactic series that should hold your interest?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Dark Horse:

After a battle with the Empire, it is a time of reunions, departures, and reassessments. Han and Chewie return from their mission to Coruscant, Luke deals with love lost, and Leia must accept greater responsibilities within the Rebellion. But first she has an important announcement for the Rebel commanders . . .

This title has certainly been a bit different than the norm, as we’ve had a creative push and pull familiar characters toward interesting directions.  From the acts of espionage to the real-world approach to what it took to keep this rebellion alive, I have to say I’m thoroughly impressed.  From the first page to the final panel this is one force sensitive book that’s more than worth owning.

Brian Wood pens an outing that absolutely deserves a spot on your pull-list.  It’s not a hundred percent perfect, but it gets close to that as the author nails the personalities of these players while delivering further expansions that make this section of an aged odyssey engaging.  I was floored by the revelations uncovered, but it was the dialogue that made it all work.  On top of that the plot points and subtle shifts brought this affair to an excellent cliffhanger with a bit of a twist, as a Darth Vader arc is set to begin with issue #13.

The art by Carlos D’Anda is just as competent as it’s been since the launch of this title.  His renditions of each person or ship are unique, but not always what the standard fanboy or fangirl have come to expect.  That is to say, he allows room for his own interpretation leaving enough space to make this book look different that the current flock.  I did see some off panels that left some unnecessary deformities that did hinder the overall affair.

Star Wars #12 assuredly ends the first year right, with our heroes facing the future of their perilous fight.  Recommended.

4/5