The galaxy you thought you knew continues to be re-imagined from the seeds of a previous version, but is it still something that’s worth your money and time?  Read on to find out.

The official description from Dark Horse:

A Queen steps down! The Hidden Fortress destroyed! The Imperial army on the march!

Annikin Starkiller and Princess Leia rescue two wayward droids in the desert, Darth Vader recruits a famous Knight of the Sith to his army, and a squad of lazersword-wielding Stormtroopers attempt to arrest Jedi General Luke Skywalker!

If you thought this franchise would be a drastic departure from the space odyssey that we all know, than you’re certainly in for a treat as this issue proves to be full of quirks and modifications.  The classic myth undergoes a series of half truths, as characters are brought to the fore and ultimately re-done in order to build this new universe.

J.W. Rinzler pens the script and the series scribe does a tremendous job not only forging beyond the already established elements but he also adds in a few more wrinkles to continue the narrative path. The words find there meaning as the author puts pen to page crafting new additions and birthing scenarios that give the whole comic book an alien feel.  What can readily be said about this story is the fact that it proves that parts of the original and prequel trilogies are there but it’s all put together in a way you won’t be able to expect.

The art by Mike Mayhew is the stand out factor in these festivities.  There’s a tremendous amount of skill on display, as a carefully measured hand creates something that goes beyond my initial expectations.  And as the action takes over the talent continues to balance depth and detail while delivering blows that are sure to impress even the most discerning fanboy or fangirl.  In short: you’ll like the text but love the illustrations.

The Star Wars #3 is a fine example of what you should do when given the chance to tackle something as wholly unique as this.  Recommended.

4/5