PRINCESS LEIA #1 Review


Has Marvel scored a hatrick with all their Star Wars titles? Or has this last one let the whole team down? Read on to find out.

The official description from Marvel:

When Princess Leia Organa was captured by the Empire as a Rebel spy, she never betrayed her convictions, even in the face of the complete destruction of her home world, Alderaan. When her rescue came, she grabbed a blaster and joined the fight, escaping back to the Rebel Alliance and helping strike the biggest blow against the Empire—the destruction of the Death Star. But in the aftermath of that victory, the question remains…what is a princess without a world? Writer Mark Waid (Daredevil, S.H.I.E.L.D.) and artist Terry Dodson (Avengers & X-Men: Axis, Uncanny X-Men) bring us a story of Leia’s quest to help her people and find her place in the galaxy.

Princess Leia #1 variantPrincess Leia marks the third and final series from Marvel‘s main Star Wars line, as though we’ve also got Star Wars Rebels relates series, Star Wars: Kanan, to come out, this five part mini-series is the last to tie directly into the film series. Taking place directly after the events of A New Hope (and I do mean directly), this tale sees the noble princess attempt to save the remainder of her people, joining up with Rebel fighter, Evaan to find the remaining Alderaanians, with the Rebel leader, General Dodonna, not being too amused by this recklessness.

Mark Waid is a writer who rarely disappoints, as having worked on legendary superheroes such as Superman, Green Hornet, Flash and Daredevil, as well as Dynamite‘s Golden Key revival, he has proven to be a wonderful storyteller. That once again prove true in Princess Leia, as though it’s by far the weakest of Marvel‘s Star Wars line, it’s still remarkably alluring, with the female focused main cast giving wonderful depth. Despite this, I did feel that some characteristics were off, as though Leia is known to be reckless, stubborn and bold, the dialogue shared between her and Luke during his pursuit felt a little out of character (from both parties). Nonetheless, this is a series that I look forward to reading more of, with the main plot itself being fabulous.

I have to admit, when first glanced at Terry Dodson‘s art in the previews, I wasn’t filled with joy, as though the artist has delivered marvellous work on the likes of X-Men and Trouble, his style just didn’t feel suited to Star Wars. Having now read the entire first issue, I have to eat those words, as though not quite in the same league as John Cassaday or Salvadore Larroca, he certainly captures to tone and look of Star Wars. In particular, he gives a beautiful, yet stern representation of Princess Leia, with the weight of leadership being clearly on display. The inks of Dodson’s wife, Rachel Dodson, and colours of Jordie Bellaire also adds extra life to this tale, with the latter popping off the page.

Princess Leia #1 continues to prove that Lucasfilms and Disney made the right choice in returning the franchise to Marvel, as though this was a factor that was always going to happen, I’m glad that it’s not been so in vain. Despite this, there are some moments about this opening issue that didn’t feel right, and I hope this is taken note of going forward.

OUR RATING
8
  • + Strong female cast.
  • + Bold decisions from Leia.
  • + Beautiful artwork from Terry Dodson.
  • - Characteristics feel a little off at times.

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