And now we’re off and flying. The middle batch of the 35-issue “X-Wing Rogue Squadron” comics series — “The Warrior Princess” (1996-97), “Requiem for a Rogue” (1997) and “In the Empire’s Service” (1997) — really starts to lock in its S-foils. Michael Stackpole’s staples of character growth, post-battle banter and Imperial political plotting take center stage.
In the outstanding “The Warrior Princess” (issues 13-16, scripted by Scott Tolson), Plourr’s fellow Rogues see this gruff pilot return to her mantle as princess of Eiattu in an attempt to stave off civil war. Leia was a princess-turned-warrior; Plourr is a warrior-turned-princess, and naturally there’s humor to be found here, but mostly it’s a dramatic yarn. The arc introduces compelling new Rogues, notably female Calamari Ibtisam and male Quarren Nrin, rivals-turned-friends; and the intriguing Imperial villain Leonia Tavira (later to appear in “I, Jedi”), who brutally gets her way despite her miniscule stature. “Warrior Princess” has a complex plot about political alliances and Eiattu cultural tradition. But rather than being confusing, it’s fascinating to see Plourr navigate that morass, especially when it seems she’s on the wrong side.
“Requiem for a Rogue” (17-20, scripted by Jan Strnad) is a comparatively simple story that touches on overplayed “Star Wars” baddie traits of Sith magic and power-mongering as the Rogues investigate a lost Bothan ship. Because of the title, there’s a guessing game on the first reading: Which Rogue is going to bite the dust? The art by Gary Erskine notably pops, and the arc has some of the best dogfight renderings of the series up to this point.
“In the Empire’s Service” (21-24) is the first comic arc that’s not merely a Stackpole story, but also scripted by him. It gets back on the “Warrior Princess” track of excellence. I enjoy the budding attraction between Avan Beruss and Feylis Ardele, plus the return of Twi’lek mechanic Koyi Komad, who had gone off to university in “The Phantom Affair.” It’s also neat to see Y-Wing Aggressor Squadron leader General Salm make his comics debut.
But the real treat is that, for the first time in the comics, we see the staple villain of the “X-Wing” novels, Ysanne Isard, portrayed in all her one-red-eye, one-blue-eye glory. In the books, she heads the largest faction of the Empire; here, she’s maneuvering things to gain that position of power. Her pawns include Sate Pestage and Baron Soontir Fel. Pestage, whose throne Isard wants to acquire, looks like the Imperial dignitary action figure from the original Kenner line that was based on a brief scene in the Emperor’s throne room. (According to Wookieepedia, they aren’t the same person, though.)
TIE fighter ace Fel is the most powerful tool of the Imperial forces. At this point, Stackpole whets our appetite for future stories as we get to know Fel. For one thing, Fel trained Tycho and Hobbie, who never were able to shoot him down in simulated battles. Whereas Tycho and Hobbie — along with the late Biggs Darklighter — eventually realized they were on the side of an oppressive regime and bolted to the Rebellion, Fel did not. Like Pellaeon from the novels, Fel is one of those oddly moral and noble Imperials. Part of it is that he respects and never underestimates his enemy’s abilities in battle.
And part of it is that — as much as he despises the political games of Isard, Pestage and their ilk — he never backs away from a mission where he can protect the lives of Imperial citizens. It’s been said that people who willingly give up their liberty in exchange for safety deserve neither. Interestingly, the citizens of Brentaal IV — the pivotal planet in this arc — don’t have it too terribly bad (for the time being), with Fel looking out for their safety and Pestage giving them political favors.
There seems to be a mutual respect going on, as Wedge calls Fel “sir” even when he has the Imperial pilot — who tried to kill him in a dogfight mere panels before — in custody. I don’t entirely grasp this atmosphere of respect between foes who intend to kill each other, but it’s intriguing, as is the final frame where Fel reveals that his wife is Syal Antilles, Wedge’s estranged sister. It has to rank among the best “Star Wars” cliffhangers.
More on the Antilles/Fel family tree, and hopefully some exploration of Fel’s political and moral philosophy, as the series embarks on its final leg …
Comments
At this point the series really turned great! Without Elscol Loro, Pluorr got her chance to shine, until now she was just the brute woman on the team but here she receives a excelent development, the fact that she killed her little brother when she was just a girl made her a very tragic and deep character! And of course how much I love a Game of Thrones-like play with various factions fighting for it’s piece of the cake like we see in “The Warrior Princess”. This kind of story was what made Legacy great as well.# Posted By Eric | 9/13/13 7:55 AM
Yeah, “Warrior Princess” is the best arc up to this point in the series, even slightly better than “In the Empire’s Service,” which gives us all the novel villains for the first time. For some reason, I remembered “Requiem” being a standout arc, but there’s not much to that one. “Warrior Princess” is vintage Stackpole; so much stuff going on, and it’s all good. He even got Darth Vader involved in Plourr’s brother’s backstory. Good stuff.# Posted By John Hansen | 9/13/13 8:48 PM
Vader appearance playing with the child could the very stupid, but Stackpole writes it so well that really makes it cool. And about “In the Empire’s Service”, it is a great war tale, baron Fel is a impressive addition to the rogue squadron and what a cliffhanger!# Posted By Eric | 9/14/13 2:14 AM