The “X-Wing Rogue Squadron” comic series closes out its run by delving into one of the most popular EU characters, Baron Soontir Fel, who was introduced in the previous arc, “In the Empire’s Service.” The Imperial-turned-Rebel fighter ace serves as a springboard for discussions about defecting from the Empire to the Rebellion. Because he is Wedge’s brother-in-law, he also provides a “brother vs. brother” element to this part of the storyline reminiscent of Anakin and Obi-Wan. And his desire to find his missing wife, Syal Antilles, is a compelling background thread, although it’s ultimately more of a lingering mystery than writer Michael Stackpole intended.
As fans of “Rogue Squadron” are painfully aware, the title was canceled by Dark Horse after 35 issues. As such, we didn’t get a “Search for Syal” arc. Thanks to Timothy Zahn’s “Hand of Thrawn” books, we eventually learned why Fel was back with the Empire (or one branch of it, at least) by the time of the “X-Wing” books: The Chiss Ascendency recruited him. And we learned that Syal was fine. However, to this day, the stories of Syal’s disappearance and Fel’s departure from the Rebellion haven’t been told, at least not with a full-blown Stackpolian touch.
That’s not all we missed out on. The gap between issue 35 and the first “X-Wing” novel is starkly illustrated by the fact that only Wedge and Tycho carry over among the two lineups. Nrin, a Quarren pilot, briefly appears later in the novel series. But left in the dust are Plourr Ilo, a tough female fighter who might be my favorite comic-book Rogue, and budding couple Feylis Ardele and Avan Beruss.
At least Stackpole gets the Imperial power hand-off from Pestage to Isard resolved here, setting the stage for the books. Also, he gives Leonia Tavira her own pirate fleet, setting the stage for “I, Jedi.”
My only complaint about the last 11 issues of the comic saga is that you really have to pay close attention to the plotting of the Imperials’ schemes and the Rebellion’s strategies. I think this sort of thing plays better in the novels.
But the humor and personalities work in both media; some of Stackpole’s best work in this regard is in the opening of the final arc, “Mandatory Retirement” (32-35), when the Rogues are enjoying R&R. Old buddies Hobbie and Janson argue about who is better at picking up women, yet when the Rogues are called back to duty, we see them hanging out with each other while everyone else in the squadron finds a romantic partner — except Plourr and Xarcee, who bond after beating the living crap out of each other.
The double-length “The Making of Baron Fel” (25) — one of the best individual “Star Wars” issues ever — gives us the complete backstory of the Imperial ace, along with the great final panel where he offers to join the Rebellion. The Rogues accept his offer in “Family Ties” (26-27), and his presence in the squadron provides a fascinating undertone for the rest of the series. Fel killed Rogues in the past — but better to join the good guys late than never, right? He has Imperial roots — but then again, so did Hobbie and Tycho, right?
Also in “Family Ties,” we meet Corran and Iella in their Corellian Security Force days. No doubt Stackpole would’ve chronicled Corran’s transition from CorSec to Rogue Squadron had the comics not been canceled. The story begins to delve into the hunt for Syal, but had Stackpole known of the impending cancellation, he probably would’ve done more with it. Stackpole’s sense of humor is on display here, notably with the running joke of the bug bite on Hobbie’s face.
“Masquerade” (28-31) really challenges a reader to pay close attention; this is a prime example of the type of yarn that would play better in novel form. (For those re-reading the saga chronologically, I suspect the handoff from comics to books will be welcome at this point.) It’s almost impossible for casual readers to tell who’s who; it’s even challenging for serious fans. Part of this is intentional, as Stackpole makes use of the visual medium to show Tycho inquiring about Winter to Princess Leia. As we later find out, “Leia” was actually Winter, making for a great-in-retrospect meet-cute. (Some readers might question the idea of Leia and Winter looking so much alike that even the smitten Tycho is fooled, but I’ll buy it.)
It’s also cool to see Han and Fel meet, knowing as we do now that their offspring (Jaina and Jagged) will later get married. (The family connections among the Antilles, Fels, Solos and Skywalkers are almost as head-spinning as Stackpole’s political intrigue. Luckily, there’s Wookieepedia.)
Another nice tie-in comes in “Mandatory Retirement” as we see Fey’lya and other politicians who will play key roles in the Thrawn trilogy. Stackpole and Zahn famously have shared each other’s characters through the years. The political debate is a good one, too: Should the Rebellion rescue and give favors to the evil Pestage in exchange for military gains and the long-term goal of providing more freedom to more people? When running a liberty-minded government, can a short-term wrong be a step toward a long-term right?
So where does “Rogue Squadron” rank among the long-running EU comic series? There have been some good issues and arcs in “Republic”/“Dark Times,” “Empire”/“Rebellion,” “Legacy” and “Knights of the Old Republic.” The Marvel run had its moments, and no doubt the new ongoing “Star Wars” will too. But there’s no other series that has such a deep roster of characters that makes me excited to pick up the next issue and find out what’s happening in their lives. And like all “Rogue Squadron” fans, I want more — all of those arcs Stackpole didn’t get to tell, brand-new stand-alones, next-generation yarns (like last year’s “Mercy Kill” novel from Aaron Allston). If it’s got X-wings, features these characters and is penned by Stackpole or Allston, I’m there.
Where does “Rogue Squadron” rank among your favorite “Star Wars” titles of at least 35 issues? And what are your rankings of the 10 “Rogue Squadron” comic arcs?
Comments
Though this series didn’t have a very conclusive ending, it had a damn powerful ending! It’s ironic how, after the death of Palpatine, among many officers of the empire, the ones that stand out, considering its xenophobic and sexist policy, are an alien (Thrawn) and a woman (Isard). Unlike Daala, Isard does justice to her position, she manipulates everyone around her and takes the empire for herself!
On the other hand what I love most about Soontir Fel is the fact that he does not have a tragic past as many clichéd villains that become good guys. How I would love to see the reenlistment of baron fel-arc if the title wasn’t canceled.
X-Wing: Rogue Squadron, is definitely in my top five best Star Wars comics just after Legacy, Republic and Dark Times, only before Knights of the Old Republic!
Also, my order of top X-Wing story arcs is:
1- Warrior Princess
2- Mandatory Retirement
3- In the Empire’s Service
4- The Making of Baron Fel
5- Requiem for a Rogue
6- Battleground: Tatooine
7- Masquerade
8- The Phantom Affair
9- The Rebel Opposition
10- Family Ties
Ops sorry for the big comment but this series desserves it!# Posted By Eric | 9/16/13 7:46 PM
I like your list; very similar to mine at the top. I’d go with 1) Warrior Princess, 2) The Making of Baron Fel, 3) Mandatory Retirement, 4) In the Empire’s Service, 5) Family Ties, 6) Masquerade, 7) Battleground Tatooine, 8) The Phantom Affair, 9) Requiem for a Rogue, 10) Rebel Opposition. As for long-running SW series, I have 1) X-wing Rogue Squadron, 2) Republic/Dark Times, 3) Empire/Rebellion, 4) Knights of the Old Republic, 5) Legacy, 6) Marvel. But I have to admit that only X-wing and Marvel are fresh in my mind. I am due for a re-read of Legacy, I think. It could very well move up my rankings; however, it’s not gonna knock off X-wing. The consistent vision of Stackpole sets that series apart, in my opinion.# Posted By John Hansen | 9/16/13 9:46 PM