Can’t Make it to Batuu? Galaxy’s Edge Comics Can Help
Stuck as I am here on the East Coast, all the while watching the fantastic opening moments of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland, I’m feeling a little “homesick.”
It’s fairly certain I am not alone. However, fear not — true believers — I have a solution: Comics!
On your way home from work today, stop by your local comic shop (or download the Marvel app). Then, purchase issues No. 1 and No. 2 of Marvel Comics‘ Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Exploring Batuu Via Comics
StarWars.com
Earlier this year, Kristen Baver of StarWars.com teased the limited series:
Pirates, smugglers, merchants, and wanderers from across the galaxy have traveled to make their score or sell their wares at the infamous black market located at Black Spire Outpost on Batuu.
The writer added:
In April, journey to this locale in the Outer Rim in the new Marvel Star Wars comic series Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which ties into the new lands opening at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort later this year.
Readers of the five-issue miniseries will be the first to meet the infamous Dok-Ondor, the Ithorian collector of rare antiquities, and find out what happens when the First Order reaches the edge of wild space.
The key to saving this lawless outpost might just involve a job pulled long ago by none other than Han Solo and his cohort Chewbacca.
Issue No. 1 – Han & Chewie
Marvel.com
Truthfully, when the first issue first came out, I didn’t necessarily love my first flip through. I was a little disappointed that there were brand new characters set as the “narrators” for the story.
However, I stepped back; reminded myself that there’s going to be a lot of kids (and other new fans) picking up the book; everyone trying to figure out what exactly they’re going to encounter when they arrive at Galaxy’s Edge.
And, actually, using the new characters — Remex, Kendoh, and Wooro — as narrators, made sense. So, as I continued reading “Baiting the hook,” it did precisely that. And the issue really highlighted some of the awesome things that we’re all going to be able to encounter in the parks. It’s a fun read.
We’re Home…
Dok Ondor. StarWars.com
Han Solo and Chewbacca highlight the first issue. Doc Ondor (mentioned in Solo: A Star Wars Story) tells a tale recounting how the pair of scoundrels tracked down a baby sarlaac for Dok’s “Den of Antiquities.”
It’s a pretty nice introduction to the whole feel of Black Spire and its all-encompassing Cantina vibe. A few things I think people are going to enjoy:
- The sightlines in the comic book are reminiscent of what we see when we look at all the pre-opening aerial shots.
- After all the footage that’s been posted since the embargo lifted, you can actually follow the characters through the streets of Black Spire Outpost.
- The issue reinforces Galaxy’s Edge as a destination for all comers (with shops and markets) that we can now visit.
Issue No. 2 – Greedo
Through the writing of Marvel’s Ethan Sacks, the second issue of Galaxy’s Edge reintroduced fans to a familiar figure: Greedo. And we get a little bit of a backstory on one of the most famous, uh, targets in Star Wars canon. Greedo, of course, is the green bounty hunter that Han solo encounters in the Mos Eisley Cantina in A New Hope. Han ducks or dodges or shoots or doesn’t shoot first, creating quite a mess (that needs to be paid for…).
However, this time around Greedo attempts to track down an item for Jabba the Hut (you’ve heard of him). And it’s an interesting McGuffin; a treasure that that really does create more of rich history for the character, as well as these spaces in the two parks.
Of course, Dok Ondor continues to achieve a backstory, which rivals many of the gangsters in the galaxy. The Ithorian’s tendrils of control travel out into the world in ways that are different than Jabba’s. In fact, Doc seems to have a bit of a conscience, which I wasn’t expecting.
Traveling Via Pages
So, as I wait for my turn to head to Galaxy’s Edge (which may not be until 2020), I am very thankful that Marvel (and other Star Wars publishing) has it covered. The Galaxy’s Edge comic reminds me of the old-school first run of Star Wars comics. Bright and colorful, somewhat lighthearted (thus far), the series has allowed me to create that important headcanon, which will certainly enhance my anticipation.
Are you planning on reading any of the accompanying literature to Galaxy’s Edge? Let us know in the comments. And be sure to check out Melissa’s post on the series from earlier this year.
