With the bright colors, fantastic art, and epic storytelling this issue is bound to go down as a classic.

"Dark Droids is a much more cohesive event. Instead of different series branching off into separate stories for a time, this event has the different series running much more parallel to each other. The progression of each stage of the expanding droid epidemic has hit each series at the same time.

Lando leaves this tale not quite able to help his good friend. On top of that, he is reminded that Han is also a friend he owes help to. But like any good gambler, Lando knows when to cut out so he can come back and win later on.

Darth Vader has gained a bit of control and can now reclaim the Super Star Destroyer which he calls home. He now speeds to Coruscant and a meeting with his evil master, and yet the Droid plague continues.

Lando and Lobot arent out of the den of depravity that is Jabbas Palace yet. Seems like a really good time for Lando to plan Hans rescue, but first he needs to fix Lobot.

With Palpatine incapacitated, its up to Mas Amedda to deal with the dark droid uprising himself. He will have no problems sacrificing Vader to do so. Vader however, is a tough nut to crack.

Landos course is set and he is well on his way to getting the info he needs. But how long must Han pay for his machinations.

Vader has begun creating a new army of his own, complete with henchmen generals. But where will this battalion be deployed? Only Vader knows, and he his playing his sabacc cards close to his chest plate too well to predict.

Luke Skywalker and Artoo have set out on a Jedi mission. Along the way they have picked up a guide and narrowly escaped disaster, but still no kyber crystal. The search continues

Sabe must choose, and she musty choose wisely. She can join Vader blindly or die at his hand. No longer is she holding the leash here. This time Vader is in control.

Aphra is back to being by herself, although her friends will never be too far away. It time to get back to doing what she does best, archeology!

With No-Space behind them, the Rebels must help the refugees they have found find their place in the galaxy. However there is still an Empire to topple and Han Solo to save.

The Jedi have stood ground and weathered the first onslaught. However there remains a nameless presence that could spell disaster fort any Force-user.

Vader is disappointed and angry. He put his faith in a proxy for his only love, mother of his presumably only child. She has failed him, which is akin to betrayal. Future events are unclear. Ask again later.

As the rescuing continues the Jedi and Guardians must fight extra hard to protect the people of Jedha, even as those people are primed to turn on the Jedi that they now no longer trust. Hopefully some selfless heroics will help ease their minds and let the Jedi work.

There is a plan and it has been set in motion. If, and when, they succeed it might mean not only their salvation, but that of a lost cultures.

The fact that this arc probably does not have a huge impact on the overall saga is completely forgivable considering how unique it is. This will certainly have a very interesting conclusion.

The Archivist is set to deliver the Fermata Cage to Lady Qira. In it lies an ancient trapped Sith, but also the power to imprison one. There is no way to know how its usage might affect the entire galaxy.

This issue ends in the midst of one the most tragic parts of this Phase. Vildar Mac seems to be finally getting a grip on what is happening, but with the Order of the Open Hand still pulling tricks, there are bound to be more horrible surprises on Jedhas horizon.

Vader has left some tempting incentives for the Handmaidens to join him. However it is clear that his main goal is to convince Sabe over anyone else.

Its time to get back to Aphra and the Spark Eternal as well as the troublesome Qira, but Sana has made a big gamble that might have cost her the trust of the crew. They are starting to see a lot of Aphra in her, and thats not necessarily a good thing.

After discovering the true nature of the artifact they now carry, Han and crew must decide their next move. However there will always be more obstacles to overcome in the next and finial issue.

It seems that if they want to find Sabe, her friends must jump into Imperial flames to do so. Powerless to do anything else for the time being, they decide to stay with the person she reports to.

Now that The Convocation is in full chaotic swing, its impossible to know what will happen next. A large assembly of Force users gathered in one place might be too tempting to pass up if one were to desire a galaxy with less Forces users in it.

Having stumbled into a lost frontier with physical and social laws all its own, the rebels cant predict what will happen next. They will do what they must to return home.

Things still look bleak for Lady Qira, even armed with her secret fleet she has assembled for this very moment. Even while looking into the face of evil, she seems confident. Will she be able to protect her people like she says she can?

Vader now has two handmaidens working for him to do his bidding and that of his master. Yet what influence will they have over him as they cause him to remember Anakins lost wife? Only time will tell, and for Darth Vader time is running out.

Hand and Chewbacca are back to old tricks. There is only one problem, The Millennium Falcon is still missing. I guess they will have to make someone tell them where she is.

It is tough to say where the next issue leaves the trapped Aphra and her friends who fought so bravely to save her. One thing is certain. The Spark Eternal still survives, with Aphra still trapped in her own mind.

A seemingly horrendous defeat turns out to be narrow victory instead. Qiras agents will not stop in attempting to accomplish her goals. The final battle continues.

The issue ends with our new trio of heroes cornered by a new, but also familiar enemy. The nest issues promises to start off with some action as it will endeavor to further the adventures of Vildar Mac, Matthea Cathley, and Tey Sirrek.

The Star Warriors find themselves is a very unusual situation. If they are to formulate plans to rescue Han, investigate the Second Death Star, and take on Crimson Dawn they will need to find a way back first.

Aphra Team is on the move, and they seem to have the Spark Eternal and Doctor Aphra right where they want them. Of course the Spark may still have some tricks yet and eventually the agents of Crimson Dawn must play a hand in events to come too.

Sabe still has friends and Vader still has enemies. Some of those are one in the same. As Vader and Sabe move on to complete their mission, a new group steps in to make the two of them their own mission.

Sadly, this was just one story, one issue. It is hard to say what could come next, if anything. It could be more about Ronin. It could be further stories from otherVisions shorts. Maybe there will never be another Visions issue. Only time will tell.

The family is safe and Luke has returned to the Rebellion. Unfortunately the info that the family used to buy their freedom was the dark revelation that the Emperor is building a second Death Star. Now the rebels scramble to decide how to proceed.

The stages of Jedah have been set. The players have been introduced. The game will truly get heated up undoubably in the next exciting issue.

Chewie must attempt a daring escape with Maz Kanata. Meanwhile Khel leads her crew far away with Greedo. Han remains absent, for now.

Sanas team is ready to go save Aphra. Meanwhile Aphra learns more of the Ascendants and is about to encounter another old friend.

It seems like this story has wrapped up for now, but new stories are always coming. Sabe has made a place for herself in this series and promises to continue on into the next arc alongside Darth Vader.

The suns have set and risen again on old Ben, and thus ends this series. Soon to follow will be a new series about the greatest of all Jedi, Master Yoda.

The family of survivors are in yet another tough spot, But the Rebellion has heard their cries for help. They are sending not only one of their moist celebrated heroes, but one equipped with a lightsaber and knowledge of the mystical Force.

The storm continues to beat down on Old Bens small hut. As the hermit feels the physical effects from the pummeling sand outside, he digs deeper and deeper into his own memory while trapped in his own home.

The fun is just beginning as this series kicks off. Further down the line promises stories and characters from the various eras from all over the Star Wars Galaxy.

Aphra's rescue team have run into some old friends who might make their progress harder for them. At the same time, Just Lucky tries to live up to his name as he is looking for Aphra as well.

The Spark Eternal has beaten Doctor Aphra down and found her deepest secrets, but Aphra always has a plan brewing. Meanwhile her friends assemble to assist her.

Another chapter in the Book of Ben is done. Each issue of this series acts like puzzle pieces that make up the whole picture of Kenobi. However the picture is only partially completed so far, and readers must wait another month for another piece of the life of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

A short break between story arcs is fun and refreshing, but there is a lot more story to tell before this series catches up to the events of The Return of the Jedi. Luke is still getting ready to confront Vader, while Leia and Chewbacca plot to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt.

Han and Chewie are ready to make a getaway, but there is a big problem. The Millennium Falcon is missing and so is his father! Knowing Han, he wont be able to go without his precious Falcon for long. Time to recover it and finish off this crazy mission.

The Mandalorians armor keeps him safe, but his heart provides a weakness in it. Growing up and orphan himself, he must choose to betray everything about who he is or to protect a child in need of a home.

Seeing a youngling Obi-Wan issue followed buy a Padawn Obi-Wan one can only mean Jedi Obi-Wan must be up next. Kenobi is sure to reflect on his time as a noble protector in a galaxy on the brink of war.

Sana has begun to create a team of beings from Aphras past to help her try and free her friend from the Spark Eternals grip. But how well can a rescue team be expected to perform when Aphra has betrayed each one personally?

Just when Han thinks he has won, complications always arise. But just as his quick thinking and ability to improvise on the spot got him out of this tight spot, it is sure to get him out of the next one.

Qira has publicly declared her true intentions to displace the evil Sith rulers and to install her own Empire. At the same time, the Emperor is gunning for her too. All of this will add up to what will almost certainly be a clash worthy of the name Star Wars.

Leia is safe for now. Luke remains in search of a way to make him strong enough to confront Vader. Soon they must come together so they can formulate a plan to rescue the frozen Han Solo. What adventure await them before then?

Doctor Aphra is currently not feeling herself. Sana and Farrus are left unprepared for the events that have just transpired, while Sava Nos seems almost entertained. What kinds of mischief will these events ultimately lead?

It would not be a proper Han Solo & Chewbacca ending without showing them going out of the fryer and into the oven, so close to completing their mission too. Yet readers can be sure Solo and his gang will live to fight another day and outsmart the bad guys.

This story arc is not quite done yet, so there may be a few surprises in store to come. Zahra has called out Leia personally. Will Leia go blindly into the obvious trap? Knowing Leia, thats a hard thing to predict.

The first chapter of Obi-Wan Kenobis memoir is finished. As he waits out one of the worst storms on Tatooine record, he will undoubably have more stories to write down as he takes a virtual speeder tour down memory lane. His childhood story is told. What adventures will behold teenage Obi-Wan?

The issue ends with a mission complete, but not without laying down ground for further stories involving the Knights of Ren in the future or past. Vader certainly now know about the Knights form this period now. Its a sure bet that he wont be forgetting them any time soon.

Thanks to Crimson Dawn the rebels have an upper hand. Thanks to the intelligence of Commander Zahra the Empire is ready for them. There is a very good chance this will all come down to the small band of rebels now aboard Zahras starship.

Sabe knows a secret about Vader. Vader is able to crush her at any moment. The two have goals that align and pasts that conflict. This could lead to and explosive climax.

The mission is well under way, a new advisory is introduced, and Han stumbles upon a piece of his past. There are a lot of interesting directions this series can go.

Unfortunately this will be the last time readers will see Marchion Ro for a while. However in his first year and in this series, he has made a lasting impression among fans. This will not be the last time they will see him. The machinations of Marchion Ro never cease.

There is still a lot of story to tell in this series. Leia and her crew need to come up with a plan to save Han. Meanwhile Luke is still not ready to confront Vader. Shara and Kes need to be reunited. But knowing these Star Warriors, they are certainly equipped for their tasks ahead.

Sabe is closing in once again on Vader. She has come across a couple fellow Crimson Dawn sympathizers, however it seems she plans to use them to get to The Dark Lord of the Sith rather than enlist their loyalty.

The investigation is over for now. All the information Sian and Emerick have gathered is now up for the Jedi to review. The High Republic saga is no where near over though. It seems almost certain that this dynamic detective duo is bound to return eventually to solve another case.

As Starlight Beacon threatens to tear apart and fall into the closest planet, beings aboard start to panic. Separated from the other Jedi, Avar and her squad must confront new dangers on top of the ones that they are currently in. How can they stand against a weapon that can drive them mad?

The events of The Fallen Star have caught up to this series. Caphtor needs help, but it looks like the assistance required is tied up in a larger conflict. Only one issue left in this series and still a few mysteries to solve too. If the first four issues of this series in any indication on how that last one will be, it should be a doozy.

Now that Kho Phon Farruss identity is know, it is time to return to the very university where they, Sana, and Aphra first met. A showdown on familiar grounds is immanent, but first readers might get a glimpse into the past that originally brought the trio together.

Avar has made her choice, and the rest of the Jedi are powerless to stop her. However there is always hope, which is the cornerstone of the Jedi order. Will Keeve Trennis be able to stop Avar Kriss from making a mistake she and all the Jedi will soon regret?

Luke has a stronger idea of what it means to be a Jedi than ever before. Armed with a new direction and knowledge, it is clear that he is well on his path to become the hero he was destined to be. There is only one more thing he must do. He must confront Vader.

Marchion Ro has seized power of the dreaded Nihil. He now plans to unleash them upon the galaxy. The Jedi and the planets of the Republic wont know what hit them as they get caught in the storm created by the Nihil with Ro in the center.

Aphra now has two enemies gunning for her, both representing large amounts of power. Aphra, in true form, awaits another conflict wit Farrus with a sly grin. Maybe the old Aphra is still in there after all.

Darth Vader has found the information he has been looking for. It looks like Crimson dawn has been able to infiltrate the Empire itself. It looks like it is time for Vader to clean house.

This issue takes a nice detour to tie in all the events and characters from all over High Republic, but it also shows Emerick and Sian getting closer. Now that they have been able to regroup and meet with other Jedi, they must continue their investigation.

It is time for a desperate but well orchestrated attack, and the Jedi have the renewed confidence to come through. But what kind of doubts and fears still linger in the battle-weary warriors of Starlight Beacon?

Luke has discovered a Jedi artifact to help him boost his training. However the help that he gets is from a surprisingly familiar face. Armed with direct knowledge straight from a Jedi source, Luke is certain to gain the knowledge he needs to defeat his father.

All the pieces are set in QiRas giant chess board, and she is ready to play for keeps. She is going after the toughest guys in the galaxy. It should be no surprise that her next task is to get the Rebel Alliance involved.

After a great return to normal, the Darth Vader series proceeds into a whole new story. This issue ends with a taste of stranger things to come as a character from much earlier in this series shows up unexpectedly. Certainly her path will cross Vaders sooner than later.

Han proves time and time again that he will do anything to keep the spirit alive for Chewbacca year after year. Their kind of friendship and loyalty is the exact kind of spirit everyone should be thinking about this time of year. Smugglers and scoundrels they may be, but they sure know how to celebrate.

The duo of detectives, having just formed their alliance, have already come across a juicy lead. Getting to the meat of the plot fast speaks well of their partnership, but the deeper into the matter at hand, the more danger they will both be in.

This issue ends with a surprise that is sure to shake things up for Just Lucky. At the same time, Aphras own mission has already started out ominously. It hard to say where this story is going, which will undoubably fuel readers desire to know more as this new arc unfolds.

Lourna Dee is attempting to escape, but Avar Kriss will not let her go. At the same time the two missing Jedi are recovered, but it is difficult to tell if Terec and Ceret will survive. Nevertheless, The Jedi will press on, but undoubtably so will the Nihil.

Han is alive! Leia and her gang must now decide how best to recue him from the clutches of the vile gangster, Jabba the Hutt. However before they can formulate a plan, they will need their full crew with Luke and Artoo to help them.

Vaders troubles with Crimson Dawn are not over as he seeks out to track them down. It would seem one of his partners just might be in league with Crimson Dawn already. Its too soon to predict if that will become and advantage or betrayal to the Dark Lord.

The doors of Vaders Castle have closed for another year. Its now time for IDW to focus on other titles like the regular Star Wars Adventures series and the two High Republic series. Of course, the doors to that dark fortress cant stay closed forever. Until next year

Its hard to tell what fate has in store for Keeve aboard the Nihil Fleet. She is no longer undercover and at the mercy of the pirates. The other Jedi are on their way, but will it be in time?

Lina and crew have made it to Mustafar for the final showdown. With only one issue left to go, things are bound to get a lot scarier before its all over. Will Lina be able to save her brother in time?

Aphra and Sana are headed back to Domina Tagge with their task completed. Unfortunately their exit from Crimson Dawn certainly left an impression. How long until Qira and her agents catch up to them?

The mysteries only get deeper in this first issue. Holt finds herself in danger and Emerick finds himself in wonder. It will be very interesting to see how these characters stories end up overlapping.

Linas crew is getting bigger. With only two issues left in this years series, that doesnt give her a lot of time to same her brother. What nightmares await the next collected member of the ill-fated team, bound for doom?

Luke still has Vader on his tail, and The Falcon crew are only slightly closer to reclaiming Han. Yet somehow, the heroes seems doubly redetermined to fight for what they know is right. They will strive to not only get their friend back, but perhaps the galaxy along with it.

The stage has been set. Vanee continues his plot for revenge, while Milo Graf finds himself in danger. There is sure to be more stories of terror and misfortune as all paths lead back to Vader's Castle.

Luke has managed to get Vaders focus off of his fellow rebels. However it seems that Han is being transported away from Crimson Dawn and is flying right into Luke and Vaders path. Still being dogged by his dark father, Luke will need to come up with a new plan. He cant run forever.

On the move in the floating fortress of Crimson Dawn, Aphra and her squad have many perils yet to avoid. Perhaps there will even be time to steal a few artifacts along the way. That task will be much more difficult to accomplish while in the sights of the deadly Deathstick.

Keeve Trennis is now in the belly of the Nihil beast. She must prove herself to be one of them by any means necessary. That may in fact force her to match their level of brutality that few Jedi can come clear of without fear of turning the Dark Side.

Vader and Ochi are allies once more, and set to give Crimson Dawn an even larger pounding. Its hard to tell how long this union will continue, but readers should rest assured that Ochi will give out more action before the War of the Bounty Hunters concludes.

Aphra and Sana have found themselves in another tight spot, but this time imprisoned by Crimson Dawn. Knowing Doctor Aphra, they wont be able to hold her for long. Still, it will be tough for her to be kept in the same spot when she know Vader is out there and could come for her at any time.

Luke has been badly shaken by the events of the last few months, but there is no way he is going to let his friends stay in danger. He decides a fresh approach is needed. While he figures out his next move, Darth Vader awaits him.

The Drengir have been pushed back for now. Keeve Trennis and the Jedi of Starlight Beacon must turn their attention to planet Valo, where the Nihil are causing terror and mayhem. They have been mostly absent in this series so far. It is time the Nihil meet Kreeve Trennis!

Keeve Trennis has seen the possible fall of the Jedi and no one seems to understand. Yet the visions she faces are placed by the Drengir and could be simply a way to break her spirit. Either way, it ensures that more trouble is rushing toward the spread thin Jedi across the outer rim and wild space. It will certainly be a legendary clash.

The Force has shown Luke Skywalker his path once again. Having warned Leia that Darth Vader is also trying to get Han Solo from Crimson Dawn, Luke will likely go after him. Unfortunately that is exactly what Vader wants.

Sly Moores subplot aside, it is time to get back to Vader and his plans to use the frozen Captain Solo to lure out and defeat his greatest threat, his own son. With his abrupt interruption of Crimson Dawns auction of the infamous smuggler, things are bound to heat up further.

Darth Vader has shown up to claim Solo. All Aphras fears have come true. With this issue concluding still very much in the middle of the ongoing story, with all the big name players still there, the next issue is sure to have more fun surprises on hand.

Aphra has a direction and a new goal set by her current boss to explore the Crimson Dawn auction of the trapped Han Solo. Lust Lucky is also headed there as well. It is likely that the two groups paths will cross sooner than later as they head toward the hive of some of the worst criminals in the galaxy. Aphra is sure to fit in well.

The Jedi now know where to find the heart of the Drengir, and they have tasted victory against them as well. Kreeve Trennis will certainly be headed into further danger, but now she is armed with more knowledge of how to stop the invading plant lifeforms as well as the full support of the Jedi of the High Republic behind her.

The issue ends with a reveal of a new threat to Darth Vader, unbeknownst to him. As he continues pursuit of Han Solo, it is certain that Vader will come across a number of hunters, droids, criminals, and assassins as he tries to eliminate his son. But first he must find Crimson Dawn, who are currently in possession of the Rebel captain whom Vaders plans hinge upon.

The scene is set for what will almost certainly be an impressive, but ultimately futile rescue attempt. Going up against an organization once run by Darth Maul is no joke. Hans friends are very brave as the head directly for the largest den of criminal ever assembled.

Vader has chosen the Sith Assassin, Ochi of Bestoon as his partner in his next adventure now that he is back to his old evil self. Now the duo must deal with the Hutts to get Solo back to use him once again as leverage against Luke Skywalker.

Now that Lucky and Aphra are headed to a reunion, it looks like the former partners will have to side together again and make peace, or struggle separately against the mighty bounty hunter Durge.

As standalone as this issue felt, there is a high probability that some of what happened in this issue will come back later on in either this series specifically or elsewhere in The War of the Bounty Hunters event. The cover art for the next issue teases a Lando adventure. When last he was seen, he was contemplating selling out the Rebellion. What will he do?

Now that the Jedi have discovered a new ally as well as a new strategy to use against the Drengir. It would seems like it is a time to regroup and celebrate. But before they can do that, they must determine Master Ssskeers condition and fate.

The series arc wraps up very nicely. Vader has regained his leash. The Emperor has regained his pet. But the series is not over yet. Greg Pak will be back with next issue beginning Vaders part in the War Of the Bounty Hunters series crossover. This will undoubtedly have a lighter tone, which will be refreshing after this heavy, but very satisfying story arc.

Aphra and Sana find themselves left for dead. However, their discoveries might just lead to greater things for them if them can only escape. Knowing Aphra, she still has a few tricks up her sleeves.

The break between battles is over. Shara is aboard an enemy vessel and in need of rescuing. Leia and Starlight Squadron prepare. Meanwhile Luke, Chewie, and the droids are off on a separate mission, and Lando still considers selling rebel secrets. It seems clear that a whole lot of events will come to a head when this story arc ultimately concludes.

The action and intrigue have really heated up in this issue, which will certainly lead readers to want to check out the next one. A big baddie had been revealed, and its using an old ally as a weapon. Its anybodys guess as to where Kreeve and Avar go next, but it is sure to be dangerous and fun.

This series could not be wound tighter. It is very clear that the arc, and series as a whole is about to snap into a grand showdown. Vader has faced every demon he has ever known to get to this point. How ever will Palpatine ultimately get Vaders leash back on him?

This issue ends with a possible betrayal from a beloved character and possible doom for another one. The Rebels now have the way to communicate with other factions of the Alliance, but a lot can change before Leia can expect rescue for her stranded group. It would also seem Lando has made up his mind as well, but a lot can change between now and next issue for him before the arc wraps up.

Now that the characters are set into motion on their own adventures, the plot is sure to start moving ahead at a good pace. There are still a lot of unknowns at play here, but none less intriguing than Sskeers very un-Jedi approach to his last mission. Keeve Trennis is sure to find out whats going on with her former master.

Doctor Aphra has managed to convince Sana Starros to help her, but barely. Lucky has found himself a new employer as well. It most likely wont be long before the partners turned enemies will cross paths again.

It is getting very apparent that this arc is preparing to wrap up. However that in no way means the action or plot is slowing down. In fact, its doing the opposite. It is going into hyperspace now that Vader is starting to win for a change. Yet it can be counted on that he will still have a few hurtles to jump before the end.

It is very hard to tell where this story arc is leading. For a second issue of an arc, it sure does throw a lot of curve balls earlier than usual. However all that build up will have to play out soon in a slow moving, but somehow stimulating story arc.

The stage it set in not only this comic series, but the other interconnecting stories of The High Republic movement. Strangely, this particular issue givers a ton of setting and character introduction, but does not at all reveal the villains of the era yet. This kind of mystery is sure to baffle the Jedi of The High Republic as well as readers. That is, of course, until those villains reveal themselves at last.

This issue ends with Vader with his confidence regained. It is clear that the fires of Mustifar have begun to sharpen the blade that is Darth Vader. Of course this is exactly what The Emperor wants, but perhaps the blade he hopes to sharpen will eventually be aimed at himself.

Having accomplished their mission, and all the collateral damage that entails, Leia finds herself frustrated with less that effective results. However, you cant keep a good warrior princess down for long. The Empire will learn that in time.

Become one step closer to being whole again isnt enough to challenge his would be assassin. Trapped, but where a mysterious assailant appears, mysterious allies may also appear.

The groundwork has been set for this story arc to really get going. Zahra gets the upper hand by leaving Leia hurt and questioning herself and the rebellion, or so it would seem. Anyone who truly knows the politician/warrior/princess should never underestimate the daughter of freedom fighters Bail and Breha Organa! The more the Empire tightens its grip, the more star systems will fall through its fingers.

Aphra and her gang can rest easy for a bit. Each one gets a little something after their dangerous adventure. However the Tagge family is likely to seek revenge. They are an many headed dragon, with galactic level power. Aphra should be worried. But, she is not.

Vader is left in a dire position to fend for himself as he really is; without the armor, lightsaber, or The Force. He is a limbless ball of writhing pain, regret, and wrath. This is the stuff Sith legends are born from. What cybernetic phoenix will rise from these still burning embers? A reforged Sith weapon of destruction for sure, but perhaps one with a small spark of vengeance towards his cruel master as well.

It will be exciting to see more of Commander Zahra at the helm of Tarkins Will as she hunts Leia and her rebels across the galaxy. One opponent is a battle hardened princess/ex-senator/commander. The other is a battle hardened mentee to a famous dead Imperial hero. Who will win? Clearly Leia, yet it would behoove the reader to expect a massive fight sooner than later against the two commanders.

The latest Aphra tale ends with a set up to a seemingly grand conclusion. With only two issues to go, its all down hill from here. In this case, downhill is more like a rollercoaster speeding to a rewarding chaos. If past history is any indication, Tagge and his cronies had better beware. Trapped in a corner is where Doctor Aphra does all her best work.

Having a clear arc ending is a bittersweet position for a fan to be in. On one hand, this one concluded well without a weak issue in the bunch. On the other hand, it means the series is going to take a new turn, which can be scary and exciting. Soule started out strong here and if history is any indication, he will be serving up more Star Wars awesomeness just around the corner.

This isnt the usually ending point too an arc. Typically they end at issue 6. This issue had the a wrapping up feel to it, but it seems that the Emperor is now ready to put Vader back on the path to hatred, fear, and glory. How this will happen, only time and Greg Pak will tell.

So much still needs to be answered in this arc, but finding out the motives of the key players gives the audience a more accurate snapshot of everyone involved. Hopefully in the next issue, mysteries will be solved. Giant attacking hands and phantom lurkers in a necropolis are fun and all, but what's the rest of the story there? If there is one adventurer who can figure it out, It's Doctor Aphra.

This whole series has been amazing Star Wars film reference stacked on amazing reference the whole way through. That's how to do Star Wars right. This issue is building up to what must ultimately mean closure for Vader with Padme's death, and added determination in his search for their son. After meeting Luke and confronting Padme's death, Vader must certainly feel something he hasn't felt in a while, hope. Hope is the weak point in his dark armor that will allow the Jedi in him to return in time.

Soule continues to bring his action-packed and clever storytelling to this fresh rebranding of the Star Wars series. Only five issues in and it is already one of the most compelling entries from the entire series. Having heavy ties to events from the film has never been new to the series, however this one taking place over the week after The Empire Strikes back takes that concept to an almost intimate level, so much so that it doesn't seem like an in-between series, but a continuation of that film.

This second entry into a new series for Aphra comes with little action, but a lot of important character and story set up. Those kind of slow but informative episodes really pay off in the long game. Aphra continues to seem in great hands with the new group working on it, an all female team for once. With this issue ending with a cliffhanger, Aphra fans are sure to get more action and adventure as this series continues to roll out

One more Vader issue one is one more chance for Vader a title to excel over all the other Star wars titles. It must be lonely at the top for Darth Vader. This issue was well crafted and effective, but it also manages to pull off the one thing any first issue needs to do to succeed. It creates mystery and interest and a desire for the next issue to be released.

So far, so good in the new Star Wars arc. A lot of focus on the main characters continues to be the selling point of this series, but with a new feel. It will be rough having no Han for a while, but Lando makes for an entertaining proxy, promising a new dynamic in the crew as a whole.

It is absolutely satisfying to see this series get out of the quagmire of boring storytelling. It is important that this series goes out with a bang instead of a whimper. With the cover art of the next issue portraying the mighty Chewbacca facing off against Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader, it looks like fans might actually get an epic conclusion to Marvel's longest running series of modern Star Wars comics.

It's nice to see Aphra back working with the bad guys for a change. There is an added in bonus in the possibility that Aphra might be instrumental in the Empire finding Echo Base on Hoth. The comics in general are gearing up to start telling tales that take place after The Empire Strikes back. It should be interesting to see how Aphra pulls strings in the backdrop of those events.

At this point, this series is pretty much just waiting to die. With just a handful of issues left, the story needs to dramatically change. It's hard to expect it can get there. The new series can't come soon enough.

As this arc winds towards close, Aphra and crew have pretty much been everywhere and seen it all. However, the plot is taking an unexpected turm as she is summoned by Emperor Palpatine himself. Will he be able to see through whatever her ultimate plan is? Only time will tell.

This was an all around great issue. It was fun, it moved the story along, and everything looked fantastic. The ongoing Star Wars series could learn a thing or two from Aphra. Well if it wasn't ending in a couple months, that is.

As lackluster as these past two issues have been, they follow many classic elements of typical Star Wars adventures. This arc feels a lot like the old 70's/80's Star Wars comics by having three separate stories play out simultaneously, unfortunately so far to its detriment. Hopefully all the set up will have a payoff now that all players are in a place for more galactic conflict among the stars.

This issue is a typical mid-arc story. Its main purpose is to simply put the characters together with a common goal that will build to the climax. It will be interesting to see what Aphra's motley new team will go through before this arc is done, and with the preview of the next issue showing Aphra smirking in an Imperial uniform, things are bound to get more complicated before they there.

This issue presented a refreshing start to a new story arc after a good, but exhausting arc that preceded it. Having it clear that the series is staring to build toward Empire Strikes Back adds an element of anticipation as to how it will all come together. The one thing this series does very well that a lot of Star Wars tales miss, is the heavy inclusion of the droids. They are the backbone of the original films, and should be a big part of the story. This new arc seems primed to give us more of that. It's hard to ignore the art and writing style change, but this first offering was a good indication that the feel of the films will carry on.