Star Wars: A Long Time Ago Volume 7: Far, Far Away [Paperback]

Excellent final entry covers the end of the Rebellion and the birth of the Alliance of Free Planets (the interim government that soon became the New Republic). But the transition to a new government is hardly a smooth one. Artist Cynthia Martin hits her stride as Jo Duffy gets full swing into the Nagai Invasion and the Alliance's greatest adversary, Lumiya! We are also introduced to an old friend of Han's, a complex character with a mysterious past named Bey, as well as the return of fan favorites Fenn Shysa (the Mandalorean Protector) and Kiro. But the Nagai may only be the tip of the iceberg as a new threat descends into the galaxy to hunt down the Nagai, and anyone else that stands in their way...

For those getting set to read the upcoming LEGACY era books (set in the final Star Wars age), Lumiya's origins are revealed in this volume (as well as in one other) as is her all-consuming hatred for Luke, the Alliance and the Jedi. Before Asajj, before Aurra Sing, there was Lumiya.

As with the previous issues (in volume 6), Duffy knows the importance of comic relief (as a counter to tragedy) in epic storytelling, and its evidenced here by the insectile Hiromi and Leia's four Zeltron bodyguards, precursor to other annoying bodyguards Leia would have in the Nogrhi and the Squibs. These stories capture the feel of Return of the Jedi and the Classic Trilogy in ways that no others have. Not unlike Jude Watson (Jedi Apprentice/Quest series), Duffy knows these characters inside and out, and also understands the dynamics of great space opera. And because she has taken the time to develop them with clever and interesting character arcs, so too do the side characters stand out as memorable additions to the saga: the Zeltron Dani and her bizarre relationship with her former torturer Den; the now sullen and insular Iskalonian Kiro; the jaded and ultra-loyal Nagai Knife.

The only unfortunate aspect to this story's conclusion is the fact that it was not intended to be the conclusion. Marvel sales of Star Wars were still going strong in the mid-eighties, but in 1985 Lucas wasn't sure what direction the franchise would go in, and as a result, Lucasfilm told Marvel to cease production of Star Wars comics. It was thus that Issue 107 was decided to be the final issue, but unfortunately, Jo Duffy wasn't apprised of that until very late in the game. Her story wasn't even close to conclusion, and in fact she had outlined an epic 12-part storyline detailing a fierce battle between the Alliance, Nagai and Tof, the return of Domina Tagge and a few other surprises! Sadly, it wasn't to be, and issue 107 is a less-than-satisfactory denouement as Duffy was forced to discard her plans in order to wrap up all the plot threads that were building towards something much greater into one single issue.

It was a sad time for Star Wars comics fans who deserved better. Star Wars returned in comic book form not long thereafter, but with hardly the same results. Marvel's kiddie line Star introduced both Droids and Ewoks comics to capitalize on the cartoons (and with similar results). Later, Blackthorne 3D got permission to do Star Wars (which they squandered with three subpar issues, one of which would now be considered Infinities). It wasn't until Dark Horse took the reign on the license and produced Dark Empire (initially intended to be released under Marvel's EPIC line) that Star Wars was truly relaunched in comic book form. And while excellent in its own right, the new more mature series released by Dark Horse since still don't quite manage the nostalgic feel of the old Star Wars under Jo Duffy, Archie Goodwin, David Michelinie and Chris Claremont's hands. In the 1970's and 80's Marvel had caught lightning in a bottle and thankfully in the new millenium Dark Horse has had the wisdom to bring it out from the darkness for new fans to enjoy and old fans to relive again...

For further discussion of the Marvel Star Wars series and a timeline of all Star Wars stories, go to www.starwarstimeline.net.

Ever since the 90's dark horse has done star wars for a long time. They covered the heroes of the original trilogy occassionally, but mostly do before, between, during, and after 1-3 since episdoe 1 came out. but now, they've released the old marvel star wars series from 77-86. the first issues were A New Hope, covered Empire, and had Jedi into a mini-series. but most of the the series took place between all three films, like Shadows of the Empire but also the weeks after Jedi. Book 7 is unfortunately the end of this cool series, but has adventure and laughs as well.
The Rebel alliance becomes a short lived government to become A new republic, known as the Alliance of Free planets. this alliance would square off against the Imperial remnent and two species, Nagais and the Tofs. All the classic heroes fight with the Alliance, former imperials and the nagai against the original Female dark jedi, Lumiya and the tofs.
The series covered the exploits Luke as a jedi, but also does the same with Han, Leia, Lando, the droids, and Chewie as well.
The series does have an authentic feel of the original trilogy, unlike the new comics. The last issue is almost silly with Luke drawn as a blond Rambo, but it's a good end for the fans who like to imagine the end of the saga with Jedi and the weeks after. Dark horse is smart to release these for the fans of the old marvel series.

Very informative a wonderful colloection by dark horse containing stories out of print of nearly 20 years. Along with A long time ago, volume 5 contains the stories of Fenn Shysa menchioned under Boba Fett in the Essential Guide to Characters, also refered to in the dark horse graphic novel: Boba Fett Twin Engines of Destruction.

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