Marvel and Star Wars have once again delivered a one-off series with Star Wars: A New Legacy, a comic that celebrates ten years of Marvel’s Star Wars storytelling. Featuring three fun and thrilling stories from top-tier writers like Charles Soule, Jason Aaron, and Kieron Gillen, this collection offers fans a fresh yet nostalgic journey into the galaxy far, far away. With such a powerhouse lineup, my expectations were high—and this comic absolutely delivered. Let’s dive into what makes these stories so special.
The Grand Imperial Jubilee
One of the standout stories in A New Legacy is The Grand Imperial Jubilee, a fun heist tale featuring a rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra and her partner-in-crime, Sana Starros. Tasked with stealing an artifact from Emperor Palpatine’s personal collection during a lavish Imperial gala celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of his ascendance to the office of Supreme Chancellor, the duo finds themselves pursued by relentless bounty hunters Rik Duel and Beilert Valance.
However, the heist takes an unexpected and darkly comedic turn when one of the guards dons Lord Momin’s mask, allowing the ancient Sith Lord to possess him. Instead of wreaking immediate havoc, Momin begins a hilarious critique of the gala’s artwork, only to fly into a murderous rage upon discovering that his own masterpiece is credited to an “unknown artist.” This sends him into a destructive frenzy, leaving a trail of death until he is finally stopped by the combined efforts of Tarkin and Zahra.
Meanwhile, Rik Duel and Valance manage to capture Aphra and Sana, but the ever-resourceful Aphra turns the tables by deploying a clever data bomb on Valance, giving the duo just enough time to escape. The mix of high-stakes action, humor, and unexpected twists makes The Grand Imperial Jubilee a brilliant stand-out to this celebratory collection.
Score: 8/10
For The Love Of The Empire
Another compelling entry in A New Legacy is For The Love Of The Empire, which offers a unique perspective on the war from the eyes of a sassy and battle-hardened group of stormtroopers from the 501st Legion. The story begins with the squad successfully preventing a group of locals from joining the Rebellion, showcasing their efficiency and skill in battle.
What follows is a gripping montage of their war experiences, highlighting both their victories and losses, including the tragic death of one of their own. The narrative takes a fascinating turn as it illustrates the shifting perception of the Empire throughout the galaxy. Initially celebrated as war heroes, the troopers bask in admiration from the worlds they protect. However, as the Rebellion gains traction, that admiration gradually transforms into resentment and hostility. They go from being honored warriors to vilified enemies, a shift that is both poignant and thought-provoking.
I believe this story captures the emotional weight of the changing tides of war, providing depth to characters who are often seen as faceless enforcers of the Empire. For The Love Of The Empire is a powerful addition to this collection, offering an insightful and fresh perspective on the galactic conflict.
Score: 8/10
Rogue’s Gambit
Now we get to the funniest story of the three. Rogue’s Gambit follows the misadventures of 0-0-0, BT-1, and Black Krrsantan as they kill time awaiting orders from Lord Vader. The trio decides to play a game of dejarik, the same iconic holographic chess game seen aboard the Millennium Falcon in the original trilogy.
Things quickly spiral out of control when Black Krrsantan starts losing, and tensions escalate into an all-out standoff. BT-1 and 0-0-0 draw their weapons on the furious Wookiee, leading to an intense—yet utterly ridiculous—fight between the three of them. Just when things reach their most chaotic point, the whole situation is abruptly and hilariously interrupted by the arrival of Lord Vader himself. His mere presence is enough to silence the bickering trio, creating a comedic yet tense moment that perfectly encapsulates the absurdity of their dynamic.
Rogue’s Gambit delivers the perfect amount of humor and action, providing a lighter, more entertaining contrast to the second story in this collection. The antics of these infamous side characters make for an unforgettable and highly enjoyable read.
Score: 8/10
Final Score
Star Wars: A New Legacy delivers three distinct and engaging stories, each offering a unique take on the Star Wars universe. While none of the stories necessarily break new ground, they are all incredibly well-executed and entertaining. With each story scoring a solid 8 out of 10, the entire collection earns a well-deserved 8/10. A fantastic read for any Star Wars comic fan, and a fitting celebration of a decade of Marvel’s Star Wars storytelling.
Overall Score: 8/10