Insurgency Rising Comic Book Review
I've talked about how lately that Star Wars comics just haven't been good. Now that Marvel is finally starting to move past Return of the Jedi in the comics, things are starting to heat up a bit. And in a good way. Marvel recently wrapped up the 1st 4 issue miniseries Insurgency Rising, which will lead into the Battle of Jakku, an event covered in the novels Aftermath: Empire's End, the final book of the Alphabet Squadron Trilogy and the young adult novel Lost Stars. All of those stories featured new characters in their own stories. But this new comic series has the OT Mains take center stage as those previous stories didn't have the Mains as the focus but as supporting characters. Here, they are the main focus. Well, Luke and Leia are, anyway. If you've read the Shattered Empire miniseries you know what Han is up to, not only the morning after Endor, but several weeks and months after. Lando is still active as a General, and both men have cameos here. Of course Aftermath highlighted Operation Cinder, which was referenced on Ch 15 of The Mandalorian.
STORY
I am not the biggest fan of Disney Canon. That being said, this era in particular is one I find interesting, since Disney hasn't gone into detail with this particular time in the Skywalker Saga Era. There are some minor spoilers, so I will do my best to not reveal too much. The story opens with a New Republic B-Wing pilot named Rynn Zenat barely escaping an attack led by Moff Ubrik Adelhard, Moff of the Anoat Sector. He refuses to heed the call of Gallius Rax, and he not only won't let the Empire just die, he will establish a new one, with himself as Emperor. Aiding him is Commander Bragh, a Purgetrooper, and Lt Kith Alaytia, a woman who has a hidden agenda of her own. Adelhard is ruthless, and vows to learn all he can from the survivors of the New Republic attack, which includes Rynn's girlfriend and partner Preeti.
On Endor, Leia is still coming to terms with Luke's reveal of her true lineage. She and Luke wish Han luck on his mission to the other Endor Bunker (covered in Shattered Empire issue 1) when Rynn arrives and asks for Leia and Luke. After the briefing, Leia puts together a team that includes Rynn, Jarek Yeager (later seen in Resistance), Kes Dameron (Poe's father), and Therisa Alern, who we learn has some sort of relationship with Lt Alaytia. While on Pilio, Luke encounters the Acolytes of Beyond, and meets their Mara Jade looking leader Yuan Howzell. Another of the Acolytes, the Anzati Reyna Oskure aids Adelhard, and dresses as an Inquisitor. Luke is able to keep his Compass (as seen in the Battlefront 2 game), but senses more is happening.
The Republic task force also runs into a problem. Spice miners led by Zeva Bliss are throwing their support to Adelhard, and capture them. Since Leia has lost contact, she sends Luke to rescue them. And if you thought Luke's rescue of Grogu was badass, imagine Luke mowing down Stormtroopers just like what Vader did to Rebel Troopers in Rogue One. More on that as I review the art work. Leia recruits Lando to check on Luke as there was no word from him. Lando's task force catches Adelhard by surprise. Luke rescues the task force Leia sent, and has a confrontation with both Reyna and Adelhard. Bragh is stunned when the task force escapes, but Rynn won't leave without Luke, who arrives in time to escape on a stolen spice miner ship. The war is not going to end any time soon.
What I love about the story is the Legends feel to it. It's similar to some plots of the X-Wing comics and novels. Plus we get to see what Luke and Leia are up to since in previous books and comics Luke is barely mentioned while we have some idea of what Leia is up to. The story is a solid A grade. Alex Seguera does a great job telling this story.
ART
In the first 2 issues Leonard Kirk flies solo on the art before getting help in issue 3 from Jethro Morales. The style is a bit different, but I honestly didn't notice the artist changes for issue 3 until reading the credits. Then I noticed some subtle changes. But remember the Luke vs Stormtroopers scene I described earlier? We didn't get the full hallway treatment, just snippets. I get there are only so many pages and panels that can be put into a comic book, but man, oh man was a truly special moment ignored here. I give the art work here a B minus.
For the 4th issue, Jethro Morales gets help from Luke Ross, who recently penciled the Jango Fett miniseries. Luke's pencils are incredible, but his style clashes with Morales art style which is similar to Leonard Kirk's. Another B minus here. And look, I can't draw worth a damn, but as a long time comic book reader, I know art I like. I know schedules are demanding in this business, but I would rather an artist have time to get things done. The art is good, but the changes in visual style is a tad upsetting to me. But the story is the main selling point. With the 1st issue of the follow up to this miniseries Republic Under Siege, the art gets a slight upgrade.
VINTAGE COLLECTION FIGURES I WANT FROM THIS COMIC MINISERIES
1. Zeva Bliss
Take the VC Zorri Bliss, and paint her blue. I'm pretty sure Hasbro still has this tooling somewhere, waiting go be used.
2. Reyna Oskure
Reyna could actually get 2 figures. One version can be a new head sculpt on Morgan Elsbeth's buck, while the other could be Reyna's head on a Reva buck.
3. Lt Kith Alaytia
We're getting Deedra Meero, but all that buck would need is a new head sculpt, and a removable hat.
4. Commander Bragh
I was not familiar with the Insurgency game, so I had no clue who Bragh or Adelhard were until I got this comic book series. But Bragh is by far one of the most badass designs in this series. From his Legends inspired Darktrooper style armor, and his Darth Vader like mask, I have a feeling this figure could really sell. He can come with his heavy gun, but I really want to give him a lightsaber.
5. Yupe Tashu
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