Picking up where “Skywalker Strikes” immediately left off, Luke Skywalker searches for answers to Jedi history so he can be a Jedi like his father before him. Meanwhile, Han & Leia meet a woman named, Sana Starros who claims to be Han’s wife while the Galactic Empire gains on ‘em. C-3PO & Chewbacca search for Luke’s whereabouts.
Star Wars’s second comic book storyline, “Showdown on Smuggler’s Moon” officially published in 2016 (same year Mac Miller’s fourth studio album The Divine Feminine came out) earning praise from critics, fans and readers alike. As you all know, Pedro Pascal will reprise his role as Mando in “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” It’s secluded to be released on May 22, 2026. Another upcoming movie, “Star Wars: Starfighter” starring Ryan Gosling will be released on May 28 2027.
It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are present. We all know how The Original Trilogy ended.
Light Side & Dark Side Qualities
Light Side: Jason Aaron did a terrific job writing all five issues.
Stuart Immonen’s artwork captures the Star Wars universe. The likenesses of Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill & Carrie Fisher are spot on. It’s like I’m watching a midquel set between “A New Hope” & “The Empire Strikes Back.”
Action Sequences are splendid.
Random Thoughts
- When I read Grakkus the Hutt’s dialogue, the only voice I can think of is Alec Baldwin. His voice suits well for a hutt. Would’ve been funny if he called Jabba’s son, Rotta a “selfish little pig.” Alec acting like a dickweed towards his daughter, Ireland. He’s not a nice guy off camera.
- I listen to John Williams’ soundtrack to fit the atmosphere. If I’m gonna read a Star Wars book or comic series, I intend to play some tracks.
Call Forwards to The Empire Strikes Back & “Return of the Jedi.”
- Luke wields a green lightsaber. Plus, he fights a rancor.
- Before they went first base, Han & Leia bicker like an old married couple.
- Han & Leia wield lightsabers. Han later used Luke’s to cut a dead tauntuan’s guts to keep Luke warm from the cold. Leia wielded a blue lightsaber in a flashback from that god awful “Rise of Skywalker” movie. So, uncivilized. To me, The Sequel Trilogy does not exist along with “Alien 3” & “Alien: Resurrection.”
- Dengar appears in issues #10-12. He fought Chewbacca. Dengar doesn’t die. In the words of the Narrator from “George of the Jungle,” “He just got really big boo boos.”
Running Gag involving Han who claims Sana’s not his wife. It’s obvious he never hooked up with her. Sana’s a “Big Fat Liar” like Paul Giamatti.
While Han & Leia quarrel, they evade the Galactic Empire.
C-3PO & Chewbacca partnership adds more layer. They’re good cop, bad cop. Again, Dengar fought Chewbacca.
Like Jabba, Grakkus is a crime lord. The latter collects Jedi artifacts similar to General Grevious collected lightsaber of a slain Jedi.
Character Development continues to flesh out Luke Skywalker’s character arc. Still an inexperienced rookie. He travels to the moon of Nar Shanda’s filled with scum in villainy. Luke searches for a pilot who has the coordinates to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. We all know what happened to the place in “Revenge of the Sith.”
Last issue ends with Darth Vader. Setting up the next storyline, “Vader Down.”
Dark Side: Storyline felt short. Not enough material.
The Final Verdict: A-
Star Wars: Showdown on Smuggler’s Moon is another near perfect storyline within Marvel comic book series. Still better than “The Acolyte,” The Sequel Trilogy and Obi-Wan’s mini-series. I hope Mandalorian and Grogu will do justice. As long as it’s not a disappointment like the third season. Please don’t bring back Lizzo. She’s a friggin’ embarrassment in the music industry.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 