REVIEW: 'Star Wars #1': A Cinematic Start To A New Series
- Sarah Angelo-Haight
- May 7
- 3 min read
Disclaimer: This review contains minor spoilers for ‘Star Wars #1’.
Star Wars #1, written by Alex Segura and with art by Phil Noto, opens a nebulous, but short, amount of time after the events of Return of the Jedi. The Empire has been defeated, but that doesn’t mean there is peace in the galaxy far, far away. This becomes clear in the opening scene: Luke Skywalker and his fellow pilots are protecting New Republic cargo ships from pirates when they are unexpectedly ambushed. The pirates have somehow gotten their hands on an Imperial Star Destroyer, outgunning the New Republic forces by a considerable order of magnitude. Meanwhile, Princess Leia and Chancellor Mon Mothma struggle to negotiate with the reluctant leaders of Pirrosi, who see the New Republic as weak. Concurrently, Han Solo is on a mission of his own involving his old friend, the cyborg Bielert Valance. These three storylines are currently separate but will undoubtedly come together as they unfold.
The way the stories are interwoven is almost cinematic in nature. The scenes cut back and forth as if on the big screen, one line from one character in one scene leading into another line in a scene happening elsewhere. It’s compelling and helps tie the storylines together. Something big is starting to brew in this part of the galaxy and writer Alex Segura does a phenomenal job building suspense. Phil Noto’s art is crisp and clean, lending itself well to the theatricality of the formatting.
The main conflict of the issue centers around the New Republic’s negotiations with the Pirrosi. After twenty years of Imperial rule and a short and messy period of New Republic clean-up, the leaders of Pirrosi are rightfully cautious of becoming a small fish in a very, very big, bureaucratic pond. Leia’s diplomacy in action is interesting to watch, often a succinct combination of the approaches of her birth parents. In fact, Kezrin Almovar, the Prime Minister of Pirrosi, even goes so far as to accuse Leia of being a threatening bully. While the readers certainly know Leia’s altruistic motivations and the content of her character, it’s easy to understand why, in-universe, others would be reluctant to trust her. As the figurehead of the fledgling galactic government, Leia has a lot on her shoulders and a very public image. It’s up to her to make sure the optics of the New Republic are inoffensive, and she does not always succeed, something Almovar demonstrates by singling out former Imperial officer turned New Republic councilor Kith Alaytia.
While Leia is flexing her diplomatic muscles, Luke’s mission is more straightforward, but no less surprising. Pirates with the firepower of the fallen Empire are not to be taken lightly, and Luke’s natural heroics predictably lead him into trouble. Han has the smallest amount of “screen time”, but his reunification with Valance is the beginning of a plot that will undoubtedly tie back into Luke and Leia sooner rather than later.
Star Wars #1 is a strong start to a new series. While this period of time, directly post-Return of the Jedi, has been explored here and there, a distinct and dedicated story is welcome. Segura’s writing is engaging, and the cinematic layout choices add to the immediacy of the action. It will be interesting to see how things unfold, and what other trials our heroes will yet encounter.
Rating: ★★★★☆
About Star Wars #1
Release Date: May 7, 2025
Written by: Alex Segura
Art by: Phil Noto
Cover by: Phil Noto
Page Count: 29
Synopsis: AN EPIC NEW ADVENTURE BEGINS FOR LUKE, LEIA AND HAN IN THE WAKE OF RETURN OF THE JEDI! New York Times best-selling author ALEX SEGURA launches the bold next era of STAR WARS. LUKE SKYWALKER must defend the NEW REPUBLIC from a bloodthirsty gang of mercenaries! HAN SOLO investigates a deadly underworld mystery - and saves a surprising ally! LEIA ORGANA must grapple with a new alliance opposed to the goals of the New Republic!
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