Writer: Jo Duffy Art: Ron Frenz & Tom Palmer The search for Tay Vanis (see #10) brings the Rebels to the ocean world Iskalon. The ruler of the aquatic-humanoid population Primor tells them there may be information on the neighboring planet Gamandar, but its a hotbed of Imperial activity. Luke and Leia stay behind as Lando, Chewie, R2, C-3PO and Primors son Mone travel there to investigate. Meanwhile the Imperial governor on Gamandar has learned of the Rebels presence on Iskalon and launches a missile attack against the planet, creating a massive tidal wave which destroys the underwater capital city, wounding Mones wife Kendle and killing Primor. Barely able to survive and make it to the surface, Luke and Leia meet Kiro, a warrior of Iskalon who explains that Kendle was the one who betrayed them to the Empire. As a result, Lando, Chewie, C-3PO and Mone are all imprisoned on Gamandar, leaving it up to R2 to (once again) save the day. Back on Iskalon, Kendle declares herself ruler but is subsequently killed during an attack by a vicious ocean creature. Upon his return, Mone becomes leader and mourning the death of his father, betrayal by his wife, and the destruction wrought by the Rebels presence there, decides that his people will no longer have any contact with the air breathers. This story is an example of the comic series firing on all cylinders. Ever story element fits in perfectly and creates a tale with real drama and adventure. Something as seemingly simple as being on an all-water planet becomes a life or death struggle after the one place air breathers can exist is destroyed. The machinations of the Imperials on Gamandar and the betrayal by Kendle all serve to build tension as our heroes are thwarted at every turn. And their frustrations are real as they turn up empty handed in their quest for the missing Tay Vanis, a mission they took up by having to suspend their search for Han. Everything theyve tried to do on Iskalon has resulted in death and destruction. Its an unexpected and sombre ending leaving you to wondering if anyone has really won.
I've been a huge sci-fi fan ever since going to see "Star Wars" at the tender age of 3 (and yes I actually do remember it! I love pretty much any intelligent and entertaining film and television series (some of my all time favorites are 2001, Lawrence of Arabia, Battlestar Galactica [SyFy], and The West Wing). Must thank the stars above for such things as HBOGO and Netflix (Am thoroughly enjoying Ripper Street btw). I've also been an avid comic book collector since childhood. I earned a bachelor's degree in creative writing with a second emphasis in film studies from Florida State University (Go Noles!) and definitely enjoy sitting back and watching pretty much any sports. I wish I had a joke to end with, but I don't so I'll simply say "The End."
