Lately I have been super busy...so I have treated myself. I have taken the time to dive into the classic Marvel Star Wars comics found in Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago....Volume 3!
Han Solo has been taken by Boba Fett and is in the clutches of Jabba the Hutt. But that does not mean that the Rebels can only put their efforts into freeing their companion. No, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian and Chewbacca the Wookie balance attempts to strike against the Empire with finding a safe base of operations for the struggling Rebellion. The Rebels have to survive Imperial super weapons, organic technology, traitors, love and a unexpected trip to Mars! And sometimes in flashbacks, Han Solo makes an appearance.
This volume really focuses on Luke and Leia. The over two years of comics in Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago....Volume 3 represent a time when Han Solo was frozen in carbonite and unavailable for comic stories since his fate had not resolved on the big screen. Therefore, Lando stands in for his absent friend as the pilot of the Millennium Falcon and resident rogue. Though Leia and Luke are not always happy with the relationship. This leaves the story vacuum to be filled by Leia and Luke. Leia focuses on leading the rebellion with the occasional longing for her missing love Han. And Luke is thrown into tons of action as he fights water thieves, has to clear himself for a crime he did not commit, or did he, and not finding as much time as desired to experiment with the power of the Force.
Did I mention that the Rebels visit Mars? One of the story arcs uses unused art from John Carter, Warlord of Mars. The art is very clearly the John Carter and Dejah Thoris character models. And Tharks are aplenty just with miscolored skin. But the world of swords and flyers is clearly the Mars of Marvel comics, with Luke and Leia drawn in. And I have to admit, it is really weird reading a story where Leia is catching the attention of John Carter, I mean Aron Peacegiver, under the watchful eyes of his very Martian but not pigmented red Martian wife! The two universes are truly matched up and for anyone reading both titles, like listeners of the Comic Book Time Machine, the mash-up is easy to see.
Now a lot of people have trouble with Jaxxon the green rabbit. But Jaxxon had only a limited run in the Marvel comics. But for me one might begin to wonder if the title has jumped the shark with the Hoojibs of Arbra. These cute rodent like Rebel allies are clearly wiser than one might think. And are truly a key ally to the Rebels. But if the Hoojibs do not take you out of the story, perhaps Luke Skywalker in the gear of a medieval knight jousting may toss you for a loop! Regardless these stories and comics are still enjoyable for the Star Wars fan,
Star Wars Omnibus: A Long Time Ago....Volume 3 though out of print is a treat for the Star Wars fan. With stories primarily by David Michelinie and art often featuring Marvel legend Walter Simonson, the volume is fun and action packed. The volume is definitely a treat, despite the occasional story and visual reaches.
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