The years right after Return of the Jedi are some of the most intriguing in the Star Wars timeline. The Empire has crumbled, but the New Republic is just getting its footing, leaving plenty of room for fresh stories about Luke, Leia, and Han before the sequel trilogy kicks off. Marvel's latest comic, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge – Echoes of the Empire #4, dives straight into that era, giving us a look at Han Solo's earliest adventures after helping bring down the Empire.
The preview opens in the present day with Rey, then flashes back to the New Republic era. The Millennium Falcon touches down at Black Spire Outpost, and Han is already cracking jokes about the local air—though he quickly remembers a less-than-pleasant run-in with a creature there. He's not alone: Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa are along for the ride, and they've got a mission. Luke mentions they're fulfilling a promise made after the Empire's defeat, and Leia asks Chewbacca to keep an eye on Han while they're away. Chewie, of course, is happy to oblige.
That leaves Han and Chewbacca to settle into the bustling outpost. While Chewie arranges supplies for the Falcon, Han's old habits kick in—he's already thinking about a drink at Oga's Cantina. But then fan-favorite pirate Hondo Ohnaka shows up, contacting Chewbacca under the pretense of helping resupply the Falcon. Hondo insists he's trustworthy, which is, well, a classic Hondo move. The preview teases the inevitable collision between Han and the legendary pirate, setting up the chaos promised in the issue's title, "Bad Day at Black Spire."
This issue is a treat for fans who've been craving more stories set in this specific window of Star Wars history. Instead of jumping straight from Return of the Jedi to later events, Echoes of the Empire fills in the everyday adventures that shaped the galaxy during the New Republic's early days. And bringing Han together with Hondo Ohnaka—a character who's become a fan favorite thanks to his appearances in The Clone Wars and Rebels—is a smart move. Their dynamic promises plenty of humor and tension.
For those who love the Star Wars comics, this is a must-read. It's also a great entry point for anyone curious about what Han was up to before the sequel trilogy. If you're into other comic revivals, check out our coverage of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic return for more nostalgia-fueled news.
The preview only offers the opening pages, but it's already packed with character moments and hints of the chaos to come. Han and Hondo's inevitable clash is sure to be a highlight, and the issue promises to deliver the kind of swashbuckling adventure that made Star Wars great in the first place.
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