Having gone AWOL from the Rebel Alliance, Leia is trying to gather up as many Alderaanian refugees as she can. The Empire is rumored to be hunting down as many of the survivors as they can, in retaliation for the destruction of the Death Star. Should someone tell them Luke’s from Tatooine? Then again, this isn’t his limited series. 

Leia and her new friend/bodyguard/pilot Evaan go to Naboo, where there’s a small group of Alderaanians. They live a sheltered life, having withdrawn into a cloister. In fact, they don’t even know Alderaan is gone. How’s that for a conversation starter: “Hey, not only is your homeworld not around anymore, but the Empire’s about to try and kill you for something you didn’t even know happened”?

There are politics, double-dealing, and Leia not only scamming like a pro, but using Han’s name to do it. That was amusing. We also see a bit of a flashback to Leia’s childhood, and Leia has what appears to be a weird vision involving a picture of what I think was her mother. It’ll be interesting to see how this works. If she keeps picking up more survivors, she’s going to end up needing a cruise ship or a Star Destroyer or something.

Plot: It was a decent bit of adventure, that fit well in the Star Wars universe. I’ll give it a 3 out of 5 for plot.

Art: The art is good. Leia looks strong and is doing a good job of trying to save her people. I’ll give the art a 3 out of 5.

Positives: Leia is a strong, capable woman. She is clever and not afraid to mix it up when she needs to. I’m glad they are letting her get some of her own space, and not just have her be a diplomat. I do wonder if that vision meant they’re going to touch on her Force powers at all.

Negatives: It’s a little odd that all the good guys are female and all the bad guys male. I’m hoping that trend doesn’t continue.

It’s a fun little Star Wars tale, and it’s nice to see Leia out on her own a bit. I liked it.

Princess Leia #2

Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson
Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover: Terry Dodson