Empire #24 Idiot's Array Part 1 (of 2) Story: Ron Marz Art: Jeff Johnson Coloring: Michael Atiyeh Lettering: Michael David Thomas Cover: Jeff Johnson and Brad Anderson Released: 09/09/2004 Reviewed by: JF Boivin (10/25/2004) SUMMARY: Six months after the Battle of Yavin, the Rebel fleet is on the run while the new base on Hoth is being prepared. The Rebellion is in desperate need of supplies and Han and Chewie volunteer to pick up power converters. They go to one of their old gambling establishment and Han gets into more trouble than he bargained for when he decides to "have some fun". Chewie had told him it wasn't a good idea...

THE STORY

Let me start by saying that "Idiot's Array" is a fitting title, because that's how Han acts in this first of a two-part story. Even if it would be believable that some lady friend from his past instantly knew he was getting parts for the Rebellion just by hearing the type of power converters, it's hard to believe that Han would reveal that information that easily. And even Han would be smart enough to not take on four Trandoshans by himself. He sounds very out of character in this story, and the bickering with Chewie feels a bit forced at times. Also the plot feels like d?ja vu; Han goes to another smuggler's place from his past; Han meets another lady friend from his past; Han is captured by another crime boss. If you like dialogue like "You said you wouldn't hurt him!" "I lied," this one might be your cup of tea. But I don't see how even a good second part can save this one.

THE ART

I'm not familiar with Jeff Johnson's art, so I can't really compare to his previous work. But the character depictions in this book seem like they are traced from existing photos. Some shots of Chewie are even taken straight from stills from the movie trilogy! Han's likeness might have been easier to recognize, if not for the weird-looking haircut and the annoying V's and X's on his face. The new character Sheel Odala looks different from one panel to the next, except for pages 14 and 15, where the exact same image is repeated twice. Same angle, same exact drawing, look it up yourself! Overall, the artwork feels rushed and this is a case where the artist would have benefited from the help of an inker, as proven by the cover.

CONCLUSIONS

This is another post-ANH story that is not necessary. If something extraordinary happens in the second part, you might have to check this one out. Read my review of the second part to find out.

Rating: 3 / 10 Not Recommended