X-Wing: Rogue Leader #2 Story: Haden Blackman Art: Tom?s Giorello Coloring: Michael Atiyeh Lettering: Michael David Thomas Cover: Gary Erskine Released: 11/02/2005 Reviewed by: JF Boivin (12/18/2005) SUMMARY: It is now two weeks after the Battle of Endor, and Rogue Squadron is caught up in an Imperial attack on the civilians of Coronet. The Imperial forces, led by General Weir and composed mainly of speeder bikes and AT-STs, suddenly stop their attack after Luke Skywalker was spotted among the populace. General Weir leaves the scene, but is given chase by one of the Rebels, Ten Numb. Luke, Wedge and Janson follow laterbut arrive too late to save Ten. Even when Tycho brings the Rogues' starfighters, a diversion by drone TIE fighters allows the General to escape with his prisoner.

[final cover] [preview cover]

THE STORY

I had such high hopes after last issue, I was a bit let down by the developments in this issue. Turns out it is yet another self-appointed Imperial warlord who wants to keep control of the Empire after Palpatine's demise. Granted, these characters were mostly found in novels rather than comics, and General Weir is chronologically the first one (to be followed by Warlord Zinsj, Lord Hethrir, Supreme Warlord Harrsk, etc...) but the concept is old. All I can hope is that we find out more about Weir's backstory and how he got his cool Storm Commando armor.

I like the dialogue which reminds me a lot of Michael Stackpole's X-Wing novels with all the pilot banter. the space battle with the TIEs is also very well-played out and action-packed. On the other hand, the different Rogues are a little bit hard to distinguish, not having a lot of personality or distinguishable features, except of course for Ten Numb.

So this issue has some qualities, but the flaws are more apparent. The icing on the cake is when Weir gives his Villain's Monologue to Ten at the end about his new Empire. So of course Ten will be dead by the end of next issue.

THE ART

I can't dissociate the artwork from Canadian artist Ken Steacy's, I don't know why. This is only enhanced by the palette of colors which are typically Steacy-esque. The only difference is the starships look better. So I don't particularly like or dilike the art. It serves its purpose.

CONCLUSIONS

A big downturn from the previous issue. Next issue will be the deciding factor on this series.

Rating: 6 / 10