X-Wing Rogue Squadron #26 [Family Ties (Part 1 of 2)]

The squadron has mixed emotions as Baron Fel joins the team, while a mission to Corellia is launched to rescue Wedge's sister. Reviewed 01/08/98 Story Once again, Stackpole does a great job of taking the reader into the world of the New Republic where policy is carried out... not created. For a comic, it's unique to see character development through inner conflict like dealing with frequent death and forgiving an enemy. Despite some great space and land action, this title continues to be a character driven ensemble, which Michael excels at. While I criticized last issue for the numerous cameos making the SW universe feel smaller, it looks as though the Fel-Wedge relationship is going to play a an important role in the plot rather than just a ploy to tie everything together. The introduction to the Fel family not only gives us some understanding of why Soontir is the man he is today, but also lets us know that his decisions and sacrifices have made him arise above his upbringing. (I think the title carries double meaning.) I absolutely loved the subtle "bug bite" subplot. I do think we've seen quite enough of the kidnapping plots in the SW universe. Art In mid-range to close-up views of the characters, Hall has done a pretty good job. There is some good detail and some realistic looking poses. This seems to fall apart as characters move into the distance. I know firsthand that people in the distance can be quite a challenge, but these seem to be very out of place. They look like they belong in the Batman Animated Adventures universe. I'd also consider the space scenes to be below average. McNamee's coloring makes use of solid colors for shading rather than fully gradient shading. (ie: there is a clear line in the shading, rather than a seamless flow of a light shade to dark) This style looks nice on small to medium panels, but is less effective as the art gets bigger. It's especially distracting on near full-page panels and large close ups. Nadeau's cover is nice enough to frame! Summary This one is weaker than the last few issues, only because those were outstanding. The writing is great, but the average art has room for improvement. 7/10. Recommended.
"EnsViews" are copyright ? 1997-8 by Paul Ens. They are posted to rec.arts.sf.starwars.misc, emailed to Dark Horse Comics and archived on theForce.net. With the exception of Dark Horse Comics Inc, they may not be reprinted without permission. Titles, Cover images, Dark Horse Comics, and the Dark Horse logo are trademarks of Dark Horse Comics Inc. and its respective Licensors.