X-Wing Rogue Squadron #29 [Masquerade (Part 2 of 4)]

Story: Michael A Stackpole
Pencils: Drew Johnson
Inks: Gary Martin
Colors: Dave Nestelle
Editor: Peet Janes

Moff Tavira holds Celchu and Winter hostage as Leia and Wedge negotiate with Pestage. Han and Fel discuss their fates, as the rest of the squad "run into some old friends". Reviewed 04/10/98 Story As the only on-going Star Wars title, I'm glad that stories aren't completely resolving themselves in each titled arc. This issue serves to fragment the plot even further spawning more and more story threads. This is a good thing in my opinion, particularly with the cast size XWing carries. Here, themes from the past are being picked up and mixing with the present. I've said it before... complexity makes this title great. Despite my reservations, I find I'm liking the presence of Han and Leia in the story. I think it's successful because they have important roles (not just cameos), but they're never really stealing the focus either. One of the problems with the ongoing novels are that Han, Leia, Luke and crew are present at and resolve every conflict in the galaxy. Does anyone else wonder why Alderaan - a planet with no weapons - would be playing host to a shooting competition? Art The style and quality of all aspects of the art is basically at the same level as last issue. (To reiterate: nice colors, very good characters, needs work on technology and Wookies.) With this issue, I really noticed the fashion and hair styles. It's interesting that in the films all the fashion had a distinctive 70s feel even though the story was long, long ago. While maintaining a general feel, this book is an example of how Star Wars fashion in comics has a distinct 90s flavor. Prime examples include Isard's workout outfit, Tavira's pirate shirt, Solo's tux (what's with the string tie??... arrgg!) and the hair of most everyone from the various "punks" to the men of the squad. Conclusions The review is brief because the generally high standards the title has set for itself are maintained. 8/10. Recommended. (Come on folks, let's make this the #1 selling SW title... not the lowest selling!!) Comments? Plug Editor Peet Janes was very kind to mention my comic section at theForce.net at the end of the lettercol. To my knowledge, this is the first time that any fan site has been mentioned in any kind of official Lucasfilm publication of any kind. He mentioned it to "promote some critical dialog on this and other SW comics". To that end, I will soon launch a lettercol at the site where I will share your responses (with your permission, of course) to my reviews or your comments on anything SW comic related. So... send in those letters, folks!!
"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.