Review: The Halcyon Journey Concludes With Hope in Marvel’s Halcyon Legacy #5

It’s time for one last adventure aboard the Halcyon with the fifth and final issue of the Halcyon Legacy arc. The galaxy’s premiere luxury star liner has gone through some harrowing ordeals in its time. Ranging from being boarded by the Nihil to a Maz Kanata-led heist, each issue has left its unique mark. The present-day storyline takes mostly a backseat to the adventures of the past, but each story serves its purpose. The previous issue was my favorite of the bunch, and I was left excited to see what might be done for the conclusion piece. While this issue has its moments, overall, I was left disappointed. This felt more like a giant Disney marketing plug than any of the previous issues and was hastily introduced to new characters. Because of the jarring introduction, the payoff of the issue didn’t feel entirely earned. Bossk graces the cover of the issue, and I was excited to see him have a strong presence, but he was gone in the blink of an eye. While being a bit of a mess it’s still a fun read. It may not be an issue to return to time and time again, but that doesn’t it is not worth your time.

 

 

Spoilers Ahead

Beginning in the present-day storyline, the pirate leader Crimson Jack is irate on the bridge throwing a temper tantrum for the ages. After realizing Shorr, the Resistance spy the pirates are looking for has gotten away in an escape pod Jack was less than pleased. One of the bridge crew randomly has a blaster and it felt like a scene from Dumb and Dumber when Harry pulls out the gun and is the worst shot of all time. I make this comparison not in a negative way at all. It was meant to be intentionally funny, and I enjoyed it for what it was as the bridge officer fires several blaster bolts all around Crimson Jack, but never actually grazes the fiend.

 

 

With Shorr attempting to give the Halcyon its chance to escape the pirates he has knowingly put himself in harm’s way. There’s no chance the escape pos he jettisoned off in will be able to outrun the pirate ship and he came on board the Halcyon with an important drive to give to Resistance leadership.

While the pirates still have the crew of the Halcyon locked down Cimina meets a new friend, R’Tess. R’Tess is an experienced Halcyon voyager. When Cimina is nearly devoid of hope R’Tess implores D3-O9 to tell her story. While all of the stories previously told started and ended in the past this one has a different result. It begins about a quarter century ago, but certainly doesn’t end there.

The story begins with R’Tess and her star-crossed lover Stolak boarding the Halcyon. Basking in the beauty of the Halcyon, R’Tess wonders how Stoalk, a modest transport pilot could afford a vacation like this. From the image, we notice Stolak isn’t exactly focused on love at the moment.

 

 

There were a few too many homages to Disney’s actual Halcyon vacation experience, but this was one I actually appreciated. The image below is of now Senator Leia Organa. R’Tess drops a tidbit about how Leia spent her honeymoon on the Halcyon a few years ago. After just finishing The Princess and the Scoundrel, I was pleasantly surprised about the connection.

 

 

Shortly after we learn why Stolak is so nervous, and I don’t blame him. If you had the most fearsome Trandsoshan in the galaxy hunting you, then there’s reason to be distracted. That’s right, Bossk has entered the chat. I was thrilled to see him show up as I have always had a bit of extra love for his character and Trandoshan’s in general. Clearly, Stolak is caught up in some nasty business not becoming of a simple transport pilot. I expected Bossk to make short work of this new character, but much to my chagrin Bossk gets molly walloped by this random guy. I was definitely a bit frustrated with how Bossk was used on the cover of the issue and then just beat up in two pages and never seen again. At least, this image is fearsome.

 

 

After narrowly escaping from Bossk, Stolak finally makes his way back to his love. Here he confesses to R’Tess how he got caught up in some nasty business in order to score a few extra credits for this trip and to get the two of them off their world. R’Tess is sick and only getting worse because of the pollution of her planet. In a desperate attempt to save the one he loves he made a mistake. Now, he must suffer the consequences. Unfortunately for him, the Bounty Hunters Guild doesn’t quit so easily. It doesn’t take long for a familiar face to break into their room and begin choking the life out of Stolak. 4-LOM is after the bounty on him and only thanks to the quick thinking of R’Tess is he able to escape peril yet again.

 

 

The two’s success doesn’t last long as they are quickly intercepted by Zuckuss and company. There will be no escaping this time. In a surprising twist, the hunters allow the two one last moment together before they take Stolak away. In a final image of the doomed love affair, a fitting metaphor with the comet is used to describe their relationship.

 

 

After Stolak is taken R’Tess learns some completely unexpected news. The money he had “borrowed” he had apparently spent. In fact, he booked her a room aboard the Halcyon for the next century. She could spend her life free from the pollution of her planet and could grow stronger again. Even though she never saw him again, his final gift to her was a treasure she will always hold onto.

In the present, her strength having been renewed she takes on the pirates. Once word of her rebellion leaks out the entire Halcyon crew joins in. Within moments they are back in control of their ship and can begin to make their way to safety.

 

 

Back aboard the Pirate vessel, Crimson Jack has apprehended Shorr and is demanding his reward from the First Order. However, the vital Resistance information is no longer in his possession. Without it, the First Order officer deems Crimson Jack as nothing more than a nuisance simply wasting his time. He orders the release of Shorr and for Jack to never contact him again. We don’t actually see the pirates release Shorr in the comic, but I am going to choose to believe he eventually finds his way back to his granddaughter.

 

 

In fitting fashion, Cimina makes the delivery to the Resistance. Just a young girl, but now a hero. We saw a young rebel born on this journey. She tells the Resistance leader she plans to return aboard the Halcyon for whatever adventure awaits her next.

 

 

In conclusion, the Halcyon Legacy series was mostly enjoyable. It certainly felt like some cheap Disney marketing at times, but when you can separate from that and just focus on the stories being told you will realize it’s a wholesome experience. Without a doubt, there are infinitely better Star Wars comics out there, but I do think this series was a good escape, especially for kids looking to just read some short stories of hope. The fourth issue was far and away my favorite one. I wish more of the stories had been as creative as it was. This final issue was satisfactory, but a bit of a mess. I’m sure it won’t be long until we are back aboard the Halcyon again.

 

Rating 5/10

 

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Finding ways to nonchalantly incorporate Star Wars quotes into 8th grade classroom, Tyler lives and breathes Star Wars. His morning tradition is sending the latest number in the countdown for different Star Wars projects and loves engaging in uplifting Star Wars dialogue. If you are passionate about Star Wars you can follow him on Twitter at TyBrad5.

Tyler Bradshaw

Finding ways to nonchalantly incorporate Star Wars quotes into 8th grade classroom, Tyler lives and breathes Star Wars. His morning tradition is sending the latest number in the countdown for different Star Wars projects and loves engaging in uplifting Star Wars dialogue. If you are passionate about Star Wars you can follow him on Twitter at TyBrad5.

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