Review: Vader Tracks Down Qi’ra’s Allies in Marvel’s ‘Hidden Empire’ #2

Hidden Empire is in full swing as the conclusion to Qi’ra’s epic tale rapidly approaches. With the first issue serving as a perfect setup for what’s to come, the second one finds a way to enhance the scope of the fight, offer some surprises, and leave us on a cliffhanger for the third installment.

 

The first issue left us with Qi’ra’s flagship, The Vermillion, destroyed and her now on the run. The other crime syndicates are privy to her schemes and enact their revenge as they see fit. If all of this was not bad enough, Palpatine’s focus is on annihilating every Crimson Dawn remnant and ally in the galaxy.

 

Hidden Empire #2 full cover

 

Spoilers ahead…

 

In the second issue of Hidden Empire, the story once again begins with the orb containing logs from the Archivist. These have served as great recaps and connecting tissue to the other comic arcs. I am still incredibly eager to find out who the two hooded individuals are who are listening, but I’m sure this will come in the final issue or two. Being one against too much speculation, I have tried to temper my expectations.

 

The Archivist and two unknown figures in Hidden Empire #2

 

Our first look at Qi’ra is an emotional one. She stands before a screen showing the destruction of her flagship and the launched escape pods. With the destruction of each escape pod, she’s forced to watch the slow murder of her people. Qi’ra’s complexity as a character is a significant reason fans adore her. She is the ruthless leader of a powerful crime organization. Still, unlike the typical “mob boss trope” who only cares for themself, she genuinely cares for those who serve her. Her ability to feel for those beneath her is part of what leads to their unwavering loyalty. She can be cruel, but we rarely see her act out of malice. She has a plan, and everything she does is about fulfilling it. This plan, of course, is to destroy the Sith.

 

Qi'ra witnesses the slaughter of her people in Hidden Empire #2

 

I was sad to see the Vermillion destroyed in the previous issue, but that grief didn’t last long. In the span of a few pages, we finally know where all of the wealth of Crimson Dawn has been going. They arrive at one of the many safe houses spread out throughout the galaxy, Dawnfall Base. Home to a massive fleet, it appears Crimson Dawn is not quite as helpless as the Emperor believes.

 

Qi'ra's fleet in Hidden Empire #2

 

While Qi’ra regroups with the fleet, the Archivist and Kho Phon Farrus have regrouped and are reattempting to activate the Fermata Cage. In order to defeat the Sith, Qi’ra knows she needs Force users at her side, and the Fermata Cage is her only hope. The Archivist’s knowledge combined with the Ascendant technology from Kho Phon Farrus has opened the door to unlock it. Without it, they are sitting ducks for Palpatine and Vader to pick them apart.

 

Speaking of the Sith Lords…. Vader communes with Palpatine aboard his flagship, the Executor. The two have a brief conversation about the likelihood of Qi’ra’s story about freeing a Sith Lord with the Fermata Cage being true. Palpatine is nervous. He is supposed to be in complete and utter control, always the tactician. This possibility of another Sith being released is a genuine threat to his rule. He has to see it squashed, and who better to put on this task than Darth Vader.

 

Lord Vader talks to the Emperor in Hidden Empire #2

 

After piecing together the necessary technology to operate the Fermata Cage, the Archivist and Kho Phon finally turn it on. The Force disturbance it created the first-time pales in comparison to this. It stretches across the galaxy. We get a glimpse of Luke Skywalker, Yoda, Palpatine, and Vader all feeling its impact.

 

 

It penetrates every corner of the galaxy. It serves as a vortex for Palpatine to locate them. As they near their deaths, Kho Phon desperately turns the machine off. Their reprieve is short-lived as the Executor quickly drops out of hyperspace above them. Once Vader makes his way down, it appears all hope is lost for these two individuals of science. However, having the foresight to see something was going awry, Qi’ra deployed Chanath Cha and company to the rescue. The issue ends with them facing death itself in the form of Vader.

 

 

 

Overall, the direction of Hidden Empire has been more focused than it was in Crimson Reign. Things are heating up, and as the conclusion draws near, you feel that with each page. All of these comic arcs have tied together, and the final payoff promises to be massive.

 

As we know, Qi’ra won’t win in this fight against the Sith, but I still am holding out hope her “not winning” simply doesn’t mean she falls as another casualty to Palpatine and Vader’s tyranny. Qi’ra deserves more as a character. As one of the most influential and complex female characters within this era of Star Wars, it would be a shame if her story ends simply serving the purpose of already supremely fleshed-out male antagonists. Charles Soule has never let me down before, so I see no reason not to give him the benefit of the doubt now. I can’t wait to see what happens next in Hidden Empire.

 

Rating: 7.5/10

 

+ posts

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.

LATEST POSTS ON MOVIE NEWS NET