Marvel Unlimited: This Week’s Star Wars Releases
Marvel Unlimited is the Star Wars comic publisher’s subscription service. Think of it as like Netflix/Spotify but for Marvel comics. The comics are released on the service six months after they’re released for individual purchase (either physically/digitally).
They’ve got the entire canon Marvel Star Wars back catalogue in their library plus anything they’ve released under the Legends banner.
Released this week:
Star Wars: Target Vader #5
Summary:
In this penultimate issue we see the aftermath of the failed attempt to take down Vader. Due to Dengar’s betrayal, Beilert Valance is captured and tortured, first by droids then by the Dark Lord himself, for the location of the mysterious ‘Hidden Hand’ organization. We see more of Valance’s backstory, including his home world, the accidents that made him into the cyborg he is, and how his service to the Empire led him to be fighting against it.
Verdict:
This issue runs out of steam a bit compared to the last couple but still has the adventurous feel of the series. The slightly slower issue is used to it’s advantage though as we find out Valance’s past and the issue repositions itself to set up for a hopefully impressive finale.
The series itself continues to enjoy a self-contained feel. It isn’t looking to change the Star Wars Galaxy forever but have fun with Valance’s character and the fact that he can rip his robotic arm off and reattach it at will. If you’ve come this far into the story it’s definitely worth continuing as we’re set up to find out more about the “Hidden Hand’ in the series’ final issue. Full review with spoilers here.
Jedi Fallen Order: Dark Temple #4
Summary:
With one issue left in this prequel to the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order video game things are heating up between the Fylari people and the Daa corporation on Ontotho. Padawan Cere is siding with the Fylari and trying to keep Dylanto Daa and his men from storming the ancient temple. Her master Cordova is more interested in the secrets the temple holds and is convinced the Fylari natives are hiding something…
Verdict:
Overall this has been a successful tie-in so far with the video game, and this issue continues to show how Cere and Cordova are turning into the people we see in the game. It’s not essential, especially if you have no interest in the game, but the art work is great and the story isn’t lazy like some tie-ins/adaptations can be. I’m very interested to see how the series ends next issue! Full review with spoilers here.
Star Wars #74
Summary:
Split into three groups around the galaxy, our heroes’ stories are about to converge. Han, Leia and Dar continue to evade the Star Destroyer while forming a plan to destroy it, Luke is running from the Empire with the untrustworthy Warba in her speeder, and Chewie and 3PO need to work out a way to disable the bombs they’ve planted, keep the native Kakrans safe and evade the pursuing Darth Vader!
Verdict:
The strength of the Rebels and Rogues arc has been splitting the protagonists up into seperate groups and giving them time to shine. The highlight being the C-3PO and Chewbacca pairing. Seeing Chewie as a leader and giving 3PO time to express himself has been a great dynamic. This issue forwards Luke’s plot the most while setting up things for the final issue.
This is an odd arc to finish the series on as we’re approaching Hoth fast and it looks to be coming out of nowhere and it may be jarring when it happens. We’ll have to wait for now, we’ve got the final issue left and it’s set to be a wild ride. Full review with spoilers here.
As always, happy reading and may the Force be with you, always.
Alex Newman is huge Star Wars fan and loves to keep up to date with the canon. He's also loved movies for as long as he can remember. He's a massive Disney and superhero fan but will watch anything. He's worked at a cinema, a comic book store and at Disney World but is currently working in radio in London!
