Princess Leia #1 Review

The Info Bit

Title: Princess Leia

Genre/s: Science Fiction / Fantasy

Writer: Mark Waid (Daredevil, Incorruptible)

Penciler: Terry Dodson (X-Men, Wonder Woman)

Inker: Rachel Dodson (Avengers, Gen 13)

Colorist: Jordie Bellaire (Action Comics, Deadpool)

Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna (Original Sin, Ms. Marvel)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Number of Issues: #1 of 5

Page Count: 28

Price: $3.99

The Review Bit

We have now come to the third series of Marvel’s hotly anticipated Star Wars titles, Princess Leia. Unlike the first 2 releases, Princess Leia is a 5-issue mini-series focused on the title character immediately following the Battle of Yavin, as she deals with the loss of her family and home world. Wonderfully written by Mark Waid, and beautifully illustrated by Terry Dodson, this seems to be the Princess Leia story we have always wanted, we just didn’t know it yet.

After the medal ceremony we see at the end of Episode IV the Princess gives a speech to honor their fallen friends and fellow rebels, as well as the loss of Alderaan. It is a very textbook “We shall never forget” speech that leaves some of the other rebels questioning their opinion of the Princess. The term “Ice Queen” is even thrown around a few times. As the base on Yavin IV is being packed up and evacuated, everyone has a job, well except Leia. Leia has been ordered by General Jan Dodonna to not leave Yavin, and stay close, as she has a large bounty on her head. Soon Leia comes across a pilot named Evaan, also a fellow female Alderaanian, who happens to be articulating her disappointment in her Princess to another pilot, until Leia overhears and interjects. With each of them saying their piece after an uncomfortable back and forth Leia decides that she HAS to do something and Evaan is just the person to help her. Leia and Evaan commandeer R2-D2 and a ship, leaving the fleet on a mission to find and aid every living Alderaanian they can find, and the leaders of the Rebellion are not happy with her decisions or actions.

I meant what I had said in the beginning of this review, this is the Princess Leia story we never knew we wanted. Mark Waid did a fantastic job not only in writing a great opening issue, but in writing it true to that unmistakable Star Wars feel. Waid captures the dialog of these characters we have known so well for almost 4 decades that you read each line in their voice without even thinking about it, even Jan Dodonna. The Dodson’s pencils and inks are nothing short of spectacular. Each page is just beautiful, not that this wasn’t anything to be expected from such a talented team as Terry and Rachel Dodson. Especially since Terry Dodson has worked on Star Wars before with Dark Horse, but none of that makes the art popping off each page less magical. Jordie Bellaire’s colors were an ideal match for the Dodson duo, bringing vibrant colors to a universe usually steeped in the dull tones of space, starship interiors, and Imperial uniforms.

There were 2 art examples that really stood out for me. The first one was of course was the page after the “crawl,” I mean, that page just screams Star Wars. Leia presenting the Heroes of the Rebellion to the rest of the Rebellion is as iconic as it gets. Everything about that page was just so fantastic, and definitely made me feel like I went back in time. The other example is when Leia is discussing her “orders” with General Dodonna in what can only be described as a war-room. It is a very simple scene, mostly focusing on the dialog between these two, and how it begins to set the tone of the story, but Bellaire’s use of color causes the page to stand out. Dodonna is using a holograpghic projector to investigate possible planets that the Rebellion can relocate to and stay hidden from the Empire, and all over the room are globes of wonderful color in a low lit room, illuminating the room in different swashes of color. As I said a simple scene, but one that is beautifully presented. Now that the first 3 series’ from Marvel have begun, I think it is safe to say that the return of the Marvel Star Wars era is off to a phenomenal start.

The Rating Bit

OK, I know that by now most of you reading my reviews know I am a DIE-HARD star Wars fan, so giving this book a high rating shouldn’t be that surprising, but I do think this is someone everyone should read and would love. I rate Princess Leia #1 an 8 out of 10. While I did truly love this #1, I think that Star Wars #1 and Vader #1 did it a little bit better.

Princess Leia #1 is on comic shop shelves tomorrow!