Description

Star Wars: Crimson Empire 1                                        Comics Lot
Writers: Mike Richardson & Randy Stradley
Artist: Paul Gulacy
Inker: P. Craig Russell
Colorist: Dave Stewart
Letterer: Sean Konot
Editors: Mike Hansen & Diana Schutz
All Covers by: Dave Dorman

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

Star Wars is an American epic space opera franchise centered on a film series created by George Lucas.  The film series began with Star Wars, released on May 25, 1977. This was followed by two sequels: The Empire Strikes Back, released on May 21, 1980, and Return of the Jedi, released on May 25, 1983. Then more than two decades after the release of the original film, the series continued with a prequel trilogy; consisting of Episode I: The Phantom Menace, released on May 19, 1999; Episode II: Attack of the Clones, released on May 16, 2002; Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, released on May 19, 2005; and finally the epic saga concluded with Star Wars: The Force Awakens released on December 18, 2015; Star Wars: The Last Jedi was released on December 18, 2017. And Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was released on December 20, 2019.

In 1997, Dark Horse Comics presented a six-issue mini-series featuring a post – Return of the Jedi storyline. With Emperor Palpatine dead, the empty throne of the once-mighty Empire is the goal of Carnor Jax, who seeks to position himself as the new Dark Lord, now that the last of Emperor Palpatine’s clones have been destroyed. But out in the galaxy, laying low on some backwater planet, is a former colleague, Kir Kanos, now an enemy of the Empire, who Jax knows is a threat to his ambition. Kir Kanos is depicted as the classic knight-errant, the valiant paladin with a shady past and the scars to prove it, struggling against enormous odds. He and Jax were once members of the elite Imperial Guard; the personal bodyguards of the emperor. But that was a long time ago and far, far away… The widely regarded story tied into several concepts that followed up on several ideas that floated in Star Wars novels in the early-to-mid 90s while also attempting to bring a connection from the Marvel’s Star Wars comics. It is primarily acclaimed for the twelve-page final duel between Kir Kanos and Carnor Jax. But also featured previously unknown events with Darth Vader, as Kir Kanos remembers his tortured past. And… as always… the impressive Star Wars cover paintings by Dave Dorman add to the epic excitement.

Now… a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… Crimson Empire 1! In all the Empire, there are no more fearsome warriors than the Emperor’s Imperial Guard, and none is more loyal than Kir Kanos. But when Carnor Jax – the most formidable of this elite brotherhood – betrays the Emperor and orders the murder of the Guard, Kir must escape to carry out his duty to avenge his master. Devoted to the last, Kir must nonetheless ally himself with Rebel forces to help him attain his retribution in the face of the Empire’s full might brought down to destroy him. For Kir Kanos, the last royal Imperial Guard and the final threat to Jax’s rise to power, there are no alternatives – loyalty never dies.

Story/Spoilers
In issue #1, Kir Kanos is the last surviving member of the elite Crimson Guard! He’s on the run – and the Empire will stop at nothing to destroy him! Featuring flashback appearances detailing the unknown pasts of Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader!

It is a time of turmoil. The last of Emperor Palpatine’s clones has been destroyed by the Rebel Luke Skywalker and his allies, and control of the Empire is up for grabs. A temporary ruling Council has formed behind the scenes to maintain order, but the Council itself is splintered – divided by the conflicting ambitions of its members. Intrigue, deception, and betrayal are commonplace as those who would replace the Emperor pursue their goals. One man, Carnor Jax, holds sway over the Council. He knows the secrets about the members of the ruling body that could destroy their control and further weaken the Empire. He uses this knowledge to force the creation of a special position for himself within the Council.

Jax’s plan is actually much more ambitious than the Council members know: he seeks to position himself as a new Dark Lord – with the aid of the equally ambitious General Wessel – and eventually ascend to Palpatine’s throne. One other knows the Council’s secrets – and Jax’s ambitions. Hiding on the galaxy’s outer edges, he bides his time, awaiting his chance to destroy them all…

Next in issue #2, The last member of the Crimson Guard, Kir Kanos, has found some possible allies with a band of Rebels… but can they trust a former servant of the evil Emperor? This issue also details an amazing untold encounter with Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine! Plus, not one, but two groups of Imperials are after Kanos – with their own agendas!

In the time after the death of the last of the Emperor Palpatine’s clones, the Empire is under the uneasy control of a ruling council. Carnor Jax. who postures himself as the new Dark Lord, has come to hold sway over the Council and has designs on the Imperial throne. However, Kir Kanos knows a secret that could bring down Jax and destroy the Council’s authority. Jax has launched a galaxy-wide manhunt to find Kanos and destroy him. Meanwhile, on the remote planet Phaeda, Kir Kanos has come to the attention of a member of the New Republic who has hidden Kanos from Colonel Shev, the commander of the local Imperial garrison. Shev has his own reasons for wanting Kanos…

Next in issue #3, Mirith Sinn’s band of Rebels is under siege by the Empire as their hideout is discovered! But who should come to their rescue but… Kir Kanos, the last member of the Crimson Guard?! Is he on their side – or is there another reason he is fighting with them? This issue finally reveals just why the Empire is after Kanos – and why Kanos is after Carnor Jax, the Imperial who covets the Empire’s throne! Plus, at last, you’ll learn just what happened to the Crimson Guard after the death of the Emperor in Empire’s End!

Following the death of the Emperor Palpatine, a mysterious newcomer called Carnor Jax has positioned himself as the would-be new Dark Lord. He has put aside the affairs of state, however, in his quest to capture a single man – Kir Kanos – with whom he shares a deadly bond. Jax has received word that his manhunt may come to an end on the remote planet Phaeda. Meanwhile, Colonel Shev, the ranking Imperial commander on Phaeda, has launched an attack on the heretofore secret Rebel outpost where Kanos is hiding… against Jax’s orders…

Next in issue #4, The Rebels recover from last issue’s Imperial attack and are forced to abandon their secret base – but not before they deal with Tem Merkon, the traitor in their midst! And if they thought an attack by the Empire was bad, wait till they find out that the evil Carnor Jax and his elite stormtroopers have arrived… and he’s after the Rebel leader, Mirith Sinn! Will she betray the location of Kir Kanos? And where is he, anyway? Find out in the next chapter of this incredible, star-studded saga!

In the confusion after the death of the Emperor Palpatine, Carnor Jax, formerly one of the Emperor’s own Elite Crimson Guards, attempts to seize the throne through treachery and deceit. Posturing himself as the new Dark Lord, Jax, with the aid of General Wessel, has launched a galaxy-wide search for the one man who can stand between him and the throne: Kir Kanos. Kanos is the only other surviving member of the Crimson Guard and knows about the parts Jax has played both in the slaughter of the other Guards – and in the death of Palpatine. After an encounter with Imperial forces on the planet Phaeda, Kanos falls in with a group of warriors from the New Republic, who have a secret base in the mountains. After discovering the price on Kir Kanos’s head, a local merchant, Tem Merkon, betrays the New Republic to the local garrison commander, Colonel Shev. Hoping to curry favor with Jax by capturing Kanos, Shev attacks the mountain stronghold. The Rebels, aided by Kanos, deal Colonel Shev’s forces a serious setback. The base, however, is all but destroyed. In the aftermath on the battle, Mirith Sinn, the leader of the Rebel forces, prepares to evacuate her troopers from Phaeda before the Imperial troops can regroup. Knowing that it is only a matter of time until Jax arrives on Phaeda with reinforcements, Kir Kanos decides to leave the Rebels and make his way to his ship…

Next in issue #5, The all-new Rogue Squadron debuts in action in this battle-filled chapter! It’s all coming to a head – the Rebels, now discovered by the Empire, are fighting for their lives in space, while on the planet Phaeda, Carnor Jax and his personal guard of stormtroopers search for Kir Kanos! The final battle of the last of the Royal Guards is about to begin – and you’ve got a ringside seat!

Carnor Jax, attempting to solidify his position as the new Dark Lord, has captured Rebel leader Mirith Sinn. She is promised safety for her troops in exchange for the location of Jax’s true quarry, former Imperial Guard Kir Kanos. To save her troops, Sinn gives Jax the information he wants. Jax releases Sinn, but he breaks his promise and orders the destruction of the Rebel force. As the attack proceeds, a Star Destroyer carrying Jax and his co-conspirator, General Wessel, departs for the planet Yinchorr – a place of significance for both Jax and Kanos. But Sinn’s Rebels have not been idle in her absence, as the commander of the remaining Star Destroyer discovers…

Finally, in issue #6, This is it! The final battle: the last of the Royal Guards, Kir Kanos versus Carnor Jax – and only one walks away! Who wins? Who dies? And what is the fate of the Rebels? Find out in the amazing, action-filled conclusion to the saga that showed us a whole new side of the Star Wars universe!

With help of General Wedge Antilles and the captured Super Star Destroyer Lusankya, Mirith Sinn’s New Republic forces on Phaeda have won a stunning victory over the Empire. Meanwhile, part of the battle has moved across the galaxy to the planet Yinchorr, infamous as the training ground for Palpatine’s elite Imperial Guard. There, fugitive from the Empire and last remaining Guard Kir Kanos dealt would-be Dark Lord Carnor Jax another blow by destroying his Star Destroyer. Jax, however, escaped the trap and made his way to Yinchorr’s surface. Now, as Sinn and her bodyguard Sadeet race toward this final battleground, Kanos and Jax face each other in the Imperial Guard training arena known as The Squall. It is familiar territory for both…

Comics lot contains: Star Wars: Crimson Empire 1 (1997 – 1998) Issues #1-6.  Dark Horse Comics.

Comics are bagged & boarded and will be carefully / securely packaged then shipped via USPS Priority Mail to ensure that it arrives to you perfectly and quickly.

All First Printings
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Publication Date: 1997 – 1998
Format per comic: FC, 32 pages, Comic, 10.25″ x 6.75″
UPC: 761568966442

Collectible Entertainment note: Comics 1,2,3,4,5,6 are in Very Fine to Very Fine + condition.  Beautiful Set!  Please See Scans!!  A must have for any serious Star Wars collector and/or enthusiast.  A fun & entertaining read.  Very Highly Recommended.

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