Description

Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire {Kenner Special}               Comic Set
Writer: John Wagner
Artist: Kilian Plunkett
Inker: P. Craig Russell
Colorists: Cary Porter & Heroic Age Colors
Letterer: Dave Cooper
Editor: Peet Janes
All Covers by: Ken Steacy

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.

The Kenner Shadows of the Empire Special two-part series were tie-in comics to the Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire. The first issue depicts the events preceding and surrounding the meeting between Darth Vader and Prince Xizor. The second issue depicts an attempt by IG-88 to steal Han Solo from Boba Fett, and the beginning of the Battle of Gall.

Story/Spoilers
In issue #1, Ultimate victory lies within the grasp of the dreaded Galactic Emperor Palpatine as the tattered remnants of the Rebel fleet desperately seek sanctuary and time to muster new allies. A grim Luke Skywalker, reeling from Darth Vaders’ revelation on the cloud city of Bespin, ponders his own destiny and that of the Rebel Alliance. Meanwhile, the search ensues for Han Solo, captive of the notorious bounty hunter, Boba Fett. Now Darth Vader must double his efforts to crush the Rebellion, for a new, hidden enemy is rising to power, and the enemy seeks nothing less than Vader’s place at the Emperor’s side!

Luke Skywalker is eager to go flying again after his battle with Darth Vader, as his friends are in the field risking their lives for the Alliance. His droids, C-3PO and R2-D2 along with princess Leia discourage him to do so as he has not yet achieved full control over his prosthetic hand. Rogue Squadron is then seen fighting Empire troops and just as they are to send their coordinates to Darth Vader, Wedge Antilles finishes them off. Darth Vader is contacted by his master, the Emperor, who is disappointed with Lord Vader’s failure at Bespin. Vader counters this with saying he planted the seed of the Dark Side within Luke, but still the Emperor is dismayed. The Emperor than commands Vader to put aside his plans for Luke for the moment and tasks him with accompanying the Imperial Fleet to conclude arrangements with Prince Xizor. Vader, knowing of the connection of Xizor with the Black Sun, does not trust Xizor but is ordered by the Emperor to do as he is told. Xizor discusses with the Emperor, suggesting Vader’s emotions cloud his judgment, but the Emperor disagrees. Darth Vader employs the imperial agent, Wrenga Jixton, to oversee what Vader believes will be a rescuing action form Luke Skywalker when his friend Han Solo is delivered to Jabba the Hutt by Boba Fett. He orders Jix to capture Luke alive or his life will be taken. Xizor discusses with his assistant Guri and his true objective is revealed, using Luke Skywalker to bring down the Empire.

The issue is recognized by the digits 530104.00 on the front cover.

Finally in issue #2, Ultimate victory lies within the grasp of the dreaded Galactic Emperor Palpatine as the tattered remnants of the Rebel fleet desperately seek sanctuary and time to muster new allies. A grim Luke Skywalker, reeling from Darth Vaders’ revelation on the cloud city of Bespin, ponders his own destiny and that of the Rebel Alliance. Meanwhile, the search ensues for Han Solo, captive of the notorious bounty hunter, Boba Fett. But Boba Fett has more than Rebels to worry about, for the price on Han Solo’s head is high, and the rest of the galaxy’s bounty hunters, including the nefarious assassin droid, IG-88, want a piece of the action!

Boba Fett is floating through space carrying Han Solo (who had been encased in carbonite by Darth Vader), when he is suddenly attacked by IG-88, who has just jumped out of hyperspace behind him. After a short but heavy battle between the two bounty hunters, Fett realizes that his chances are slim as most of his ship has lost parts of its functioning. Making a forced landing on the Imperial Enclave on Gall, Fett finds himself in bar in conversation with fellow bounty hunters Bossk and Zuckuss. The pair try to convince Fett to share the bounty for Solo as another bounty hunter sneaks on a higher platform to assassinate Fett, only to be shot himself. Meanwhile Luke Skywalker and Rogue Squadron move to attack the planet of Gall, trying to recuperate Han Solo from Boba Fett. For this mission the Alliance opted to use the services of mercenary Dash Rendar, much to Leia Organa’s dismay. Lando Calrissian comforts her telling her that he knows Gall and that he gave a good account of himself on Hoth.

The issue is recognized by the digits 527008.00 on the front cover.

Comics lot contains: Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire {Kenner Special} (May 1996) Issues #1-2.  Dark Horse Comics

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

First Printings
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Publication Date: May 1996
Format per comic: FC, 14 pages, Comic, 10.25″ x 6.75″
UPC: None Stated

Collectible Entertainment note: Comics 1,2 are in Very Good to Fine condition.  (issue #1 has been re-stapled >> see 2nd scan)  Otherwise… Nice Reading Set!  Please See Scans!!  A must have for any serious Star Wars, Darth Vader and/or Shadow of the Empire collector / enthusiast.  A fun & entertaining read.  Recommended.

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