Star Wars #52

Star Wars #52is another great issue from Gillen that amps up the story and the despair the characters face. The battle between Han and Vader is exciting and well done while the focus on Luke's role as a hero and the use of hope even in a danger like this is one of the best aspects here. Larroca's art shows improvement in the characters facial details, though his strengths lie more in the space battles still as he creates some energetic images of the Falcon and other ships. ‘Hope Dies' continues the anxious thrill of the title and with Luke's final declaration, the next issue should be just as exciting. Read Full Review

This plot shift from Han following through with his mission to Luke provides a smooth transition. With just two lines Gillen is able to make every Star Wars fan get stardust in their eyes. You'll be hard pressed to either not breakdown into a sobbing mess or fist-pump with excitement. A burning squadron question gets answered. It's these tiny little details that many fans wish were easter-egged into the movies. Allowing them to instead be nestled into the comics creates an organic experience that further underscores their canonical connection to the overall saga. Read Full Review

An absolutely thrilling story as Vader and Han play cat and mouse, while another hero decides to go on a hunch. The art is fine, though at times is too similar to movie stills. Still, this should please all Star Wars fans who can't get enough classic Corellian in their lives. Read Full Review

The resurgence of this book continues and it's good to see. Over quite a large number of issues now Gillen has given us a lengthy display of storytelling prowess. Likewise, the art has been of a continuously solid standard for a considerable time. This book is now the standout title for Marvel Star Wars alongside Soule's work on Vader. Which is exactly how it should be. Read Full Review

It was a fast read filled with space explosions, Vader chasing down Han, and the only ship that can do the Kessel Run under 12 parsecs. Overall, it was a fun read that adds something pretty cool to the STAR WARS mythos. Read Full Review

Larroca's art is the shining star of this issue. Not only is it beautiful, but he is able to convey some great tension and drama in his panel selection. Read Full Review

Focusing on a large scale battle with dangerous elements in the mix for this arc, Star Wars is providing for something different than the last couple of arcs. Kieron Gillen isn't playing to one-note or trying to recapture the magic of the first film and what it represented but rather moving it toward the next piece, which was a mild maturation into the Empire Strikes Back. Read Full Review

The issue might not have much narrative momentum, but it delivers a lot of intense action that this series has been missing for a while, which is sure to delight fans that feared the storyline was stagnating. Read Full Review

It starts with action figures being smushed together. It ends with you crying a single perfect tear. Read Full Review

The Villain

Aug 01, 2018

Han Solo facing off with Vader is one of the coolest moments I've seen in all of the comics. Gillen seems to have the best grasp on him as a character and he gets a lot of attention this time around. This is one of the best arcs in a while.

samizrozami

May 01, 2025

Good one

iPodwithnomusic

Aug 01, 2018

Great issue, probably my favourite since Gillen has taken over. It was nice to see Han take the spotlight and find a creative way to succeed in his mission. This issue was better at creating tension than the last two, and even had a few funny jokes as well. The highlight was definitely Luke and Wedge taking flight and forming Rogue Squadron! I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in future issues.