“When Princess Leia Organa was captured by the Empire as a Rebel spy, she never betrayed her convictions, even in the face of the complete destruction of her home world, Alderaan. When her rescue came, she grabbed a blaster and joined the fight, escaping back to the Rebel Alliance and helping strike the biggest blow against the Empire, the destruction of the Death Star. But in the aftermath of that victory, the question remains: what is a princess without a world? Writer Mark Waid (Daredevil, S.H.I.E.L.D.) and artist Terry Dodson (Avengers & X-Men: Axis, Uncanny X-Men) bring us a story of Leia’s quest to help her people and find her place in the galaxy.”

Last time, “with her only companion, Evaan, as well as the ever-faithful R2-D2 by her side, Leia has left the protection of the Rebel Alliance, to pursue a more personal mission to protect what’s left of her culture and home planet, Alderaan. The rumors that the Empire is hunting every last Alderaanian for reprisal against the Alliance’s actions have sparked a fire within the Princess. Despite the overwhelming bounty on Leia’s head, she has taken it upon herself to travel the galaxy to save what citizens remain…” Evaan seemed to be a reluctant companion upon their first meeting, but at the end of the comic upon escape, she seemed to be coming around. Luke also seemed glad that Leia escaped, despite his perusal of her.

At the beginning of the issue, Leia and Evaan are eating a meal together (after Leia gets Evaan to sit and join her instead of waiting for her to finish). Leia isn’t a fan of what they’re eating, and in a flashback we learn that it’s never been a favorite of hers. I don’t blame Leia, it looks like a blanket. We also see her as a pre-teen choosing to go to sparring class while she’s supposed to be at language class, calling it dull. Her father reminds her that it’s queenly to do that, but Leia wants to “be in in the action.” He also says that since Alderaan is a peaceful planet, with no soldiers, Leia needs to “keep Alderaan alive.” Back in the present, Leia is feeling guilty for failing to do that.

Meanwhile, on Naboo in the city of Keran, we meet a couple who run Club Deeja (heh). Their fashion is clearly influenced by the Middle East, and it’s nice to see some cultural diversity within the Star Wars universe. The purpose of that scene isn’t immediately clear beyond showing that the rest of the universe is becoming aware of Alderaan’s destruction.

Leia and Evaan have approached Naboo, armed with a disguised entry beacon (Imperial auditors). Leia’s purpose is to rescue a little-known Alderaanian cloister from the planet. When they land, the officer stationed doesn’t recognize her, and she gives the false name of Solo, which made me grin. She sees a stained glass memorial to Padme, and hallucinates that it turns to look at her; she’s very taken aback. They meet up with Lord Junn, an old friend of Leia’s, and he greets her warmly and invites her and Evaan to stay with him. Evaan is suspicious of Junn, and worried about the bounty and the false name. Junn gets them an in with the club owner we saw before, and we learn his name is Mul Sanaka. I won’t reveal what happens at the club!

This issue is excellent, with a lot more action and fun stuff going on than the first issue, which was largely setup. It ends with a chilling scene, and the next issue is out on 4/15. I can’t wait!

Get it from Comixology, Marvel, or your local comic book store for $3.99.

Written by: Mark Waid
Art and Cover by: Terry Dodson
23 Pages