Star Wars Infinities: A New Hope #2

By: Carl Cortez
Date: Thursday, July 12, 2001

Marvel Comics used to wreak havoc with its superhero continuity by coming up with some of the most interesting alternate universe theories in their WHAT IF? series. It was always great to see what would happen if significant events in a super hero's life didn't always go along the path that was intended, even if the idea tended to wear itself thin after too long.

With that in mind, Dark Horse Comics has come up with a superb new STAR WARS tie-in book dubbed INFINITIES (the tagline: "the world of endless STAR WARS possibilities"). This four part series focuses on A NEW HOPE and what might have happened if Luke's torpedo didn't blow up the Death Star as planned during the Battle of Yavin.

What happens? Well, it turns the whole STAR WARS universe on its head. With the Rebel Alliance's last hope ruined, the Empire gains the upper hand. As the second installment of this series begins, Han Solo, Chewbacca and Luke thinking the Death Star killed Leia and the remaining rebels take off to get out of harm's way. It's during this time that Luke's anger begins to take control of him and Ben tells him he must see Yoda to prevent him from going to the Dark Side.

What follows is an interesting variation on Luke's first meeting with Yoda on Dagobah, except this time Han and Chewie are along for a little comic relief. The other great twist is Darth Vader capturing Princess Leia and realizing the Dark Side she possesses. He tries to sway her and in essence hopes to train her as his apprentice, much like he was going to do with Luke in the latter part of the original trilogy. This new twist which could potentially provide a rather great conclusion to this INFINITIES series leaves your jaw dropping by the end of Issue #2.

The scripting of the series by Chris Warner retains the flavor of Lucas' original STAR WARS. By virtue of fans knowing every line of the original trilogy, it's surprising that the new dialogue doesn't seem so out of place. Warner has obviously done his homework (or is a huge fan himself). The artwork is solid, with Leia's new outfit while being courted by Vader looking completely organic to the STAR WARS universe (and it's pretty kick-ass looking to boot).

While I've never been too fond of the continuing adventures of STAR WARS in comic book form, this new wrinkle on an old concept works like a charm. It will please fans of STAR WARS and also remind us that one false move in a different direction could lead us on the wrong path...to the Dark Side.

STAR WARS INFINITIES: A NEW HOPE

Grade: A-

Issue:NO. 2

Author(s): Chris Warner, Drew Johnson, Ray Snyder

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics

Price: $2.99