Star Wars: The Destiny Path
Review – Star Wars: The Destiny Path
Written By Charles Soule
Illustrated & coloured by Jesus Saiz & Arif Prianto
Published by MARVEL Comics
Released in November, 2020
SUMMARY
Star Wars: The Destiny Path is a 2020 tie in comic set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back & Return of The Jedi, filling in the gaps and answering the questions of a galaxy far far away. Written by Charles Soule and illustrated by Jesus Saiz.
With the Rebels on the run from Darth Vader on Cloud City, leaving behind a hand and a Han, it’s up to Luke, Leia & Lando to locate Han Solo and strategize their next move against the Empire. With power and confidence not on their side, there is only hope for our ragtag Rebellion and the intel of one Lando Calrissian.
ART
Firstly, Saiz’s art style is bombastically classic looking, especially in dog fights. Conversely, his work during the more sombre and expositional scenes gives the titular characters emotional depth and focus, really capturing the likeness of each beloved character. Solid work!
Equally, Arif Prianto and his team of colourists throughout present a galaxy of colour variations and combinations that allow each new planet, setting and character to shine independently with identifiable palettes.
WRITING
What could just as easily serve as simple filler between episodes, instead unexpectedly opens up a whole new dynamic dimension within the saga. With interesting character developments for fan favourites as well as brand new characters, there is so much to love about this comic!
The most notable of these character developments is the internal conflict of Luke as he reflects on the shocking revelation of his relation to Daddy Darth Vader. It’s a primary story beat that is surprisingly brushed over by Lucas.
With it being a 2020 release set during the original trilogy, fans will be happy to see some recent additions to the story from Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and The Mandalorian, as well as some PTSD flashbacks to Order 66. It’s incredible how many surrounding plot strings Soule binds together!
Crucially, the balance of light and dark is more akin to a pendulous potentium as we learn more about the aftermath of the Death Star’s destruction and the remnants of its humanity within the Empire. In a never-ending war of two factions, there is no peace.
OVERALL
In conclusion, Star Wars: The Destiny Path is an exciting and audacious addition to the old saga that bridges the dominant favourite film to the first finale through new and expansive lore. Outside of the main story itself, the comic makes for a dramatically fresh take on the deeper Hero’s Journey.
Some minor details disrupt the continuity of the films but hell, if Lucas can take leaps in the plot between films, then Soule can take liberties when trying to fix them!
Furthermore, a benefit of Lucas leaving out a lot of detail between films is that these gaps can be filled by a wealth of new writers, more often than not with a blissful nostalgia for the galaxy before them. This destiny is far from fulfilled but the path is clear and promises a masterclass in balancing the new and old.
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Let us know in the comments your thoughts on Star Wars: The Destiny Path, what your favourite episode of the franchise is and of course, May the Fourth be with you!
Also check out my review of Star Wars Doctor Aphra: Fortune & Fate from earlier today!
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