– Spoiler Review –
Han Solo & Chewbacca #10 brings the maxiseries to a close too chaotic for its own good, but it goes out with the same energy that’s propelled its second half, leaving us with a fun and delightful ending overall.
I expressed my concerns with the upcoming Ajax Sigma storyline last issue (and in my 2022 Star Wars Comics Year-in-Review to some extent), so I won’t relitigate it all here, but I will say how happy I was with how little it factored into the finale: the urn was given to Jabba the Hutt to satisfy his desire to own it and the various groups pining for it made their final attempts as well, otherwise we see Han and Chewie bury the neural core and that’s it, which we already saw will happen in the Revelations one-shot comic. Sure, the issue points to Ajax Sigma’s return, teased in this recent image (see right, though the comic says it comes in Fall) for the next comic crossover (written by Charles Soule), but it’s more of an afterthought and I appreciate it a ton as I’d rather see Han Solo & Chewbacca go out on it’s own terms rather than be the big backseat pilot for some other narrative.
Like most of the last few issues, there are a lot of moving part and characters involved in the finale, so while the issues feels too chaotic for its own good, the art sometimes not helping, but it’s a minor issue that doesn’t take away from overall enjoyment of the issue. For starters, I liked how Han was able to resolved his lingering issues with Corbus, who strikes at Han’s heart in their final confrontation. Corbus certainly gets under the skin of why the younger scoundrel would be willing to believe he was hi father, but Han prove what we already know about him…never underestimate him. He ends up shooting Corbus first, like he did with Beckett in Solo, both moments more than making up for anyone’s feelings regarding a certain special edition edit. This series was always moving so fast it didn’t often have the time to slow down and explore these characters, even its titular one, but what’s offered here certainly feels fitting and earned for Han’s character.
Chewie and Marshal Buck Vanctos brawl results in an understanding which helps get the persistent Khel Tanna off Han and Chewie’s backs, leaving T’onga and the other characters to end up where we find them in the Bounty Hunter series. I’m glad Vancto’s still out there and didn’t die, as he’s a fun character with unexplored potential, be it in new stories or appearances down the line. I was a little surprised Corbus isn’t dead, though we didn’t see his body after he fell into the river so it’s not THAT surprising, so I guess it’s more how we find out: turns out he’s helping Greedo lie to Jabba to get the credits for the urn. So knowing they have and can work together leaves me curious if taking out Greedo might be used in a future story to bring Corbus back into Han’s life…or the guy doesn’t care about the Rodian and will be harboring a grudge for how Han shot him instead. Either way, potential’s there for his return, be it in the upcoming Bounty Hunters series roster reset or elsewhere. And lastly I’m very glad Pheadra not only lives as well, there’s hints she goes on some adventures with Han and Chewie in the future, something I’d like to see as she’s been my favorite new character from the series.
While I was confused about how some of the art and panels flowed together, overall it was another good showing from the art team of David Messina, Alex Sinclair on colors, and Joe Caramagna on lettering. Some of the chaos comes from moments like when Han and Corbus are tussling only for Han to punch him next panel, though Corbus’ head bleeds into the previous panel, or like the Falcon looks in bad shape, flames spouting from its rear, though it looks fine and manages to escape to space shortly after…only to crash moments after that, though these are minor in the end. Caramagna’s SFX feel unhinged in the best way possible, matching the issue’s insane pace and attitude, with ones consuming panels, pages, and filled with different or unique colors to make them standout even more, like the “Pew!”s chasing the Falcon from Nar Shaddaa, the three “Choom!” as the blasts shake the ship and Corbus in it so Han is able to get the drop on him, and the bubble-lettered “Wham!” of Han’s punch which finally puts the old man out for a moment. I loved the image of Chewie’s hands on Vancto’s shoulders, reminding him of the being’s might if he decides to go against their deal, as it also sort of looks like he’s giving the Marshal a massage! Sinclair has a good moment of darker colors for Han’s face as he heads off to confront Corbus, portending his deadly intentions, which is a stark contrast to the often colorfully bright palette across the rest of the issue, one that’s always helped provide a breezy, adventurous vibe to the series.
Here are a few other things:
- March begins Women’s History Month and the variant covers from Peach Momoko to honor it! On this final issue, Khel Tanna gets a great portrait (see above).
- Wait…is this supposed to be why/how Han has the training remote on his ship for Luke to use?
Han Solo & Chewbacca #10 ends much like the series began, an adventurous romp with enjoyable character interactions, and in sea of series all connected to a larger narrative, it was a welcomed change of pace writer Marc Guggenheim didn’t get caught up in the next big crossover story and let the scoundrels be scoundrels.
+ Going out like it began
+ Han’s closure and character survivals
– Too chaotic for its own good at times
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website on Twitter @MynockManor and Instagram @mynockmanor.
HAN SOLO & CHEWBACCA REVIEWS
The Crystal Run: #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 — Dead or Alive #6 | #7 | #8 | #9