Going Rogue
Reviews by Chad Clark

A new comics contributor proves that there's nothing like "retiring" with a good comic...

Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron: Mandatory Retirement (Issues #1 - 2) 
published by Dark Horse Comics 

THE STORY 

Dark Horse is finishing off the X-Wing Rogue Squadron series in style. This final story is titled "Mandatory Retirement" and the first two issues, of a four-issue arc, have already been released. Michael Stackpole has been building the current roster into a tight-knit group that cares about one another and has the reader caring about them. A perfect setting for a dramatic finish to a group in which few members survive. 

Part One gives a close-up look at the pilots getting some well-deserved downtime. 
They split into smaller, more personal groups, mostly pairs. Each character is given some depth, something that has been lacking in the previous story arcs. Steve Crespo steps in as this story's artist, with assists from perennial X-Wing artist John Nadeau. Crespo also did the artwork for Issue #25, "The Making of Baron Fel." He has a clean uncluttered style with engaging backgrounds and a distinguished unique look for each character, making them easily recognizable from one another, a problem in some previous X-Wing stories. Providing Inks is another veteran from Issue #25, Chip Wallace, who compliments Crespo's work beautifully. 

Part Two really showcases the importance of the work a colorist puts into the finished product. Dave Nestelle does an amazing job using soft shades to enhance or detract from the art and sets the mood for every scene. Light blues give off a cool blue shade for the Provisional council even as the Imperials find themselves shrouded in shades of red. Its not something the average comic book reader would notice but it really sets the tone for the issue. 

The Rogues are given a mission to rescue Sate Pestage, having fled from the Empire and made a deal with the Rebel Alliance. With Ysanne Isard involved this mission quickly becomes one of the most dangerous they have ever faced. Things look grim and with the series ending, we may finally see a massive loss of personnel, something the Rogues are famous for. 

Fans of the novels will enjoy seeing artistic representations of some of their favorite characters, Borsk Fey'lya and General Cracken most prominently. Mon Mothma, Admiral Ackbar and Princess Leia also make brief appearances. Figuring heavily into the storyline are Winter and Kapp Dendo heading up Commando Force One, the ground force charged with finding Pestage. Isard is making her run for power and Baron Fel has a classic meeting with a Rebel Y-wing pilot he shot down. 

It's Michael Stackpole at his best and delivering everything his fans expect. I highly recommend that both old and new readers try this series. And if you find yourself wanting more... those back issues are still at reasonable prices. And how often can you say that about Star Wars merchandise?

(Chad Clark is a first time contributor to the EMag, and after this effort, we're expecting more from him as time goes by.  We wonder if he knows how hard it is to get out of the Sarlaac pit once you're in...) 

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