For many Star Wars fans, Timothy Zahn's novels are as good as -- or, for some, even better -- than the movies.

The post-film era is one I've only recently started exploring, so much of this is new to me. Dark Force Rising, it turns out, is actually the second book in Zahn's popular "Thrawn" trilogy, but the graphic novel (adapted by Mike Baron) does a pretty good job of standing on its own.

Leia Organa Solo, pregnant with twins and accompanied by Chewbacca and C-3PO, is on a diplomatic mission to secure a much-needed trade route for the fledgling New Republic. Luke Skywalker is matching wits against a somewhat mad Jedi -- or Dark Jedi -- master. And Han Solo and Lando Calrissian, who are looking into accusations of treason and treachery among the Rebellion's top leaders, find evidence of a lost fleet that could turn the tide for whomever claims it first. Of course, Grand Admiral Thrawn is also eager to seize it for himself.

The story is tense and action-packed, but also filled with intelligent dialogue and diplomacy. It also helps that the art by Terry Dodson, while not the best I've seen, is easy on the eyes; unlike many Star Wars artists, Dodson draws characters you can recognize from the movies. (Although, I have to be honest here, the dread leader Thrawn looks like someone who should be battling the X-Men, not matching wits for the fate of the galaxy!)

I may have started my peek into the post-Endor world at the wrong spot, but Dark Force Rising has convinced me to read more.