My first foray with the X-Wing Rogue Squadron wasn't as satisfying as I'd hoped.

The Warrior Princess (Xena?) focuses on bald X-Wing pilot Plourr Ilo, who turns out to be the long-lost Princess Isplourrdacartha Estillo of Eiattu. With a backstory that conjures obvious comparisons to the the last tsar of Russia and the missing Princess Anastasia, this version follows through with a civil war that casts both the revolutionaries and the ruling nobles in a questionable light. Of course, the Imperial stormtroopers, TIE Fighter squadron and Grand Moff on the planet just add flavor to the mix.

But the story is fairly dull and uninspired. With the exception of the occasional twist, the plot is predictable, and you never feel for a moment like any of Our Heroes are in any real danger. The art is as wan and lifeless as the writing.

Of course, the book does give us the image of Darth Vader, in full black battle armor, playing with toys to the delight of a child, and after that you just know this creative team was out of ideas.

by Tom Knapp
Rambles.NET
19 May 2007