Sunday Lazy Couch: Rediscovering Marvel's 2015 Star Wars Comic Run

Hello there! In a galaxy filled with lightsabers, blasters, and epic space battles, Marvel's 2015 Star Wars comic run has carved its own distinct path, harkening back to the glory days of the original trilogy. Join us as we dive into the first six "Skywalker Strikes" issues of this saga that captures the heart and spirit of the classic Star Wars universe.

Issue 1: A New Dawn for the Rebellion

Picture this: the galaxy is still reeling from the destruction of the Death Star, and the Rebel Alliance is as feisty as a Wookiee with a bad haircut. The rebels' mission takes them to Cymoon 1, where they attempt to infiltrate a deadly Imperial weapons factory. Our hero Luke Skywalker is flexing his newfound Jedi muscles, Han Solo is sporting his smuggler swagger which is a welcome refresher and adds a level of humor to an otherwise daring suicide mission, and Leia? Well, she's still got that epic bun game going strong. Luke discovers that the empire is using slave labor to run the weapons factory and boldly sets them free. However, despite the rebels' well thought out and "perfectly orchestrated plan" things start to go awry quite quickly with the arrival of the "Negotiator" who turns out to be none other than Darth Vader himself!

The Sith Lord's entrance sends shivers down your spine faster than a Hoth blizzard as he evades Chewbacca's sniper attempts using Stormtroopers as human shields to  deflect the blasts before tearing down Chewie's hiding spot with the force. As if that's not enough, Threepio is unable to get the Falcon flying as planetary scavengers have begun dismantling the ship! This episode keeps its ties to the original trilogy tight with high suspense, and Vader's menacing presence makes sure you don't forget it.

Issue 2: Shadows of the Sith Loom Large

Facing off against Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker defies Obi-Wan's advice to run. Vader mocks Luke's untrained lightsaber skills, yet curiosity sparks in him about the young rebel's identity. Amid a heated exchange, Luke blames Vader for his father's death, but Vader dismisses it as he's "killed too many fathers.

Luke's attack proves futile against Vader's mastery, who disarms him. Vader probes for Luke's purpose on Cymoon 1 and the Death Star's destroyer, but Luke resists. Before Vader can strike, he realizes he's holding his old weapon. An unexpected savior arrives: Han Solo, steering a rogue AT-AT walker, crashes into the room, causing chaos. Vader recovers, ordering stormtroopers to kill prisoners. Amid the mayhem, Luke watches helplessly as Vader slaughters captives, grappling with his actions.

As Han bickers with Leia over AT-AT control, R2-D2 struggles with the walker's cannons, and C-3PO's comic misadventure unfolds. Amid scavengers, Threepio's attempts fail. Luke spots speeder bikes, recalling his skills, and attacks stormtroopers before escaping.

The skirmish concludes with Vader surviving the AT-AT incident, realizing his lightsaber's loss, and eliminating the only witness to his true visage. Amid meltdown chaos, he orders rebels' pursuit. This tumultuous issue adds depth to Luke's doubts and showcases his struggle against formidable foes in an adventure more akin to the original trilogy.

Issue 3: Death to the Rebel Scum!

On Cymoon 1, Han Solo and Princess Leia battle Imperial stormtroopers in their rogue AT-AT walker, aided by liberated alien slaves. Luke Skywalker speeds on a stolen 74-Z speeder bike, facing Darth Vader. Leia shoots TIE fighters with AT-AT's cannons, planning to reach the Millennium Falcon for escape. Han worries about C-3PO, swarmed by tentacled aliens.

Chewbacca rescues C-3PO from scavengers while Han communicates with him. Luke takes down pursuing stormtroopers and AT-ST walker cannons. Vader slices AT-AT's legs, making it fall. Rebels fight off stormtroopers, entering trash fields. Luke blows up the factory reactor, escaping with Falcon. Imperial fleet appears but rebels escape to hyperspace.

Vader taunts Obi-Wan and vows to train Luke. C-3PO reflects on a weird mission, Luke despairs his Jedi abilities, Leia consoles him. Rebels thank Luke for his heroics, likening them to Yavin's Battle. Luke doubts himself, and on Tatooine, a Rodian's body is left by Kenobi's home.

Issue 4: Galactic Gambits: Negotiations, Battles, and Bounties

"Majordomo Bib Fortuna greets Darth Vader at Jabba's palace. Vader rushes negotiations, prompting Jabba's admiration for his bargain skills. Vader brushes off Yavin and Cymoon defeats as "rebel lies." Jabba wants fair pay for aiding Empire. Vader's confident but Jabba warns of pirates and space slugs. Vader retorts, orders supplies, leaves. Bib Fortuna explains Jabba's deadly business seal. Jabba chomps a gorg.

Rebels discuss strategy; Leia presses to keep momentum. Chewbacca's repairs annoy Han. C-3PO thanks R2-D2 despite being disassembled. Luke's lightsaber training reveals self-doubt. Leia encourages him. On Tatooine, Rodians meet masked woman offering Han's bounty. She outsmarts them with weapon. Solo discusses Vader's defeat of AT-AT. Rebellion reviews victories; Leia pushes for more. Luke's uncertainty worries Leia. Rodians fail to trap woman for Solo info.

Jabba's barge hunts banthas, annoys Vader. Luke leaves for answers on Tatooine, against Leia's plea. Boba Fett inquires about Kenobi's whereabouts.

Issue 5: Skywalkers' Pursuits: Destiny's Gambit Unveiled

Luke Skywalker heads back to Tatooine, sparking existential doubts about his Rebel commitment. Unbeknownst to him, bounty hunter Boba Fett is hot on his heels. Fett's jetpack escapade includes Rodian "Rod-ache" and an arm-wrestling episode with an alien calling Fett a "boy." He goes on an arm-breaking spree to get Skywalker info. Bartender Wuher recalls Kenobi's past stop, but Fett isn't sipping nostalgia.

On another side of the galaxy, Han Solo barters for spaceship parts with Princess Leia, who's on a new base quest. Solo can't escape Leia's pragmatic gravity, but he tries. Their shuttle escapade becomes a TIE-chasing comedy, culminating in Solo's ingenious yet accidental trip to a wild cyclone-covered planet. Leia labels Solo "the worst smuggler ever," just as they encounter a beacon-wielding mystery figure.

Skywalker's trip back home gets stormy, literally, with Tusken Raiders. Fending them off, he stumbles upon Kenobi's place, only to be illuminated by Boba Fett's flashy entrance.

Issue 6: A Dark Revelation and Vader's Wrath

In a tense showdown, Luke Skywalker confronts the relentless bounty hunter Boba Fett in Kenobi's home, despite his blindness. With an ignited lightsaber and unwavering determination, Skywalker clashes with Fett, revealing his unyielding Jedi spirit even without sight. R2-D2 lends a timely assist, leading to Fett's defeat.

On an uncharted paradise, Leia rebukes Han Solo's advances, focusing on their critical mission. Their secluded refuge is disturbed by an unfamiliar ship, revealing Sana Solo, Han's unexpected wife. Leia's shock amplifies as Sana wields a blaster, demanding answers from her wayward husband.

Ah, the climax of this saga so far. Just when you thought the tension couldn't be thicker than Hoth stew, Boba Fett drops a bombshell. As Vader learns the name "Skywalker," the implications are as seismic as the Death Star explosion. That last panel of Vader's fury completing blew me away!

In a universe flooded with Jedi aces, lightsaber duels, and overpowering heroes, Marvel's 2015 Star Wars comic run dares to take a different route. It strips away the gloss and glamour to showcase Luke's internal struggles, his doubts about his Jedi potential, and the grit of his battles. Luke's luck and resourcefulness are his strongest assets, making each encounter with Fett and Vader a heart-pounding dance on the edge of disaster.

So there you have it, a captivating blend of suspense, nostalgia, and a fresh take on the beloved Star Wars universe. As we eagerly flip through the pages, we can't help but relish this unique journey that pays homage to the original trilogy while adding depth to the characters and their inner worlds. Will Luke's luck hold out? What will Vader do with this newfound knowledge? The Force is strong with this comic run, and we can't wait to see where it takes us next.