Star Wars (2020) #8 - Comic Review

The Will of Tarkin—Star Wars flagship comic series’ newest story arc—concludes with Part II: Prey as Commander Zahra prepares for a boarding party to spring a deadliest trap to the unsuspecting Rebel fleet.

Check out our review of the previous issue before you read ahead!

Writer Charles Soule gifts the readers with yet another amazing comic issue—further exploring the intriguing character of Commander Zahra, from her assignment to hunt down the remnants of the Rebellion post-destruction of the Death Star to the surprise infiltration of Leia Organa’s fleet. Zahra’s character development continues to impress as in Part II: Prey we learn more about her motives for the hate she projects towards the Rebels—especially Leia Organa. Ever since her first introduction, Zahra has been portrayed as a ruthless Imperial officer, pupil to none other than Grand Moff Tarkin. In this comic issue, Soule emphasizes Zahra’s predatory instincts—previously explored during her deadly trial at Tarkin’s homeworld. She has learned everything from Tarkin, but she also failed him and never got the opportunity to redeem herself. Failure and grudge is what drives Zahra to step outside the conventional Imperial protocol—her obsession with hunting Leia leading to a risky boarding party in the middle of a heated space battle. In a way, Zahra and Leia are different sides of the same coin—both characters displaying similarities, especially when it comes to taking matters into their own hands.

The Will of Tarkin Part II: Prey showcases some of the best character designs in Star Wars. Artist Jan Bazaldua brings a lot to the table in this comic issue. Zahra’s boarding party’s uniform is probably among the most kickass Imperial armor designs, hinting a Japanese Samurai inspiration—which is at the essence of Star Wars. The overall, all-black armor has various details from other well known Imperial designs, but the chest plate and the ridged thigh covers (paired with a vibroblade, reminiscent of a katana) make Zahra’s uniform truly unique. Adding a cherry on top, the black goggles with blood-red lenses unmistakably emanate the same evil energy as Vader’s. Speaking of Darth Vader, Bazaldua’s execution of the Dark Lord is among the most screen accurate on paper format. And speaking of authenticity, Rachelle Rosenberg truly hits the nail on the head with her use of blues, especially when the Empire is featured on the panels.

Although The Will of Tarkin Part II: Prey is only a two-issue story arc, the amount of character development for the newest villain—meaningful toward the main timeline of the series and Star Wars as a whole—truly makes it a must read. Pick up your copy today from your favorite local comic book shop and leave a comment below to share your thoughts about this amazing series!