Imperial Cadet #4

Han Solo – Imperial Cadet #4 (of 5)

Writer: Robbie Thompson
Penciller: Leonard Kirk
Inker: Daniele Orlandini
Colorist: Arif Prianto
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: David Nakayama

In Imperial Cadet #4, Han takes part in an attack on some hostiles on Qhulosk then leads a rescue effort on speeder bikes. Nothing too remarkable in this issue. Han shows some skill as a pilot, but still has absolutely no regard for chain of command, authority or orders. He’s reckless and pretty over the top as a character.

While the comic fails to do anything worthwhile with Han, it does manage to flesh out some of the other characters in the story. We learn a little about Han’s commander who reveals he used to be like Han – insubordinate, arrogant, and spent most of his time in the brig. When he started following orders, however, he became a great pilot. In the battle that comes, Han follows orders and helps them pull of the mission. Then he goes back to subverting orders in order to save a fellow pilot. We’ll have to wait to the last issue to see how that unfolds.

The other character we learn a little more about is Kanina. First off, she’s sharp as she catches on to what Han’s thinking about, and that’s deserting them and leaving them to fend for themselves in the upcoming battle. She makes Han feel so guilty that he ends up sticking around. She’s starting to warm towards Han, and she’s getting a good feel for him. It’s a good development for her character, sadly it’s coming one issue away from the end of this little mini-series, and it’s a complete waste since the series has done nothing to make me like Han. It’s a shame. I can of think Robbie Thompson could have done better doing a TIE fighter series without Han as that’s the biggest problem. His treatment of Han is just boring. There’s nothing there to like or get invested in, and it hurts the entire series. Whether he just wasn’t able to get a good bead on the character, or he was kept from doing anything worthwhile with the character, the end result is the same. It’s not a series worth your time and money.

With a so-so story and so-so artwork, there’s not a lot to sway my recommendation of this comic to anyone. I give it a two out of five metal bikinis.

Reviewed By: Skuldren for Roqoo Depot.