In My Own Words: Marvel Princess Leia

Hello kiddies, so far I hope you guys are having a good work week, & 'Never Give up, never surrender', the weekend is almost upon us!! 😅😄

Anywhoo, sorry that I've been a bit away from blogging, but since I have been cleared to go back to work, on light duty, I've been again running around (figuratively of course) like a chicken with its head cut off.

So, please bare with me, I will try not to neglect you guys as much as I did, but I will try to at least post two per week.

Ok, enough blabbing on my part, what do I bring you guys today? News from the watercooler? Nope, Geeky apparel/items, NO, I bring you another review! Oh, boy... 

Yes, I know, sorry bare with me, I promise to make this more entertaining that the last two.

So, what am I reviewing today? Aside from table top games, clothing, accessories, etc.? Well, a couple of months ago, I picked up a copy of Marvel/Star Wars: Princess Leia from my local shop. 

And I am aware that this is an older comic (sorry, but I like buying the graphic novels, saves time & headaches), I feel like it will do me good (and hopefully) others to do a review for those who either are thinking in picking it up (if you haven't read it already) or for whatever else is your reason.

Let's begin, shall we?

• The Starting Point. So we all know that Disney and Marvel (which are practically brother companies, duh) are into re-vamping the Star Wars comics and universe, after they basically gave the boot to the Expanded Universe (which by the way, Disney, I will never forgive you for that!). Anyways, the starting point of the comic basically sets the pace for the entire side story of Leia Organa, one of the few Alderranians left after the destruction made by the Death Star. Well, this story line picks up right after the award ceremony after the defeat of "Ultimate firepower in the Galaxy," There she is met by another Alderaanian by the name of Evaan (who we will discuss further). So, as the Rebels celebrate the victory, Leia is conflicted by the fact that although the victory is significant it is far from over, and she also has to deal (as only Leia, knows how to deal) with the loss of her home planet & its people. She is quickly met by Evaan who reminds her of her royal duty and that the Galactic Empire will not rest until they have exterminated each and every last Alderaanian. So, this sets the mission: find the surviving Alderaanians and bring them together to find a new home (a la Spock).

• The Pace. Like I mentioned, the pace of the story is well balanced. There are no real dragging dull moemnts, but there are emotional/tender moments that also help set the tone, not only of the mission, but of the characters as well. 

  

  (Source: starwars.wikia.com)

• Evaan. In this mission, Princess Leia is accompanied by Evaan, who basically becomes at first her body guard/muscle, but eventually earns the trust and closeness of Leia, and we can see a possible budding friendship blooming. She is tough and very resentful of Leia, who in her eyes (at the beginning) seems to have no feelings regarding the loss of her planet & culture. She calls her out on this fron the very beginning, ehich obviously Leia explains why she has difficulty showing emotions. She is fiercely loyal and a skillful pilot, and becomes a very important character throughout the mission. She cherishes her identity and wants nothing more than to preserve what little Alderaanians have left. 

• Another side. One of the thngs that I enjoyed about this new run, is that the writers are making sure we see another side of Leia Organa. All we know is either from Episode IV, V, VI and The Force Awakens. With the elimination of the Expanded Universe, as canon, there is much room for character development. And I seriously enjoyed the new and different dimensions they have given her. We all know Leia, she is a diplomat, shrew in tactics, a fighter and a leader, and those qualities do not come without a price. We all know that she can take care of herself when it comes to being in dire situations, but other than that, we really don't know her. In this run, we discover that despite her qualities, she is also vulnerable. There is a contrast between the confident leader she is, and a person who genuinely cares for those who she knows they look up to her. There are characters who are suspicious of her and Evaan at the start, but nevertheless, she has vowed to help them, despite knowning that they don't trust her. The issue comes up from very early on that due to the fact that she was raised to be who she is, she has difficulty expressing out loud her grief, but when the time comes that she needs to do it, she doesn't hesitate in order to be able to understand those who are also going through similar problems. I absolutely loved the the writers of the comic gave Leia more depth and we (as the readers) are able to see more into different parts of her personality.

• The Story. I think that aside from the pace (which is important), there also must be a good story to tell, and this one is no exception. It is not only well put together, but there is more than it seems. It not only has adventure, but touches themes as loyalty, genocide (Alderaanian culture/civilization at the brink of extinction), and prejudice. Like a good Star Wars story, it obviously has adventures, but I loved the fact that the driving force for Leia's storyline isn't purely adventure, but it has a purpose. To help and relocate her people and have her culture continue to thrive despite adversity. 

• Strong female role models. Leia has always been an inspiration for many young girls who feel a connection with her, but this story, affirms WHY she is still a good role model for young women who are fortunate to pick up this graphic novel. She doesn't wain from her convictions and she does so, by being true to herself and to others. She is strong, motivated and an unquestionable diplomat who isn't afraid to do what is necessary and fight for what she truly cares and believes for/in. And I absolutely think that is a brilliant message for young women readers out there. Aside from Leia, we also have Evaan, who is loyal, intelligent and efficient in solving her problems no matter how impossible they seem to be. And this is the type of story telling we need to have future generations know that it doesn't matter what gender you are, if you want to accomplish ANYTHING, you will.

Well, I think for now, I will stop blabbing and let you discover (or re-discover) this wonderful graphc novel for yourself.

I honestly recommend it, it is worth spending your hard earned $$ and your time.

And for those who already read it, what do you guys think? I want to hear your thoughts, comments, so share them in the box below!

Til' next time!

**DISCLAIMER**

All trademark, copyrighted material, logos, names, brands, partners and affiliates are properties of Disney, Marvel, Waid, Dodson, Dodson, Bellaire, LucasFilm,  starwars.wikia.com, etc. 

This post is used with Copyright Act of 1976, 17, U.S.C., § 107. All commentaries made in this post (that are not copyrighted) are my own. This blog is intended for entertainment purposes.