Straight away readers know that they're going to be getting something different with this issue of Star Wars, as right there on the cover is Han Solo. As the current run of the series is set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and The Return of the Jedi there's no way for Han to actually be in these events; the added fact that he and Chewbacca appear to be on a snow covered planet points towards whatever the contents are, to involve the past, specifically Hoth.
Despite having flashbacks take up the majority of the issue this doesn't really interfere with the ongoing 'Operation Starlight' story, and gives an important breather to what has been a pretty tense and fast paced narrative so far. It also brings some of the members of the Rebellion closer together, and shows the reader a little bit of what makes these characters tick.
The story opens with Kes Dameron waiting to hear from his wife, Shara Bey, who was last seen being left behind on board an Imperial Star Destroyer. Unfortunately for Kes, there's been no contact from her, and he's left with nothing to do. This leads him to the observation deck, where we learn he comes to think, as well as talk to the hologram of his son, Poe. He's not the only one on the observation deck, however, as General Leia has also come for some quiet introspection, with her thoughts being on Han Solo.
The two characters open up to each other, connecting over the fact that they're both unable to help people they care about. Kes shares a story with Leia, about the first time he and Shara met, and it shows that it was her bravery and piloting skills that initially drew Kes to her. We learn that Shara used to be a racing pilot in one of the most dangerous courses in the galaxy. Not only does this reinforce just how good of a pilot she is, but kind of reminds me of Anakin Skywalker, who also honed his piloting skills on the racetrack.
In return for this story Leia shares one about Han, about why she cares so much for him. We're taken back to the planet Hoth, where the newly formed Echo Base is having difficulties. With one of it's generators breaking down it means that the temperature is dropping fast, and that the Rebellion may have to abandon their new home. When Han realises that he and Chewie might be able to save the base they head into a dangerous situation, putting their lives on the line for the Rebellion.
We see that Han absolutely hated Hoth, that the cold and the ice were the bane of his existence, and that he wanted nothing more than for the Rebellion to move on to a warmer world. However, he also knows that they've expended so much time and resources creating the base that abandoning it would be a disaster for them. He puts aside his feelings and puts his life on the line to save a place that he hates, and he does this because despite his bravado he actually believes in the Rebellion; believes in it enough to risk everything for it.
This, we learn, is why Leia cares so much for Han, because under his gruff persona he's a decent man, one that she knows she can count on.
Despite the story of 'Operation Starlight' only really moving forward in the last few pages it still feels like a valuable issue, because it shows why these characters care for each other and why they're willing to risk everything for each other.
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