Lando: Double or Nothing comic #1 by Rodney Barnes

"Lando: Double or Nothing #1" written by Rodney Barnes, illustrated by Paolo Villanelli and Andres Mossa

     This was a fabulous new entry into the canon of Lando Calrissian, taking place before Solo. It doesn't seem like he's been with L3-37 for long or that he's had the Millenium Falcon all that long as he keeps talking about dressing the ship up with crystal gaming tables and a large portrait of himself. L3 keeps saying that the communications, shields, and weapons systems need upgrades more than the décor. Their banter back and forth is hysterical and so much fun to read. In fact, this whole issue was quite funny with Lando being so typically Lando...loved it! Plus, a lot was going on which led to a fast read.

     A few tidbits first: Lando is writing the "Calrissian Chronicles" "so the universe can fully absorb [his] prodigiousness." Haha...he is so incredibly full of himself. He goes on to say "women, credits, and games of chance are the pillars of life" totally subverting the claim that he is pansexual...ugh, so frustrating! We get a new ridiculous name-calling pejorative to add to nerf-herder and moof-milker: purfmurker. haha!

     Kristiss is a Petrusian from Petrusia. She is trying to get her father, Rythus, out of the factory where he works repairing droids under the Empire's hand on Kullgroon. She wants to hire Lando to help them smuggle weapons in under the nose of the Empire so she can free her people from the factory.

     On Batuv, Lando haggles with a Trandoshan clothing vendor named Borkus. And then Kristiss arrives to ask for his help. Lando at first says no, but then Kristiss says she'll buy him a drink and he can't refuse...he's obviously quite attracted to the woman.

     A sentient named Brushaun shows up who is angry at Lando for cheating at cards in Canto Bight. Lando just says Brushaun should take it as a lesson in humility lol.

     In response to Lando not understanding why Kristiss, a criminal, wants to become a freedom fighter L3 says, "Please forgive him. I've concluded it has something to do with the cape. It enhances his delusions of grandeur." Haha! I love L3.

     So our three protagonists (Lando, Kristiss, and L3) arrive at Kullgroon right after being attacked by TIE-fighters. Will Lando succeed in his mission? We'll have to read on to find out. The next issue of this short-run series arrives in just three more days!