Han Solo: Imperial Cadet comic #4 by Robbie Thompson

"Han Solo: Imperial Cadet #4" written by Robbie Thompson, illustrated by Leonard Kirk, Daniele, Orlandini, and Arif Prianto

     Now this is what I'm talking about!!! A wonderful issue with plenty of action and even some character development/change of heart. I loved seeing Han continuing to be the squadron savior--his heart is just so good. He goes out of his way to protect Valance, the one cadet who can't stop talking badly about him. All Han cares about is that a man is down and he needs help. Love seeing Han's protective nature showing through in his early years.

     We start off on Qhulosk at an Imperial Navy Mobile Base in the Outer Rim where Han and his squadron are finally allowed back in their TIEs after their punishment from the last issue. This time they are presented with live combat as opposed to drills and simulations. Are they up for what that entails??

     Before the action begins, Han has a surprisingly level-headed, kind, and inspiring conversation with an Imperial officer who says he used to be the same kind of cadet as Han--reckless and chaotic. But then once he realized how to follow orders, he became the best officer. Han seems struck by this but it certainly doesn't change his overall attitude...as we see toward the end of this issue.

     Never forgetting his past or his old ways, Han paints/scratches/draws??? an image of his golden dice on the outside of his TIE fighter. Even Kanina reaches out to touch it for luck.

     Interesting tidbit, the cadets are not told who they are fighting nor why. They are simply given direction and told to follow it to the letter. This seems super counterproductive to forming an army that truly believes in the cause. Shouldn't soldiers at least have an inkling of what they are actually fighting for??

     Turns out the squadron is attacking the city of Howlan on Qhulosk. They are ordered to bring down the shield generator and canons and are confronted with an intense backlash from the Qhulosk people who it turns out have an incredibly interesting character design! Pity we never see them from the front. They also have truly intriguing ship designs. Both are pictured below.

     So this was the kind of issue I've been waiting for with this series! I don't know why it took so long to get here! And now we've only got one issue left?!? Why, when it's finally getting good?? Hopefully the next issue will continue to give us a solid story with solid action and character development. From the way things end in this issue, I'm certainly looking forward to see what comes next for our Imperial Cadets!