As a fan of Star Wars, as far back as I can remember, I’ve been continuously amazed by how many different stories exist with the world. As an early purveyor of the series, I can remember a time when the only stories that existed outside of Episodes IV-VI, were the comics that Dark Horse produced and the book from the Lucasfilm Story Group. The comics that Dark Horse produced, were some of the best that have been seen. The books that LSG pushed were instant classics.

It was not until George Lucas decided to do Parts I-III, which we got a full circle moment and got to see that world back on the big screen. Truthfully, that universe did not get its full realization until Lucas would sell the intellectual property of Star Wars to Disney. We are now getting to enjoy a fully realized world with different storylines featuring old and new characters. One of those characters, just so happens to be one that we haven’t seen since Empire Strikes. We get to see him on a dangerous assignment in the one-shot, Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters – IG-88.

We find IG-88, as the reader relives his death at the hands of Darth Vader, as he lays in shambles, a mysterious stranger, known as RB-919, searches for him, to revive him for a new job. As we find out that he was hired by Deva Lompop, a fellow bounty hunter, who had her own motive, to hunt Boba Fett, all because he sold Han Solo to another buyer, hence starting the War Of The Bounty Hunters. As soon as RB 919 reassembles IG-88, he would go no to kill him and the security droids on his vessel, as he soon finds out from Deva, that he is in the employ of the Crimson Dawn. With the memory of Vader killing him, still haunts him, IG-88 struggles to keep his focus, knowing Boba , is a formidable target, and in a tough terrain, as he is presently on Tatooine.  IG-88, finds a window of time, to get on Boba’s ship and retrieve Han, but before he could leave, Boba intercedes. By the issue’s end, the two get into a gunfight, which Boba immobilizes IG-88, leaving him frozen and helpless.

Overall, Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters – IG-88 is an exciting story which reintroduces this character, which most would not pay attention to. The story by Barnes is fun. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, this story is exactly why now is the best time to be a Star Wars fan.

Story: Rodney Barnes Art: Guiu Vilanova
Color: Antonio Fabela Letterer: Ariana Maher
Story: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – TFAW