REVIEW: Princess Leia shines in ‘Star Wars #17′

Star Wars #17 illustrates how mentally and morally tough Princess Leia really is. Despite the challenges, she confronts during an infiltration of a supposedly impenetrable prison. Writer Jason Aaron and artist Leinil Francis Yu demonstrate their respective capabilities in fleshing out interesting characterizations, particularly on the tougher-than-nail Princess.

Jason Aaron maintains a sense of balance of giving the main characters and the supporting cast their respective voices even though Leia is the center of the story. The bantering between her and Sana is both witty and sardonic, and Aaron makes sure their dialogue are lively without being so repetitive, if not dull. The high point of this chapter is the main antagonist’s verbal exchange with the Princess, especially of the latter’s supposed idealistic perspective. This is prominent during the villain’s taunts to force Leia to do the unthinkable, but in the end (for now), our Jedi-powered Princess maintains her ground. Even an imprisoned Doctor character is given some moments to shine in the last pages to ensure the balance Aaron gives to the characters. Definitely, those moments are nothing novel at all, but Aaron expands further Leia’s already strong personality to the next level.

On the other hand, this issue continues the zany adventures of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, particularly on how to earn money since they recklessly wasted it in the previous issue. Hilariously witty, Aaron really masters the characterizations of these two, Han’s crafty and swaggering persona as opposed to Luke’s honest-to-goodness attitude.

The general visual mood is dark, hence the heavy inking that is appropriate. Both Yu and partner-in-crime Gerry Alanguilan do an excellent job of appropriating the near-exact shading and contrast, in particular the claustrophobic moments like the release of hardened criminals to Princess Leia and Sana. There are bright moments: the first pages and the Han-Luke moments, but these are few to give an uneven balance to the overall plot of this second chapter. Just like last issue, Yu applies both conventional and wide-screen spread paneling that are appropriately done well though one should pace reading this one since it has plenty of action-packed panels. Furthermore, the facial portrayal and the close-ups are greatly improved. Yu even outdo himself in drawing the animal faces and even Han’s face during a tense scene.

However, this chapter is darker than the first chapter. Due to the plot, this issue feels claustrophobic. There are some artwork are very scratchy and awkward to look at, especially the one panel where the head is blurred upon being punched.

Nonetheless, Star Wars #17 is still a good read. The creative team presents another level of characterization of Princess Leia. Also, virtually all casts here are given enough opportunity to shine. Although it is grimier than the last one, it maintains a good quality of narration and art as well. No wonder why Leia is one helluva Princess!