When I first read Princess Leia, I thought it was a light, enjoyable story. In fact, I initially decided not to review it. However, for some reason, the story stuck with me. I kept thinking about it, so I decided to reread it. To my surprise, this Princess Leia Comic review is a glowing one.
This five-issue Marvel comic series, written by Mark Waid, penciled by Terry Dodson, inked by Rachel Dodson, and colored by Jordie Bellaire, offers a fresh and thoughtful perspective on Princess Leia, one of the most iconic characters in the Star Wars universe.
The Story: Leia’s Mission After Episode IV
The story begins immediately after the events of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, at the Rebel Alliance’s medal ceremony. As the heroes part ways, Leia struggles with the expectations placed on her. Everyone around her assumes she should be grieving Alderaan’s destruction—a natural reaction, considering her home planet was obliterated before her eyes. Yet, Leia takes a different path.
Because of interplanetary travel, there are surviving Alderaanians scattered across the galaxy. Leia makes it her mission to find and unite these survivors. This sets the stage for a compelling narrative that explores her resilience, leadership, and the challenges of being a princess without a kingdom.
Mark Waid’s Brilliant Characterization of Leia
Mark Waid does an exceptional job of developing Leia into a multi-dimensional character. She’s no longer just the princess we met in Episode IV. Here, she is portrayed as a leader driven by duty and hope, rather than someone consumed by grief. Waid uses flashbacks to explore her relationships with her parents, adding emotional depth to her character.
Leia’s journey is not without challenges. She faces doubt and opposition from those around her—some view her as unfeeling, others try to protect her, and many underestimate her. These interactions make Leia’s character richer and more relatable.
Waid also introduces new characters who enhance the story, such as:
- Evaan: A proud Alderaanian patriot who criticizes Leia for not mentioning Alderaan during the medal ceremony.
- Tace: A survivor Leia rescues, whose sister works for the Empire, creating tension and jeopardizing the mission.
Perhaps Waid’s greatest achievement is making Alderaan—though destroyed—a character in its own right. Through the memories, stories, and struggles of its survivors, Alderaan becomes a symbol of hope and resilience. It’s a planet worth fighting for, even if it exists only as an idea.
The Art: Stunning Visuals with Purposeful Coloring
The artwork by Terry and Rachel Dodson is stunning. Their character designs strike a perfect balance, particularly with Evaan, who is portrayed as beautiful without being overly sexualized or objectified. The Dodsons manage to convey elegance and strength through their illustrations.
Initially, I wasn’t a fan of Jordie Bellaire’s coloring. I found it too bright and cartoonish for the serious tone of the story. However, upon rereading, I realized how wrong I was. Bellaire’s vibrant color palette is a deliberate choice—one that symbolizes hope. In a story about survival and resilience, the brightness serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, hope persists.
Why Princess Leia Is a Must-Read Comic for Star Wars Fans
Much like how the Han Solo comic of the same year, 2016, continued the tradition of Solo being the most exciting member of the rebellion, what makes Princess Leia stand out as a comic is the team’s ability to reimagine a beloved character while staying true to her core. Leia is no longer the damsel in distress (albeit one that rescues herself more than her rescuers do); she is the leader of a people in distress. Her mission to reunite Alderaan’s survivors is both deeply personal and universally inspiring.
The story’s themes of hope, leadership, and resilience, combined with Waid’s brilliant writing and the Dodsons’ stunning artwork, make this comic a must-read for any Star Wars fan. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Leia or someone new to the Star Wars comics, this series is a powerful addition to the galaxy far, far away.
Princess Leia Comic Review
The Princess Leia comic series is more than just a spin-off. It’s a bold and emotional exploration of one of the greatest characters in the Star Wars universe. From its compelling narrative to its vibrant artwork, this series is a testament to the power of storytelling in comics. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s time to give this gem a chance.
This review was written in 2016. This year, 2025, I am working on reading through all the Marvel Star Wars comics in chronological order.
I wonder if my opinion will change on the reread?
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