Galaxy’s Edge: Echoes of the Empire #2 was released this week, fresh off the debut of the original trilogy revamp at Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge. This series explores the world of Batuu and its connection to the original trilogy, introducing readers to the people of Black Spire Outpost so they have a frame of reference when they visit the park. Ethan Sacks wrote this comic and the previous Galaxy’s Edge comic, which did the same setup for the sequel era, while Echoes of the Empire features art by Roi Mercado and Jethro Morales and cover art by Phil Noto.
Like the first Galaxy’s Edge comic, Echoes of the Empire is an admirable attempt at cohesive worldbuilding for a change that could have easily gone unexplained. That’s the sort of thing I love about Star Wars canon. A project like this exists to honor and amplify the work put into Galaxy’s Edge and explore it for Star Wars lore fans who care deeply about this universe.
That’s why this comic, and frankly, this revamp to the park, pains me a bit. I’ll admit that I’m a superfan. That’s why I’m bummed by this comic. It’s made for me, and I remain disappointed. But there is still stuff to love here, with the potential for a worthwhile story confrontation between Vader, Leia, and Luke during this time period if this series can live up to its promise.