Did you know that it’s possible for a comic to be cute, very shippy, have the characters feel slightly off, and yet still be rather delightful? Jason Aaron and Jorge Molina do just that in today’s Star Wars #23. As one might guess from the adorable cover, this issue definitely dives into the Han and Leia dynamic that comes to the forefront in Empire Strikes Back. The Rebels have stolen a Star Destroyer to try and break through a blockade and Leia and Han strongly disagree which one of them should be acting Captain while they wait for a Rebellion Admiral to rendezvous with them. Because they’re Han and Leia.

In all honesty, I think that the race through the Star Destroyer to the bridge is far too immature for Leia to actually take part in. Han I could buy but Leia? Not so much. Regardless, I still found myself giggling as I read their bickering and then drastic steps to one-up each other and make it to the bridge first. Meanwhile Sana speaks for all of us as she shakes her head at them.

Speaking of Sana, I continue to be delighted that she gets to play such a distinct role in this book and didn’t just disappear after that initial arc. Her chat with Luke when they’re in the TIE fighters is neat to read and lets us get to know both of them just a little bit better. I’m interested to see whether she ends up becoming a believer in the Rebel Alliance’s cause too or if she stays detached.

The short version? This issue feels somewhat out of character but it’s so damn cute and fun that I don’t care that much.

Oh and that last page? Yeah. Stuff is gonna go DOWN next issue and I can’t wait to read it.  

Star Wars #22: Jason Aaron/Writer, Jorge Molina/Artist, Matt Milla/Colorist, Chris Eliopoulos/Letterer, Jordan White/Editor, Heather Antos/Assistant Editor