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Star Wars: Mara Jade #1
Star Wars: Mara Jade - By The Emperor's Hand (1998-1999) #1
After she fails to eliminate the young Jedi Luke Skywalker, Mara Jade is dispatched to take down a crimelord who seeks to reestablish the criminal organization Black Sun. Little does she know that the Emperor's imminent date with death will change her life forever!
23 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 22, 2015
About the author
Jan Duursema
543 books20 followersSometimes credited as Jan Duursema-Mandrake. Jan Duursema is an American comics artist known for her work on the Star Wars comics franchise.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 19, 2025
"It was okay." - 2 out of 5 star rating.
I am all for learning more about Mara Jade and have read her books and totally tracking the whole Emperors Hand arc with her. I came into these comics with excitement and an open mind... I left feeling wanting for more than what was delivered here.
While the artwork is decent, the overall plot, story, and flow of events is pretty lackluster. I also didn't really care for the over sexualization of Mara, which seems like every over page is an ass shot of her. I am all about the appreciation and beauty of women, but it just seemed a bit much here and an immature, teenage boy targeting angle more than anything.
If you are a diehard Mara Jade fan, these are worth a peruse. Otherwise, you are not missing out on much here.
I am all for learning more about Mara Jade and have read her books and totally tracking the whole Emperors Hand arc with her. I came into these comics with excitement and an open mind... I left feeling wanting for more than what was delivered here.
While the artwork is decent, the overall plot, story, and flow of events is pretty lackluster. I also didn't really care for the over sexualization of Mara, which seems like every over page is an ass shot of her. I am all about the appreciation and beauty of women, but it just seemed a bit much here and an immature, teenage boy targeting angle more than anything.
If you are a diehard Mara Jade fan, these are worth a peruse. Otherwise, you are not missing out on much here.
May 3, 2023
4 stars (3 1/2 stars for the entire series)
An intriguing look into the character of Mara Jade, however the ending falls a bit flat.
An intriguing look into the character of Mara Jade, however the ending falls a bit flat.
November 30, 2020
Mara gets going
Good start to series though a bit confusing if you don’t know the origins of the story or character already.
Good start to series though a bit confusing if you don’t know the origins of the story or character already.
May 1, 2026
#1-6 Series Review:
I originally read this graphic novel wayback when but this past week was the first time I re-visited it in way too long. Mara Jade has always been my favorite character introduced in the now non-canon SWEU. Ever since Timothy Zahn created her back in Heir to the Empire, I couldn't imagine reading a comic book, graphic novel, or full length novel without her making an appearance. So when we got to see a glimpse into her past that began to bridge the gap between Return of the Jedi and Heir to the Empire I jumped at the chance even though if I'm completely honest at that time had rarely read comic book or graphic novel format. I was completely enthralled then and I still am today, despite being non-canon Mara Jade, the Emperor's Hand is a fun and intriguing bit of SW storytelling. No matter how you view the differing timelines or multiverse as some might label them, I highly recommend any Star Wars fan giving this a read. You won't be disappointed.
I originally read this graphic novel wayback when but this past week was the first time I re-visited it in way too long. Mara Jade has always been my favorite character introduced in the now non-canon SWEU. Ever since Timothy Zahn created her back in Heir to the Empire, I couldn't imagine reading a comic book, graphic novel, or full length novel without her making an appearance. So when we got to see a glimpse into her past that began to bridge the gap between Return of the Jedi and Heir to the Empire I jumped at the chance even though if I'm completely honest at that time had rarely read comic book or graphic novel format. I was completely enthralled then and I still am today, despite being non-canon Mara Jade, the Emperor's Hand is a fun and intriguing bit of SW storytelling. No matter how you view the differing timelines or multiverse as some might label them, I highly recommend any Star Wars fan giving this a read. You won't be disappointed.
December 2, 2025
From what I remember, this was a great book! I read it almost 20 years ago, heh. Once I got into the Star Wars movies, I needed more after watching them, so I started reading the books :)
And I absolutely loved Mara Jade's story, absolutely fantastic reads!
And I absolutely loved Mara Jade's story, absolutely fantastic reads!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews