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Star Wars Legends Epic Collection #42
Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The New Republic, Vol. 3
Wedge Antilles leads the Rogue Squadron into action and adventure! It begins with what should be a straightforward mission -but will a simple search-and-rescue end with a requiem for a Rogue? Then, meet the Empire's answer to Wedge and his elite band of X-wing pilots: Baron Fel, Imperial fl ying ace! And his wingmen are more than a match for anyone! Will Fel be Rogue Squadron's downfall - or could he be much, much more? Our heroes will face pirates, the vindictive Iceheart and an Imperial Star Destroyer! But their deadliest mission of all awaits: if the New Republic is to take hold of Imperial Center and turn the tide of war, Rogue Squadron must rescue former would-be Emperor Sate Pestage - the only trouble is, he's wanted by the Empire for high treason!
COLLECTING: STAR WARS: X-WING ROGUE SQUADRON 17-35
COLLECTING: STAR WARS: X-WING ROGUE SQUADRON 17-35
472 pages, Paperback
Published December 5, 2017
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151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
August 16, 2020
Now this is Star Wars as I've come to expect it! Forget the garbage Disney gave us; this is how a post-Return of the Jedi story should be done!
December 3, 2024
3.5 Stars
I’ve made no secret about my general dislike of the previous New Republic and therefore Rogue Squadron comics. Zahn, Perry, and Blackmon’s work in the previous 2 collections were boring and full of mediocre stories that did little to make the ace pilots of the New Republic likable or even interesting.
However, The New Republic Volume 3 rights a ton of wrongs and does an admirable job of bridging the thrilling exploits of Rogue Squadron with the novels of the same name, creating a stronger sense of continuity for fans of Michael Stackpole’s stellar storytelling. Stackpole, who is one of those rare authors that seems to truly understand the IP he’s working with, brings his skill to this volume, as the events feel impactful and relevant to the larger Star Wars universe.
One of the standout elements in this collection is the introduction of Baron Soontir Fel, whose compelling backstory is written perfectly and explained in a way that makes sense and isn’t rushed. His transformation from the Empire’s top TIE fighter pilot to a member of Rogue Squadron is a highlight of the series, shedding light on the moral complexities and personal sacrifices behind his defection. Fel’s arc not only adds emotional weight but also deepens the lore of Star Wars, giving more depth to the Rogue Squadron narrative with his unique perspective. The fall of Sate Pestage and the subsequent rise of Ysanne Isard (probably one of the better antagonists after Palpatine himself) is also a huge part of this collection.
And, if you’ve read any of the Rogue Squadron or other New Republic based novels, there are a ton of characters and settings in here that are recognizable and come into play later. On top of that there’s a ton of high stakes plotting, action, and great connections to the universe as a whole.
This could have been an easy 4 star read, but unfortunately, while the storytelling is quite good, the artwork struggles to keep up. The overly cartoonish style often undercuts the intensity and seriousness of the plot, making it difficult to be fully immersed in what should be a more mature and darker moment of Star Wars. Obviously this shouldn’t take away from the overall greatness of the arc Stackpole is telling, but it is kind of hard to stay in the story when moments that should feel dramatic or poignant sometimes come across as flat due to the inconsistent visuals that feel like they should be in a Mickey Mouse comic.
Those things aside, New Republic Volume 3 remains a worthwhile read for fans of Rogue Squadron and those eager to explore lesser-known corners of the Star Wars universe and massive improvement over the other 2 collections that came before it.
I’ve made no secret about my general dislike of the previous New Republic and therefore Rogue Squadron comics. Zahn, Perry, and Blackmon’s work in the previous 2 collections were boring and full of mediocre stories that did little to make the ace pilots of the New Republic likable or even interesting.
However, The New Republic Volume 3 rights a ton of wrongs and does an admirable job of bridging the thrilling exploits of Rogue Squadron with the novels of the same name, creating a stronger sense of continuity for fans of Michael Stackpole’s stellar storytelling. Stackpole, who is one of those rare authors that seems to truly understand the IP he’s working with, brings his skill to this volume, as the events feel impactful and relevant to the larger Star Wars universe.
One of the standout elements in this collection is the introduction of Baron Soontir Fel, whose compelling backstory is written perfectly and explained in a way that makes sense and isn’t rushed. His transformation from the Empire’s top TIE fighter pilot to a member of Rogue Squadron is a highlight of the series, shedding light on the moral complexities and personal sacrifices behind his defection. Fel’s arc not only adds emotional weight but also deepens the lore of Star Wars, giving more depth to the Rogue Squadron narrative with his unique perspective. The fall of Sate Pestage and the subsequent rise of Ysanne Isard (probably one of the better antagonists after Palpatine himself) is also a huge part of this collection.
And, if you’ve read any of the Rogue Squadron or other New Republic based novels, there are a ton of characters and settings in here that are recognizable and come into play later. On top of that there’s a ton of high stakes plotting, action, and great connections to the universe as a whole.
This could have been an easy 4 star read, but unfortunately, while the storytelling is quite good, the artwork struggles to keep up. The overly cartoonish style often undercuts the intensity and seriousness of the plot, making it difficult to be fully immersed in what should be a more mature and darker moment of Star Wars. Obviously this shouldn’t take away from the overall greatness of the arc Stackpole is telling, but it is kind of hard to stay in the story when moments that should feel dramatic or poignant sometimes come across as flat due to the inconsistent visuals that feel like they should be in a Mickey Mouse comic.
Those things aside, New Republic Volume 3 remains a worthwhile read for fans of Rogue Squadron and those eager to explore lesser-known corners of the Star Wars universe and massive improvement over the other 2 collections that came before it.
November 18, 2020
This is a wonderful palate-cleanser after the tragedy of the Disney Sequel trilogy.
We have Wedge and the Rogues acting like their true selves, on missions with impossible odds and hordes of foes. In the background we have the machinations of Ysanne Isard slowing gaining power on Coruscant by stealth and treachery (shades of The Godfather in some of the panels).
We don't need to have Luke, Han, Chewie and Leia front and centre all the time, although their cameos are welcome and in character. Absent are the broken shadows of these heroes that were portrayed onscreen in the 2010s.
I know which continuity I prefer - it is the one that celebrates hope and which doesn't denigrate the achievements of its well loved characters.
We have Wedge and the Rogues acting like their true selves, on missions with impossible odds and hordes of foes. In the background we have the machinations of Ysanne Isard slowing gaining power on Coruscant by stealth and treachery (shades of The Godfather in some of the panels).
We don't need to have Luke, Han, Chewie and Leia front and centre all the time, although their cameos are welcome and in character. Absent are the broken shadows of these heroes that were portrayed onscreen in the 2010s.
I know which continuity I prefer - it is the one that celebrates hope and which doesn't denigrate the achievements of its well loved characters.
March 3, 2020
WARNING! Here Be Spoilers! Proceed with caution!
This was a great read full of drama and action, and I learned some pretty amazing things about Wedge's character. I had no idea that he had a sister, let alone one who is married to basically the Empire's Red Baron. The various characters of Rogue Squadron are cool and I think, if Disney decides to adapt some of the Legends Universe material as alternate Star Wars productions to their mainstream stuff, that Rogue Squadron's adventures would make a great live-action streaming series.
The whole Sate Prestage storyline is interesting and the political backstabbing drama of Ysane Isard is impressive Game of Thrones-level machinations. Also, Baron Soontir de Fel (Did I spell that correctly?) is such a fascinating character. Like I said earlier, he's practically the Imperial equivalent of Baron Manfred von Richtofen a.k.a. the Red Baron, the high-flying ace of World War I Germany. Also, finding out his ties to Wedge and a surprising amount of characters from both the Squadron and the Original Trilogy are pretty cool.
Great read, but abrupt ending. Guess I should also check out the non-graphic novels of Rogue Squadron by Stackpole for extra story.
This was a great read full of drama and action, and I learned some pretty amazing things about Wedge's character. I had no idea that he had a sister, let alone one who is married to basically the Empire's Red Baron. The various characters of Rogue Squadron are cool and I think, if Disney decides to adapt some of the Legends Universe material as alternate Star Wars productions to their mainstream stuff, that Rogue Squadron's adventures would make a great live-action streaming series.
The whole Sate Prestage storyline is interesting and the political backstabbing drama of Ysane Isard is impressive Game of Thrones-level machinations. Also, Baron Soontir de Fel (Did I spell that correctly?) is such a fascinating character. Like I said earlier, he's practically the Imperial equivalent of Baron Manfred von Richtofen a.k.a. the Red Baron, the high-flying ace of World War I Germany. Also, finding out his ties to Wedge and a surprising amount of characters from both the Squadron and the Original Trilogy are pretty cool.
Great read, but abrupt ending. Guess I should also check out the non-graphic novels of Rogue Squadron by Stackpole for extra story.
September 6, 2024
Probably my favorite New Republic epic collection so far, though still not as great the epic collections for other eras. Something about the Rogue Squadron series is making me struggle to connect with the story or characters, though I can't quite pinpoint what it is. I will say, the arc of Soontir Fel in this is great, and I very much enjoyed the issues centered around him. Especially the one that focused on his backstory. I think these are worthwhile issues to read if you are fan of Rogue Squadron in particular.
January 28, 2018
Uma verdadeira overdose de Rogue Squadron. O esquema narrativo é sempre o mesmo, aventuras com adrenalina e enredos que exploram as forças leais a um império que se recusa a ser derrotado. O nível gráfico e narrativo não é especialmente memorável, apesar de alguns bons detalhes que agradam aos fãs da saga.
January 24, 2026
Solid Stars Wars content as it should be, a lot of stories are written by Stackpole so it leads into his novels quite well. Most everything is in 4 issue arcs so it never really feels too rushed though sometimes it is a little too quick moving and perhaps 5-6 issue arcs would have been better.
Art is varied as different artists pencil the issues.
Art is varied as different artists pencil the issues.
June 28, 2019
This is a great collection of comics, completing the X-Wing comic series, which to me is Classic Star Wars full of action and excitement.
April 20, 2021
Same as the previous, very consistent in quality and very enjoyable. I really enjoy the Easter eggs to the novels and the well thought out plotlines in this volume.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews