Luke Skywalker finds an unlikely new partner.
"The Screaming Citadel" is a very different animal from Marvel's first Star Wars crossover, "Vader Down." Where that storyline was all about the spectacle involved when Darth Vader single-handedly takes on the entire Rebel Alliance (sort of a precursor to Rogue One's final action sequence), "The Screaming Citadel" is a more intimate and unusual story. This is a crossover that banks heavily on the weird, enjoyable dynamic between fledgling Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker and archaeologist/all-around scoundrel Dr. Aphra. There's no better testament to the success of this issue than the fact that it left me craving an ongoing Luke/Aphra team-up comic.
This crossover builds on recent developments in both Jason Aaron's Star Wars and Kieron Gillen's Dr. Aphra comics. Luke is desperately seeking some way of improving his connection to the Force, and it just so happens that Aphra has gained possession of an ancient Jedi artifact that may hold the answers he seeks. Thus begins their unlikely team-up. This issue features characters like Han, Leia and Aphra's droids in small supporting roles, but the focus remains squarely on Luke and Aphra as they mingle among the high society of the planet Ktath’atn.
It's nice to see a quieter, more character-driven approach to a Star Wars crossover this time around. Gillen scripts this first issue, and he focuses on fleshing out the Luke/Aphra relationship rather than cramming in pointless action scenes. His script gets plenty of mileage out of the clash between Aphra's worldly, cynical outlook and Luke's farmboy naivete. There's ample humor and a dash of sex appeal to this pairing. Gillen's depiction of Ktath’atn culture and its sinister queen also stands out. This new world immediately comes across as a unique and worthwhile addition to the Star Wars universe. Gillen seems to have a particular talent for thinking outside the box and cooking up new worlds that don't simply regurgitate the same tropes from the films.
Artist Marco Checchetto more than does his part to start the crossover off on the right foot. Checchetto has just the right blend of grunge and high fantasy. His striking fashion and architectural designs are a major reason why the Ktath’atn setting stands out as much as it does. Who would have thought Luke would look so dashing in a tuxedo? But it's the final sequence where Checchetto shines the most. His depiction of the bizarre, frightening ritual powering the Queen's rule is really something to behold.
The Verdict
Marvel's second Star Wars crossover is shaping up to be stronger than the first. The Screaming Citadel #1 uses both Star Wars and Doctor Aphra as a logical jumping-off point, making the most of this unusual pairing and introducing a compelling new world in the process. Kieron Gillen and Marco Checchetto are the ideal creative team to play in a galaxy far, far away.
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