In space, no one can hear you smooch.
I didn't expect to enjoy this comic book. The newer additions to the Star Wars family of films have left me unimpressed, and I was doubtful of what revisiting the clasic characters of the 1970s could accomplish. Overall, Winick offers up an inconsequential story that doesn't add much to the Han/Leia relationship, but it was a fun piece. It felt like I was watching a deleted scene from The Empire Strikes Back on DVD.
After the destruction of the Death Star, rogue mercenary Han Solo decides to stick around the Rebel base to pitch in, but the spark between him and Princess Leia soon turns to friction. That spurs Han to head out and move on, but he's committed to a final mission on the surface of Hoth. Weather proves to be a problem, though, and the ship he and Leia are piloting goes down in the frozen wasteland. Han's thoughts turn to his friend Chewie, whose ship also went down under even more dangerous circumstances.
Chadwick's artwork here captures the mood of the first two Star Wars films quite well. The likenesses of Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher aren't spot on, but Chadwick doesn't miss the mark either. I think it's because he hasn't sacrificed his own style to the gods of licensed properties here, and that's impressive. The sparse but impressively technological look of the Rebel base is maintained, as is the snowy, sub-zero landscape of Hoth. Most importantly, though, Chadwick instills a soft, tender quality in both of the main characters that's in keeping with the vulnerability both feel in this script.
The strongest aspect of this book is not Winick's exploration of the relationship between Han and Leia, but the spotlight on the relationship between Han and Chewbacca. The bond between these two friends isn't really explored in the Star Wars movies, and Winick wisely decides to fill in the gaps here. Even though he's rarely seen in this story, we get a strong sense of who Chewbacca is and how important loyalty -- and even some friendly ribbing -- is to him.
Of course, Han's reminiscence of his friendship with Chewie gives Leia a look inside him, and it bridges the gaps between two radically different people. Despite their backgrounds, friendship and loyalty are the traits they share, and that's what draws them to one another. Of course, Winick isn't free to delve too deeply into the romance, but he does a decent job within understandable limitations.
