It’s time for another review of Star Wars Invasion!!  This time X-Wingurly has rejoined me as we take a look at the exploits of the Galfridian family and the war against the Yuuzhan Vong!!  Beware heavy spoilers are found after the break!

Corax: We start off as any good Star Wars story should, right in the middle of all the action.
 
X-Wingurly: I also liked that this issue cut straight to the point. Probably one of the best issues in terms of action and moving the story along.
 
Corax: We begin on Artorias where Finn and the Solo twins immediately go into panic mode to find Finn’s father, Caled. If Tom’s writing is any indication then he only bleeds adrenaline.  I love how he can set the stage for the comic and pull me out of a calm tranquel afternoon of celebrating my mom’s birthday into: OMG!!-Dulac-is-going-to-kill-King-Caled-before-Finn-gets-there!!
 
X-Wingurly: I liked that while the Solo twins were there in spirit, they were not at the forefront of anything. That has irked me in the past since the books already had them on adventures but here we see them take a backseat to the action and Finn finding his father. We briefly see Caled and Dulac in a fight where Dulac, for the most part, has the upper hand. But more on Caled in a bit.
 
Corax: After the introduction to Artorias, it cuts straight to Kaye.
 
X-Wingurly: Kaye has really risen to the occasion and it shows with how everyone respects her opinion and follows her lead. To me, she is the better hero than Finn at the moment.
 
Corax: We get a nice scene of the relationship between Kaye and Arbeloa when she asks him to call the troops to a halt. It’s not fear she’s just too short to give the signal. Arbeloa gave her a heartfelt speech about his loyalty in response. I agree with Arbeloa. Kaye is the best.
 
X-Wingurly: The next scene is what I liked. Vong engineered slaves fighting New Republic soldiers. You have read about them but now you actually get to see them. In picture it makes you realize how heinous the Vong really are. They make it a point to say that the slaves look like they are in pain rather than actually vicious warriors. Kudos to Wilson for bringing this to life.
 
Corax: And we also see Kaye’s compassionate nature. She spares a Twi’lek who attacked them and gave the order to capture, not kill, any slaves sent against them. While all this is happening, Tsalok and the Master Shaper are observing Kaye and her forces with astonishment.
 
X-Wingurly: They cannot get over why they would try and spare individuals. More or less the Vong believing they are better than them. At this point, they are right.
 
Corax: We also see the Jedi Yuledan trying to overcome the spineray. Nasty little thing.
 
X-Wingurly: I have always wondered what that living, torture device did. Maybe I missed an explanation somewhere else but here it is described that if you lie or put up resistance, it makes you feel as if all your organs on fire. Not even a Jedi with the Force can withstand that for a long period of time. And poor Yuledan did try. His fate is unknown as of yet but I put my money on eventual death.
 
Corax: I would have to agree. It already showed him not being able to overcome the spineray. One can only guess that his death is imminent. Unless Kaye can storm the compound and resuce him which doesn’t see too likely. The reader learns that the Master Shaper has altered some of the slaves and basically turned them into violent, blood thirsty fiends.
 
X-Wingurly: I compare it to Nordic lore of a warrior going into a berserker’s rage. Which basically means that because the Vong cannot control these slaves, Tsalok has to come up with another plan. But before that scene cuts out we get a sneak peak at one of those forbidden Vong relationships
 
Corax: Seems the Master Shaper, Nagme, has a thing for Tsalok. He tells her their relationship is forbidden but she reminds him that all her work is forbidden. I wonder if they will make cute little heretical Vong babies?
 
X-Wingurly: I do hope this is explored more. It gives the Vong more depth than just killing machines. After, we get a shot of one of the leaders captured. In good ol’ Vong fahsion, his body was ripped in half. This may make me sound disturbed but it was sad and awesome at the same time. It showed just how badass the Vong were. I was a bit afriad we wouldn’t see that as much but we have not been let down yet.
 
Corax: The Vong are definitely pulling out all the stops. Kaye and company are in trouble when they realize just how determined and lethal the Vong really are. For the last couple pages, we are whisked back across the galaxy to Artorias and the fate of Caled. Things still aren’t looking so good when Prowl shows up and shoots Dulac on Finn’s orders.
 
X-Wingurly: Finn and the Solo twins run in just in time to see Caled get hit in the face with..what was it? Acid? Poison?
 
Corax: I called it nasty Vong goop. Regardless, it did its job. Jaina and Jacen make nice with Dulac and cut him up but that does nothing to save Caled who is cradled in Finn’s arms.
 
X-Wingurly: That last shot is the horror on Finn’s face as he sees his father’s life melt away. Great close up. While I have had criticisms of Invasion for some things, I definitely will say I liked this issue. The action was there and the story didn’t drag out but thrust us to the next level.
 
Corax: Overall the issue was solid and action intense. Taylor and Wilson delivered.