Ricky Church reviews Star Wars: Forces of Destiny – Hera…
Since Star Wars Rebels premiered, Hera Syndulla has become a fan-favourite character and an important figure in the early days of the Rebellion. The latest in IDW’s Forces of Destiny series focuses on Hera as she continues spreading hope and resistance across the galaxy, telling a short story of Hero on a solo mission to a remote farming outpost that the Empire is interested in.
Writer Devin Grayson captures Hera’s voice fairly well. Hera’s attitude is spunky and witty, but Grayson focuses on Hera’s role as a leader and saboteur. Rather than attacking the Imperials head-on, Hera teaches the community how to rebel quietly and efficiently through subtle means than just outright violence. Its nice to see Hera teaching others how to outthink the Empire and the emphasis on her qualities as a leader.
Hera is a fairly simple story and one that leans a little more towards the light, kiddy side of the franchise as most of the Imperials presented are rather bumbling idiots. Its got a good feeling to it as the issue’s theme focuses on leadership and passive resistance, though Hera does get involved in a chase with the Empire towards the end of the issue. It definitely fits with the rest of the Forces of Destiny stories, both the previous comics and cartoon series, and fans of both will enjoy this.
The art is quite animated with the action flowing clearly. Eva Wildermann does well with Hera, particularly her facial expressions, and the other character designs. The action at the beginning and end of the issue flows pretty well from panel to panel. Monica Kubina’s colours compliment Wildermann’s art, giving a lot of vibrant colours throughout the issue.
Star Wars: Forces of Destiny – Hera is a fun comic that subverts the usual ‘fight the Empire’ story by focusing on Hera’s experience as a saboteur. Grayson has a good handle on Hera’s character and the art from Wildermann and Kubina really make a vibrant look for the story. Fans of Forces of Destiny should enjoy this adventure from Hera.
Rating: 7/10
Ricky Church
