This episode marks the HALFWAY point in the original Classic Marvel Star Wars series that ran from 1977-1986! We break down Issue 54: “STARFIRE RISING” from September 1981, which serves as a continuation of repurposed JOHN CARTER, WARLORD OF MARS artwork created for the cancelled comic series. Not wanting to waste unused artwork which was done by the same artists as the Star Wars series, Chris Claremont was brought in to write a new Star Wars story based on that existing art. Then Walter Simonson adapted art to fit these issues 53 and 54, and Viola you have new Star Wars!

We are not sure why this issue is called STARFIRE RISING, but it should have been called CRUSH ON LEIA, since the story revolves around Aron Peacebringer (John Carter) having an existential crisis over his adulterous thoughts on Princess Leia. You can tell the moment the art switches from repurposed John Carter to Star Wars towards the end of the issue. Please enjoy.

After a thirty-three-year hiatus, Marvel Comics continues their classic Star Wars series with the release of issue #108 - Forever Crimson. We covered this issue in episode 495 since it was a direct continuation of issue #50: Crimson Forever which came out in 1981. Forever Crimson, published in celebration of Marvel’s 80th anniversary, encompasses five short stories that feature Jaxxon, Amaiza Foxtrain, and the droid-hating Valance the Hunter.

Release Date: September 22, 1981
Writer: Chris Claremont
Artwork: Walt Simonson, Carmine Infantino
Coloring: Glynis Wein
Cover Art: Walt Simonson

Imperial General Sk'ar captures Aron Peacebringer and Princess Leia. As the two heroes struggle against their bonds, Aron discovers that his friend Delois, has turned traitor and joined forces with Sk'ar. Now Delois and Skar plan to bomb Aron’s government - The Calian Confederacy.

When all seems lost, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, and Aron’s best friend Kéral Longknife arrive to fight the Imperials. Leia finds Sk'ar's anti-matter bomb and begins defusing it, but will she diffuse it in time or will this world be wiped out just like Alderaan?

We take our Facebook Group Comments on the cover into account as we analyze this issue. Become a part of our Facebook Group to contribute!

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