Poe Dameron #12 Review

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Poe and C-3PO attempt to out think Terex and the Ranc gang in Poe Dameron #12

Warning: This article contains spoiler for Poe Dameron #12.

Poe Dameron #12

Writer: Charles Soule | Artist: Phil Noto | Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna | Cover Artist: Phil Noto | Assistant Editor: Heather Antos | Editor: Jordan D. White

Another Desolate World

If there is one thing the Star Wars galaxy has in abundance, it is desolate worlds. After escaping the planet of Kaddak in the previous issue, Terex and his Rancs shot down Poe Dameron over a deserted, desolate world. Now, Poe Dameron, BB-8, C-3PO, and N1-ZX must outrun Terex and the Rancs through a cave to reach the safety and complete their mission for the Resistance in Poe Dameron #12.

Against the Odds

Although this issue is enjoyable, it is also full of tropes. For instance, Poe and his companions are outmanned and outgunned. Therefore, they resort to trickery to even the odds. BB-8 stealthily melts the base of an enormous icicle that crashes down on the heads of some of the Rancs. In another example, C-3PO turns the natural inhabitants of the cave by convincing the bat-like creatures the Rancs are after them. In addition, members of Poe’s team sacrifice themselves one by one for the greater good of the mission. These are all plot points and devices seen in countless other movies, comics, and television shows.

Droid Rights

An ongoing theme in Poe Dameron is the rights and status of droids. Threepio previously remarked on the invisibility of droids. Most denizens of the galaxy see them as nothing more than appliances. Therefore, they make ideal spies. Nobody notices the refrigerator, and similarly, nobody notices the droid doing anything strange.

This theme gradually expanded. Not only are droids invisible, they are expendable. BB-8’s position was risky at best. Although it might have distracted the Rancs, it was only a temporary distraction. While his fate in this issue is unclear, because it happened off-panel, BB-8’s sacrifice seemed unnecessary. Later, Threepio’s attempt to even the odds ends with dire consequences for himself.

Poe is touched by Threepio’s offer. He knows that Threepio’s plan is a self-sacrifice. It is hard to decide whether Threepio’s programming makes this frustrating or noble. Threepio explains that he is only a droid. He can be rebuilt, Poe cannot. Therefore, it is his pleasure to serve Poe Dameron. It is not the first, nor the last time that Threepio sacrifices his wellbeing for his allies. For example, he once removed a shock bolt from Chewbacca at great danger to himself (see Star Wars #11). For all his bluster, nagging, and worry, Threepio is a hero from time-to-time.

It is disheartening to see droids treated to casually. Threepio is a hero of the Rebellion. His service must count for something. One can hope this trend reverses in the future.

Terex’s Hostages

An ongoing plot line of the Poe Dameron series is the mole among Black Squadron. Last issue revealed Oddy as the mole. However, Oddy is no common traitor. Terex held his wife hostage. In fact, Terex holds many hostages to gain leverage over people in sensitive positions. Oddy appears to be in a position to change that, but the resolution to this issue must await another day.

This story line seems to hint that Terex’s run is nearly over. Actually, this plot line coupled with others suggests Terex may not have much longer. For one, Oddy might conclude the hostage situation. In addition, Terex drew the ire of Captain Phasma, Kylo Ren, and Supreme Leader Snoke with this current situation. That isn’t a trio one should annoy. Finally, he extracted a memory chip from Threepio. He simply cannot get away with that.

The Cavalry Arrives and Conclusion

Right before engaging Terex and the Rancs in the last issue, Poe instructed BB-8 to send a message to the Resistance. They finally arrived. Although Poe is pinned in the caves below, Black Squadron shows up and Snap Wexley takes the fight to the Rancs in space. Their arrival, coupled with the other circumstances mentioned earlier, seems to signal the conclusion to this story arc. This seems like the final act.

The Rancs and Black Squadron brought their fight to an isolated area of space. The delicacies of the Republic and the First Order aren’t a consideration. Poe is cornered. Terex must deliver on his promises to the First Order. This doesn’t seem like the type of fight everyone walks away from. In addition, Poe needs to get back to his primary mission locating Lor San Tekka. Also, Black Squadron taking on some First Order Stormtroopers would be welcome.

Despite all the action, the story of this issue was easy to summarize. It is a fun adventure even if it doesn’t seem entirely new. Bring on the dogfighting between the Rancs and Black Squadron.

Favorite Panel op Poe Dameron #12

Threepio has a static expression. That is the way it has always been. With that said, Phil Noto still managed to convey something akin to shock, grief, and worry on Threepio’s face. Terex just took out BB-8. As the little droid plummets, he emits a loud “beep.” When it concludes, BB-8 presumably crashed and “perished” (although we know that isn’t the case). Threepio’s response of “Oh dear,” and “Poor Beebee-Ate” coupled with his look somehow evocated emotion on the motionless droid face. That is the favorite panel of Poe Dameron #12.