Poe Dameron #28 Review

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Poe Dameron #28 debuts a new perspective as Black Squadrons adventures from The Force Awakens unfold. Dennis reviews the discussion and a new mission.

This article contains plot details for Poe Dameron #28.

Poe Dameron #28

 Writer: Charles Soule | Artist: Angel Unzueta | Colorist: Arif Prianto | Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna | Cover Artist: Phil Noto | Assistant Editors: Heather Antos & Tom Groneman | Editors: Jordan D. White (with Mark Paniccia)

Poe Dameron #28 continues the recent story arc that recounts the adventures of Poe and the rest of Black Squadron during the events of The Force Awakens. After the Battle of Crait, as seen in The Last Jedi, Poe passed the time as the remains of the Resistance fled through hyperspace aboard the Millennium Falcon by telling Rey and Finn the story from his perspective. The issue commences with the attack on Starkiller Base. As the panels progress and the battle commences, a story unfolds and narrative boxes describe the actions of the Resistance fighters. At first, the perspective appears as if told from one of the pilots. However, as the reader proceeds through the pages, the surprise identity of the narrator is revealed. That is the first of a few new elements and details added to the Star Wars saga in issue Poe Dameron #28.

The Uncommon Narrator

So, who is the narrator relating the tale of the Battle of Starkiller Base? Who is his companion? The narrator is none other than BB-8. His companion is R2-D2. After the revelation, a review of the dialogue makes it obvious. The panels make it clear it isn’t Poe talking. The companion is obviously someone with more combat experience than the narrator and served the Rebellion during the time of the attack on the Death Star. Plus, the companion had a lot of knowledge and personal experience with Leia and Han Solo. Furthermore, R2 conveys his thoughts about his experience with Rey and how special she is. These are all fantastic hints left by Charles Soule.

This portion of the book was an incredible treat. Artoo is rarely given an inner monologue. BB-8 has had even fewer opportunities. To read a conversation between them is something special. Granted, this technique requires a special touch. Getting their voices just right can’t be simple. Nor can it be overdone. Artoo and Beebee-Ate come off as friendly, slightly flirtatious, adventurous, and playful behind their beeps on screen. Charles Soule did an excellent job capturing the spirit of the two droids and transcribing their dialogue into words the reader can understand.

In addition, in just a few pages, Soule managed to expand on the personalities of these two droids. Each has an incredible affection for their companions. Artoo is a true believer in the Rebel and Resistance cause. He will follow Leia to the ends of the galaxy. He understands Han Solo’s nature as well as anyone. Furthermore, Artoo shares an epiphany. He thanks BB-8 for sharing the story. Then he remarks that these stories are important, and he believes it is his destiny to be present and record such moments. Think on that for a second: a droid believes in destiny. Mind boggling. And to think he once called Threepio a “mindless philosopher.” Artoo has more than a little philosophy to him as well.

Jedi Study

Artoo and BB-8’s conversation is finally interrupted by Threepio. After the interruption, the two astromechs return to conversing in beeps, blops, and bloops. Then Threepio returns to assisting Rey. This is another special scene. For one, Rey and Threepio haven’t really had any screen time together. Now Rey needs Threepio’s assistance. Without Luke around, it is up to Rey to learn the secrets of the Jedi on her own. She effectively stepped into Luke’s shoes when he was the sole Jedi in the galaxy. She turns to the ancient Jedi texts, but she can’t read them without Threepio’s help and expertise. Soule and Angel Unzueta added a touch of comedy as a porg appears to study the text Rey is reading, but it is actually easy to miss if the reader is just paying attention to Rey and Threepio. This is the beginning of Rey’s continued education in the way of the Jedi. It is a brief but important moment.

Bringing Finn Up to Speed

Elsewhere on the Millennium Falcon, Finn looks after Rose while Poe expresses his optimism and his belief in the Resistance. Finn asks Poe to fill in some blanks for him. Although he survived the mission to Canto Bight, Finn still doesn’t know how the First Order got the upper hand after the destruction of Starkiller Base. Poe then explains how the First Order moved on D’Qar faster than anyone anticipated and forced a rapid evacuation of the Resistance base there. At that time, Poe outlined his plan to distract the First Order attack force and create an opening for the rest of the Resistance to escape. Some considered Poe’s plan to be a suicide mission. In response, Leia approved the mission and expressed how grateful they all were.

Not everyone was thrilled with Poe’s plan though. The rest of Black Squadron wanted in on the mission. However, Leia had other ideas. Leia was concerned about the survival of the Resistance. If the First Order wins at D’Qar, then it could end the Resistance and doom the galaxy to tyranny. Therefore, she sends Snap, Karé, Jess, and Suralinda on a mission to reach out to their allies in the hopes of recruiting more support. As the issue concludes, Threepio shares with Poe that the rest of Black Squadron has a report, and it isn’t exactly good news.

Concluding Thoughts on Poe Dameron #28

Poe Dameron #28 is a joy to read. If the issue ended after BB-8 and R2-D2’s conversation, it would have been worth it. However, this issue begins Rey’s continued education in the Force. Plus, it sets up a new adventure for Black Squadron that fills in details that resolve an issue from The Last Jedi. Also, this series is nearing its conclusion. The series ends with issue #31. Star Wars fans may have to content themselves with the next few issues for Star Wars content that occurs during or after the Battle of Crait until Episode IX arrives in December of 2019. If that is so, at least things seem to be going out with a bang.