Poe Dameron Annual #1 Review

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Poe learns a larger lesson and makes a “shocking” discovery about the First Order.

This review contains plot details for Poe Dameron Annual #1.

Poe Dameron Annual #1

Writer: Robbie Thompson | Artist: Nik Virella | Colorist: Jordan Boyd | Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna | Cover Artists: Dan Mora & Matt Milla | Editor: Heather Antos | Supervising Editor: Jordan D. White

Poe Learns a Lesson the Hard Way

Poe Dameron Annual #1 is a nearly self-contained story. On a mission set sometime after Poe’s recovery of a droid from Kaddak, Poe investigates an unknown distress call. Unfortunately, he ends up in minefield, and if it weren’t for the quick thinking of BB-8, he would have perished with his ship. The remains of a shuttle float nearby, and after some improbable antics by Poe and BB-8, they reach this derelict. Once on board, they discover the First Order using this ship to smuggle weapons. In addition, Poe makes the shocking discovery that his old nemesis, Agent Terex is alive and behind this mission. Just as the First Order are about to overrun Poe’s position, Black Squadron arrives and saves the day. By the end of the issue, Poe learns a lesson about the “big picture” and his responsibilities.

Although an amusing adventure tale, Poe Dameron #1 is an unnecessary story. Furthermore, it mischaracterizes Poe and contains a continuity issue.

Mischaracterization of Poe

Poe Dameron seems like someone else in this issue. In fact, he takes on some of Han Solo’s characteristics. Han sometimes got by on luck. Poe isn’t that guy. In addition, this book portrays Poe as a renegade officer within in the Resistance. Prior to that issue, when was that the case? He was a good soldier and followed orders. Yet, this issue begins with him attempting to explain his failure to follow orders to General Organa. It is as if this issue confused Poe with someone else.

Also, when did Poe become so inept on his missions? He is the “best pilot in the Resistance” if you asked him. General Organa confirmed that in this issue. Yet, Poe’s current mission begins with him waking up floating in space. His ship blew up because he carelessly flew it into a minefield. He then takes an extremely risky chance in blowing up a mine to propel himself to the remains of a starship. This just doesn’t seem like Poe. In addition, Poe bumbles through the Imperial-infested, derelict ship he discovers. His skills and abilities have little to do with is success on this mission.

Poe seems like a weaker character because of this mission. Any growth he experienced seems forced.

Continuity Issue

This Poe Dameron story seems unnecessary. Furthermore, it seems out of time. Poe and Black Squadron completed their mission to Kaddak and escaped the fury of the Rancs. During this mission, the Rancs killed L’ulo in combat. Shortly thereafter, General Organa grounded Poe until he realized his importance to the Resistance and learned the bigger picture. Thereafter, he took on his recovery mission.

So, when exactly did this mission take place? Poe’s realization that Terrex is alive suggests he believes the First Order killed Terex after the Kaddak mission. In addition, the concluding page states this story continues in Poe Dameron #16. However, Poe Dameron #15 ends with Black Squadron attempting to recover fuel in a sabotaged freighter “no matter what” in memory of L’ulo. This story does not fit in the timeline. This is distracting.

Often times, annuals introduce new elements that later emerge in the ongoing comic series. The annuals are frequently hard to place in the timeline. The problem is this annual is nearly impossible to place in the timeline.

Conclusion

The story of Poe Dameron Annual #1 was unnecessary. There is no reason Poe’s discovery couldn’t have waited until Poe Dameron #16. In addition, this story does not fit in the timeline established in the Poe Dameron series. Plus, if Poe discovered the First Order’s involvement in smuggling weapons in the annual, the First Order’s involvement in disrupting Resistance shipments should not have been so surprising or unsuspected in Poe Dameron #15. Furthermore, other than Poe’s near-death experience in the void of space, nothing about this adventure seemed particularly unique.

Favorite Panel of Poe Dameron Annual #1

 The best thing Poe Dameron Annual #1 has going for it is the art. In particular, some of the shots of Poe floating in space are remarkably good. Therefore, I chose one such panel as the favorite for this issue.