Revealed: Reasons Behind Star Wars Heroes Missing from The Force Awakens’ Major Battle

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: Battle of Jakku – Last Stand #1

Revealing the Heroes’ Roles in the Battle of Jakku

The Star Wars franchise has finally started to illuminate the whereabouts of its iconic heroes during the pivotal Battle of Jakku. This significant event serves as the backdrop in the desert setting featured prominently in the 2015 film, Force Awakens. The Battle of Jakku represents the concluding conflict that marked the end of the Galactic Civil War, occurring roughly a year after the second Death Star’s destruction at Endor. Until now, specific details regarding the participation of Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Lando Calrissian, and Han Solo in this battle have remained largely undisclosed.

Various mediums, including novels, comics, and video games, have explored the Battle of Jakku. However, concrete details surrounding character involvement, especially Luke Skywalker, have been scarce, often enveloped in myth. While Leia, Han, and Lando’s activities surrounding the battle have been documented, their specific roles during the conflict itself have not been fully revealed. The newly released comic, Last Stand #1, crafted by the talented team of Alex Segura, Jethro Morales, and Leonard Kirk, starts to shed light on the unique mission that the heroes undertook—one intricately connected to Jakku yet distinct from the primary struggle between the New Republic and the Shattered Empire.

Governor Adelhard: A New Faction at Jakku

A Coalition of Loyalists and Spice Runners

Adelhard's Coalition in Jakku Last Stand #1

As observed in the comprehensive Battle of Jakku saga by Marvel, including titles like Insurgency Rising and Republic Under Siege, Grand Moff Adelhard has evolved into a formidable adversary. He has asserted that the Battle of Endor marked a triumph for the Empire, subsequently consolidating power in the Anoat sector and dismissing contrary reports as mere Rebel propaganda. Adelhard has also allied himself with the dark side cult, the Acolytes of the Beyond, and the Spice Runners of Kijimi.

In Last Stand #1, it becomes evident that Adelhard’s descent into madness renders him an unpredictable and perilous new faction, poised to confront both the New Republic and the Shattered Empire at the upcoming Battle of Jakku.

The Reunion of Iconic Rebel Heroes

Gathering on Chandrila

Additionally, Last Stand #1 portrays a pregnant Princess Leia struggling against the relentless Acolytes, who are launching continued assaults on the New Republic capital of Chandrila, shortly after the Empire’s Gallius Rax had instigated previous attacks, as noted in the Aftermath novels. With Adelhard’s escalating thirst for vengeance, Leia’s determination to unite her family and trusted allies against the Grand Moff becomes paramount. Notably, Luke receives Leia’s summons after confirming Adelhard’s survival.

Simultaneously, Lando returns to Chandrila with his squadron after liberating parts of the Anoat Sector, including Cloud City. Meanwhile, Han Solo is en route to assist, having honored Chewbacca with a mission to liberate the Wookiees on Kashyyyk, as detailed in the Aftermath series. This impending reunion of the original trilogy’s heroes amidst the Galactic Civil War is sure to resonate with fans and adds a thrilling dynamic to the narrative.

Adelhard: Unraveling the Absence of Classic Characters

Defending the New Republic (and the Imperial Remnant)

Luke Skywalker on Jakku Last Stand #1 Cover

The Battle of Jakku was a significant and destructive conflict that scattered countless wrecked ships across the desert landscape, as highlighted in The Force Awakens. While both sides had their heroes within the chaos, the more notable characters often took a backseat, which has turned the narrative into one of intrigue. The convergence of Luke, Leia, Han, and Lando to confront Adelhard feels like a natural progression that ties back to Jakku without overshadowing the overall context of the battle.

Addressing the threat posed by Adelhard and his forces will be pivotal for the safety of the New Republic. Intriguingly, the Imperial Remnant is equally at risk due to Adelhard’s vengeful plans. This scenario promises an exciting exploration in the remaining issues of this new Star Wars series.