Star Wars Defeats Palpatine’s Imperial Successor: Is the Galactic Threat Truly Over?

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: Battle of Jakku – Republic Under Siege #4

Grand Moff Adelhard: A Betrayal that Changes Everything

The recent Star Wars saga has delivered a dramatic twist with the fall of its latest Imperial antagonist, Grand Moff Adelhard. As depicted in Marvel’s ongoing series, Battle of Jakku, Adelhard, who had been rallying Imperial forces to oppose the New Republic independently, faces a devastating betrayal just as tensions escalate before the climactic battle at Jakku. This conflict, which unfolds a year post the Battle of Endor, signals the beginning of the end for the Imperial remnants. Despite his setbacks, it seems Adelhard may not be finished yet.

Inside the Downfall of Grand Moff Adelhard

In the final issue of Battle of Jakku – Republic Under Siege #4, penned by Alex Segura with artwork by Stefano Raffaele, we witness the unraveling of Adelhard’s ambitions. The issue showcases his decline after believing he could assume the mantle left by Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader. His overconfidence blinded him to the vulnerabilities within his own forces, leading to a significant betrayal that would mark a turning point in this saga.

Reyna Oskure: The Architect of Betrayal

While planning a decisive strike against the New Republic, Adelhard is blindsided by Reyna Oskure, an established Anszanti and member of the dark side cult, the Acolytes of the Beyond. Their past romantic connection complicates matters, as Reyna is revealed to be serving her own ambitions rather than being a loyal ally. With her newfound power, she has commandeered Adelhard’s fleet and Iron Blockade stationed in the Anoat Sector, signaling a radical shift in the balance of power.

After Reyna’s coup, Adelhard, alongside Commander Bragh and a handful of loyal troopers, find themselves in an escape pod that ultimately crashes on a desolate planet. With the crash rendering navigation impossible, amid the chaos, Adelhard reflects on the cautionary words once imparted by Darth Vader. It finally dawns upon him that the Empire he revered is irretrievably lost.

The Question of Survival: Will Adelhard Rise Again?

In an unexpected turn of events, evidence suggests that there is still hope for Adelhard’s survival. Commander Bragh, thanks to his distinctive Purge Trooper armor, might have played a pivotal role in ensuring the Moff’s chance of living to fight another day. This theory is bolstered by a monologue from Adelhard at the issue’s conclusion, hinting at a resurgence that could shape the future of the galaxy as the remnants of the Empire attempt to reclaim their legacy. While the original Adelhard may have met his end, we can anticipate a more sinister version to emerge in the impending final arc of the Battle of Jakku series, titled Last Stand.

Star Wars: Battle of Jakku – Republic Under Siege #4 is now available from Marvel Comics.

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