Resistance Reborn

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Resistance Reborn was written by Rebecca Roanhorse and published by Del Rey on November 5, 2019.

The Resistance lies pulverized, almost into non-existence, in the aftermath of the Battle of Crait. The First Order has moved to seize control of key systems and their resources. Few seem willing to rise up against them, but those who are willing to take a stand need allies and supplies. Poe Dameron is more than willing to fight, and he wants to lead, but first he must come to terms with his failures. Others, who thought their fighting days over, will find themselves drawn back in, key elements in the rebirth of the Resistance.

Resistance Reborn does two pretty important things. First, it presents in some very vivid ways the impact of what we saw in The Last Jedi. It shows quite effectively how the galaxy has come under the sway of the First Order in the aftermath of the destruction of the Hosnian system and the near destruction of the Resistance. It shows how the FO has used fear, and the pre-emptive persecution of any potential opposition leaders, to gain a foothold. It also shows us the real state of the Resistance at this time. A few people on the run in the Millennium Falcon and Poe Dameron's Black Squadron. Low on supplies, seemingly without allies; and yet clinging audaciously, maybe even irrationally, to hope. I mean, there's a real sadness to it; and the author totally sells it. You really believe that a) they would all fight to the last person's last drop of blood or last breath and b) that seems to be the most likely scenario that's going to play out through most of the book. It also shows Poe struggling with the mistakes he made in TLJ and how those mistakes have impacted not only him but others. Second, Resistance Reborn digs deep into what has come before in the new canon. In much the same way that The Rise of Skywalker will be the culmination of the Sequel Trilogy (and the "Skywalker Saga" for those who don't think that already happened 36 years ago), there is much in this book that feels like the blossoming of seeds that have been planted over the last four years in other books, comics, and even a video game. I'm not saying Resistance Reborn pulls together everything in some grand finale, but it definitely does more than any other work I've read or seen to make this new canon feel like a truly shared galaxy. We get, not just easter egg type appearances, but actual plot important roles from Norra Wexley (Aftermath), Black Squadron (Poe Dameron comic series), Zay Versio and Shriv Suurgav (Battlefront II), Yendor (Lost Stars), and Ransolm Casterfo (Bloodline). Not only that, but Wedge, now married to Norra, plays a very big role in the book. As if that weren't enough: among those who come forward to aid the Resistance are an aged Gen. Rieekan and Orrimaarko. Yeah, you read that right. Prune Face is in it. I know I can stop right there because you're sold; but let me go on.
The book not only does these things, but it does them well. It starts immediately after The Last Jedi and picks up right where the final storyline in the Poe Dameron comic leaves off. Then we move to Corellia, where the FO has taken control of the famous shipyards. We meet Winshur Bratt, a FO records officer, and man is he a tool. This guy is such an overcompensating bully his name should have been Loss Smallrod; just the kind of petty jerk who would be attracted to the First Order. Anytime I'm reading a SW novel and I'm introduced to a new character who will obviously play a big role I get a little worried. Will this person, who will take time away from characters I already know and like drag the book down? I'll say this about Bratt: he could have just ended up being a caricature, but you get some insight into what makes him tick. Not too much; just enough. His is an arc of someone slipping from petty bullying into something deeper. After Poe and Black Squadron recruit allies (including Wedge, Norra, and a former Imperial who has no love for the First Order), it's time for action packed missions to acquire ships and liberate a group of FO prisoners who could be valuable allies. As the book begins to reach its climax, you have 3 missions going: two to Corellia, one led by Poe and the other by Wedge (again, Wedge gets quite a bit of good development in this book), and the third led by Shriv to a separate planet to acquire some ships. Wisely, that third mission is wrapped up earlier and the two Corellian groups merge as they make their getaway. Leia is of course in it as well and plays a prominent role, especially as the personification of the Resistance. Rey is there too, and honestly she doesn't do a whole lot; hangs out around Leia to keep her safe. I'm sure the author was told not to do much with Rey due to her role in TROS; but the scenes that she is in are good. Finn goes on the mission with Poe, and he is his usual rather corny self. I mean, I really think that's just who the character is supposed to be; this guy who has led a pretty sheltered existence until fairly recently. Rose and Connix have modest supporting roles.

The planet that Shriv and his team go to is Bracca, also featured in Jedi: Fallen Order.

Comic Pack Wish List:

I really hope we get an Old Man Wedge figure; he?s going to be in TROS you know, so it only makes sense.

Score:

If you don?t like the Sequel Trilogy, this book isn?t going to do much for you; but if you do, it?s a must read: 4 Skulls


Click HERE to order Alphabet Squadron graphic novel on Amazon (SPONSORED)

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