Warning! Spoilers for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser – Halcyon Legacy #1
A forgotten Star Wars Legends character has returned to the galaxy in a new comic. Originally appearing in Marvel’s Star Wars comics throughout the 1970s and 80s, Crimson Jack is canon again.
Before Dark Horse Comics had the license to publish Star Wars comics, Marvel was releasing comics expanding on the original trilogy. The adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and the other rebels continued in comics that frequently infringed on the saga that the films were building. As the comics were intended for young readers, they included characters that didn’t always feel authentic to the Star Wars galaxy, like the green rabbit alien “Jaxxon.” One of the ing cast of the comics receives a cameo in Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser – Halcyon Legacy #1, written by Ethan Sacks with art by Will Sliney, and a cover by E.M. Gist.
The pirate Crimson Jack is now a part of Star Wars canon again in the miniseries intended to tie into Disney’s Starcruiser Hotel. Known by the nickname “Redbeard,” he led a band of space pirates during the original Star Wars comics. Now, Crimson Jack of modern canon is doing the same, and has partnered with the First Order. In Halcyon Legacy #1, he is trying to take down the titular starcruiser, the Halcyon. Upon learning that the ship contains a member of the Resistance, he knew what he had to do, seeking a reward from the First Order. Although he has primarily appeared in a hologram, his characterization seems similar to the 70s and 80s title. The ongoing premise of the title centers around Crimson Jack’s threat to those onboard the ship, hinting that he might also have a role with the actual Starcruiser Hotel.
During the original Star Wars comics, Crimson Jack worked for Jabba the Hutt and went after Han Solo and Leia. He became an antagonist of the rebels, but altered his allegiance depending on the storyline. Similar to Lando, he was depicted as a somewhat nuanced character, but it was eventually revealed he was only in the alliance for profit. Eventually, Crimson Jack was defeated by Han Solo, who blasted him after a series of adventures.
Crimson Jack isn’t the first character from the original run of Star Wars comics to make his way into new canon. The bounty hunter cyborg Beilert Valance has been featured as a key part of Star Wars: Bounty Hunters. Many fans had written off such characters from the 70s comics as outdated, but writers are proving their potential. Halcyon Legacy #1 also brought back a fan favorite Clone Wars character, Asajj Ventress, who hadn’t appeared in comics in several years. The new take on Crimson Jack continues to unfold in Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser – Halcyon Legacy.
