Warning! Spoilers ahead for Star Wars #18
In Marvel Comics' Empire Strikes Back, the former criminal organization led by Darth Maul is now in hands of Lady Qi'ra, Han Solo's first love as seen in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Now, the Dawn has greater goals, having evolved into a secret empire with agents all over the galaxy, and Han Solo seems to have been a big part of the reason why.
While it initially appeared as though the return of Crimson Dawn was going to result in their resurgence as just another criminal syndicate in the galaxy, it soon became apparent that Lady Qi'ra's vision is much grander. Having grown up on the planet of Corellia, Qi'ra left abandoned her relationship with Han to take Dryden Vos' place as Crimson Dawn's second in command, answering directly to Maul himself. As a result, it's now been revealed that Qi'ra knows what many in the galaxy don't: the Emperor and his enforcer Vader are Sith Lords. Now it seems as though she and the Dawn will be looking to take down the Sith, having agents and spies all over the galaxy (including within the Empire itself).
Star Wars #18, from writer Charles Soule and artist Roman Rosanas, sees Qi'ra speaking with Princess Leia about the man they both loved. Recalling a memory from their time on Corellia, Qi'ra re her confusion when Han saved a young boy from being beaten despite there being nothing for Solo to gain in return for his efforts. He explains how sometimes helping the powerless is simply the right thing to do, even if it's a thankless task. It seems as though Han's words to Qi'ra after the fight stuck with her, potentially serving as the basis for her goals in the present as she's reformed Crimson Dawn's new purpose.
It seems Qi'ra took Han's words to heart, gathering agents who likewise feel disenfranchised by the imbalance of power the Sith have created. While she may be using darker methods and characters than the Rebellion in their war against the Empire as a whole, Qi'ra seems to genuinely want to make a difference that will result in the galaxy being a better place.
In her own way, it does look as though Lady Qi'ra was inspired by Han Solo's actions when she reformed the new Crimson Dawn. Now, the Crimson Reign event will see Qi'ra putting her vision to action, attempting to remove the Sith from their seats of power. While it likely won't turn out so well seeing as how the Sith are still in control by the time of Return of the Jedi, the journey will no doubt be interesting all the same, as is the knowledge that Han Solo seemingly had a hand in the creation of Star Wars' newest version of Crimson Dawn.
