| ||
Writer: Archie Goodwin Artist: Al Williamson Artist: Carlos Garzon Artist: Ron Frenz Artist: Tom Palmer Letterer: Ed King Colorist: Christie Scheele Colorist: Bob Sharen Cover Artist: Bill Sienkiewicz Editor: Michael Higgins Editor: Mary Jo Duffy Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter CHARACTER Featured Han Solo, Princess Leia Organa Solo, Chewbacca, Lando Calrissian, Luke Skywalker Supporting Admiral Ackbar, Wicket W. Warrick (referred to as Wicket), Wedge Antilles Villain Palpatine (dies), Darth Vader (dies) Other Nien Nunb (unnamed), Stormtrooper (Endor Patrol), Imperial officer DROID R2-D2 (Artoo Detoo), C-3PO (See Threepio) LOCATION Endor, Death Star II ORGANIZATION Scout troopers, Rebel Troopers, Imperial Navy Trooper, Stormtroopers SPECIES Mon Calamari, Sullustan, Ewok STARSHIP Millennium Falcon, escort frigate, Mon Calamari Star Cruiser, Home One, TIE interceptor, Imperial Star Destroyer, TIE fighter, X-wing starfighter VEHICLE All Terrain Scout Transport (AT-ST walker), Imperial Speeder Bike | ||
 | ||
| Related Issues | ||
       | ||
 | ||
| ||
| Trade Paperbacks and Alternate Covers | ||
      |
This issue concludes the official four issue adaptation of Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi.
Cover art is by Bill Sienkiewicz. This issue also contains a splash/credits page, with artwork by Bill Sienkiewicz, that is not part of the final page count, plus five pin-ups: Admiral Ackbar, Ewok Warrior, B-wing, & Luke Skywalker all by Rick J. Bryant, and a Return of the Jedi alternate cover by Bill Sienkiewicz.
Page 6 is a brand new page and was not present in the Marvel Super Special version of the film.
In this adaptation, Wicket rather than Paploo, steals the Speeder Bike to distract the scout troopers.
The on sale date of this issue comes from Marvel Age #7.
Lando Calrissian, Admiral Ackbar and the rest of the Rebel Fleet prepare to make the jump to lightspeed, beginning their assault on the newest Death Star battle station. Lando hopes that Han was able to knock out the shield generator, or this will be a very short offensive.
On Endor, an ewok named Wicker steals a speeder bike to distract the scout troopers as Han, Leia and a team of rebel commandos storm the shield generator bunker.
In his throne room on board the Death Star, the Emperor welcomes Luke and admits to him that the entire rebel fleet is about to fly into a trap. He allowed the information to be leaked to them and soon he will crush them. The Emperor taunts Luke to give into his anger and join him, as his father did.
The fleet reverts to real space and quickly realizes that they have been tricked, as the Death Star, supposedly inoperable, blasts a frigate with it's superlaser. The strike force on Endor are also quickly quelled by a legion of stormtroopers, keeping them from destroying the shield generator.
Luke finally gives into the taunts of the Emperor and lunges at him with his lightsaber only to be blocked by Vader's own light sword. The two battle strongly within the chamber.
The tide begins to turn for the rebels as a band of ewoks attacks the stormtroopers and the space fleet is able to destroy a star destroyer. While up on the Death Star, the lightsaber battle continues until Luke realizes what he is becoming and puts his weapon down. Vader senses something strong emanating from Luke and realizes that Leia is Luke's sister. With her life threatened Luke renews his attacks stronger than before.
As the ewoks and their crude weapons take on the Imperial machines of war, Han and Leia attempt to open the shield bunker. Artoo and Leia are both hit by laser fire just as a scout walker shows up, guns aimed at them. Lando and his squadrons continue blasting Imperial fighters as they try to hold on until the shield is dropped.
Luke's anger is slowly overcoming him as he beats Vader down with his attacks, finally slicing off his right hand. The Emperor instructs Luke to finish Vader off and join him as an apprentice. when Luke refuses, the Emperor conjures Force lightning towards the young Skywalker. Regaining some sense of purpose, Vader stands and flings the crazed Sith Master into an abyss where he explodes into a demonic howling wind.
Han is able to trick the Imperials inside the bunker into exiting, where they are ambushed by the remaining ewoks and rebel troops. They blow up the shield generator and the space craft begin their assault on the Death Star. Wedge and Lando fly right to the center of the space station and with a carefully timed shot, destroy the main reactor.
At that moment Luke is helping Vader towards his shuttle. Vader tells Luke it is too late for him and he needs help taking his mask off. Vader looks upon Luke with his own eyes, regaining his humanity, just before he dies. Luke rockets out of the Death Star just as it explodes.
That night on Endor, the rebels are reunited and celebrate their victory. Even Luke, lost in his own thoughts about the events that have unfolded, is able to forget his worries for a moment within their circle of warmth and love.