Greetings, Rebelscum fans! Join us this week as we venture into the Rebellion comic book storyline from Dark Horse. Make sure to read our “Expand Your Mind” article detailing the series’s history and development first, and our “Timeline Breakdown” recommendations on other media to check out, but there’s more content coming soon. Bobby will be adding additional videos, and be on the lookout for our “Force Facts” trivia.


Despite its limited run, Rebellion made time to introduce an instantly iconic new hero who could hold her own against Luke Skywalker and the other heroes. Deena Shan had first begun appearing in the Empire comics, which tackled the similar critical era between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. However, Empire focused more on antagonists like Darth Vader and Boba Fett, whereas Rebellion put the “Galaxy’s Mightiest Heroes” under the spotlight.


Deena joined Luke in the last major storyline in Rebellion’s run, Small Victories. In the story, Luke and Deena team up to destroy a critical Imperial station that could threaten to expose the location of the Rebel Alliance ships. It spotlighted Deena while Luke and Leia were under fire; Rebellion understood that in addition to legacy characters, fans wanted to see new voices as well.


Deena has a fascinating history throughout the run of both Empire and Rebellion. She’s one of the many new members of the Rebel Alliance who enlists after the Battle of Yavin. Initially working for the Alliance to Restore the Republic movement, Deena becomes convinced that the rebels could actually succeed after a daring mission pairs her with Luke, Leia, Han, and Chewie.


Sparks quickly flew between Luke and Leia. Although Luke’s romance with Mara Jade is among the most famous storylines in all of Star Wars Legends, the many books and comics produced since 1977 have introduced many potential romantic partners for the young Skywalker. Both Luke and Deena are earnest, yet somewhat inexperienced. Like the young Jedi, Deena would rather be in the thick of action fighting for her beliefs than stuck in bureaucratic meetings. It occasionally causes playful contact with Leia, adding a sense of humor to Rebellion.


However, Deena’s romantic pursuits are just as complicated as Luke’s. When she goes undercover as an Imperial officer on the Kalist IV mission, Deena forms a doomed relationship with the Imperial Captain Kale Roshuir. Their quick, yet brief flirtations end with Deena doing her duty, and leading the lovesick Imperial’s troops into a trap so that the rebels can free a group of prisoners and slaves from captivity. The situation grows more complex when Roshuir appears again later on, and at that point Deena and Luke are essentially an item.


Deena became a fan favorite over the course of the two series’ run, but unfortunately she hasn’t appeared in the Legends or canon timelines since. Hopefully Disney will find a way to integrate this great character. She was immortalized alongside Luke in a comic book two pack of an Rebellion issue, where they’re both undercover in black Imperial uniforms. She also appeared disguised alongside Luke in a separate comic pack with an Empire issue.

What do you think, Rebelscum fans? Are you a Deena Shan fan? Who would you cast in a live-action project for Disney+? Let us know in the forums, and as always, may the Force be with you!