Review by Frank Plowright

Matt Kindt only wrote the single Star Wars story, but it’s a belter, and the shame is that it was issued just before Dark Horse lost the Star Wars licence, meaning it’s slipped between the cracks somewhat.

It begins with Jan, a newly trained rebel agent on his first mission, needing to locate a partner he’s never met. At least that’s what he’s expecting. Instead he’s identified as a rebel at the chosen meeting point and on the verge of being executed when Han Solo leaps into action. In the second chapter Princess Leia is given the same iconic treatment through the eyes of a rookie, then Chewbacca, and finally Luke Skywalker.

What Rebel Heist does exceptionally well is restore the awe of the first Star Wars film you ever saw. The leading figures from A New Hope have become so well known, and used in so many stories since that they’ve come to be taken for granted, but through the eyes of a massive fan shortly after they’ve destroyed the Death Star the glamour is back. However, that alone wouldn’t sustain a graphic novel, and Kindt comes through with the plot as well, which is clever, unfolds beautifully, ties together tightly and thrills from start to finish, the pace never letting up.

Marco Castiello is better with some classic cast likenesses than others, but that’s not important because every other aspect of his art is first rate. He creates decorative scenes, people who’re slimy, dangerous or glamorous as necessary, great locations and wonderful aliens.

The final chapter is a gem, making sense of much of what’s gone before, and completing a thorough analysis of what makes the rebels tick. Rebel Heist will make you believe again, and after the last few Star Wars films that’s very important.