Review by Ian Keogh

Jabba and two Hutt rivals are having a boasting session when it’s suggested they might prove which of them is the most capable by claiming the Yavin Vassilika, a statue carved from a single gem. It was thought to be a myth, but recent information disputes that theory. Each of the conniving Hutts has a different plan of acquisition, and along the way Han Solo and Chewbacca, Boba Fett and Lando Calrissian are involved, each seduced by vast amounts of money. Other minor characters also play a part.

‘The Yavin Vassilika’ succeeds because Mike Kennedy provides a densely twisting plot of deceit and deception as each of the Hutts attempts to outwit the others, with a couple of wild cards also thrown in. The story follows assorted parties as they attempt to locate a myth, run into trouble, and encounter another interested party.

While there’s no problem with a good caper story, Carlos Meglia’s art probably won’t be to all tastes. While there are exceptions, the Star Wars cast are generally drawn realistically. Meglia instead latches onto the fantastic to draw exaggerated cartoon versions of the familiar faces, with Chewbacca in particular suffering from the depiction. Instead of the powerful character he is, he resembles someone in a Halloween costume. However, if familiar faces looking very different is no problem, Meglia’s cartooning supplies considerable detail and atmosphere. The scuzzy locations almost have a stench, but also a decayed grandeur, and he populates these places with some exotic rogues.

Kennedy keeps readers guessing until the end of what’s four chapters of plot and counter-plot, with some portions having the manic intensity of an old Warner Brothers cartoon. Will anyone succeed? It’s worth finding out. This was later incorporated into Star Wars Omnibus: Boba Fett.