Star Wars (Vol.9) - Hope Dies - Kieron Gillen

The Rebellion’s Most Critical Hour

Collecting Star Wars (2015) #50-55 and Star Wars Annual (2015) #4, this volume chronicles one of the darkest chapters in the Rebel Alliance’s fight against the Empire. As Darth Vader discovers a secret Rebel fleet and base, the Rebels face catastrophic losses, forcing them to confront the possibility of ultimate defeat.

Key Plot Points
Vader’s Ruthless Strike: The Empire discovers the Rebels’ hidden fleet and launches a devastating attack, led by Darth Vader himself in his TIE Advanced Starfighter.
The Millennium Falcon’s Stand: As the Rebel fleet crumbles, the Millennium Falcon faces overwhelming odds against the might of the Imperial Fleet.Leia’s Critical Mission: Determined to uncover the cause of the disaster, Princess Leia infiltrates Vader’s personal Dreadnought, putting herself in grave danger.

The Cost of Survival: Sacrifices must be made if the Rebellion is to endure, but if hope falters, can the fight continue?

Luke and Sana’s Podracing Gamble: Amidst the chaos, Luke Skywalker and Sana Starros participate in a high-stakes podrace with unclear motives—offering a thrilling and unexpected side mission.
Themes and Insights

The Fragility of Hope: The title encapsulates the volume’s core theme, as the Rebels grapple with the devastating loss of a hard-won advantage.
The Cost of Freedom: Sacrifices—both personal and strategic—are central to the story, highlighting the challenges of resisting an overwhelming foe.
Leia’s Leadership: Leia’s determination to uncover the truth and lead her people through adversity underscores her resilience and heroism.

Why This Volume is Essential
High-Stakes Drama: The discovery of the secret Rebel fleet adds tension and action that ties directly to the stakes of The Empire Strikes Back.
Leia’s Bravery: Leia’s infiltration mission provides a gripping, character-driven narrative that showcases her leadership and courage.
Unexpected Adventures: Luke and Sana’s podracing subplot offers a lighter, adventurous counterbalance to the volume’s heavier themes.