The best Charles Soule Star Wars comics, ranked

This week Charles Soule hit lucky number 100 in the world of Star Wars as his 100th comic issue was released with Star Wars  #25. The issue showcases characters that he has visited in issues past and to celebrate we are looking at the top 5 issues from Charles Soule’s world of Star Wars. 

5. Lando #1 (2015) 

This is the run to start it all as we see Charles visit the world of the sly General of the Republic Lando Calrissian. In this issue, we see the height of the Galactic Empire and within it the roots of where Lando came from. He is faced with the deal of a lifetime as he ends up with the trinket of his former love interest Moff Ssaria which he intended to sell off. When the plan falls through Lando is faced with an opportunity to settle the debts he has incurred. This sets off a five-issue mini-series where Lando finds out that every debt has its price.

4. The Rise of Kylo Ren #4 (2020)

The final issue of the four-part series showcasing the fall from grace experienced by the son of royalty shows the aftermath of having just left his master Luke Skywalker’s temple in ruins. Kylo has set off with the Knight of Ren. In the midst of his escape, Kylo is confronted by a group of his former Jedi friends. In this issue, we see how much Ben, now Kylo struggles with the light and dark sides of the force through his connections to both. This leads to the ultimate confrontation where he decides to let his past die and fully succumbs to the dark side of the force leaving a trail of destruction and pain in his wake.

3. Star Wars #1 (2020) 

Set after the events of The Empire Strikes Back, this is the first issue to kick off the current run of Star Wars. When we last left our heroes Luke discovered what truly happened to his father and in the process, they lost Han Solo to the bounty hunter Boba Fett. Luke is replaying the recent events between him and Vader in his mind while the others argue in regards to a rescue attempt of their lost friend. They decide to set course for the rebel fleet that is currently being attacked by forces of the Empire. In the end, we see Luke struggling over whether or not he is truly meant to be a Jedi as he has failed to connect with both Yoda and Obi-Wan through the force.

2. Darth Vader #1 (2017) 

Hailed as perhaps the best version of Darth Vader we have ever seen this is the first canon issue of the 25-issue run. We begin with Vader in the medical facility on Coruscant awakening after being rebuilt by his master, Emperor Palpatine. It is here he learns of the death of his wife Padme and is told that in choosing the dark side he cannot bring her back. After lashing out through the force the veil drops and Palpatine threatens to kill him if he touches him again. From there we witness the aftermath of Order 66 showcasing the true weight of what happened that night as the lightsabers of Jedi are destroyed. This issue sets the tone for the series as we see Vader begin to showcase his power and ruthlessness as he has fully embraced the dark side of the force.

1. Star Wars  #25 (2022)

In his 100th issue of writing Star Wars, it is only fitting that this monumental milestone is at the number one position. There are stories taking place across each of the three eras of Star Wars as we see characters Soule has previously written brought back to life. From Poe Dameron to Anakin Skywalker to Obi-Wan and Kylo Ren we celebrate 100 issues of storytelling.

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