Presenting Star Wars in a medium other than film has proven to be a tricky task. Dark Horse Comics has the distinction of producing stories in the Star Wars universe in comic book format. Many of these efforts have been hit and miss, hampered by a synopsis type of writing style that prevents readers from getting too close to the characters--and therefore not really caring if they live or die. The first four issues of X-Wing: Rogue Squadron were hampered by plot flaws, continuity mistakes, and uninspired artwork.
The Phantom Affair, collecting issues five through eight of the series, manages to avoid all of these pitfalls. The story, crafted by Michael Stackpole (author of the first four X-Wing novels) and scripted by Darko Macan has everything a Star Wars fan craves: action, humor, and (most importantly) a multi-layered, intelligent plot.
The story follows Wedge Antilles and his group of intrepid pilots to the planet of Mrlsst, where they are to bid on behalf of the New Republic for an item that could greatly alter the war: a miniature cloaking device. When representatives of the Empire, including a dark figure from Wedge's past, arrive to bid on this very same device, the team of pilots are thrown into a web of intrigue that provides plenty of action.
The artwork, provided by Edvin Biukovic, John Nadeau, Gary Erskine, Jordi Ensign, and Dave Nestelle is nothing short of brilliant. The style is something akin to Moebius or Geof Darrow, with intricate details provided in practically every frame. The characters are very well defined; each one has his or her own distinct look instead of being the same stock drawing with a different shade of hair. A good deal of "in" humor can be found in the artwork as well. For example, George Lucas makes a guest appearance, his camera equipment being carried by two cloaked Jawas.
Fans of Star Wars (particularly Stackpole's X-Wing series) will no doubt enjoy this book; it's a great, full-throttle ride through the Star Wars universe that will leave them satisfied at the last page, but still wanting more.