Star Wars The Force Awakens: Backstory of Shattered Empire that lead to the awakening of The Force

What happened after the Return of the Jedi? How did the Force Awaken? The interlinking comic Shattered Empire provides clues to the world of Star Wars.

Dec 15: JJ Abrams’ directorial “Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens” is all set for its December 25^th Indian release. This movie is undoubtedly the most anticipated movie of 2015. It is a direct sequel of the “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi”, and it brings back the original fan favourites. Harrison Ford as Han Solo, the dauntless gunslinger and General of the Rebellion, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia and Mark Hamill as ‘The Chosen One’ Luke Skywalker. Along with these iconic characters, the new Star Wars film stars Adam Driver, Daisey Ridley, and John Boyega. The absence of Luke Skywalker from the posters sparked speculations about the villain of the New Star Wars: The Force Awakens. (Also Read: Steven Spielberg reveals J.J. Abrams terrified over Star Wars 7)

In the interim, Marvel released a four-part comic mini-story linking “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” called “Star Wars: The Shattered Empire.” The comic gives the audience a clearer picture of the origins of The Force after the Rebellion has subjugated the evil Empire.

The comic introduces two new characters, husband and wife: Shara Bey and Kes Dameron, both rebellion soldiers under General Han Solo’s command. The comics portray the events that immediately proceed “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” through the eyes of these two Rebellion soldiers. This different POV in storytelling broadens the scope of the story, simultaneously tries to depict the impacts of the Rebellion war on the lives of commoners. The story also gives equal screen time to show the lives of three titular characters: Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker.

With General Han Solo:

Shara Bey is a dedicated soldier under General Han Solo’s command, who is worrying about her husband Kes Dameron’s safety. But she does not let it affect her duties towards the Rebellion war. Kes and Shara are often separate, and they ‘meet only twice in a month.’ After the fall of Empire, they finally unite on the planet of Endor as the triumphant soldiers celebrate. After 17 days of celebrations and peace, Han Solo leads the attack on the Empire’s stronghold to finish off the remnants and its regiments.

The Rebellion arrives and quickly overpowers the Empire counterattack. Shara and Des want to quit the Rebellion and settle down on a nice peaceful planet to raise their little son. So, Des hands in his resignation and Shara is relegated to escort duty for Princess Leia. Shara’s commander considered this a safe job for her till her departure. (ALSO READ: Star Wars: The Force Awakens screened at White House)

With Princess Leia:

As Bey and Princess Leia travel to planet Nabi, Leia is personally writing letters to all the Rebellion soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the war. She says this adds ‘a personal touch’ to the letters. However, on arriving on the planet, the Empire launches one last strike to capture Nabi as a last resort. The Empire fail as Rebellion backup comes to the rescue. Han Solo and Princess Leia are last shown here walking away together as Shara awaits her husband’s arrival. Her adventure is not over yet.

Luke Skywalker’s last mission: 

R2-D2 grabs her attention and escorts her to a man in a cowl, revealing himself as she draws closer as Luke Skywalker. She instantly recognizes Luke as he is famous. Luke tells her one last mission, and for that, he needs a pilot. Honored, she dutifully agrees.

They secretly fly to the Empire in disguise. The guards on the stronghold lead the trio: Luke, Shara, and R2D2 to a room vouchsafing two-tree saplings. The Empire guard already knows that the trio is masquerading, but he let them in so that he could understand the importance of the trees. (ALSO READ: Star Wars: The Force Awakens London premiere: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill on the red carpet)

Luke reveals the trees saplings are from the Jedi Temple, and they carry The Force with them. The Stormtroopers barge in, ready for execution. All hell breaks loose as Luke unsheathes his Lightsaber and fights off the attack. After a brief skirmish, they escape unscratched.

Luke tells Shara that she should depart from the fight, he tells her ‘if ordinary people can’t have their freedom then what is the rebellion fighting for?’ However, a perplexed Luke asks her to plant the other saplings because he did not anticipate the existence of two saplings.

The comic ends with Kes and Shara living in a home on a peaceful planet with their son; with the Jedi Temple tree planted near their home.

It also substantiates the origins of the Force in the upcoming movie. However, it is still unclear who is the son of Kes and Shara, but one can speculate that the son is going to be able to use The Force. IMAGE CREDITS: TWITTER