Star Wars: Crimson Empire takes closer look at Emperor’s Royal Guard

Of the “Star Wars” comics not featuring the stars of the original trilogy, this is one I’d always heard good reviews about. Now that I’ve read it, I’ll concur: “Crimson Empire” is a very enjoyable expanded universe story.

The six-issue series looks at an elite group that didn’t get a lot of development in the films – the Emperor’s elite Royal Guard.

Written by Mike Richardson and Randy Stradley (Aliens vs. Predator), with artwork by Paul Gulacy (Master of Kung-Fu) and P. Craig Russell (Elric: Stormbringer), “Crimson Empire” has a creative team that is very lauded in the comics industry.

Kir Kanos, one of the last two surviving members of Emperor Palpatine’s Royal Guard, is on the run.  After the emperor’s death, Kanos is thought too dangerous to live.  As a fugitive, he’s seeking revenge on those who betrayed the emperor.  But being opposed to the new Empire regime draws him in with some members of the Rebel Alliance, who believe Kanos’ training could be of help to them.