In Review: Star Wars: Crimson Reign (2021-) #3 (of 5) ODYSSEY OF THE ARCHIVIST!

Synopsis: ODYSSEY OF THE ARCHIVIST! LADY QI’RA’S ultimate plan to reshape the galaxy continues as we focus on one of her most key operatives – the mysterious SAVA MADELIN SUN, former expert in the DARK SIDE OF THE FORCE, now known only as THE ARCHIVIST. Qi’ra has given this woman a crucial task and put all the resources of CRIMSON DAWN at her disposal. The Archivist’s search will find answers to mysteries at the very heart of the EMPIRE’S formation…and the ultimate fall of THE JEDI ORDER.

The Story

This third issue of Crimson Reign explores the origins of Qi’ra’s first meeting with Sava Madelin Sun aka The Archivist. Set 20 years after Order 66 the story picks up with Madelin Sun keeping a low profile selling junk. However, when some Stormtroopers do a raid on her shop and find some Jedi memorabilia. Madelin Sun thinks her freedom is threatened. However, lucky for her Qi’ra has tracked her down and saved her from the Stormtroopers and makes an offer that she cannot possibly refuse.

Qi’ra asks Sava Madelin Sun to work for her and help her track down one of the last remaining Jedi Knights. Yoda. And thus Sava Madelin Sun becomes the Archivist who has been for the most part narrating Qi’ra’s story.

The Artwork

Steven Cummings does some solid artwork for this issue and we get to see a few different locations in this story. Firstly, the panels in which we see Madalin Sun’s store get turned over by the Stormtroopers felt very much like what we’d have seen in a movie.

However, the most interesting artwork comes when The Archivist visits a rebel prisoner. I thought the scenes of anguished torture on the prisoner’s face while The Archivist used The Mind Sifter on him were really convincing. Though, I think the addition of him having a few teeth fall out would have made it look a little scarier.

Overall

A really strong story, which gives us a backstory for The Archivist, but also makes subtle mention of Qi’ra’s past association with Darth Maul. I can’t wait to see where this story goes as we get closer to that final book.