Check Out The Multiverse Far, Far Away With 'Star Wars Infinities' Graphic Novels
Did you know that Marvel is not the only franchise that has a multiverse? Back in 2002, Dark Horse published Star Wars Infinities, a retelling of the original trilogy films, but with events taking an unexpected turn. A Star Wars version of “What If.” It’s a wild read.
Multiverse Merch
Star Wars Infinities did not stop at graphic novels. As a consequence of these books, two highly collectible Hasbro White Vader figures were released, one as part of a comic pack set (with Leia), and one as part of the second wave of the Black Series currently available on pre-order. Although these comics are not technically canon, the Star Wars Multiverse is still in the current consciousness. White Vader cosplays can frequently be spotted wandering around the conventions, and I am sure we will see some at Star Wars Celebration in London next year!
Each retelling (published in four parts) is a stand-alone, so there are potentially three alternative endings to the trilogy. Here are three very brief summaries of the graphic novels, so if you don’t like spoilers, stop reading now.
WARNING: SPOILERS ALERT
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Star Wars Infinities: A New Hope
Star Wars Infinities: A New Hope considers Luke Skywalker failing to destroy the Death Star. The Rebellion is crushed, and Leia is captured. She is turned to the dark side of the Force by the Emperor and trained as a Sith. Luke seeks out Yoda. Unlike in The Empire Strikes Back movie, Luke finishes his training and succeeds when he is tested in the cave. He, Han, and Yoda travel to the Death Star to take on the Emperor, where it is revealed that Luke and Leia are sisters. Luke brings her back to the light, and the Death Star crashes into Coruscant.
Star Wars Infinities: Empire Strikes Back
This version of Empire Strikes Back changes at the point where Han tries to save Luke’s life on Hoth. In this universe, Han fails and there is no more Luke Skywalker. Before Luke dies, he gives Obi-Wan’s message to Han, so when he escapes with Leia to Bespin, Han thinks that he is the next Jedi. It isn’t until they reach Dagobah that he realizes Leia is the one with the Force ability. Han leaves Leia to train with Yoda and goes to settle his debt with the Hutts. It turns into a brawl in Jabba’s Palace.
Across the galaxy, Vader has followed them to Dagobah and kills Yoda. Leia duels her father, who predictably tries to lure her to the dark side and asks her to join him as rulers of the galaxy. However, Solo swoops in with the Millennium Falcon and blasts Vader from above. The comic ends with Leia watching her father burn on a funeral pyre.
Star Wars Infinities: Return of the Jedi
In this universe, a thermal detonator goes off at Jabba’s Palace and kills everyone inside. Fett escapes with Han, still in carbonite, but when Boba tries to sell him, Leia and Lando are waiting for him. Han is freed, but permanently blinded, and Boba dies in the fight. Leia takes Slave I. Yoda dies of old age on Dagobah before Luke is able to reach him, and although he meets his ghost, he does not receive any training. Luke is brought before the emperor. Leia mounts an unsuccessful rescue and joins him in front of Palpatine. The two reveal their relationship to Vader and all three of them turn on the emperor. Vader leaves the Death Star as Anakin Skywalker in a white version of his suit.
These summaries don’t do Chris Warner’s series justice, so if you get a chance to check out this series, please do so. Each “episode” is split into four graphic novels, so it is a bit of a long read. However, Star Wars Infinities is one of the most unique takes on the original trilogy out there. It is nice to know that in one universe Anakin gets a happy ending with his children.
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Source(s): Wookieepedia, Wikipedia, Hasbro