Dark Empire II number 1 initiated the 6-part comic book saga titled Star Wars: Dark Empire II. Dark Horse Comics published it on December 20, 1994.
Luke Skywalker is on a mission to re-establish the Jedi Order, with the Empire having retreated. Despite his demise, the Emperor's influence continues to plague Luke, who continues to sense the dark side's corruption from when he served as the Emperor's pawn.
Palpatine's ominous presence appears to be spreading throughout the galaxy anew, as the Empire anticipates his resurgence. By forcing a weapons manufacturing facility to create a weapon more devastating than the Death Star, the Empire initiates its scheme: to obliterate the New Republic permanently!
The happenings within this particular issue were reworked for the Dark Empire II (audio) audio drama, incorporating John Williams' musical compositions from the Star Wars movies.