Ewoks 2, the second installment in the Ewoks comic book series, was released in July of 1985 by Marvel Comics under their Star Comics label. The narrative unfolds across three parts: "Rites of Power," "Rites to [sic] Power Part II: A Call to Arms," and "Rites of Power Part III: Fight to the Finish."
While on reconnaissance for Bright Tree Village in the trees of Endor, Ewoks Wicket Wystri Warrick and Teebo are surprised to witness a group of Zorbian space pirates, led by Captain Krag, approaching. Their objective is to steal the precious Ewok Gemwood tree. Wicket and Teebo attempt to warn their village; however, Teebo inadvertently drops an apple on Krag's head, revealing their location. Krag orders their capture, and the pirates use bolo-slings to trap them on a tree branch. Teebo manages to free Wicket with his spear, and Wicket heads off to alert the village. Another bolo-sling knocks Teebo off balance, causing him to fall into some bushes and sustain injuries, but he continues his mission. Krag allows Wicket to escape so that he can inform the village that the pirates have captured Teebo, thus luring the warriors away from the village in an effort to rescue him, leaving it vulnerable.
Simultaneously, at the village, Princess Kneesaa is celebrating her birthday, receiving the Bordok Baga from Logray as a gift from Wicket and Teebo. Her father, Chief Chirpa, presents her with a Ruling staff crafted from the Gemwood tree and declares her the designated successor to the Bright Tree Tribe's Chieftainship. The Village Council, particularly First Elder Kazak, is displeased, arguing that all Ewok leaders have been male and that a Chief should be strong enough to wield a spear in battle (he throws a spear into Kneesaa's arms as he says this). Despite Chirpa and Logray's objections, the Council decides to choose a new Chief themselves when the time comes.
At that moment, Wicket arrives back at the village, utterly exhausted, and interrupts the celebrations to warn everyone about the space pirates and Teebo's capture. Chirpa immediately organizes a rescue mission, leading the warriors into the forest. Kneesaa asks to join the expedition to prove her worth to the Elders, but Chirpa refuses, instructing her to stay with Logray and care for Wicket. Feeling that her father agrees with the Elders, she expresses her wish to Logray that she had been born a boy. Logray explains that wielding a spear in battle is not the true measure of a leader. He then shows her the Gemwood tree, and Kneesaa asks how one can protect one's property and way of life without violence, to which Logray responds that asking such questions are what makes a fine leader.
The village warriors approach the pirates' ship and find Teebo bound and gagged. As they rescue him, he warns them that they have been trapped. A large net is launched, capturing the Ewoks. Krag boasts about his captives and decides to take Chirpa and a few others to the village as hostages. Approaching the village, Kneesaa learns of their arrival and begins formulating a plan to protect the village and the Gemwood tree.
Upon reaching the village, Krag and his men discover it deserted. He threatens to execute the captured leaders. Kneesaa approaches him with the other Ewoks and pleads with Krag not to harm them. Pleased with her apparent submission, Krag strokes her chin, but Kneesaa bites his finger and runs away, instructing the other Ewoks to take their positions. The pirates chase after her and the women and children of the tribe. However, following Kneesaa's plan, they fall into various traps, and many are captured or incapacitated. Krag manages to track her down and confronts her, but Baga charges him from behind, knocking him down. Kneesaa mounts Baga and rides off, but Krag throws a bolo-sling at her, entangling Baga's legs and causing her to fall off. Fortunately, Kneesaa's friend Latara is near the supply shed and tells Kneesaa to run to it. She complies, and as Krag is about to swing his axe at her, Latara tips a honey pot onto the roof, covering him in honey and incapacitating the pirate.
Afterwards, the leaders are released, and the pirates are sent back to their ship. Chirpa expresses his immense pride in Kneesaa's actions, and Kazak and the other Elders apologize for doubting her leadership abilities, giving her their blessing along with her ruling staff. Wicket and Teebo congratulate her on her acceptance and ask for a piece of birthday cake.