**_Han Solo_ #1** marks the inaugural issue of the five-part [comic book](/article/star_wars_comic_books) miniseries _[Star Wars: Han Solo](/article/star_wars:_han_solo)_ brought to you by [Marvel](/article/marvel_comics). This issue, which debuted on [June 15](/article/june_15), [2016](/article/2016), features the writing talents of [Marjorie Liu](/article/marjorie_liu) and the artistic skills of [Mark Brooks](/article/mark_brooks).
## Publisher's Synopsis
_The galaxy's most beloved scoundrel is headlining his very own series! The Rebellion tasks Han with a highly confidential undercover operation: the rescue of numerous informants and spies. His disguise for this mission? None other than participation in the galaxy's most prestigious and notorious starship race! As you might guess, it's the same race Han has always dreamed of winning. Can he maintain focus on the mission at hand? Moreover, can he successfully execute it while staying in the lead? Renowned author Marjorie Liu (X-MEN) makes her entrance into the Galaxy Far, Far Away, accompanied by superstar cover artist Mark Brooks (ULTIMATE X-MEN) making his return to interior artwork! Let's be honest, you can never have too many scoundrels in your life!_
## Plot Breakdown
### Tracking Solo's Movements
Following the events of the [Battle of Yavin](/article/battle_of_yavin), [Han Solo](/article/han_solo) has distanced himself from the [rebel](/article/alliance_to_restore_the_republic) cause, opting instead for several smuggling assignments. While inside a [cantina](/article/cantina), Solo contemplates his recent smuggling endeavors and suspects he is being watched. A [Trandoshan](/article/trandoshan) by the name of [Katrull](/article/katrull) approaches Solo with a smuggling proposition, which he declines due to the significant [Imperial](/article/galactic_empire) presence in the area. Katrul cautions Solo that he risks developing a reputation for refusing jobs if he continues down this path.
Suddenly, Solo notices a female [humanoid](/article/humanoid) named [Selentia](/article/selentia), whom he identifies as someone who has been tracking him. Solo attempts to leave the cantina but is intercepted by a [human](/article/human) [man](/article/gender) named [Adame](/article/adame), who informs Solo that they need to talk business. Solo is on the verge of drawing his [blaster](/article/blaster) when Selentia warns him against it. As they walk away, Solo questions the strangers about their surveillance. Adame and Selentia admit to following him, explaining that they were waiting for the opportune moment to approach him.
Solo leads his new companions back to the _Millennium Falcon_, where [Chewbacca](/article/chewbacca) is engaged in a game of [sabacc](/article/sabacc) with an [R5 series astromech droid](/article/r5_series_astromech_droid). Adame greets Chewbacca with a fist bump, expressing his gratitude to the [Wookiee](/article/wookiee) for meeting them there. Solo realizes that Chewbacca knows the pair and demands an explanation. At that moment, the astromech droid plays a holographic message from [Princess](/article/prince) [Leia Organa](/article/leia_skywalker_organa_solo), who requests Solo's assistance and states that Adame and Selentia will provide him with the details. She urges Solo to listen to what they have to say.
Adame and Selentia inquire about borrowing the _Falcon_ for a mission to the [Gomar sector](/article/gomar_sector). Solo immediately refuses, asserting that only he and Chewbacca are authorized to pilot the _Falcon_. When Solo questions why Leia would even consider allowing someone else to take his ship, Adame and Selentia respond that their loyalty lies with the Rebellion above all else. Solo is infuriated that Leia would ask him to lend his ship, feeling that she is disregarding his contribution to the Battle of Yavin. Adame and Selentia agree to respect his decision.
### Rejoining the Rebellion
Upon returning to the [Alliance Fleet](/article/rebel_alliance_navy), Solo confronts Princess Leia, who guides him down a corridor to continue their discussion. When Solo brings up his debt to [Jabba Desilijic Tiure](/article/jabba_desilijic_tiure), Leia quips that he must not be a very successful smuggler if he still owes money. Leia then introduces him to [General](/article/general) [Airen Cracken](/article/airen_cracken), the head of security and intelligence for the Rebellion. Cracken expresses his skepticism and distrust of Solo, viewing him as nothing more than a smuggler and mercenary.
When Solo asks General Cracken why he needs his ship, the General replies that the information is classified. Leia clarifies that the _Falcon_ is the fastest and most capable ship they possess. Despite his reservations about Solo, Cracken decides to give the smuggler a chance. He informs Solo that the Rebellion's spy network has been compromised by a series of assassinations. He reveals that only three agents remain alive with critical information, which is why they need his ship.
Solo remains hesitant to lend them the _Millennium Falcon_. Leia explains that there is a mole within the Rebellion, making it impossible to use their own ships or anyone officially affiliated with the Rebellion. Leia reveals that they have entered him and the _Falcon_ into the [Dragon Void Run](/article/dragon_void_run). Since the race passes by three planets, each of the rebel informants has been instructed to meet with Solo on those worlds. He will extract each asset during the race's required refueling stops. When Solo voices concerns about the mole alerting the Empire, Leia assures him that she and General Cracken are the only ones within the Rebellion who know about his plan.
Princess Leia asks for his participation in the mission. She emphasizes that the mission is the priority and that the race is merely a cover. Solo agrees to accept the assignment. To conceal his true intentions from the other rebels, Princess Leia pretends to be angry with Solo and slaps him in the face. Solo pretends to be upset and points his finger at Leia before departing aboard the _Falcon_ with Chewbacca.
### The Dragon Void Competition
Solo and Chewbacca journey to the [Dragon Void space station](/article/dragon_void_space_station). Upon arrival, Solo and Chewbacca are greeted by a tracked tour droid, who verifies his registration and identity. The droid provides Solo with a briefing on the race regulations. Contestants are required to refuel at three planets, and the coordinates for these planets will be transmitted to their ships. Failure to refuel at these planets or making unauthorized planetary stops will result in disqualification and a fine.
Inside the dining area, Solo and Chewbacca encounter the other competitors, including the [female](/article/gender) [Twi'lek](/article/twi%27lek) pilots [Sotna Reat](/article/sotna_reat) and [Nowk Asil](/article/nowk_asil), the blue-skinned humanoid [Delan Vook](/article/delan_vook), and the female multi-armed alien [Loo Re Anno](/article/loo_re_anno). Reat and Asil recognize Solo as a smuggler and jokingly suggest that he doesn't belong in the race. Vook doubts the _Falcon_'s ability to compete against their advanced [starships](/article/starship). Loo Re Anno defends Solo, believing that he possesses heart and the loyalty of his crew. In Solo's defense, she notes that while she and her ship are old, the other pilots don't question their skill. Addressing Solo directly, she remarks on his youth, describing it as both a blessing and a curse. Vook informs a curious Solo that the female alien is the legendary racer Loo Re Anno, the oldest among them. He speculates that this may be her final race.
Later, as the ships align at the starting line, Solo assures Chewbacca that he is not feeling anxious. He also insists that they will go all the way, despite Leia's instructions. At the announcer's signal, the ships jump into [hyperspace](/article/hyperspace). Solo initially believes the race will be easy but changes his mind after exiting hyperspace and discovering that the ships are under attack.
## Media
### Cover Images
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