The eighty-fifth installment of the Legends comic book series titled Star Wars is known as Star Wars 85. Mary Jo Duffy penned the story, while Bob McLeod provided the illustrations. Marvel Comics released it to the public initially on April 17, 1984. The story "The Hero" unfolds in this issue, where Lando Calrissian, Han Solo, and Chewbacca find themselves hunted by bounty hunters dispatched by Barpotomous Drebble.
Barpotomous Drebble is in conversation with his associates, Bossk, IG-88A, and a pair of Stenaxes, inside a tavern located on Keyorin. Drebble delivers a lengthy tirade, promising to get back at Lando Calrissian for swindling him in the past.
In the meantime, Lando, Han Solo, and Chewbacca are engaged in a card game with the Ewoks of Bright Tree Village, attempting to instruct them on the art of gambling. Chewbacca becomes enraged when Lando emerges victorious, slamming his cards down, convinced that Lando cheated. Han clarifies to Lando that Chewbacca is simply upset about not having had the chance to visit his family on his homeworld in quite some time.
Wedge Antilles approaches the trio, informing them that a meeting with Mon Mothma and Gial Ackbar is about to commence. As the Rebel leaders begin to address the Rebels regarding the formation of a new government, the Rebels arrive. Luke and Leia are on missions to different planets, inviting their leaders to Endor to participate in the new government, but more individuals are needed to carry out the same task. Ackbar makes mention of the enigmatic "Captain Drebble" and his exploits on Gamandar and Arcan IV as the meeting concludes.
Lando, who is actually "Captain Drebble" (a name he used during prior adventures), is surprised to learn that the Rebel leaders have chosen to recognize Drebble as a hero and present him with an award for his accomplishments. Han offers himself and Chewbacca for a mission to Keyorin, a planet close to Kashyyyk, as the meeting wraps up. Lando accompanies his companions in the Cobra, ensuring that the group has two ships, allowing Chewbacca to spend more time with his family on Kashyyyk if he desires.
The group arrives on Keyorin, also known as the "Hunter's World," and encounters the Boss, the planet's leader. The Boss misunderstands the Rebels' purpose, assuming they are there to demand protection money. However, Han sets the record straight, emphasizing that a seat in the new government is an opportunity he won't want to miss. The Boss is swayed and assures Solo that he will consider the offer, clearly intrigued by the prospect of having a voice in the new government.
Having completed their diplomatic mission, Lando, Han, and Chewie head to a nearby tavern. After ordering their beverages, the Rebels spot Bossk entering, prompting Lando and Chewie to conceal themselves. Han is baffled by his friends' behavior, and they explain that they hired numerous gangs and hunters to find Solo during his imprisonment in carbonite in an effort to free him. As they attempt to leave discreetly after settling the bill, Lando notices Drebble and his associates drawing their weapons. The Rebels flee the bar, but a member of Lemo and Sanda's gang identifies Solo, and he and another gang member join in the pursuit.
During the chaotic escape, the Rebels are stunned just outside the Falcon. Lemo and Sanda's gang insists that Drebble hand over Han and Chewbacca to them. Drebble is only interested in Lando, so he agrees to let Solo and Chewbacca be taken away. Lemo suspends Han and Chewie from energy binders to get information on the location of the Dancing Goddess, a statue that the gang has been after. When Lemo mentions "Captain Drebble," who had deceived them on Arcan IV, Han informs Lemo that Drebble possesses the statue and had betrayed them both.
Back on the Millennium Falcon, Lando awakens to discover that his captors are about to depart for Drebble's homeworld, but when Drebble begins tampering with the ship's controls, a hologram of Mon Mothma appears on the video screen, reminding everyone of "Captain Drebble" and the importance of rewarding him. Drebble is delighted by the recognition and starts embracing his new status as a hero when Lemos's gang arrives to seize Lando, whom they still believe to be "Drebble." Simultaneously, Chewbacca feigns his own death to deceive the gang member who is still guarding them.
The deception works, and they manage to escape, placing the gang member in the energy binders. Han and Chewie, now free from captivity, set out to rescue Lando. As Drebble's group and Lemo and Sanda's gang confront each other at the Millennium Falcon, Lando comes up with a plan to help him get out of the situation. He and Drebble exit the Millennium Falcon, pretending to surrender, but the plan is disrupted when Han and Chewie arrive, sparking a violent reaction from Lemo and Sanda's gang. Drebble's Stenaxes outmaneuver Lemo's gang in the ensuing gunfight, forcing them to surrender. Drebble, pleased with his heroic actions, decides to release the Rebels. Lando, honoring Mon Mothma's order to reward "Captain Drebble," presents the new hero with his prize. To Lemo and Sanda's astonishment, the reward is the Dancing Goddess.
Mon Mothma mentions Luke Skywalker's diplomatic mission to other planets in Star Wars 85, suggesting that the issue takes place at the same time as Star Wars 82 and Star Wars 87.
- UPC 071486028178; April 17 , 1984 ; Marvel Comics ; Initial print run [1]
- (No UPC) ; October 13 , 2015 ; Marvel Comics; Digital format [2]