Star Wars 89 marks the eighty-ninth installment in the Legends comic book saga, titled Star Wars. This particular issue was penned by Ann Nocenti, with illustrations by Bret Blevins, and was initially released on August 14, 1984 through Marvel Comics. The narrative unfolds in a story called "I'll See You in the Throne Room!," where Luke Skywalker confronts the infamous King Blackart and unearths a treacherous scheme.
In the aftermath of the Battle of Endor, numerous planets find themselves embroiled in revolutionary fervor, as the Empire grapples to maintain its dominion over the galaxy following the deaths of both the Emperor and Darth Vader. On Solay, a planet bathed in the light of ten suns, freedom fighters have emerged, intent on overthrowing the Solay Royal Court, which is backed by the Empire.
Under the leadership of Raggold and the recently arrived Rebel icon, Luke Skywalker, the revolutionaries successfully seize control of King Blackart's court, defeating his royal guard. However, amidst the chaos of battle, Raggold is fatally wounded by a blaster shot. With his last breath, he reveals to Luke that he was betrayed by someone within their own ranks. Luke's immediate instinct is to pursue Raggold's killer, but Mary, another freedom fighter, intervenes, cautioning him against seeking revenge. Luke reluctantly agrees, and together they witness the capture of King Blackart, who is stripped of his royal insignia.
As the Rebel forces celebrate their triumph, reveling in their newfound liberty, Luke expresses concern over the lack of focus on rebuilding, emphasizing that merely opposing something is insufficient; they must also champion a new government. However, Luke's attention is diverted by Mary, who argues that the revolutionaries have earned their celebration, gradually eroding Luke's reservations.
A week passes, and the celebrations show no signs of abating. Luke remains preoccupied with the lack of progress, insisting on the need to locate and eliminate the remaining elements of the pro-Imperial government. Yet, once again, he finds himself captivated by Mary, whose beauty has ensnared him. Mary kisses Luke, and Luke suggests they escape the festivities for a while.
Mary departs to arrange for a ship to transport them away from the area, but as soon as she vanishes, a resounding rumble echoes in the distance. Luke and the celebrating freedom fighters gaze skyward to behold a formidable Imperial fleet looming above the planet. The Empire has arrived to suppress the rebellion, catching the revolutionaries unprepared. Chaos erupts as the rebels scatter under the barrage of Imperial bombardment.
Mary, attempting to rejoin Luke, is struck by blaster fire from the Imperial ships and collapses, severely injured. The panicked rebels attempt to pilfer Mary's valuables, but Luke intervenes, employing the Force to lift Mary from the throng. Luke cradles Mary in his arms, but she is barely alive. With her final words, she implores Luke to cherish the promise of what could have been. Consumed by grief over Mary's death, Luke vows to find the traitor responsible for Raggold's demise and Mary's tragic fate.
Luke traverses the streets of Solay, encountering a young thief known as Scamp. Scamp offers to assist Luke in locating the traitor in exchange for the privilege of stealing from those Luke interrogates. Scamp reveals that the revolution had been a fraudulent scheme orchestrated by an Imperial Governor who financed the uprising to depose the monarchy and facilitate the easy reconquest of the world. Everyone had been manipulated, with the traitor being the sole beneficiary.
Scamp guides Luke to a wealthy Rebel living in luxury. Luke employs the Force to levitate the man and begins to choke him, demanding answers. The rebel confesses to the existence of a traitor, identifying him as a spy who had assassinated Raggold. Luke contemplates ending the man's life, but in deference to Mary's memory, he spares him.
Scamp and Luke proceed to the Solay Spaceport, determined to locate Blackart, who possesses knowledge of the traitor's identity. Blackart attempts to flee off-world, but Luke confronts the former King, demanding information. Blackart denies any knowledge of the traitor and attacks Luke, escaping aboard a rocket ship. Just as Blackart seems to escape, Scamp positions Luke on a jump platform that propels him into the air. Utilizing a wing pack, Luke assaults Blackart's escaping ship with his lightsaber, causing it to crash. Luke interrogates Blackart, who reiterates his ignorance of the traitor's identity. He claims that the Empire had set him up for a fall, and he would gladly kill the traitor himself if given the opportunity.
Luke sinks into despair, reflecting on his mission. The thirst for vengeance has consumed him, and he can feel the seductive allure of the dark side of the Force. Uncertain of his next move, Luke offers to help Scamp return his stolen goods to his home. Scamp is warmly greeted by his large family, who are overjoyed to see him. However, the celebration is disrupted by Scamp's father, who confiscates all the stolen loot for himself. Luke is appalled by the man's ingratitude, but Scamp prevents Luke from intervening.
Scamp leads Luke to a cantina to meet with Braxas, a local infochant. Braxas prides himself on knowing everything about Solay, but as a consequence, a bounty has been placed on his head. He offers to reveal the traitor's identity in exchange for Luke's assistance in getting him off-world. However, Braxas subjects Luke to one final test before deeming him a suitable pilot. Braxas orders the Braxas special, a dish containing a live scorpion. To gauge Luke's composure, Braxas insists that Luke consume the dish with chopsticks, using his non-prosthetic hand.
Luke succeeds in the test, and Braxas provides the tape revealing Raggold's murderer. Upon viewing the tape, Luke discovers that Raggold himself was the traitor. Overwhelmed by guilt, Raggold had taken his own life after the battle. Stunned by the revelation, Luke resolves to abandon his vengeful mindset. Luke and Braxas flee Solay in Luke's shuttle, but Luke vows to return to Solay someday to complete the mission that Mary and Raggold had initiated.
Originally, Star Wars 89 was slated to feature a different story called "The Choice," which was eventually published in issue 90.
- UPC 071486028178; August 14 , 1984 ; Marvel Comics ; First printing [1]
- (No UPC) ; October 13 , 2015 ; Marvel Comics; Digital edition [3]