X-Wing Rogue Squadron ½ is a promotional comic book, a one-shot issue, belonging to the Star Wars Legends line of comic books and the broader Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron series. Michael A. Stackpole and Mike W. Barr penned the story, while Gary Erskine provided the artwork. The narrative unfolds in 0 BBY, occurring right before the renowned Battle of Yavin.
Dark Horse Comics initially released the issue in February of 1997, distributing it via Wizard Entertainment. Later, it was included in the compilations _Star Wars: X-Wing Rogue Squadron: Requiem for a Rogue_ (1999) and Star Wars Omnibus: The Other Sons of Tatooine (2012). Marvel Comics made a digital version available in 2015.
The narrative commences with Rogue Squadron's members engaged in a game of sabacc within a cantina located on Commenor. During their game, Wedge Antilles is given a card displaying "Hangar Bay 31," prompting the group to depart. Upon reaching the hangar, they are confronted by individuals attempting to extort money, falsely claiming to have prevented the theft of their landspeeder. The group swiftly subdues the extortionists before meeting their contact, Nera Dantels.
After Wedge verifies his code, Nera leads them to her vessel, the Starduster, revealing her cargo: a collection of astromech droids. As they depart the planet, a stormtrooper alerts Folor Base about the ship's departure.
Before Rogue Squadron can initiate the jump to hyperspace, they are ambushed by a squadron of TIE fighters. Initially, the battle favors Rogue Squadron, but Cesi Eirriss' X-wing sustains damage, and another squadron of TIE fighters arrives. Realizing she lacks sufficient time to eject and board the Starduster, Eirriss instructs Rogue Squadron to jump to hyperspace as she intentionally crashes her ship into the enemy fighters.
Following the hyperspace jump, Rogue Squadron and the Starduster arrive at Yavin 4 with the astromech droids. Subsequently, Rogue Squadron is informed that they will receive a new pilot, who is revealed to be Luke Skywalker.
- (No UPC) ; February 1 , 1997 ; Dark Horse Comics ; Print edition [1]
- (No UPC) ; November 24 , 2015 ; Marvel Comics ; Digital edition [2]