For years, Wyl Tarson, top lieutenant to the galactic crime lord Raze, secretly delivered valuable information to the Rebel Alliance - until his employer discovered the betrayal and implanted a bomb inside Wyl's skull. Now, Wyl must infiltrate an Imperial stronghold on the planet Ahakista under the guise of working for the Rebellion, or Raze will detonate the bomb...

The Ahakista Gambit is the second volume in the Star Wars: Rebellion series of graphic novels, collecting issues #6-10 of the Dark Horse comic book series.

After years of being a spy for the Rebel Alliance, Wyl Tarson is forced to turn against the forces of good after his deception is uncovered. But Tarson hatches a plan that means that he doesn't have to compromise active Rebel agents. He assembles a team of operatives too washed up or too crazy for the Alliance and leads them into a suicide mission.

Over the years I've turned to the Dark Side - turning my back on the Star Wars universe, mainly because I couldn't stand the new trilogy. While I appreciate that kid's love them in the same way my generation enjoyed the original trilogy, I just can't sit through them without getting bored. And, now as a man nearing his forties, the last time I tried to watch the original trilogy I actually fell asleep - which made me wonder if I'd outgrown the movies.

But, as I read The Ahakista Gambit, something strange happened. All those childhood emotions, all the feeling of wonder and magic came flooding back. I don't know if it just sparked something in me or whether others will feel the same, but this release really took me back to the heyday of the franchise - this was more down to Rob Williams's illustrations than anything.

This is certainly a collection I'd recommend to all Star Wars fans - especially if over the years you think you've outgrown the series.

10

Pete Boomer