Although this is listed as being in the comic section, this is not like a normal comic. For one thing, it is mostly text, with only pictures here and there to illustrate a point. Mainly, what it is is a book that gives background information on various characters that appeared in the X-Wing Rogue Squadron comic series. The information goes up through Masquerade, so if you haven't read Mandatory Retirement, there are no spoilers.
Of course, the Handbook profiles all of the pilots that served in the squadron throughout the course of the comics. Also profiled are various Imps such as Ysanne Isard, Delak Krennel, and Leonia Tavira, as well as others friendly to the New Republic, such as Winter, Kapp Dendo, and Koyi Komad.
The thing I found interesting about this issue is seeing exactly who they chose to be in here, who didn't make it, and what is said about those who do make it. They seemed to pick and choose which one-shot characters would make it in here. For example, they have write-ups on such characters as Admiral Lon Isoto, Gade Yedan, and the Irrukiine, but nothing on Corran or Mirax. I'm assuming that's because Corran and Mirax are covered in the novels, but I'm still surprised that at least Mirax didn't make it in, since she appeared more than once throughout the course of the comic book series.
I like the Handbook in that it serves as a handy resource book. I've used it a few times to remind myself of details pertaining to the comic book characters. It's saved me from having to dig out my collection and looking through various issues. It's also the one place to look to find out about the various artists, writers, letterers, and others who have worked on the X-Wing Rogue Squadron series. All in all, it may not be perfect, but it's still worth having.
Reviewed March 27, 2000 by Kelly M. Grosskreutz.
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