With its second volume, the series shifts from imperial characters to one who many have been curious for some time. Biggs Darklighter was a character from the original Star Wars film (now referred to as Episode IV: A New Hope). He was a friend of Luke Skywalker's from Tatooine. Biggs had been able to get off planet by going to the Imperial flight academy.

This volume really explores who he is as a character. In fact, it basically retells the story of that original film from his perspective, starting with his leaving Tatooine and joining him through his time in Imperial service. I guess that is the part that makes this an appropriate story for a series with "Empire" in the title. It is clear that Biggs quickly realizes that his father was right in saying how evil the Empire was and finds his way into the Rebel Alliance.

Along the way, readers join Biggs as he makes friends, and we get a chance to see some of the heroism of other members of the Rebel Alliance. As with other volumes in this series as well as a few others, it really adds a galactic element to the war between the Empire and the Alliance because it is not just focused on the characters with whome we are most familiar.

In some ways, it is a tough story because, like Luke, Biggs has big hopes and dreams, and we are along for the ride, knowing that his ultimate fate is his death during the Battle of Yavin, where the story concludes.

The volume also includes a short story where Generel Dodonna, the leader of the Rebels during the Battle of Yavin, is basically presenting a eulogy for General Roons Sewell, an actor-turned-rebel with a talent for getting things done. To my knowledge, Sewell is a totally original character, and it was interesting to see the motivation for someone who might decide to join the Rebellion.

This really was a fun addition to the series. The illustrations are strong and really capture the feel of familiar faces, and the storytelling is well done. At least for now, the Empire is ruling my reading time, and I think it will for a bit longer as I work my way through the series.