Poe Dameron #6 Review

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In Poe Dameron #6, Poe and Agent Terex race to learn what Grakkus knows.

Warning: this article contains spoilers for Poe Dameron #6.

Poe Dameron #6

Writer: Charles Soule | Artist: Phil Noto | Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna | Cover Artist: Phil Noto

Introduction

At the end of issue five, Agent Terex unleashed his plan to recover Grakkus’s files. Grakkus offered to share what he knew about Lor San Tekka with whomever could get him out of the Megalox Beta prison. However, Grakkus had other ideas. While Poe Dameron and Black Squadron worked to get Grakkus out, Agent Terex schemed with other prisoners. Quite simply, Terex orchestrated a riot. Grakkus, Poe, and Black Squadron were the intended victims. What Terex failed to take into account was Black Squadron’s astromechs. They sprung into action and infiltrated the prison before a hulking security droid countered them. The security droid quickly disposed of one of the astromechs. Issue five ended with both Black Squadron and the astromechs cornered and running out of options.

BB-8: the Heir to R2-D2

Having destroyed the blue ninja astromech in the previous issue, the Megalox Beta security droid turned its attention to the remaining droids. Up first is BB-8. The spunky astromech proves his resourcefulness. Using his hooks and cables, BB-8 successfully maneuvers himself into position to assault the security droid. The assault results in BB-8 interfacing with the security droid and knocking it out. BB-8’s actions in this book contrast with his role in The Force Awakens. In the film, BB-8 was the custodian of the map. He was protected by Poe, Rey, and Finn during the movie. He wasn’t particularly heroic and frequently cowered by his protectors. For the most part, he didn’t engage in combat.

The obvious predecessor to BB-8 was R2-D2. Contrary to BB-8, R2-D2 developed a reputation for resourcefulness over the course of six films and the Clone Wars. Granted, he had jet boosters for three movies, which is an advantage. Regardless, Artoo would get into the thick of things at times. His ingenuity often saved the day. With this series, and this story arc in particular, BB-8 has the opportunity to inherit that mantle.

No Gravity, No Problem

The key to Poe’s plan was for the droids to overcome the space station’s security. Once BB-8 and his companions accomplished that, the next phase of the plan went into action. It wasn’t a moment too soon. On the verge of being overrun by the prison populace, Poe ordered his team to activate their gravity belts. Then BB-8 and the droids deactivated the prison’s anti-gravity field. The prison riot came to an immediate end as the prisoners were all overcome by the planet’s gravity. Getting Grakkus off the planet became a cake walk.

The Ruthlessness of Terex

Agent Terex is not a gracious loser. Under the crushing weight of the enhanced gravity, he has to lie there and watch Black Squadron depart with Grakkus. Terex then summons the Carrion Spike to rescue him from Megalox Beta. Once freed from the planet’s oppressive gravity, Terex sets about getting revenge. First, he orders the Carrion Spire to ram the orbiting space station. The attack causes massive damage and the evacuation of the prison staff. Next, he ruthlessly attacks the escape shuttles. His correctly concludes that Poe won’t resist coming to the rescue. However, he underestimates the abilities of Black Squadron. He orders his crew to kill everyone. He failed to anticipate that Black Squadron might just win. After taking sufficient damage, he acquiesces to his crew, and the Carrion Spire flees.

Poe got a clear win over Terex. This is refreshing. In many comics these days, the villains fight the heroes to a standstill. The reason for this often is to maintain the threat and credibility of the villain. After all, a villain that consistently loses cannot be taken seriously in future appearances. In addition, these days, the heroes often end up fighting each other. While Terex remains a credible threat, it’s good to see the good guys get a win.

The Spy Within

Upon making his heroic return to the secret Resistance Base on D’Qar, Poe meets with General Organa. They agree that the data Poe received from Grakkus looks legitimate. Lor San Tekka may have ventured to any of the places on the Hutt’s list. However, General Organa isn’t ready for Poe to follow up yet. She notes that Terrex somehow knew Poe was headed to Megalox Beta. But, how? That is Poe’s mission. Discover the traitor.

The change in story focus, at least temporarily, is a smart move. This story takes place before The Force Awakens. The end game is Poe finding Lor San Tekka and recovering the map to Luke Skywalker. How long can that story really last? Darth Vader ends next month with issue twenty-five. Therefore, the reader knows Marvel won’t hesitate to end a story when it has run its course. The change of focus adds a little longevity to this story without bloating the core mission.

Terex’s Relationship with the First Order

One of the things that makes Agent Terex intriguing is the mystery surrounding him. After his failure to secure Grakkus’s information, he has a discussion with Captain Phasma. The discussion occurs via hologram. She orders him to return to First Order Space immediately or face extreme disciplinary measures. Despite this, Terex is unmoved. He cuts the communication before Phasma can finish her admonishment.

Terex’s standing with the First Order remains unclear. Obviously, members of the First Order hold him in some contempt. However, he seems to be tolerated based on a reputation of achieving results. His first appearance came complete with First Order Stormtroopers. His starship is the Carrion Spire, previously the personal craft of Grand Moff Tarkin. Why do First Order soldiers follow him if he is despised? How did he get the Carrion Spike? There seems to be much to learn about Terex.

Conclusion

Poe Dameron is a fun series. If nothing else, this series proves that even though a Star Wars story might not have major repercussions, it can still be fun. Soule writes a great story. He captures the essence of Poe Dameron in each episode of this series. As I have mentioned in previous reviews of this series, Poe Dameron has become the successor to Rogue Squadron. Poe is the new Wedge Antiles. Black Squadron succeeds Rogue Squadron with their skills and ingenuity. I hope this series has a long run.

Favorite Panel for Poe Dameron #6:

Once again, Phil Noto’s art shines in Poe Dameron #6. It is worth noting that Noto does all the art for this series. The most important character to get right is Poe. There is no mistaking who he is. Beyond Poe, the rest of the characters are outstanding. For this issue’s favorite panel, I chose one where excellent writing combined with good art. After the droids successfully neutralize the prisoners, Poe receives a communication from the Warden. The Warden accuses Poe of “stealing the prison.” Poe simply responds, “No, I’m just borrowing it.” Great characterization for Poe. That is Poe Dameron #6’s favorite panel.

Poe Dameron #6