Senator Padmé Amidala undertakes a covert diplomatic mission to further the ends of peace in Star Wars: Age of Republic – Padmé Amidala #1.
This article contains plot points for Star Wars: Age of Republic – Padmé Amidala #1.
Star Wars: Age of Republic – Padmé Amidala #1
Writer: Jody Houser | Artists: Cory Smith; Wilton Antos | Inkers: Walden Wong; Marc Deering | Colorist: Java Tartaglia | Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham | Cover Artist: Paolo Rivera | Production Designer: Anthony Gambino | Editor: Mark Paniccia | Assistant Editor: Tom Groneman
Senator Padmé Amidala isn’t a politician easily dissuaded. When she sets her mind on a goal, very little will stand in her way. Such is the case in Star Wars: Age of Republic – Padmé Amidala #1. The senator has found an opportunity to bring a neutral world into the Republic. She sees this as an opportunity to expand her mission of peace and help bring an end to the war. However, while the galactic war rages across the galaxy, several obstacles stand in her way. Padmé has more resolve tha than that and is not deterred. In Padmé Amidala #1, Padmé employs covert action, diplomacy, and her will to achieve a diplomatic resolution to a diplomatic problem.
The Covert Mission
Padmé Amidala #1 begins with Padmé saying goodbye to Anakin and explaining why she doesn’t want him coming on her mission. Their goodbye kiss is interrupted by one of her handmaidens, Moteé. New to Padmé’s service, Moteé thinks Amidala’s relationship with Anakin is ill advised. On board Padmé’s ship, her other handmaiden for this mission, Dormé, explains to Moteé the necessity of safeguarding Amidala’s secrets. They arrive on Clabron for a diplomatic mission with Grand Minister Stin. However, an assassin has mortally wounded the Grand Minister and is now gunning for Amidala. Padmé Amidala #1 concludes with Padmé convincing his successor that a discussion is worthwhile after Padmé subdues the assassin in a clever act of deception.
Alliances Forged Through Honesty and Deception
Padmé Amidala #1 is the counterpart to Count Dooku #1. In his issue of Age of Republic, Count Dooku built alliances with the underworld. His goal was to spread fear and create a separatist movement from what resulted. Therefore, he sought out gangs, cartels, and criminals. Padmé has the opposite strategy in mind. Her ultimate goal is peace. As she says in this issue, the war breaks her heart. Therefore, she spreads hope. She truly believes the Republic will emerge more united than ever once the war ends. So, when she arrives on Clabron, it is with a message of unity.
Padmé engaged in a little subterfuge to get there. However, that is the only thing she had in common with Count Dooku. In Padmé Amidala #1, she told her husband Anakin, and in effect the Jedi and Chancellor Palpatine, that she was on a mission to Duro. It was an unfortunate necessity. The Senate made clear that neutral worlds are of no consequence. Once she arrived on Clabron, Padmé’s intentions were clear. She wanted to know what she and the Republic could do for the people.
In contrast, Count Dooku hid his motivations from the Jedi while on his mission to Sullust. He was there under the guise of legitimate business. His actual plans, to the contrary, were the recruitment of the Kaldana Syndicate. Granted, just like Padmé, he waded into battle to achieve his ends. The difference is that while Padmé used deception to stop a murderous assassin, Dooku used deception to murder. Her goal was unity; his goal was chaos.
Final Thoughts on Padmé Amidala #1
Padmé Amidala #1 is a story true to the spirit of Padmé’s character. It is a fine supplement to E.K. Johnston’s Queen’s Shadow, which detailed the story of Padmé’s transition from elected monarch of Naboo to appointed galactic Senator. In Padmé Amidala #1, Padmé has completed the transition and is working with confidence. Her handmaidens primarily work within their security roles rather than administrative functions. This is more a necessity since the Clone Wars have broken out. Disguise and deception, one of the hallmarks of Padmé and her handmaidens, comes into play at the conclusion of the issue. When the assassin lines up a shot on who he believes to be the Senator from Naboo, Padmé sneaks up behind her and opens fire.
This issue also does well demonstrating the parameters of Padmé’s relationship with Anakin. Although Anakin only features in two pages of this issue, his impact isn’t a minor one. Anakin adores his wife. Unfortunately, his adoration blinds him to the reality of their lives: he is a Jedi, she is a Senator. They both have responsibilities. The Jedi’s day-to-day job is not safeguarding the Senator on her diplomatic missions. Padmé’s maturity allows her to see that. Plus, this relationship is not common knowledge, and it isn’t even known to Padmé’s new handmaiden until now. In addition, Padmé knows that Anakin has a competing loyalty: Chancellor Palpatine. Anakin believes he can have it both ways when it comes to being a good husband and loyal servant to Palpatine, but Padmé knows his best intentions sometimes backfire.
Padmé Amidala #1 nearly brings the Age of Republic series to a close. Jody Houser has compiled an amazing anthology of stories featuring the heroes and villains of the Clone Wars. Each story has highlighted a lesson, moral, or hidden strength of the character involved as they overcome self-doubt or other limitations. This series has proven time and again that standalone issues work for Marvel in the Star Wars galaxy.
Dennis Keithly is a graduate of the University of Missouri, North Texas attorney, husband, father of two, and co-host of Starships, Sabers, and Scoundrels. In addition to Star Wars, Dennis is a fan of science fiction, fantasy, and super heroes in general. When not engaged in fictional universes, Dennis is reading a good book or watching the NHL, football, or studying the NFL draft.