Published Jul 16, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT
Jason is an award-winning journalist whose writing career dates back to when he developed the ability to use a crayon. He, most notably, worked previously as a "professional fan," as he likes to call it, at CinemaBlend, for which he wrote about anything and everything under the pop culture umbrella... especially Batman. His passion for the art of cinema began even earlier, stemming from repeat viewings of The Wizard of Oz.
This initially led him to pursue a career in filmmaking -- and even work briefly in the industry as an extra in the straight-to-video family film, Alice Upside Down -- before deciding that his talents would be better served discussing and showing appreciation for the various forms of entertainment he is passionate about.
The following article contains spoilers for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Echoes of the Empire #4.
While the main hero of the original Star Wars movies is clearly Luke Skywalker, many hold Han Solo in a higher regard, and who could blame them? Harrison Ford's Millennium Falcon pilot is rugged, daring, and, despite acting largely in his own self-interest for most of the 1977 original, selflessly comes through by joining the Resistance in the end.
Of course, where would the scruffy nerfherder be without Chewbacca, the trusted Wookiee who has traditionally been recognized as Han's sidekick. However, the latest issue of a new Star Wars comic challenges that belief.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Echoes of the Empire #4 Calls Han Chewie's Sidekick
The fourth issue of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire follows Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa, and other fan-favorite Star Wars characters on a previously unseen adventure. The story is framed as a tale that cantina owner Oga Garra is recalling to Rey, played by Daisy Ridley in the Sequel Trilogy.
In her narration, Oga describes Chewbacca as a "big, beautiful, hairy slab of Wookiee" before mentioning Han. However, her description of the former smuggler is quite a bit less flattering, calling him Chewie's "loud human sidekick."
Image via Marvel ComicsIt seems a little strange to hear this distinction, considering how the beloved sci-fi blockbuster movies have always portrayed the iconic duo's dynamic as Han being the one to call the shots. Not to mention, Han has an esteemed reputation within the franchise's universe as the proud owner of one of the galaxy's fastest ships, a renowned bounty hunter, and an important figure in the Resistance's victories against the Empire.
Then again, Han likely still had a relatively high opinion of himself even after the events of the Galactic Civil War, and a lot of his dialogue in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire #4 does reflect Oga's acknowledgment of his boisterousness. Plus, there is plenty of evidence throughout the entire saga that supports the idea of Chewbacca deserving to be thought of as more than Han's "second-in-command."
Oga's Chewbacca Bias Is Justified
Image via DisneyPerhaps Oga Garra is a bit harsh in her assessment of Han Solo, considering his many honorable efforts. Yet, she still has every right to feel partial toward Chewbacca.
For one, not only is the Wookiee just as talented a pilot as Han is, but he has an even wider skill set than his human companion, such as in combat, engineering, and mechanical repair, to name just a few. Plus, more Eagle-Eyed Star Wars fans may notice how infrequently Chewie actually takes Han's orders and more frequently overrules his own judgment with his own instincts, which Han tends to follow more readily.
Upon further review, the only real reason why Chewbacca was ever considered Han's sidekick in the first place is likely because he is the one who doesn't speak English.
Published by Marvel Comics, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire is a five-issue limited series that serves as an origin story for the eponymous theme park inspired by the franchise located in both Disneyland Park in California and Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida.
The series is penned by former journalist Ethan Sacks, who has been writing Star Wars comics since 2019, but is also known for the horror story A Haunted Girl and the Covid-19-inspired dystopian drama, Dark Honor, from Image Comics. Roi Mercado and Jethro Morales, both of whom are also veterans of comics set in a galaxy far, far away, provide the artwork.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge — Echoes of the Empire #4 is now available where comic books are sold.
Comic Star Wars: Revelations
Created by George Lucas
English (US) · 