What is the “Hansicle”?
The final issue of Marvel Comics’ Star Wars series, Star Wars #50, by writers Charles Soule, Madibek Musabekov, and artist Rachelle Rosenberg, reveals in-universe name “The Hansicle,” which takes place in the year between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The period features the characters Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Lando who are seen undertaking adventures.
Han Solo himself is frozen in carbonite during this era, hanging as a trophy in Jabba the Hutt’s palace. Fans can recall how he missed several high-stakes adventures during this time. The year was actually full of high stakes adventures.
Why is the Year Between The Empire Strikes Back & Return of the Jedi called “The Hansicle”?
The Hansicle was a in-universe name Ben Solo mentioned to Luke Skywalker, that was apparently given to the year by his father - Han Solo, which has garnered attention from those interested in Star Wars canon. “The Hansicle” was thought to be a key lesson taught by Luke Skywalker - the era of Episode V and VI that served as a turning point. This period was when the galaxy saw major shake-ups to both the Force as well as the underworld, driven by the actions of Lady Qi’ra, a key player and an ex to Han Solo. The term “Hansicle” was considered the perfect way to summarize the era as it was a period of significant activity.
Was The Year Between Episodes V & VI a Big Year?
The period between Episodes V and VI was a year where the Force was in flux. In this era, Han Solo , a key character from the original Star Wars Trilogy is a focal point for the story - the story begins as the galactic underworld sees the emergence of a syndicate war orchestrated by Lady Qi’ra and Crimson Dawn (a criminal organization and empire). The syndicate war was further motivated by Han Solo, having been stolen as an instigator to Boba Fett in a highly anticipated clash between Darth Vader (the iconic dark force) and the rebels.
As events begin to take shape - fans are introduced to a new story arc that revolves around the rebellion of droids who, like those seen in Star Wars as a whole, face a difficult period in which they are tasked to combat those forces from the dark side - who are determined to defeat them, causing a huge power struggle in the galaxy - where the Force becomes highly volatile. This also leads to the arrest and trial of Lando, who was being judged for a series of actions that seemed to betray his fellow rebels. In the meantime, Darth Vader takes the opportunity to make his moves, as a result of the Battle of Jakku and to gain power from his allegiance to Emperor Palpatine (whose forces were beginning to lose ground).
Did "The Hansicle" Come Before the Battle of Endor?
It is worth noting that the name "The Hansicle" seems to downplay the era as a massive state of flux. However, that era was filled with crucial battles, as well as an opportunity to look back at some of the pivotal decisions and conflicts that had occurred over those years, and where Han Solo’s carbonite prison marked the start of many more adventures.
Will We See “The Hansicle” Show Up In a Upcoming Star Wars Series?
The Battle of Endor was seen in Return of the Jedi, that provided audiences with a satisfying end, where Luke Skywalker ultimately chose a different path to become the hero. Those who are eager to see more of this time can check out upcoming Star Wars Series that may focus on the story after this particular event - with The Mandalorian and Grogu having already released a successful, well-received show. But the new release that focuses on the story that stems from this time was a huge step forward.
Those fans eager for more can keep their eyes peeled as more details surrounding the Star Wars universe and those who are seeking to learn more about those who have had a key impact on the story (e.g., Rey ). Fans might also be eager to discover more about how those characters came together to form the Rey Jedi Order, , or the highly anticipated release of the upcoming Dawn of the Jedi series, or even what the aftermath of Return of the Jedi will hold in terms of more stories for this universe,
