STN 575: Luke Skywalker’s Deadly Mistake in Classic Marvel Star Wars Comic #61

Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics is back! This week, we’re breaking down issue #61, “Screams in the Void,” released on April 13, 1982.

Lauded as one of the premiere issues of this Marvel Comics series, “Screams in the Void” is a fan favorite. We got dozens of comments when we posted the cover out on social media for your opinions.

Richard shares his childhood memories of this pivotal issue, while Sarah experiences its twists and revelations for the first time. Along the way, we compare its artwork and ideas to The Force Awakens, Return of the Jedi, Ralph McQuarrie’s concept art, and even Star Trek’s The Trouble with Tribbles.

This fast-moving issue leaves us with one enormous cliffhanger: did Luke Skywalker actually kill Shira Brie??

About Issue 61: Screams in the Void

The Empire has captured a Teezl, a living communicator capable of transmitting information across the galaxy in the blink of an eye. Luke, Shira Brie, and a team of Rebel pilots infiltrate the Imperial armada in modified TIE fighters, but when the Teezl blocks their communications, Luke uses the Force to identify an enemy—and unknowingly shoots down Shira Brie!

Release date: April 13th, 1982
Written by: David Michelinie & Walt Simonson
Artwork by: Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer, Glynis Wein
Coloring by: Don Warfield
Cover Art: Walt Simonson

We recommend watching the video version of the podcast (above) of this episode which contains the full comic as we page through it. Listen to the audio podcast here:

About Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics

For those new to our CMSWC sub-series, we are working our way through the original Star Wars comic run published by Marvel from 1977 to 1986. Along the way, we share childhood memories, first-time reactions, artistic observations, and connections to later Star Wars films, series, novels, comics, video games, and even theme parks. Think of it as a Star Wars history lesson, celebrating what we love.

We take our Facebook Group Comments on the cover into account as we analyze this issue. Become a part of our Facebook Group to contribute!