Rebel Alliance's Fate: How It Would Have Changed if the Death Star Were Not Destroyed

Those familiar with the Star Wars saga might wonder what would have happened to the Rebel Alliance if Luke Skywalker had failed to destroy the Death Star. The answer can be found in Star Wars Infinities, a series of comic books published by Dark Horse Comics that explore alternate realities. Specifically, Star Wars Infinities: A New Hope delves into a hypothetical scenario where the Emperor's weapon of mass destruction remains intact.

Altered Outcome: A New Hope Reimagined

The comic begins just like the original film, with elements remaining the same until the climactic moment where Luke Skywalker is tasked with destroying the Death Star. However, this time, Luke misses his shot, and the Death Star takes out Yavin 4 with a reduced blast. The impact is still devastating, as the Massassi Temple nearly crumbles under the force of the explosion.

With the original Rebel Alliance headquarters now compromised, the Empire springs into action, initiating a full-scale invasion of the planet. The remaining Rebel leaders, led by Princess Leia, are captured and taken to Coruscant. Surprisingly, Leia is not sent to a prison, but rather is subjected to a training program under the guidance of Darth Vader, aimed at transforming her into one of the Emperor's Sith acolytes.

Leviathan’s Training: The Dark Path

Meanwhile, back on the beaten path of those returning to their old ways, Han Solo grapples with whether to stay in the rebellion or return to his previous life as a smuggler. Torn between his moral duty and the practicalities of survival, Han and Luke clash in a brief but fiery confrontation, which eventually leads to them heading to Dagobah for further training.

Yet, it was not just Luke and Han who faced significant challenges. Leia, now a part of Vader's Sith training, undergoes a transformation of her own. By the time we catch up with her five years later, she has fully embraced the dark side, working towards atoning for her past sins committed with the Rebel Alliance.

The Ultimate Confrontation: A New Perspective

Following their training on Dagobah, Han and Luke embark on a mission to save Leia and bring down their former allies. During this climax, the full story of the original trilogy is unfolded, as we see Luke's final test within the cave on Dagobah, where he learns shocking truths about his family.

Journeying to the renamed Death Star, now known as "Justice Star," surrounded by a formidable Imperial fleet, the trio—Han, Luke, and a rejuvenated Yoda—face an array of challenges. Yoda, via his psychic powers, successfully convinces Tarkin to fire on the surrounding fleet, while Luke and Leia fight the Empire's forces, with Han and Vader observing the battle.

Tragically, with a final bout of lightning, the aftermath of the Death Star's destruction mirrors that of the original film, where Luke and Vader's sacrifice ensures the duo's escape. The concluding scene shows Yoda's daring self-sacrifice to bring down the Death Star, causing chaos on Coruscant and solidifying Leia's rise as the Supreme Chancellor of the New Republic and Luke's standing as a reborn Jedi.

A Not-So-Canonical Revelation

The stories of Star Wars Infinities are all but canonical, as they were created by Dark Horse Comics and do not form part of the official Star Wars canon. However, they provide a fascinating glimpse into what might have been. Additional volumes of Star Wars Infinities explore different hypotheticals, such as what would have happened if Luke died on Hoth or if the Rebels failed to rescue Han from Jabba's palace.

Published in collectible trade paperbacks, these comics offer a rich narrative and a chance to relive the original saga with altered outcomes. They are a testament to the enduring appeal of the Star Wars universe, even when exploring alternative realities.

Keywords: Star Wars Infinities, Rebel Alliance, Death Star