Star Wars: Easter Eggs and References in Marvel's Star Wars #4

The fourth issue of Marvel's flagship Star Wars series is on the stands, and it is chock-full of Easter Eggs and references. Now look, a certain bounty hunter makes an appearance here, but we're not calling it an Easter Egg because it's clear he'll be a major part of the story going forward. Just getting that out of the way.

With that said, here are the biggest nods and shout-outs we found in Star Wars #4.

Have I Seen This Before?

The issue opens up with another visit to Jabba The Hut's palace by Darth Vader. In Darth Vader #1, the Sith Lord is dispatched to Tatooine (he has…history there), where he visits Jabba, slaughters several of Jabba's guards, and demands contact with bounty hunters. You can also see a pair of "pig-lizard" Gamorrean guards, for a little Easter Egg within an Easter Egg. Vader and Jabba later speak of that first meeting, and even reference Luke, Kenobi, and the Death Star's destruction.

Not the Subtlest of the Transports

The Rebel Alliance's massive base ship, upon which Han and Chewie are attempting to fix the Millennium Falcon, is a Rebel Cruiser (Nebulon-B Frigate). Manufactured by Kuat Drive Yards, ironically the same manufacturer of the various Imperial Walkers, these ships are shown in episodes V and VI. They have powerful turbo lasers, cannons, and dual tractor beams. But despite the heavy armaments, they were often used as Medical frigates by the Rebels. It's one of these vehicles that Luke is taken to when his hand is cut off by Darth Vader, and given a cybernetic replacement.

He Fought in the Clone Wars

When Leia tries informing Luke about her team's next mission, Luke is considerably frustrated (having just had a run-in with Darth Vader that didn't go so well). When trying to raise Luke's spirits, she refers to Obi-Wan Kenobi, as "General Kenobi." It's a fun little nod to his role in the Clone Wars and Leia's upbringing by Bail Organa, a faithful member of the Republic, believer in the Jedi, and one of the founding members of the Rebel Alliance. She respects old Ben for his service, and despite his lack of rank amongst the Rebels, refers to him as such.

Aliens Among Us

We've already mentioned Jabba and the Gamorrean guards, but there is also a handful of Rodians (interestingly speaking Huttese) who walk into a cantina at Mos Eisley on Tattooine. Apparently they never heard that it's a bad place for Rodians to walk into, as they're shot, just like Greedo was. There's also Jabba's pet Kowakian Monkey-Lizard, who Vader is not a fan of, and various other aliens shooting at Banthas. Mean, mean, aliens. The Mon Calamari are also well-represented, including the most famous and quotable of that race.

Tatooine's Importance

Ah, Tatooine. While Vader doesn't mercilessly slaughter any Sand People on this visit, he does get a nice little dig from Jabba, who always seems to know a bit more than he lets on. He mentions Ben Kenobi and the "many stories of times that old wizard was a thorn in my side;" which is an interesting thing to say. It could reference the Clone Wars, but could also point to some currently non-canon "Legends" stories that take place between Episodes III and IV. But after that, he mentions how inconceivable it is that the boy who destroyed the Death Star could have come from these dunes. "Who knew anyone of note was ever born on Tattooine, eh?" he says. Cold, Jabba. Cold. (Ahem: Vader, as Anakin, was born there, if you haven't been keeping track)

Bonus: Vader #4's Nubian Cruiser

There might not have been enough Easter Eggs in Darth Vader #4 to fill a full column, but we had to make note of this: Vader, on a secret mission on his own, uses a Naboo Royal Starship, the same kind of ship that took him into space and off Tatooine for the first time as a boy. Created only for the Naboo royal family (of which Vader's wife from a former life, Padme Amidala, was a member), these ships also called Nubian Cruisers are very uncommon. While Marvel Comics editor Jordan D. White did confirm to me that the above ship was that type of vessel, he couldn't say whether it was the original.

Did you catch any other Easter Eggs or references in Star Wars #4? Be sure to share them in the comments below.