WARNING! This article contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker #5

Princess Leia Organa’s first appearance in Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope is undeniably an iconic moment in cinematic history, as she delivers a desperate holographic plea: “Help me, Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope.” These words set the stage for the entire saga, establishing the Rebellion’s dire straits and Leia’s pivotal role as a beacon of resistance.

Decades later, in Star Wars: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, Leia's journey tragically comes to an end, closing an era of pop culture history. However, a preview for the comic adaptation, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker #5, written by Jody Ho with art by Will Sliney, offers a powerful, full-circle moment that beautifully echoes Leia’s first on-screen plea.

Through Lando Calrissian, the galaxy hears a similar call, transforming Leia's personal hope into a shared, universal rallying cry, cementing her enduring legacy as a princess, general, and revolutionary.

Lando Calrissian Channels Leia's Spirit in His Broadcast for Help

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Written By Jody Ho With Art By Will Sliney

Following Leia's ing, the Resistance is in a state of despair. They are fragmented without Leia, Luke or Han, and the First Order's oppressive grip only gets stronger. It falls to Lando Calrissian, Leia’s long-time friend and ally, to rekindle the spark of hope that seemed to have died with her. He transmits a message across the stars, urging ordinary citizens to the fight. This act is not merely a strategic move; it is a direct channeling of Leia’s very essence. Lando, understanding the weight of the moment and the sacrifices made, speaks on Leia’s behalf, knowing precisely what message she would share.

His words are not just a call for military aid; they are an appeal to the collective spirit of freedom that Leia embodied and championed throughout her life. He recognizes that true victory won't come from a single hero or a small band of rebels, but from the awakened will of the people; the same people Leia fought for her entire life. Lando’s broadcast stands as a testament to the deep bond between him and Leia, illustrating his deep loyalty and understanding of her unwavering commitment to justice and freedom.

The Echo of "You're My Only Hope" Resonates Across the Galaxy

George Lucas Famously Believed That Star Wars Should "Rhyme Like Poetry," And This Moment Is A Perfect Example

The most striking element of Lando’s broadcast is its deliberate and poignant echo of Leia’s original message to Obi-Wan Kenobi. Lando says that the people listening are “our last hope.” This isn't a mere coincidence in word choice; it's a thematic callback that elevates the entire scene and the importance of the moment. Leia, who once placed the burden of hope on a single Jedi Master, now, through Lando's voice, shifts that responsibility to the collective will of the galaxy. It symbolizes a crucial evolution in the fight against tyranny: from reliance on a chosen few to the awakening of the many.

Leia, who once placed the burden of hope on a single Jedi Master, now, through Lando's voice, shifts that responsibility to the collective will of the galaxy.

This mirroring of Leia’s first words in the saga emphasizes her lifelong impact that extends well beyond her death. Her first call for help in A New Hope was a desperate gamble laid at Obi-Wan’s feet; a flicker of light in the darkness. Now, her legacy has cultivated an entire galaxy capable of answering that plea themselves. The preview for The Rise of Skywalker #5 beautifully illustrates how Leia's unwavering belief in the good within people, even when faced with overwhelming odds, paid off in the ultimate way.

It’s a testament to her enduring power as an icon, reminding all that her hope was never truly lost, but rather, shared among the very people she dedicated her life to protecting. This emotional connection ties the beginning of the Skywalker Saga to its end, bringing Leia’s journey full circle in a deeply satisfying way, proving that her enduring belief in the capacity for good was never in vain. This final act solidified Leia Organa’s legacy not just as a princess or a general, but as the enduring embodiment of rebellion and hope itself.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker #5 will be available on June 11.