The Impact of Breaking the Stormtrooper Formula in Star Wars

Within the expansive cosmos of Star Wars, the Stormtrooper stands as a quintessential symbol of the Empire’s might, serving the ominous decrees of Emperor Palpatine, instilling fear and enforcing order. However, a comic-exclusive narrative set within the now non-canonical Star Wars: Legacy continuity introduced an innovative twist: non-human soldiers were welcomed into the Stormtrooper ranks, prompting a significant redesign of Stormtrooper armor unprecedented in the franchise.

Launched in 2006 and marketed as “The Future of Star Wars, ” Star Wars: Legacy unfolds over a century after the original trilogy, and its narratives have transitioned into Star Wars Legends—non-canon stories from before Disney acquired the franchise.

Stormtrooper design infographic showcasing notes and drawings of the suit

In the introductory issue of Star Wars: Legacy #0, which sets the stage for the series with infographics and as-yet-unexplored lore, the exciting revelation emerged that, for the first time, alien beings were permitted to serve as Stormtroopers, equipped with “helmets and armor adapted to fit their alien physiques.”

Inclusive Armor: Non-Human Recruits in Star Wars: Legacy

Star Wars: Legacy #0 – 2006 (John Ostrander, Jan Duursema, Sean Cooke, and Dan Parsons)

Stormtroopers pursuing Han Solo in Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope — Image via Disney+

Following the legacy of Emperor Palpatine, Legacy’s Emperor Roan Fel continued to rely on Stormtroopers as a means of sustaining control over the galaxy. In a notable departure from the xenophobic tendencies of his predecessor, Fel allowed diverse species to wear the iconic Stormtrooper armor, empowering them to fight for their convictions. By establishing the Stormtrooper Corps, Fel ensured that newly recruited soldiers received specially designed armor accommodating the diverse physical characteristics of various alien species, enabling them to serve effectively while remaining protected on the battlefield.

The transition from a fully clone-based army to an ensemble of enthusiastic human recruits is a narrative shift vividly illustrated in Star Wars: The Bad Batch. Interestingly, there hadn’t been an urgent necessity to diversify the Stormtrooper ranks even after Palpatine’s conquest of the galaxy was accomplished with relative ease. It is logical that Fel would reconsider Stormtrooper recruitment criteria in a post-Palpatine universe, yet this initiative starkly contrasts Palpatine’s legacy, underpinned by his profound aversion to non-human entities.

Adjustable Armor: Expanding Recruitment in Star Wars: Legacy

Star Wars: Legacy: A Peek into Star Wars Legends

Talz character in Stormtrooper armor from the Legacy Era Campaign Guide

While the introduction of alien recruits fighting for Emperor Fel is detailed in the comics, instances of varied species donning Stormtrooper armor remain rare within the Legacy comic series. However, supplementary materials like the Star Wars Roleplaying Game’s Legacy Era Campaign Guide showcase a vivid example of a non-human Stormtrooper. It features a member of the Talz race—an imposing, fur-covered, four-eyed species—equipped in an appropriately fitted Stormtrooper suit, complete with a customized helmet featuring multiple eyeholes to suit their anatomy.

The inaugural volume of Star Wars: Legacy spanned 50 issues from 2006 to 2010.

The most compelling aspect of integrating non-human soldiers into a previously exclusive human army is the strategic potential it unlocks.By leveraging the unique abilities of various species on the battlefield, Emperor Fel could achieve successes previously beyond the reach of his human-only forces, all while preserving the famed Stormtrooper aesthetic. Moreover, many alien species exhibit enhanced durability and survival capabilities in extreme environments, enhancing the Stormtrooper Corps’ operational effectiveness with an influx of versatile soldiers.

Continual Redesign: Evolution of Stormtrooper Suits

Diverse Utilization and Aesthetic of Stormtrooper Suits

Comparison of Clone Troopers and Stormtroopers — Custom image by Ana Nieves

The ever-evolving nature of Stormtrooper armor reflects the changing allegiances of those who wear it—from Clone Troopers to the original trilogy’s Stormtroopers and onward to the First Order soldiers. Notably, Legacy’s Stormtroopers maintain their fundamental design, with the introduction of inclusive armor options setting them apart from their predecessors. The distinctive designs can vary slightly based on the artist’s interpretation, with some helmets featuring narrower eyeholes and unique visual modifications that further distinguish them from earlier incarnations.

Since the introduction of new concepts in Legacy, the Star Wars franchise has notably evolved, with several elements being integrated into the overarching narrative—including Cade Skywalker’s ability to resurrect others using a technique reminiscent of Ben Solo’s resurrection in Rise of Skywalker. This demonstrates that the material-rich depth of Legacy can inspire future storylines. The integration of non-human Stormtroopers presents intriguing possibilities for narrative exploration, and as new threats emerge in the Star Wars galaxy, these elements are bound to influence future developments.

For those interested in discovering more about this fascinating aspect of the Stormtrooper legacy, Star Wars: Legacy #0 is available from Dark Horse/Marvel Comics.

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