Star Wars Finally Reveals Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett’s First Canon Encounter

So, remember that big smackdown between Luke Skywalker and Boba Fett in 'Return of the Jedi'? Turns out, Star Wars is giving us a whole new angle on their first run-in—at least, according to the latest Marvel comic that's about to hit shelves. And yeah, if you're a continuity stickler, get ready: this is one of those 'wait, didn't that already happen?' situations.

Luke & Boba Fett: The (New?) First Encounter

Here's what Marvel is serving up: 'Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge – Echoes of the Empire,' written by Ethan Sacks (he's the guy who did the 'Galaxy's Edge' comic before), drawn by Jethro Morales and Roi Mercado, with cover art from Phil Noto. This time, we're getting a story set just before the gang tries to rescue Han Solo from Jabba, which, timeline-wise, basically lands between 'Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return of the Jedi'.

The set-up: Luke, Leia, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 head off to Batuu. Why Batuu? They need some intel on where Jabba's palace is—because apparently, in Star Wars, if you want to find a crime lord, you go on a tourist detour to Batuu first.

Darth Vader, meanwhile, is still out there being grumpy and hunting for Luke because, of course he is.

About That Meeting...

Once the crew hits Batuu, Luke gets one of his classic Force visions (as you do). He decides to wander off by himself, and surprise, surprise—he realizes there's someone following him. It's Boba Fett.

Apparently, Fett tells Luke there's an official Imperial bounty on his head but says he'd take him out for free. Luke gives him the 'I know who you are and what you did to Han' speech—in other words, full Jedi sass mode.

Wait. Haven't They Met Before?

And here's where things get a bit messy, continuity-wise. Back in 2015, Marvel put out a run (specifically, 'Star Wars' issues #5 and #6) that was supposed to tell us how Luke and Boba Fett actually met for the first time—right after 'A New Hope'.

• Luke goes poking around Obi-Wan Kenobi's old place on Tatooine, looking for... whatever Jedi don't leave lying around.
• Boba Fett, being the friendly neighborhood bounty hunter, tries to sniff out dirt on Luke through the Mos Eisley gossip mill.
• He tracks Luke down, throws a flash grenade, knocks him out, and the two get into a nasty little brawl. Fett loses, Luke escapes. The end (or so we thought).

But now, 'Echoes of the Empire' seems to be treating this Batuu faceoff as their 'true' first meeting—which feels like a bit of a rewrite. I mean, maybe that's just how Star Wars rolls these days: continuity is more of a suggestion than a rule.

The Comic Drops Next Week

If you want to see how this all plays out (or at least what the current official canon looks like, pending the next inevitable retcon), 'Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge – Echoes of the Empire' lands in comic shops on April 22. Could be fun, could just add more fuel to the canon confusion fire.

'There's a Galactic Empire bounty on your head. But honestly, I'd take you out for free.' – Boba Fett, in character as always