Star Wars: Agent of the Empire: Hard Targets #3B (Dark Horse Comics 2012)

Step into a tense corner of the Star Wars universe with Star Wars: Agent of the Empire — Hard Targets #3B, a Dark Horse Comics release from 2012. Written by John Ostrander with art by Davide Fabbri and Christian Dalla Vecchia, this issue deepens the espionage-soaked spine of Jahan Cross as he tackles a personal mission that could redefine his allegiance to the Empire.

In this chapter, a young boy who stands as the heir to Count Dooku is kidnapped, triggering a daring rescue operation led by Cross. The kidnapper is a seductive female spy from Cross's past, and her stated motive—protection of the boy’s welfare—forces Cross to confront a choice: obey imperial orders or risk everything to do what’s right for a child caught in the crossfire of galactic politics. And before the rescue, there’s a pulse-pounding sequence that sees Cross attempting to break out of an apparently inescapable prison.

What sets this issue apart:

• High-stakes moral conflict: Cross’s dilemma pits loyalty to the Empire against a visceral instinct to protect the innocent, delivering a rare, character-driven twist in Star Wars espionage.
• Espionage-forward storytelling: A blend of undercover operations, strategic deception, and daring jailbreaks that feel grounded in the galaxy’s political underworld.
• Rich, cinematic art: Davide Fabbri’s detailed linework paired with Christian Dalla Vecchia’s inks creates a tactile, noir-flavored aesthetic that complements Ostrander’s storytelling.
• Iconic Star Wars canon vibes: While steeped in the Empire’s shadow, the arc threads personal history with present danger, expanding what we know about Jahan Cross and his world.

Why readers choose this entry—and why you should, too:

• Ideal for Star Wars fans who crave espionage narratives with moral complexity, not just space battles.
• Perfect for collectors seeking a pivotal arc in the Agent of the Empire series, with top-tier art and a standout cover by Wes Dziboa and Stéphane Roux.
• Great as a compact, self-contained read that still advances the ongoing storyline and character arcs within the 2012 Dark Horse run.

Details you’ll appreciate:

• Title: Star Wars: Agent of the Empire — Hard Targets #3B
• Creators: Writer – John Ostrander; Artists – Davide Fabbri, Christian Dalla Vecchia; Cover Artists – Wes Dziboa, Stéphane Roux
• Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
• Release: 2012
• Cover price: $2.99