David's Review of Lando Calrissian and the Flamewind of Oseon

2/5 Rancors - All three tales in The Lando Calrissian Adventures were written in 1983 and serve as a guide to Lando's background and some of his adventures that helped to make him what he turns out to be later on in the Star Wars films. As was true with the first story Lando Calrissian and the Mindharp of Sharu, the second story is strangely written. Mr. Smith's handling of language throughout the three tales consistently hits a wrong note with me. It just does not sound like the charming resourceful character we come to love in the films.

The Flamewind is a natural event that occurs each year in the Oseon asteroid belts. For three weeks, stellar flares interact with ionized vapors. The result is a light show beyond belief. Another result is that the Flamewind is basically not navigable during the three weeks. Lando's piloting skills are put to the test, and he relies heavily on Vuffi Raa, his droid companion from the first tale, to do what needs to be done.

Lando and Vuffi arrive at the Oseon system after their adventures at Sharu and their battle against the Imperial ships at Nar Shaddaa. Once again they run into trouble with the administrator of the system and are forced to participate in a dangerous drug bust in order to win their freedom. The sting operation is aimed at the billionaire industrialist Bohhuah Mutdah. Lando poses as a drug dealer and succeeds in getting two drug enforcement agents through the Flamewind and in to see Mutdah. This does not go well for any of them from that point. The agents end up dead, and Lando is in trouble because Mutdah turns out to be Rokur Gepta, the Sorcerer of Tund, in disguise. Rokur is still extremely displeased with Lando because of all the trouble Lando caused in Sharu during the first story. Lando escapes this one only through the accidental efforts of a squadron of Renatasian starfighters who are really trying to settle an old grudge against Vuffi Raa.

As was true with the first story in Lando's Adventures, you really should read this story for a decent adventure and to learn about Lando's early days. Once again, just don't set your expectations too high.