Jabba the Hutt is an icon Star Wars villain – a terrible crime lord who gained power even under the crushing boot of Palpatine’s Empire. However, he ultimately met his end in the Great Pit of Carkoon at the hands of Princess Leia Organa during Han Solo’s rescue. Now, in new stories set shortly after the events of Return of the Jedi, Jabba is quickly replaced by his butler, Bib Fortuna. Fortuna was first introduced as a replacement for Jabba in the post-credits scene of The Mandalorian season 2, but in The Battle of Jakku – Rise of the Insurgency (2024) #2, fans see him officially claim the throne.
Star Wars: Battle of Jakku – Rise of the Insurgency #2 by Alex Segura, Leonard Kirk, Rachelle Rosenberg and Joe Caramagna takes place after the Battle of Endor and the destruction of the second Death Star. The Rebels are celebrating their victory against the Emperor, and the new threat, Grand Moff Adelhard, is trying to prolong the Empire’s reign. However, in the shadows, the results of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia’s rescue mission on Tatooine are having an effect, giving Bib Fortuna a place on the throne of the Hutt Syndicate.
In the issue, Bib meets with Zeva Bliss, as they both recognize that the changing balance of power in the Star Wars universe is leading to great instability in the underworld of the galaxy.
Bib Fortuna is the new leader of the Hutt Syndicate
But a changing galaxy makes your position anything but stable
Not long after filling the power vacuum on Tatooine, Bib Fortuna’s first visitors arrive, the Spice Runners of Kijimi. The leader of the Spice Runners, Zeva Bliss, proposes an alliance between the Spice Runners, Fortuna, and the rogue Imperial Adelhard. Fortuna laughs, wondering why they would want to align themselves with the Empire now that it is in ruins. Upon leaving, Zeva admits to her group that the real reason she wants to help Adelhard is to cause chaos, seeing the galaxy-wide instability as good for business.
During the interaction, Bib Fortuna mentions that he played an important role in Zeva Bliss’ rise to power among the Kijimi Spice halls and the downfall of her mother, Zarah Bliss. It was under Zeva’s leadership that the Spice halls were properly organized into a single force. After Zeva, the Spice Halls of Kijimi eventually fell under the leadership of her daughter Zorii Bliss, no later than 35 ABY (after the Battle of Yavin). This little exchange demonstrates how rooted Zorii Bliss and her family are in history, even having connections to Bib Fortuna. It also shows that Even though Bib Fortuna has replaced Jabba the Hutt, he’s not making the alliances he needs to maintain your new position.
Jabba the Hutt’s throne is not for the faint of heart
Bib Fortuna is destined to fail, but it can still do damage in the meantime
After Bib Fortuna’s threat to tell Zeva Bliss’ minions how helpful he was in her rise to power, Zeva makes a counter-threat, saying, “you talk as if your place here is safer than mine.” Fans know she’s absolutely right. Fortuna’s quick takeover won’t last long, and his death occurs five years later at the hands of Boba Fettwho then becomes the daimyo of Tatooine, refusing to give in to Jabba’s old ways and instead deciding to rule with respect. This phrase uttered by Zeva is the perfect foreshadowing of Fortuna’s death and a good reminder that the galaxy is always on the move.
The aftermath of the Battle of Endor seems to be on every Rebel’s mind, but the fallout from Han Solo’s rescue is unfolding right under everyone’s noses. As Marvel comics explore the period between the original and the sequel Star Wars trilogies, there is still plenty of time for Fortune’s rule to have important consequences.
Star Wars: Battle of Jakku – Rise of the Insurgency #2 is now available from Marvel Comics.