Darth Vader just made Beilert Valance whole again, but the two Star Wars killers aren’t exactly playing for the same team.
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #17, available now from Marvel.
Throughout the course of “War of the Bounty Hunters,” Star Wars made an effort to bring some lesser-known bounty hunters into the spotlight. Boba Fett may have had center stage but characters like Bossk, Zuckuss, and Dengar played vital roles in the events surrounding Han Solo’s auction. No bounty hunter had as many team-ups as Beilert Valance though. He was seen working with Dengar, Boba Fett, and almost joined T’onga’s newest bounty hunting squad. Those unfamiliar with Valance’s exploits may be wondering who this cyborg bounty hunter actually is.
Valance was not always in the bounty hunting game; he was originally a cadet in the Imperial Navy Academy where he served alongside Han Solo. After his ship was shot down, Valance enlisted in the infantry where he was deployed into a battle that left him with extensive injuries. The Empire was able to repair most of Valance’s body with cybernetics but discharged him from service after deciding he could be of no further use to them. He then went into the bounty hunting business.
Valance was considered one of the Naval Academy’s top cadets due to his flying, fighting, and blaster-shooting skills, with the cybernetics, only making him into a greater force. His skeleton was repaired with battle droid technology which kept his internal organs protected from blasters and melee weapons. He had a respirator built into his body which allows him to survive in the vacuum of space for up to 10 minutes. His left arm is equipped with a palm-blaster, much like Iron Man and his right arm has the capacity to hold attachments like a vibroblade or a grappling hook. Possibly his most impressive cybernetic is his eye which can zoom in and switch between infrared, night, ultraviolet, and magnetic vision. It also displays his vitals.
Cybernetics aside, Valance’s most valuable tool has been his connections. Throughout his adventures, he has held relationships not only with other bounty hunters but also with members of the Empire and Rebellion. Recently, in War of the Bounty Hunters #4 by Charles Soule, Luke Ross, David Messina, Neeraj Menon, Guru-eFX, and VC’s Travis Lanham, Boba Fett told Valance “I don’t work with anyone. But I’m willing to work with you.” This speaks to how incredible Valance’s reputation is in the Star Wars universe.
Not all of Valance’s connections are on sure footing though and the most notable among them is his relationship with Darth Vader. The two previously met during the events of Star Wars: Target Vader by Robbie Thompson, Cris Bolson, Roberto Di Salvo, Marco Failla, Rachelle Rosenberg, and Joe Caramagna. Valance was a member of a bounty hunting team hired by a criminal organization to assassinate Vader. Dengar turned on the team which gave Vader the opportunity to kill the rest and take Valance hostage. Vader then tortured Valance physically and through the Force to garner information. Valance made a deal with Vader that led to the capture of the Hidden Hand syndicate. Valance escaped Vader during the conflict.
Bounty Hunters #17 by Ethan Sacks, Paolo Villanelli, Arif Prianto, and VC’s Travis Lanham saw the epic conclusion of War of the Bounty Hunters and revealed that Valance has once again been captured by Vader after Fett’s betrayal. It does not appear that Vader has plans for vengeance as Valance awoke to discover that he has new synthflesh that covers his body and even hides his cybernetic eye. Vader clearly has plans for Valance but only time will tell if Valance is willing to follow through and work for the Empire once again.
Valance has grown in popularity over the past few years thanks to his lead role in the current run of Star Wars: Bounty Hunters but still has a ways to go before he reaches the popularity levels of Boba Fett or even Bossk. While his past experiences and connections make him a prime candidate to appear in The Book of Boba Fett or even the Mandalorian, his abilities and cybernetics may prevent him from appearing in live-action media. A live-portrayal of Valance could make him appear superhero-esque which is not the best fit for the tone or themes of Star Wars shows or movies.
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