Black Series Dash Rendar

Dash Rendar is a skilled Corellian smuggler, pilot, and mercenary who rose to prominence in the Star Wars Shadows of the Empire multimedia event, which spans the novel, comic, and hit Nintendo 64 video game set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Known for his bravado and independent streak, Dash is the captain of the Outrider, a heavily modified YT-2400 light freighter that rivals the Millennium Falcon in both speed and firepower.

Background and Personality

Dash was born into a wealthy Corellian family with a successful shipping business. His privileged life ended abruptly when Prince Xizor of the Black Sun crime syndicate sabotaged the family, leading to the death of Dash’s brother and the seizure of their assets by the Empire. Expelled from the Imperial Academy, Dash responded by embracing a life of smuggling, bodyguard work, and freelance mercenary missions. He is resourceful, quick-witted, and generally mistrustful of authority, working for the highest bidder but sometimes siding with the Rebellion if the job suits his morals—or pays enough.

Dash is frequently compared to Han Solo but distinguished by a bolder, rougher edge and a habit of looking out for himself first. He is athletic, clever, and known for his cocky attitude, forming fleeting alliances with iconic Star Wars characters such as Luke Skywalker, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca.

Role in Shadows of the Empire

During Shadows of the Empire, Dash delivered critical supplies to Echo Base during the Battle of Hoth, fought off Imperial forces, and joined the effort to track down the carbonite-encased Han Solo. Dash’s adventures involved running into deadly assassin droids, fighting Boba Fett, and shooting his way through numerous Imperial entanglements to stage daring rescues. In the climactic battle against Prince Xizor’s Black Sun forces above Coruscant, Dash played a vital role, but cleverly faked his death to escape Imperial attention, leaving his fate open for future stories.

Traits and Legacy

Dash Rendar is tall, lean, with red hair and green eyes. He is skilled in blaster combat, starship piloting, and improvisation, equipped with heavy blaster pistols and advanced ship modifications. His reputation as a “forgotten hero” of the galaxy won him a lasting niche among fans, especially those who grew up with the Shadows of the Empire game and its cross-media storytelling.

While Dash prefers to remain unaffiliated with the larger causes of the galaxy—unlike Solo, he never truly joins the Rebel Alliance—his actions repeatedly impact the course of major Star Wars events. He remains one of the Expanded Universe’s most popular rogues, a symbol of Star Wars’ rich tapestry of daring pilots and reluctant heroes.