Review: STAR WARS: The Last Jedi - DJ: Most Wanted #1

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI – DJ: MOST WANTED No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Ben Acker and Ben Blacker
PENCILS: Kevin Walker
INKS: Marc Deering
COLORS: Java Tartaglia
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Jeff Dekal
VARIANT COVERS: Movie Cover
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (March 2018)

Rated “T”

“DJ: Most Wanted”

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – DJ: Most Wanted #1 is a one-shot comic book.  It is a comic book tie-in to the film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), the second movie in the Star Wars “sequel trilogy” (which began with 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens).  DJ: Most Wanted is written by Ben Acker and Ben Blacker; drawn by Kevin Walker (pencils) and Marc Deering (inks); colored by Java Tartaglia; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – DJ: Most Wanted #1 opens in Canto Bight, the infamous casino city.  The wily gambler DJ is using his immense skills as a code breaker, hacker, and slicer to win even when he is losing.  This evening, he has managed to capture the interest of two honest cops, Pol Ipol and Oosha Choi, but it is the attention of the dishonest to which DJ must pay attention.  The worst of them all is someone known as “Denel Strench,” but who or what is he and why is everyone wary of him?

This is the second worst Star Wars comic book that Marvel Comics has published since it reacquired the license to publish Star Wars comic books several years ago.  What is the worst, you ask?  That would be (Star Wars Special) C-3PO #1, which was published back in the spring of 2016.

Why do I dislike DJ: Most Wanted so?  For starters, its title character is “DJ,” a character that I found unlikable and extraneous in the recent film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.  In fact, this entire subplot involving DJ in the film was dumb and unnecessary, and basically, Star Wars: The Last Jedi – DJ: Most Wanted #1 is a dumb and unnecessary comic book.

Even the art by Kevin Walker, who is doing an excellent job on the Star Wars ongoing series, Doctor Aphra, under performs here.  I think writers Ben Acker and Ben Blacker did a good job on the previous spin off comic book from The Last Jedi (Star Wars: The Last Jedi – The Storms of Crait #1).  They stumble here because they really do not have much with which to work.  This is basically a story that explains why DJ is in jail when we first meet the character in The Last Jedi, but nothing is known about his character other than that he is a two-faced opportunist.

Unless you are someone that has to collect every Star Wars comic book, I recommend that you keep the 4.99 (plus tax) or so that it would cost you to buy this pitiful comic book in your pocket.

3 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS: The Last Jedi - The Storms of Crait #1

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI – THE STORMS OF CRAIT #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Ben Acker and Ben Blacker
ART: Mike Mayhew
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Marco Checchetto
VARIANT COVERS: Caspar Wijingaard; Movie Cover
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2018)

Rated “T”

“Storms of Crait”

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – The Storms of Crait #1 is a one-shot comic book.  It is a tie-in to Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), the second film in the “sequel trilogy” (after 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens).  The story is set on the planet of Crait, which plays a pivotal role in the last act of The last Jedi and which is also a setting of the 2017 novel, Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Leia, Princess of Alderaan (Claudia Gray, Disney Lucasfilm Press).  The Storms of Crait is written by Ben Acker and Ben Blacker; drawn and colored by Mike Mayhew; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – The Storms of Crait #1 is set after the events depicted in the original film, Star Wars (2017).  The leaders of the Rebel Alliance are looking for a new location to establish their secret base of operations.  Princess Leia Organa suggests Crait, a “dead planet,” a mining planet.  There, she hopes to make a deal with Trusk Berinato, an old friend of her late father.

Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker, the hero of the Battle of Yavin, is struggling with what he sees as mundane duties.  What he seeks is action and adventure, not tasks that are similar to the old farm boy chores he did on his former home of Tatooine.  Also, Han Solo does not realize how much he has become protective of Leia.  Perhaps, Luke and Han will discover their true feelings when their mission on Crait suddenly turns complicated.

I am a fan of Mike Mayhew, especially of his Star Wars comic book art.  His photo-realistic style is perfect to capture the likeness of actors who have played classic Star Wars characters for comic book art.  In The Storms of Crait, his Princess Leia is the perfect likeness of a young Carrie Fisher.  Mayhew's Luke Skywalker and Han Solo don't capture young Mark Hamill and younger Harrison Ford, respectively, in the way he does Leia/Carrie Fisher.  Still, he is quite good at making Luke and Han's emotions and facial expressions seem genuine.  It is as if Mayhew captured those expressions in photographic images.

Mayhew's seeming dedication to Leia makes sense as writers Ben Acker and Ben Blacker make Leia the centerpiece of this story.  This scripting duo does a good job capturing the established personalities of Leia, Luke, and Han, and their scripts offers plenty of Star Wars battle action and even a surprising lightsaber duel.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – The Storms of Crait #1 is not a great comic, but it is an entertaining Star Wars comic book.  Marvel continues to do a good job publishing Star Wars comic book stories that take place in the time between Star Wars (1977) and The Empire Strikes Back (1980).  Thus, regardless of how you might feel about Star Wars: The Last Jedi, dear readers, The Storms of Crait #1 is for classic, original trilogy era fans.

7.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2018 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS Adventures #1

STAR WARS ADVENTURES No. 1
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Cavan Scott
ART: Derek Charm
LETTERS: Tom B. Long
COVER: Derek Charm
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Elsa Charretier with Tamra Bonvillain; Eric Jones; Jon Sommariva; Chris Samnee with Matt Wilson; Tim Lim; Chris Uminga; Craig Rousseau; Mike Maihack; Tim Levins
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2017)

“Better the Devil You Know” Part 1

Star Wars Adventures is a new all-ages Star Wars comic book from IDW Publishing – yes, IDW and not current Star Wars comic book publisher, Marvel Comics.  Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida this past April, the series is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and will reportedly feature one and two part stories that are not steeped in continuity.

Shortly before the recent launch of Star Wars Adventures, IDW published a graphic novel adaptation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, also geared towards readers of all ages.  The art for Star Wars Adventures is also intended to “bridge the gap” between Star Wars and traditional Disney animation.  Star Wars Adventures is written by Cavan Scott; drawn and colored by Derek Charm; and lettered by Tom B. Long.

Star Wars Adventures #1 (“Better the Devil You Know” Part 1) opens on the planet of Jakku and focuses on Rey, the hero of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  She is a scavenger of Imperial war ships that are now wrecks on the desert planet.  Rey discovers that her “junkboss,” Unkar Plutt, has been taken prisoner, and the reason is something she found.

Star Wars Adventures may be geared towards elementary school age readers, but I, who was in elementary school a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, love it.  In fact, I adore Derek Charm's art because I have been a fan of animation-style comic book art for a long time.  [ I think that love goes back to the early issues of DC Comics' Batman Adventures comic book, which was the comic book tie in to the classic early 1990s animated television series, “Batman: The Animated Series.”]

I think this comic book is closer to traditional, classic comic books with its striking visuals and clear, effective, adventure storytelling – that does not have to run six issues.  I think writer Cavan Scott and Derek Charm are going to do in 30 pages what many comic book creators cannot do in 100+ pages – give readers a comic book story that reminds us of why we first came to love comic books.

I can't wait for the second issue.

Tales from Wild Space – “Stop, Thief!”
STORY: Cavan Scott
PENCILS: Jon Sommariva
INKS: Sean Parsons
COLORS: Charlie Kirchoff
LETTERS: Tom B. Long

The back-up, “Tales from Wild Space,” looks to be an anthology feature which will star various Star Wars characters from different eras and which will be narrated by an explorer named Emil Graf.  It does not “Wow!” me as much as the lead feature, but this could be good.  Besides, I like the surprising mix of Star Wars characters that it offers.

“Tales from Wild Space” just makes me more certain that Star Wars Adventures will be one of my favorite comic books.

9.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS: Rogue One Adaptation #1

STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE ADAPTATION No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.  Please, visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: Jody Houser (based on the screenplay by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy and the story by John Knoll and Gary Whitta)
ART: Emilio Laiso and Oscar Bazaldua
COLORS: Rachelle Rosenberg
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Phil Noto
VARIANT COVERS: John Tyler Christopher; Terry Dodson; Mike Mayhew; Joe Quinones
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2017)

Rated “T”

Afterword by Gareth Edwards, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Released in December 2016, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is the eighth live-action Star Wars film.  It is also the first Star Wars film not to directly focus on the main story line of the previous films, which is the struggle for the fate of the galaxy involving the Skywalker family and the Jedi against the Sith and the Galactic Empire or its antecedents and descendants.

Rogue One is a stand-alone film that is set immediately before the events depicted in the original Star Wars (1977).  The Galactic Empire grows ever more powerful, but a determined rebellion against the Empire continues to gain strength.  Rogue One tells the story of how a small band of rebels obtained the data and classified information that caused an Imperial Star Destroyer to accost a small Rebel cruiser at the beginning of the film now known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.

Marvel Comics just began publishing its comic book adaptation of Rogue One with the release of Star Wars: Rogue One Adaptation.  It is written by Jody Houser; drawn by Emilio Laiso and Oscar Bazaldua; colored by Rachelle Rosenberg; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Star Wars: Rogue One Adaptation #1 opens 15 years before the main story and reveals how the Empire forced the scientist Galen Erso back into Imperial service.  Fifteen years later, the Rebel Alliance has learned that Erso is the key figure in creating a “planet killing” machine for the Empire.  That information comes from Bodhi Rook, a Imperial cargo pilot who has defected from service to the Empire.  Now, Rook is in the hands of rebel extremist, Saw Gerrera, and only Galen Erso's daughter, Jyn Erso (also known as “Liana Hallick), can help the rebellion find and negotiate with Gerrera for the release of Rook.  Can the leaders of the rebellion convince Jyn, a career criminal to help them?

Writing this review, I suddenly realize how much someone has to know in order to fully enjoy Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.  I don't know if someone who knows little or nothing about four decades of Star Wars films can fully understand Rogue One because I cannot be in their position.  I can't unlearn the Star Wars data, characters, and story that I have absorbed over four decades of loving Star Wars.  I guess anyone could enjoy Rogue One if he or she understands the basic premise; fully understanding and/or appreciating Rogue One's context in a larger “world of Star Wars” is another thing.

Like Marvel Comics' comic book adaptation of the 2015 film, Star Wars: the Force Awakens, their comic book adaptation, Star Wars: Rogue One Adaptation is a nice way to experience the story again.  This is not a great comic book, but it is good, and I found myself enjoying it because I really enjoyed the Rogue One film.  I need to read at least one more issue to see if this comic book can close to capturing the subtlety, mood, and intense drama of the movie.

Despite what Rogue One film director Gareth Edwards says about artist Emilio Laiso in his afterword to this first issue, Laiso's art is nice, but not beautiful.  Laiso's compositions do not result in high drama, and Rachelle Rosenberg's colors are too flat, but everything could improve in later issues.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE Graphic Novel Adaptation

STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE GRAPHIC NOVEL ADAPTATION
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. and please, visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: Alessandro Ferrari (Manuscript Adaptation)
ART: Igor Chimisso (character studies); Matteo Piana (layout)
INKS: Igor Chimisso, Stefano Simeone
PAINT: Davide Turotti (background and settings); Kawaii Creative Studio (characters)
COVER: Eric Jones
ISBN: 978-1-68405-220-2; paperback, 6 3/4” x 9” (December 2017)
80pp, Color, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN (December 12, 2017)

IDW Publishing is currently publishing an all-ages Star Wars comic book, entitled Star Wars Adventures.  Announced at Star Wars Celebration (April 2017) in Orlando, Florida, Star Wars Adventures is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and features one and two part stories that are not steeped in Star Wars continuity.

In addition, IDW Publishing is also publishing U.S. editions of Star Wars graphic novels drawn by a group of Disney artists, apparently based in Italy.  This group's art is intended to bridge the gap between Star Wars and traditional Disney animation, making these Star Wars comics more attractive for younger audiences that are probably familiar with Disney style art in Disney comic books and illustrated books.

This group also produced an adaption of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the eighth live-action Star Wars film.  Released in 2016, Rogue One is a stand-alone film, meaning it is not part of the original, prequel, or sequel trilogies.  Rogue One's story is set immediately before the events depicted in the original Star Wars (1977).  IDW is now releasing that Rogue One graphic novel as Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation.  It is written by Alessandro Ferrari, who has adapted numerous Walt Disney and Pixar films into the graphic novel format and has also written many comics for Disney Worldwide Publishing.

In Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation, the Death Star, the Galactic Empire’s ultimate weapon, looms large.  Its near-completion means doom for the Rebel Alliance.  Enter Jyn Erso, daughter of the Death Star’s reluctant creator, Galen Erso; she desperately seeks to save her father from Imperial control.  For this quest, Jyn will join forces with Rebel spy, Cassian Andor; his reprogrammed Imperial droid, K-2SO, and a small band of rebels.  Aboard a ship one of them dubs “Rogue One,” they will attempt to steal the Death Star’s plans and keep hope for the Rebellion alive.

At 64 pages of actual comics, IDW's Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation is half the size of Marvel Comics' six-issue miniseries, Star Wars: Rogue One Adaptation.  Writer Alessandro Ferrari has to excise chunks out of many scenes and sequences, yet he makes the most of the narrative space he has.  Ferrari's Rogue One adaptation runs hot and the dialogue is passionate.  The threat that looms above the Rebel Alliance, the Death Star, seem genuine and larger than life.  It reads as if it were a behemoth bearing down upon the rebels even when it is nowhere near them.

The art is gorgeous.  The character drawings convey the dark personalities of the characters and the intensity of their emotions and the grittiness of their determination.  The backgrounds and settings are wonderfully painted.  You would think the painters were doing this high-quality work for an animated film project, but no, they are turning out this sumptuous painting for a kids' comic book!

The screenplay for the Rogue One film was written by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy (from a story by John Knoll and Gary Whitta), and Alessandro Ferrari and the artists of Star Wars: Rogue One Graphic Novel Adaptation have done these writers proud.  I hope this creative team gets the chance to do a graphic novel adaptation of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and I am sure I am not the only one waiting to see what they can do with this new Star Wars film.

A
8 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: DOCTOR APHRA #1

DOCTOR APHRA No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

WRITER: Kieron Gillen
ART: Kev Walker; Salvador Larroca
COLORS: Antonio Fabela; Edgar Delgado
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Kamome Shirahama
VARIANT COVERS: Rod Reis; John Tyler Christopher; Salvador Larroca; Elsa Charretier; Jamie McKelvie; Rafael Albuquerque; Ashley Witter; Kamome Shirahama
44pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (February 2017)

Rated “T”

Aphra “Part 1”

Rogue archaeologist, Doctor Aphra, first appeared in Marvel Comics' Darth Vader #3.  She became Darth Vader's lackey and eventually his enemy.  Darth Vader the comic book recently ended, and its replacement is a new comic book, Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Marvel Comics' first ongoing series starring an original Star Wars character created in the Star Wars comic books.  Doctor Aphra is written by Kieron Gillen; drawn by Kev Walker; colored by Antonio Fabela; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Doctor Aphra #1 opens in the aftermath of Darth Vader #25.  Aphra barely escaped Darth Vader's clutches with her life, and she knows if he discovers that she is not dead, he will hunt her down.  Aphra returns to what she does best – search the galaxy for rare artifacts.  She is now locating and liberating rare archaeological treasures; her companions are the homicidal droids, 0-0-0 and BT-1 (who also debuted in Darth Vader #3) and the Wookiee warrior, Krrsantan.  Her latest artifact find will bring her nothing but trouble, as she discovers that everyone and no one wants it.

I really like the cover art for Doctor Aphra #1, which is drawn and colored by Kamome Shirahama.  It is not a particularly inventive visual design, but it is striking in its execution.  I also like the interior art by Kev Walker, whose graphic style reminds me of the work of Jamie Hewlett (the co-creator with Alan Martin of Tank Girl).  Walker and colorist Antonio Fabela's work on this first issue would been a good fit for the best days of the science fiction and fantasy anthology magazine, Heavy Metal.

In fact, I think that in some ways,this Doctor Aphra comic book will be as much like Tank Girl, Heavy Metal, and various British and European science fiction comics as it will be a Star Wars comic book.  This title may be something of a risk for Marvel, in terms of Star Wars comic books, but it is good to see that they are willing to be a bit adventurous with their Star Wars titles.  The prior license holder for Star Wars comic books, Dark Horse Comics, was quite adventurous in the kind of Star Wars titles that it produced for two decades.

As a nice extra, there is a back-up story featuring a younger Doctor Aphra, and it is produced by the Darth Vader creative team of Gillen; artist Salvador Larroca, and colorist Edgar Delgado.  This story assures me that Doctor Aphra is more likely than not to be a good Star Wars comic book.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS #38

STAR WARS No. 38 (2015)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Kieron Gillen
ART: Salvador Larroca
COLORS: Guru e-FX
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: David Marquez with Matthew Wilson
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 2018)

Rated T

Part I: “The Ashes of Jedha”

In 2015, Marvel Comics restarted their publication of Star Wars comic books with a brand new Star Wars #1.  I wrote a review of it and went on to review a few more issues of the series, plus the first annual.  Jason Aaron was the series writer from the beginning and delivered a number of really good story arcs and, recently, several really good stand alone, single-issue stories.

Aaron has moved on and the new series writer is Kieron Gillen, who did stellar work on Marvel's initial Darth Vader title, which was drawn by Salvador Larroca.  In fact, I can make a good case that Gillen and Larroca's Darth Vader was and still is the best Star Wars comic book Marvel has published since it regained the license to produce such comic books.  Gillen, as writer, and Larroca, as artist, reunite as the new Star Wars creative team.  They are joined by Guru e-FX on colors and Clayton Cowles on letters.

Star Wars #38 (“The Ashes of Jedha”) finds that the forces of the Galactic Empire have returned to the desert moon Jedha, which the Empire nearly destroyed (as seen in the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story).  The Empire wants the kyber crystals, which are plentiful on Jedha and which power lightsabers, that managed to survive the destruction wrought on the moon by a test of the Death Star.

Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 have arrived on Jedha in hopes of forming an alliance with the “main” rebellion and the rebels on Jedha.  However, the partisans on Jedha are different in many ways from the Rebel Alliance, and these wild rebels of Jedha may hold the Alliance in as much disdain as they do the Empire.

As much as I was enjoying Star Wars the comic book, I know that there was a part of me that believed the series needed, if not a fresh start, some injection of freshness.  I think Kieron Gillen is that injection, and there is something about Gillen and Larroca that really works as a comic book creative team.  There is fire in the drama, and the tension is electrically charged.  Together, they produce comic books that have me hopping for the next issue every time I finish the issue at hand.

The rich colors by Guru e-FX dazzle my eyes.  It is near perfect, although the colors seem to emphasize a peculiar photo-like quality in many of the faces that Larroca draws.  I often don't mention lettering in my reviews, but here, Clayton Cowles actually super-charges the edgy mood of this story.

Once again, the creators of a Marvel Star Wars comic book title have me chomping at the bit to read the next issue.  In the case of the new Star Wars team, I am not ashamed to be a fanboy.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS ADVENTURES Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy

STAR WARS ADVENTURES, VOL. 1: HEROES OF THE GALAXY
IDW PUBLISHING – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Cavan Scott; Landry Q. Walker; Elsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet
PENCILS: Derek Charm; Jon Sommariva; Elsa Charretier
INKS: Derek Charm; Sean Parsons; Elsa Charretier
COLORS: Derek Charm; Charlie Kirchoff; Sarah Stern
LETTERS: Tom B. Long; Robbie Robbins
PIN-UPS: Derek Charm; Elsa Charretier with Tamra Bonvillain; Jon Sommariva; Chris Samnee with Matt Wilson; Mike Maihack; Craig Rousseau; Tim Lim; Chris Uminga; Eric Jones; Tim Levins
COVER: Derek Charm
ISBN: 978-1-68405-205-9; paperback, 6” x 9” (October 2017)
80pp, Color, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN

“Better the Devil You Know” Parts l and 2; Tales from Wild Space - “Stop, Thief!” and “The Flat Mountain of Yavin”

Star Wars Adventures is a new all-ages Star Wars comic book from IDW Publishing – yes, from IDW and not from current Star Wars comic book publisher, Marvel Comics.  Announced at Star Wars Celebration in Orlando, Florida this past April, the series is geared toward readers ages 7 to 10 and features one and two part stories that are not steeped in Star Wars continuity.  Star Wars Adventures will feature a rotating casts of characters, and the stories will range from settings that take place before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace all the way up to Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII) and beyond.

Now, comes the first book collection of Star Wars Adventures.  It is entitled Star Wars Adventures, Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy.  It collects Star Wars Adventures #1 and #2 and the Star Wars Adventures Ashcan, which was given out at San Diego Comic-Con International 2017 ahead of the release of Star Wars Adventures #1.

The main story of Star Wars Adventures #1-2 is a two-part tale, entitled “Better the Devil You Know,” written by Cavan Scott; drawn and colored by Derek Charm; and lettered by Tom B. Long.  “Better the Devil You Know” opens on the planet of Jakku and focuses on Rey, the hero of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  She is a scavenger of Imperial war ships that are now wrecks on the desert planet.  Rey discovers that her “junkboss,” Unkar Plutt, has been taken prisoner, and the reason is something she found.  Rey realizes that dealing with Plutt, terrible as he is and can be, is better than dealing with the aliens determined to kill him.

Each issue of Star Wars Adventures has a back-up feature, “Tales from Wildspace.”  This anthology-like features various Star Wars characters from different eras of the Star Wars universe and is narrated by an explorer named Emil Graf.  The two “Wildspace stories here are “Stop, Thief!” (Star Wars Adventures #1) and “The Flat Mountain of Yavin” (#2).

I like Star Wars Adventures.  I know that it is geared towards elementary school age readers, but I, who was in elementary school a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, love it.  I like Derek Charm's art, which is a blend of animation-styled art and the art found in Archie Comics.  Cavan Scott's storytelling in “Better the Devil You Know” is true to the spirit of Star Wars – emphasizing adventure, imagination, and, of course, wisdom and justice.

The story from the Star Wars Adventures Ashcan (written by Landry B. Walker and drawn by Charm) is narrated by C-3PO and R2-D2 and presents a rather interesting overview of Star Wars history.  That overview alone, especially the Luke Skywalker parts, is worth the cost of this book.

“Tales from Wild Space” does not “Wow!” me as much as the lead feature, but it is a good back-up.  Besides, I like the surprising mix of Star Wars characters that “Wildspace” offers.

I think Star Wars Adventures is closer to traditional, classic comic books – with its striking visuals and clear, effective, adventure storytelling – than many comic books available in comic book shops today.  This is a comic book that reminds us of why we first came to love comic books, and I think Star Wars Adventures Volume 1: Heroes of the Galaxy is a great way to introduce young readers to comic books.

[This volume also includes a section of character designs by Derek Charm.]

A+
9.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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STAR WARS THE CLASSIC NEWSPAPER COMICS Volume 1

STAR WARS THE CLASSIC NEWSPAPER COMICS, VOL. 1
IDW PUBLISHING/The Library of American Comics – @IDWPublishing

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Russ Manning; Steve Gerber; Russ Helm; Don Christensen
ARTISTS: Russ Manning; Mike Royer; Rick Hoberg; Dave Stevens
EDITOR/DESIGNER: Dean Mullaney
ISBN: 978-1-63140-872-4; Over-sized 11” x 8.5” hardcover-with-dust jacket (May 9, 2017)
264pp, Color and B&W, $49.99 U.S., $65.99 CAN

Introductions by Rich Handley and Henry G. Franke III.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... there was a Star Wars newspaper comic strip, which included a daily strip in black and white and a full-color Sunday episode.  From 1979 to 1984, a group of dedicated writers and artists “brought us all the action of the movie [Star Wars] in a daily adventure comic strip!”

Now for the first time, courtesy of IDW Publishing and its imprint, The Library of American Comics, the classic Star Wars newspaper strip is being reprinted in its entirety and in its complete format.  That includes each Sunday title header and the “bonus” panels in their restored original color.  Star Wars The Classic Newspaper Comics, Volume 1 was published in May and contains 575 sequential comic strips from the Star Wars comic strip’s premiere on March 11, 1979 to October 5, 1980.

This collection covers ten story arcs, beginning with the first three, which were written and drawn by the legendary newspaper comics and comic book artist, Russ Manning.  The next six story lines were drawn by Manning with the help of several artists, among them Rick Hoberg and Dave Stevens, and written by Russ Helm, Don Christensen, and Steve Gerber.  This book's final story arc is drawn entirely by legendary Filipino comic book artist, Alfredo Alcala, and written by Helm.

The Star Wars newspaper strip features the classic characters from the classic original film, Star Wars (1977).  Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, and, of course, Darth Vader, spar for the fate of the galaxy.  In “Gambler's World,” Luke and Leia travel to Vorzyd 5, a world that is one planet-wide casino, and our heroes must shut down this gambling operation that funds the Galactic Empire's military efforts.  Han Solo and Chewbacca race “The Second Kessel Run” to stop a ship that can use a planet's weather and climate to destroy that world.  In “Bring Me the Children,” the entire Star Wars gang leads a ragtag band of pilots, who are also friends of Han Solo, to save a group of children from the murderous clutches of the Empire.

Once upon a time, the Star Wars franchise consisted of a few novels, a few dozen comic books, and assorted odds and ends.  In this fledgling universe, the Star Wars newspaper comics were born.  Because there was only a single movie upon which the creators of the strip could draw (and not a big expanded universe), the Star Wars newspaper comics came about as close to the tone and spirit of the original film as any official Star Wars spin-off ever got, perhaps even closer than Marvel Comics first run of Star Wars comic books.

I think what makes that possible is that the beginning of the Star Wars newspaper comics was guided by Russ Manning.  Manning's career as an illustrator and as a comic book artist began with his childhood love of pulp magazines and of science fiction in the 1930s and 40s.  As a young professional artist, he worked on the kind of material that entertained and influenced a young George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars.  In fact, Manning's best known work, the comic book, Magnus, Robot Righter, which he created, made him the ideal choice to be the writer-artist to bring Star Wars to the newspaper comics pages.  Manning gives the early story arcs a tone and a spirit that recalls space opera and space jockey adventurers like Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon, as well as the B-movie serials of the 1930s and 40s and 1950s sci-fi films – all Star Wars influences or antecedents to one extent or another.

What really shows is Manning's great talent for character design and creature creation and for his ability to fabricate exotic locales and environments.  Characters like “Black Hole” (a Darth Vader agent, lackey, and spy) and the wookies of Chewbacca's home planet (to say nothing of the fauna and foliage) are inventive and striking.

I do not want to downplay the contributions of the other writers and artists who worked on the first two years of this newspaper comic, but Manning sets the tone.  Manning was captivated by the original Star Wars and described it as incredible to the Los Angeles Times.  His love and admiration shows in the narrative and in the graphically striking art Manning produced for the strip, and that carries on through the stories reprinted in Star Wars The Classic Newspaper Comics, Volume 1.

For Star Wars fans who read this in a newspaper back when it was originally published, these comics are probably as entertaining now as they were then.  For someone who is just reading them now, like me, well, these newspaper comics, feel, read, and look like old-timey, original Star Wars.  IDW and The Library of American Comics do it again!  No fan of Star Wars comic books can go without reading Star Wars The Classic Newspaper Comics, Volume 1.

A
9 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site or blog for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi - CAPTAIN PHASMA #1

JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI – CAPTAIN PHASMA No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

STORY: Kelly Thompson
ART: Marco Checchetto
COLORS: Andres Mossa
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Paul Renaud
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2017)

Rated T

Captain Phasma: Book 1, Part I

Two years ago, Marvel Comics published Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire.  It was a four-issue miniseries that was set in the immediate aftermath of the events depicted in the 1983 film, Return of the Jedi (or Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi).  It introduced the parents of a pivotal character who, at the time, was to appear in Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VII), a little over two months after the first issue of Shattered Empire.

Now, a little over two months before the theatrical release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi (Episode VIII), Marvel is publishing another Star Wars “Journey to” comic book miniseries.  This is Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Captain Phasma.  It written by Kelly Thompson; lettered by Clayton Cowles; and features the team of artist Marco Checchetto and colorist Andres Mossa (who drew and colored Shattered Empire).

Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Captain Phasma #1 opens on the First Order's super-weapon, “Starkiller Base,” parallel to what is the final act of The Force Awakens.  Captain Phasma has escaped from the trash compactor into she was forced by Han Solo, Chewbacca, and the former stormtrooper FN-2187, now known as “Finn.”  Starkiller Base is under attack by Resistance Forces, and Phasma discovers that the Resistance had help inside the base.  Now, Phasma has a new mission – hunt and kill the traitor who allowed Starkiller Base to be destroyed.

From the moment Star Wars fans first spotted Phasma in an early movie trailer for The Force Awakens, they have had high expectations for this character.  Alas, her part in the film was small and her role mostly unimpressive – relative to expectations.  Phasma is supposed to have a bigger role in the upcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

In the meantime, she comes across as quite menacing in Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Captain Phasma #1.  Writer Kelly Thompson tells the story using first person narration by Phasma and gives the readers a look at how relentless she is in service of the First Order.  This could prove to be perilous however, if Thompson characterizes Phasma as nothing more than a cog in service of the First Order.  That would make this miniseries a long and dull one.

I find the work of artist Marco Checchetto here to be what it has been in his previous Marvel Comics work:  pretty art, but sometimes cluttered graphical storytelling.  Luckily, Andres Mossa is here to add some dynamism to the storytelling.

So I hope that the storytelling in Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Captain Phasma gets stronger.  This first issue shows the potential of the series, but is itself a bit lukewarm.  Of course, this may be because Captain Phasma is still a character that is mostly a blank slate.

B
6.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: Star Wars: MACE WINDU #1

STAR WARS: MACE WINDU No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

STORY: Matt Owens
PENCILS: Denys Cowan
INKS: Roberto Poggi
COLORS: Guru-eFX
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Jesus Saiz
VARIANT COVERS: Russell Dauterman; Rahzzah; Javier Rodriguez
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (October 2017)

Rated “T+”

“Book 1, Part 1”

The Jedi Knight and Jedi Council member, Mace Windu, was introduced in the film, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999).  Although, Windu has appeared in numerous Star Wars novels, even being the lead character in one, he has never headlined his own comic book series.

That changes with the new five-issue comic book miniseries, Star Wars: Mace Windu (which is apparently also known as Star Wars: Jedi of the Republic – Mace Windu).  The series is written by Matt Owens; drawn by Denys Cowan (pencils) and Roberto Poggi (inks); colored by Guru-eFX; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Star Wars: Mace Windu #1 opens immediately after the events depicted in the film, Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002).  The Clone Wars have begun, and while the Jedi have been the peacekeepers of the galaxy for over a thousand generations, they now find themselves in a new role.  The Jedi Knights are now generals in the Army of the Republic.

Mace Windu has mixed feelings about fighting in a war, but, like the other Jedi Knights, he must make peace with this new role, lest he be swallowed up by the tide of this war.  Now, Mace must lead a small contingent of Jedi:  fellow council member, Master Kit Fisto; the blind Jedi, Prosset Dibs; and the recently knighted Jedi and pilot, Rissa Mano.  Their mission will take them to the Outer Rim, specifically to the jungle planet, Hissrich, where they will monitor their Clone War antagonist, the Separatists.  However, this is a dangerous and wild world, and Windu and company are unaware of the true danger they will find on Hissrich.

I have been waiting for a Mace Windu comic book for well over a decade, and in the span of a year Marvel Comics has given me both a Lando Calrissian and a Mace Windu comic book.  Yep, it's like Marvel did it just for me.  And yes, I am pleased as punch that the lead artist on this Mace Windu comic book is the incomparable Denys Cowan.

From the fierce cover to the spectacular interior art by Cowan and inker Roberto Poggi, Mace Windu offers graphical storytelling of striking images (especially the first page) and explosive action.  The vivid coloring by Guru-eFX makes the art seem to pop off the page.  Matt Owens' story balances the philosophical conundrum the Clone Wars has caused the Jedi with the energetic sci-fi/fantasy action that we expect of Star Wars.

Star Wars: Mace Windu #1 gives the series a good start.  If the other first issues of solo miniseries (like the Han Solo and Lando series) are any indication, what follows Mace Windu #1 will be a blast.

A
8.5 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

--------------------------------

Review: STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE - Cassian & K-2SO Special #1

STAR WARS: ROGUE ONE – CASSIAN & K-2SO SPECIAL No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.  Please, visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: Duane Swierczynski
ART: Fernando Blanco
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Julian Totino Tedesco
VARIANT COVER: Pepe Larraz
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (October 2017)

Rated “T”

Released this past December, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was the eighth live-action Star Wars film.  It was also the first Star Wars film that did not directly focus on the main story line of the previous films (the struggle for the fate of the galaxy, pitting the Jedi and the New Republic against the Sith and the Galactic Empire or its antecedents and descendants – with the Skywalker family at the center).

Rogue One was a stand-alone film that is set immediately before the events depicted in the original Star Wars (1977) film.  In Rogue One, the Galactic Empire grows ever more powerful, but a determined rebellion against it continues to gain strength.  A small band of rebels embarks on a mission to obtain classified information about a rumored new Imperial weapon – the Death Star.

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a comic book adaptation of Rogue One, entitled Star Wars: Rogue One Adaptation.  Marvel recently published a one-shot comic book set before the events depicted in Rogue One.  It is entitled Star Wars: Rogue One – Cassian & K-2SO Special.  The story is written by Duane Swierczynski; drawn and colored by Fernando Blanco; lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Star Wars: Rogue One – Cassian & K-2SO Special #1 focuses on two characters from the film.  The first is Cassian Andor, a Rebel Alliance Captain and Intelligence officer, who is the film's male lead.  Diego Luna played him in the film.  The second is K-2SO, an Imperial enforcer droid now owned by the rebellion.  Actor Alan Tudyk provided K-2SO's voice, and he performed the motion-capture acting for the character during the shooting of the film.  K-2SO was created in post-production via computer-generated imagery (CGI).

Star Wars: Rogue One – Cassian & K-2SO Special #1 finds Cassian and two rebel spies, Kertas and Rismor, arriving on the backwater world of Wecacoe.  According to rebel sources, this planet is where the remains of a decommissioned Imperial Cruiser that has fallen into private hands is located.  Cassian's mission is to sneak inside the ship and uncover Imperial security protocols.  Standing in his way is an unexpectedly large content of Stormtroopers and a feisty droid.

Star Wars: Rogue One – Cassian & K-2SO Special #1 is basically a short story that tells how Cassian Andor came into possession of the Imperial droid, K-2SO, that we see with him in film , Rogue One.  The story's actual length is 30 pages, and it has a sleight plot.  The story is not really a heist tale so much as it is a stop-and-rob or dash-in-grab tale with Cassian doing the stealing, while Kertas and Rismor run interference.  Readers should not expect any character development or reveals, but the story, for what it is, is expertly executed by Swierczynski.

The art and graphical storytelling by artist Fernando Blanco is good, if not spectacular.  Blanco obviously comes across as a credible Star Wars comic book artist (which is not something everyone call pull off).  His layouts, coloring, and page design make up for slightly awkward figure drawing.  I think Blanco is an artist that will continue to improve, and I hope to see more Star Wars comic books drawn by him.

B+
7 out of 10

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

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Review: DARTH VADER #1

DARTH VADER No. 1 (2017)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Charles Soule
PENCILS: Giuseppe Camuncoli
INKS: Cam Smith
COLORS: David Curiel
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Jim Cheung with Matthew Wilson
VARIANT COVERS: John Tyler Christopher; Phil Noto; Mark Brooks; Adi Granov; Skottie Young; David Lopez; Rod Reis
44pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2017)

Rated T

“The Chosen One” Part I

Of course, you know that The Walt Disney Company owns Marvel Comics, dear readers.  Shortly after acquiring Marvel Entertainment, Disney bought Lucasfilm, Ltd., the owner of all thing Star Wars.  Marvel Comics, the original home of Star Wars comics, is once again publishing Star Wars comics, and this time, these comic book are officially part of the Star Wars canon.

Two years ago, Marvel launched the comic book series, Darth Vader.  Written by Keiron Gillen and drawn by Salvador Larroca, the series was set immediately after the events depicted in the original 1977 film, Star Wars (or Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope).  In this comic book, we watched as Darth Vader was forced to work his way back into Emperor Palpatine good graces because the Emperor held Vader responsible for the destruction of his ultimate weapon, the Death Star, by the Rebel Alliance – as seen Star Wars.

Now, there is a new Darth Vader comic book series.  It is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Giuseppe Camuncoli (pencils) and Cam Smith (inks); colored by David Curiel; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.  This series is set after the events depicted in the 2005 film, Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, although some of it recounts events that took place at the end of that film.

Darth Vader #1 opens as Anakin Skywalker awakens as the monster in a suit of cybernetic armor, Darth Vader.  He is filled with pain and rage over the death of his wife, Padmé Amidala.  After Emperor Palpatine brings his new dog, Vader, to heel, he begins the task of making the new Sith Lord prove that he can help him in the task of building and defending a Galactic Empire.  First task: Vader must build a lightsaber worthy of a Sith.

A Star Wars comic book has to be really bad or pretty average to get a grade of less than B+ from me.  I am a decades-long Star Wars fan and get a kick out of reading Star Wars comic books.  I am giving this new Darth Vader #1 a grade of B+, although I don't much care for Giuseppe Camuncoli's art.  This opening chapter is okay, but it does set up the possibility of some really exciting chapters to come.

So, go get this new Darth Vader #1, Star Wars fan.

B+

[This comic book includes the bonus story, “No Good Deed...” by Chris Eliopoulos with Jordie Bellaire.]

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

-----------------------

Review: DARTH VADER #25

DARTH VADER No. 25
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

STORY: Keiron Gillen
ART: Salvador Larroca
COLORS: Edgar Delgado
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Juan Gimenez
VARIANT COVERS: Cliff Chiang; John Tyler Christopher; Michael Cho; Adi Granov; Greg Land; Salvador Larocca; Jamie McKelvie; Sara Pichelli; Joe Quesada; Chris Samnee; Kamome Shirahama
52pp, Color, $5.99 U.S. (December 2016)

Rated T

Book IV, Part VI: “End of Games”

Of course you know that The Walt Disney Company owns Marvel Comics, dear readers.  Shortly after acquiring Marvel Entertainment, Disney bought Lucasfilm, Ltd., the owner of all thing Star Wars.  Just a (relatively) short time later, Dark Horse Comics lost the license to produce Star Wars comic books, which it had held for two decades.  It was obvious that Marvel would be the new home of Star Wars comics, and around the beginning of 2015, Marvel released the flagship title, Star Wars.

Shortly afterwards, Marvel began its second Star Wars series, Darth Vader.  Written by Keiron Gillen, drawn by Salvador Larroca, colored by Edgar Delgado, and lettered by Joe Caramagna, this series chronicled the quest of Star Wars' most (in)famous and beloved villain, Darth Vader, has he delved into his past and fought for his present in order to prepare for his future.

Basically, this is how Darth Vader the comic book worked.  Emperor Palpatine held Vader responsible for the destruction of his ultimate weapon, the Death Star, by the Rebel Alliance – as seen the original Star Wars from 1977 (also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope).  Suddenly, the Emperor had appointed others in position of power that basically rivaled Vader's position of power and authority under the Emperor, and some of those rivals wanted to see Vader dead.

To defend himself, Vader essentially created his own secret Empire within the Emperor's Empire, from which he could defeat his adversaries and secure his position in the Empire.  Vader even learned that the young pilot who launched the torpedoes/missiles that destroyed the Death Star is Luke Skywalker, his son by his late wife from another life.  As the series progressed, Vader had much success, but some of his rivals prove to be formidable adversaries who could destroy him.

Now, the series comes to an end and wraps up its remaining story lines/threads in Darth Vader #25.  As the story begins, Darth Vader prepares for his final showdown with the one who has proven to be his most wily rival, Cylo, but the traitorous scientist has a fail safe that may give him victory over Vader.  Meanwhile, Vader's secret ally, Dr. Aphra, moves to protect herself from Vader – by seeking counsel with the Emperor!

After the first story arc of this series, entitled “Vader,” it was clear that Marvel's best Star Wars comic book was Darth Vader, which was saying a lot because the flagship Star Wars was also quite good.  I think series writer Kieron Gillen did a good job of connecting the past, which contained the wreckage resulting from the transformation of Annakin Skywalker into Darth Vader to the present, filled with Vader's problems and dilemmas.  Gillen gave his readers the chance to watch Vader discover some of the secrets of his past, which were not secret to readers, while also offering readers the opportunity to see how Vader “discovered” Luke Skywalker.

I can say that Gillen was good enough at what he did with Darth Vader that this series is worth preserving in trade paperback for future readers.  For the time being or until Star Wars is inevitably rebooted (probably sooner than we think), Gillen's Darth Vader is Star Wars storytelling for posterity.

And before we go, I must praise the stellar work of series artist, Salvador Larroca.  It is a shame that it seems easy to take Larroca for granted, but his work defined this series' sense of cloak and dagger and the title character's relentless aggression.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2017 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for syndication rights and fees.

---------------------

Review: STAR WARS: The Force Awakens #1

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS ADAPTATION No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: Chuck Wendig
ART: Luke Ross
COLORS: Frank Martin
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
COVER: Esad Ribic
44pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (August 2016)

Rated “T+”

“Episode VII, Part 1 – The Force Awakens”

When it was released in late 2015, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was the first Star Wars film in 10 years (since 2005's Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith).  It was also the first film in the franchise to be produced by The Walt Disney Company, which now owns Lucasfilm, Ltd., the Star Wars studio.  The Force Awakens became the highest grossing film in the history of North American theatrical box office (adjusted for inflation, of course).

Marvel Comics recently released its comic book adaptation of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  This five-issue miniseries is written by Chuck Wendig; drawn by Luke Ross; colored by Frank Martin; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens #1 opens thirty years after the destruction of the second Death Star (at the “Battle of Endor,” as seen in 1983's Return of the Jedi).  Luke Skywalker has vanished, and the First Order, which rose from the ashes of the Galactic Empire, will not rest until it finds him.

The Resistance, a military splinter group of the New Republic, believes that it has found a clue to Skywalker's location.  General Leia Organa has sent the Resistance's best pilot, Poe Dameron, to Jakku to obtain the information on Luke's whereabouts.  On this desert world, a First Order stormtrooper, a little droid, and a scavenger will decide the fate of this mission to find a Jedi legend.

As comic book adaptations go, Marvel's Star Wars: The Force Awakens is on the front end of middle-of-the-pack.  It does not have the allure of my childhood favorites, Marvel's adaptation of the original Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back.  However, Star Wars: The Force Awakens #1 starts slows but becomes a fast-paced thrill by the last few pages.  Even the art by Luke Ross (with its Chris Samnee styling) is stronger by the end.

While I knew that I was definitely going to buy the first issue, I was not sure about the rest of the series.  Star Wars: The Force Awakens #1, however, is good enough to keep me interested until the end.  I don't consider this a must-have Star Wars comic book, but why not have it?

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

----------------------

Review: HAN SOLO #1

HAN SOLO No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. Visit "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: Marjorie Liu
ART: Mark Brooks
COLORS: Sonia Oback
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Lee Bermejo
VARIANT COVERS: Mike Allred; John Cassaday; John Tyler Christopher; Scott Koblish; Pepe Larraz; Phil Noto
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (August 2016)

Rated “T+”

“Part 1”

Everyone's favorite scruffy smuggler, Han Solo, now has his own comic book as part of Marvel Comics' recently launched line of Star Wars comic books.  A five-issue miniseries, Han Solo is written by Marjorie Liu; drawn by Mark Brooks; colored by Sonia Oback; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Han Solo #1 opens between the events depicted in the films, Star Wars (1977) and The Empire Strikes Back (1980).  Han Solo needs to take on some smuggling jobs in order to pay his debt to crime lord, Jabba the Hutt, but Han has been feeling kind of strange.  Every job offer seems wrong, so Chewbacca says that Han is spooked.  Then, Han gets a call from Princess Leia Organa, delivered in a most peculiar manner.  Her request involves “The Dragon Void Run,” a race Han Solo has always wanted to enter, just not like this.

I have to admit that I have not been crazy about all the new Star Wars comic books that Marvel Comics has released since the beginning of 2015.  The Chewbacca miniseries and that awful C-3PO one-shot come to mind.  However, Han Solo, judging from the first issue, seems like it will be a winner.

I think that this “new hope” begins with writer Marjorie Liu (Monstress), who captures the essence of Han Solo.  He is a loner, used to looking out for himself, but, in spite of his protestations, he knows what's right and wrong.  He balances a sense of justice or “moral compass” with the desire to survive and thrive.  He can look out for number one and also help his friends.  There is tension in this balance – an ebb and flow, a constant tug between me-first and taking-one-for-the-team.  When a writer can capture this furious conflict within Han Solo, she is halfway to writing an engaging, intriguing, and truly enjoyable Han Solo comic book.

Artist Mark Brooks strengthens this series' potential.  He fills the pages with evocative backgrounds that recall the original Star Wars film trilogy.  Brooks creates stylish space ships and an alien menagerie that gathers familiar Star Wars people and beings, but also adds some bits from his own imagination.  Sonia Oback gives Brooks' art a look similar to classic sci-fi film and science fiction art.

I pretended that I was not expecting a lot from this Han Solo miniseries, but I am expecting this to be really good.  So far, so good...

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------

Review: Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1

STAR WARS SPECIAL: C-3P0 No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. Visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: James Robinson
ART: Tony Harris
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Tony Harris
VARIANT COVERS:  Tony Harris; Reilly Brown; John Tyler Christopher; Dave Dorman; Todd Nauck
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2016)

Rated “T+”

“The Phantom Limb”

In the recent Star Wars film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, we discovered that C-3PO, the goldenrod protocol droid, now had a red left arm.  We were told that there was a story behind the red arm, and recently, Marvel Comics told it to us in the one-shot comic book, Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1.

C-3PO #1 (“The Phantom Limb”) is written by James Robinson; drawn and colored by Tony Harris, and lettered by Joe Caramagna.  The story is set before the events depicted in The Force Awakens.  C-3PO and five other droids are stranded on a planet, and one of the droids, Omri, is a prisoner.  He knows the location of Admiral Ackbar, who is being held prisoner by the First Order.  The droids must travel across a vast and perilous 87-kilometer landscape to a homing beacon that can help get them off this dangerous world.  The problem is that even droids can have interests contrary to programming.

Either Marvel or Dark Horse Comics have been publishing Star Wars comic books for four decades (with about a five or six year gap when neither did).  I have probably read Star Wars comic books for about half that time, and in that span, Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1 is at the bottom of the heap.

I am reluctant to use the word “worst” in conjunction with Star Wars.  After all, Star Wars is practically a religion or at least a faith for me.  The Star Wars films and, to a lesser extent, the spin-off stories have hugely affected me personally and professionally.  If that were not the case, I would call Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1 the worst Star Wars comic book that I have ever read.

That shocks me.  I have enjoyed comics previously written by James Robinson, and I have seen some nice, even beautiful artwork produced by Tony Harris, including the cover for this very comic book.  [I have not read DC Comics' 1990s iteration of Starman that was produced by the team of Robinson and Harris.]  Here, however, Robinson offers a mundane yarn that is not worth telling (or selling).  Harris' art is a combination of muddy composition and water-logged coloring.  The graphical storytelling is murky; actually, it is the dialogue (stiff as it is) that really lets the reader understand the action.

The resolution offers a heartfelt moment, and an appearance by lovable Episode 7 droid, BB-8, washes away a little of the bitter aftertaste of “The Phantom Limb.”  I have to say that rather than buy this comic book, one should simply search the Internet for the story behind C-3PO's red arm.  Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1 is definitely not worth the $4.99 cover price.

D

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

-------------------------

Review: Star Wars: POE DAMERON #1

POE DAMERON No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. And visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: Charles Soule; Chris Eliopoulos
ART: Phil Noto; Chris Eliopoulos
COLORS: Phil Noto; Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna; Chris Eliopoulos
COVER: Phil Noto
36pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (June 2016)

Rated “T”

Book I: Black Squadron, Part I

We first met X-wing fighter jockey Poe Dameron, in the recent film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  Now, Poe returns in the new comic book miniseries, Poe Dameron.  It is written by Charles Soule; drawn and colored by Phil Noto; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Poe Dameron #1 (“Black Squadron,” Part I) opens 30 years after the Rebel Alliance defeated the Galactic Empire (as seen in Return of the Jedi), which was replaced by the New Republic.  However, a new military force, the First Order, is plotting to overthrow the New Republic.  To face this new threat, General Leia Organa founded the Resistance.

The First Order is also looking for Leia's brother, Luke Skywalker.  Now, General Organa has tasked the galaxy's best pilot, Poe Dameron, to find Lor San Tekka, an explorer who investigates Jedi ruins.  Tekka may know where Luke is, but finding him will put Poe and his droid, BB-8, in a place that is both strange and dangerous.

Marvel Comics is publishing about four to five Star Wars comic books every month, and for the most part, much of that output is high-quality.  I was excited to learn that Marvel would be publishing a comic book focusing on Poe Dameron, who is one of the characters of which I want to see more in future Star Wars films.  I am expecting a lot from this comic book because I hope that Charles Soule can deliver the same excitement and thrills he did in last year's five-issue miniseries, Lando, which depicted a tale of Lando Calrissian before he was a mining mogul.

Well, the first issue certainly delivers on action and intrigue.  I have to be honest:  one of the reasons I like this comic book is that it connects to The Force Awakens, taking place just before the events depicted in the film.  Soule fleshes out more of Poe's personality, and he also expands into the unknown that surrounds the world of The Force Awakens.  And I have to give artist Phil Noto credit; he has a photo-realistic touch when it comes to drawing Poe.  Here, Poe the comic book character strong resembles Oscar Isaac, the actor who portrays Poe in The Force Awakens.

As a bonus, there is an eight-page backup story starring BB-8, written and drawn by the underrated cartoonist Chris Eliopoulos, who is known for his work as a comic book letterer.  I loves me some BB-8, and I like what Eliopoulos does with the character.  Encore!

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: Star Wars: SHATTERED EMPIRE #4

JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS – SHATTERED EMPIRE No. 4
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.  And visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: Greg Rucka
ART: Marco Checchetto
COLORS: Andres Mossa
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Marco Checchetto
VARIANT COVER: Sara Pichelli
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2015)

Rated T+

Shattered Empire: Part IV

The recent miniseries, Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire, has come to an end.  The film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, takes place some 30 years after the events depicted in the 1983 film, Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.  As The Force Awakens' release date (December 18, 2015) approached, Lucasfilm filled in the three-decade story gap between Episode VI and Episode VII (The Force Awakens), using its media partners in book publishing and in comic books, in this case, fellow Disney subsidiary, Marvel Entertainment, LLC.

Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire is written by Greg Rucka, drawn by Marco Checchetto, colored by Andres Mossa, and lettered by Joe Caramagna.  According to Marvel.com, Shattered Empire will fully be part of the official Star Wars canon and will depict the immediate aftermath of the events of Return of the Jedi.

As Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire #4 opens, Lt. Shara Bey contemplates mustering out of service to the Rebel Alliance.  This troubles her as the job is unfinished.  Even with the death of Emperor Palpatine, remnants of the Empire continue to fight.  Now, she finds herself on a mission with the legendary Commander Luke Skywalker and his droid, R2-D2, of course.  Their destination is the Imperial base on Ventine to retrieve something Palpatine stole.

Now, that I am totally smitten with artist Macro Checchetto's beautiful cover art and interior art for this series, I don't want Shattered Empire to end.  In fact, I am sure that Greg Rucka can spin more post-Battle of Endor yarns to keep us entertained for at least another year or two.

The biggest thrill for me, however, is Luke Skywalker, my all-time favorite Star Wars character.  It's always great to see him in action in a comic book, which does not happen enough as far as I am concerned.  In Shattered Empire #4, Checchetto depicts Luke as having an air of mystery about him, and behind his eyes, secrets gather like storm clouds.

After reviewing the first issue of Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire, I said that the series had potential.  It has reached that potential, but there can be even more...

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

Review: CHEWBACCA #1

CHEWBACCA No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon. And visit the "Star Wars Central" review page here.]

WRITER: Gerry Duggan
ART: Phil Noto
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Phil Noto
VARIANT COVERS:  Ariel Olivetti; Gabriele Dell'Otto; Alex Ross; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (December 2015)

Rated T

“Part I”

Since Marvel Comics starting publishing Star Wars comic books again, they have already produced two character miniseries that each focus on a classic character from the original Star Wars movie trilogy.  The two series, Princess Leia and Lando, were both five-issue miniseries.

The latest one miniseries focuses on Han Solo's longtime friend and co-pilot, the Wookie, Chewbacca,  aka “Chewie.”  Entitled Chewbacca (of course), the five-issue miniseries is written by Gerry Duggan (Deadpool) and drawn and colored by Phil Noto (Black Widow), with letters by Joe Caramagna.

Chewbacca #1 (“Part 1”) is set directly after the events depicted in the original film, Star Wars (1977).  Chewie is on an important and personal secret mission when his spacecraft malfunctions, stranding him on the planet, Andelm-4.  He is trying to procure the “flight stabilizer” he needs for his ship, when he becomes ensnared in a young native girl's problem.  Her name is Zarro, and her father, Arrax, is in trouble with a powerful crime boss-type.  As Chewie and the Zarro come to an understanding, their problems are actually getting bigger.

A Chewbacca comic book can only work when a comic book writer understands how to take advantage of Chewie's expressive nature and also understand how to play a character that is like a force of nature.  The comic book artist will have to be able to depict Chewbacca's physicality in a way that expresses both the extremes and the ranges of his emotions.

After one issue, Gerry Duggan seems to be that writer, and Phil Noto seems to be that artist.  Noto's distinctive style correctly sets Chewbacca as distinct from the rest of Marvel's Star Wars titles without making it estranged from them.  Duggan offers up a playful and sly Chewie to balance the dangerous Wookie whose “heavy” and destructive side will be needed for him to be the hero.

I am as yet unsure about Zarro.  She could be an attractive heroine or an annoying spunky type or she could be the victim slash damsel.  I hope Duggan gives her fight.  It looks like Chewbacca will be another Star Wars character miniseries hit.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.