#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS VOL. 1: The Destiny Path

STAR WARS VOL. 1 (2020): THE DESTINY PATH
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

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

STORY: Charles Soule
ART: Jesus Saiz
COLORS: Arif Prianto with Jesus Saiz (#1); Rachelle Rosenberg (#4); and Dan Brown (#5)
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: R.B. Silva with Guru-eFX
MISC. ART: Arthur Adams with Jesus Aburtov; Jen Bartel; Adam Hughes; Mahmud Asrar with Matthew Wilson; Phil Noto; Ema Lupacchino with Jesus Aburtov; Daniel Acuna; Patch Zircher with Edgard Delgado; John Tyler Christopher
ISBN: 978-1-302-92078-4; paperback (November 10, 2020)
152pp, Color, $17.99 U.S., $22.99 CAN

Rated T

In 2015, Marvel Comics began publishing Star Wars comic books again.  Marvel's new Star Wars #1 opened in the time immediately after the events depicted in the original film, Star Wars (1977), which is also known as Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope.  After 75 issues, that series ended.

In late 2019, the new Star Wars ongoing series began.  It is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Jesus Saiz; colored by Arif Prianto; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.  Star Wars (cover dated: 2020) starts during the last act of the 1980 Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back) and then, goes on to tell the story of the aftermath of the events depicted in Episode V.

The first six issues of Star Wars (2020) are collected in the recently released trade paperback, Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path.  “The Destiny Path” is the first story arc of this new series.

Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path opens inside the Millennium Falcon.  Its passengers:  Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Lando Calrissian have fled the Cloud City of Bespin, formerly owned by Lando.  They also escaped capture by the forces of the Galactic Empire, thanks to a save by R2-D2 (as seen in The Empire Strikes Back).  However, there are also feelings of recrimination and anger over Han Solo being the prisoner of a group of bounty hunters, led by Boba Fett, in service of Darth Vader – with the involuntary assistance of Lando.

Leia's plan is for the Falcon to reach The Mid Rim, Rendezvous Point: Delta-Three and join the “Fourth Division” of the Rebel Fleet.  But the Fourth Division is trapped there by Imperial forces led by Lieutenant Gorr of the Imperial Star Destroyer, “Tarkin's Will.”  Now, Leia, Luke, Chewbacca, and Lando will have to put aside the anger, pain, and grief if they are going to save the Rebel Alliance.

“No … I am your father.”

Meanwhile, Luke struggles with his destiny as a Jedi Knight in the aftermath of his battle with Darth Vader at Cloud City.  He calls to his late mentor, Ben “Obi-Wan” Kenobi, but does not receive a reply, and Luke also feels out of sorts with the Force – as if it has abandoned him.  Then, Luke begins to have dreams and visions of a mystery woman who holds out a lightsaber to him – perhaps to replace the one he lost at Cloud City.  Now, Luke must find her, if he is to find his way with the Force … or so he thinks.  Plus, Leia, Luke, and Lando return to Cloud City, each for his or her own reasons.

THE LOWDOWN:  Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path takes place inside the final 10 minutes of The Empire Strikes Back.  It expands on what happens between the Millennium Falcon escaping the Imperial forces shortly after leaving Bespin and the film's final moments.  Then, The Destiny Path creates a larger story of what happens afterwards, which involves several sub-plots.

The Rebel Alliance must find a new base, but first, they have to escape Imperial forces, which have found a way to track the whereabouts of the separated “Divisions” of the Rebel Fleet.  The Imperials can track one Division in order to find a second; then, it destroys both.  The main goal of Leia, Luke, Lando, and Chewbacca is to find Han Solo, and if Boba Fett hasn't already turned Han over to Jabba the Hutt on Tatooine, then, they must track Boba.

Writer Charles Soule has previously said that he hopes to use this new Star Wars series to expand on what happened between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi (1983), the final film of the original Star Wars trilogy.  And I'm all for that!  Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path is a very well written first arc.  Soule expounds on the conflict between Leia and Chewbacca against Lando.  Soule gives Lando a chance to settle his affairs at Cloud City and to reunite with a friend (and one of my favorite characters, Lobot).

Soule delves into Luke's struggles after his duel with Darth Vader, revealing a young man adrift and who may have to find his own way.  Soule plays up the idea that Luke's journey will be different from that of any other Jedi's.  The Destiny Path allows readers to see Luke take the first big steps that he takes alone on his path to being a Jedi.

I really like the art by illustrator Jesus Saiz and colorist Arif Prianto.  The graphical storytelling is moody and emotionally, but also offers edge-of-your-seat thrills, all of it well paced by Clayton Cowles' lettering.  For however long Saiz and Prianto work on this new Star Wars series, they seem capable of capturing the dark mood of a time when the Star Wars narrative fell into the deep, cold shadows of the Empire.

I have to be honest.  Although I was a regular reader of the previous series, Star Wars (2015), my excitement for the series's last 12 issues was about a third of what it was for the first 12 issues.  Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path is making me feel excited about Star Wars comic books the way the beginning of Star Wars 2015 did.  And I feel quite safe in recommending this collection to you, dear readers and Star Wars fans.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Star Wars comic books and of the time between Star Wars: Episodes V and VI will definitely want to sample Star Wars Vol. 1: The Destiny Path.

9 out of 10

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

https://twitter.com/Marvel
https://twitter.com/starwars
https://www.starwars.com/
https://twitter.com/CharlesSoule


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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I Reads You Juniors: January 2021 - Update #105

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

"Support Leroy on Patreon. 

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:   The host of the "Phoenix Force" will lead to the new "Heroes Reborn."

AWARDS - From BleedingCool:   Some Angouleme Comics Prizes were announced today.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Marvel is relaunching its "Marvel Masterworks" line.  The trim size will be 6x9 with a price point of $15.99 U.S. - apparently.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:  "Justice League" the "Snyder Cut" will debut on HBO Max on March 18th, 2021.

AWARDS - From BleedingCool:   The "32nd GLAAD Awards" nominations are out, and that includes a comic book category.

DC TV - From GamesRadar:   Netflix has announced a new group of actors that will portray characters in its series adaptation of DC Comics/Neil Gaiman's "The Sandman."

DARK HORSE COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Dark Horse will publish a line of graphic novels collecting the superhero comics of YouNeek Studios.  The comics are centered around African stories produced by African creators.

BLACK COMICS - From BleedingCool: Coming Soon: "The Access Guide to the Black Comic Book Community."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   The much teased about "Heroes Reborn" from Marvel Comics is a 2021 event in which writer Jason Aaron and artist Ed McGuiness imagine a world in which the Avengers never assembled.

COMICS - From CBR:   Legendary TV and radio host, Larry King, died Sat., Jan. 23rd.  Comic book readers may not know that he made several cameo appearances in comic books.

MANGA - From ANN:   Seishi Kishimoto, the creator of the manga, "O-Parts Hunter," will launch a new manga, "Monster no Isha," later this year.  Seishi is the twin brother of Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of "Naruto."

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Brian Michael Bendis is no longer an exclusive creator to DC Comics.

COMICS TO ANIMATION - From Deadline:   Amazon's adult animated series based on Robert Kirkman's comic book, "Invincible," has a premiere date.  The series will begin streaming, Friday, March 26, 2021.  This article also includes a "first look clip" video preview from "Invincible."

HEROES REBORN - From BleedingCool:  A fourth glimpse at Marvel's "Heroes Reborn."

From BleedingCool:  A third glimpse at Marvel Comics' new "Heroes Reborn."

From BleedingCool:  A second glimpse at Marvel Comics' new "Heroes Reborn." 

IMAGE COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Image announces a new horror comics anthology, "The Silver Coin."  The stories will take place in a shared universe.

MARVEL REVIEWS - From Patreon: "The Eternals #1"

From Patreon:  "Star Wars: The High Republic #1"

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HEROES REBORN - From BleedingCool:   Our first look at Marvel's new "Heroes Reborn."

 

MARVEL - From YahooAVClub: What is Marvel Comics' "Heroes Reborn?"

 

BIDEN! - From BleedingCool:  Comics industry people react to President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris.

 

DC TV - From Variety:   Actress Savannah Welch has been cast as Gotham City Police Commissioner Barbara Gordon for Season 3 of HBO Max's "Titans."

 

MANGA - From BleedingCool:   Yen Press announces eight new manga and light novel titles (1/19).

 

DC COMICS - From YahooAVClub:   DC launches "DC Universe Infinite," a digital comic book reading service.

 

COMICS - From PressDemocrat:  Napa Valley newspaper interviews and profiles Napa Valley native son, comic book artist, Darick Robertson, the co-creator of "The Boys."

 

COMICS TO FILM - From CinemaBlend:  The site offers 10 major Hollywood actors who have played more than one comic book character.  Yes, the list includes Ben Affleck and Chris Evans.

 

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar: Veteran comic book artist, Tom Raney, will join the "Green Lantern" creative team with issue #3.

 

DC CINEMA - From GamesRadar:   Director Zack Snyder confirms hat his four-hour "Justice League" will be a movie and not a miniseries.

 

IN MEMORIAM - From NBCNews:   I'm surprised that NBC News covered the recent death due to COVID-19 of comic book artist Steve Lightle at the age of 61.  His wife, Marianne Lightle, said that the family had no idea he had COVID.  This article also talks about his career and fan-following.

 

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  What is a good cover price for an anthology?  And how are royalties divided for contributors to anthologies?   RE: "Batman: Urban Legends."

 

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:   DC Comics has released 7 images of from its upcoming digital-first miniseries, "RWBY/Justice League."  The images feature core Justice League characters redesigned for the "RWBY" universe.

 

AWARDS - From JoeShusterAwards:   Apparently, I missed the announcement of the winners of the "2020 Joe Shuster Awards" for work done in 2019 by comic book creators and contributors originating from Canada.

 

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool: Hermes Press has announced that it will collect DC Comics' "The Phantom" comic book series in three volumes.  DC published a four-issue miniseries in 1988 and a 13-issue ongoing series from 1989 to 1990.

 

DC TV - From YahooEntertainment:   The CW's new "Batwoman," Javicia Leslie has learned that voting rights goddess, Stacey Abrams, is a fangirl and a "Batman" fan.  So Leslie is calling on Abrams to appear as a villain on "Batwoman."

 

PUBLISHING - From BleedingCool:   Former DC Comics executives are among the founders of "Endpaper Entertainment," a new content development company focused on producing original stories in a variety of media, formats and genres.

 

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   DC Comics to launch the digital-first series, "Batman & Scooby-Doo Mysteries" in March.  The series will begin its print run in April 2021 as a 12-issue miniseries.

 

AWARDS - From BleedingCool:   The 2020 Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity in Comics has announced finalists for its sixth annual prize, with the winner to be announced during Black History Month.

 

BOOM! STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:  Keanu Reeves "BRZRKR #1" is Boom Studios' highest order comic book to date.

 

DC CINEMA - From Deadline:  WarnerMedia quickly defends DC Entertainment President Walter Hamada from Ray Fisher's tweet storm.  Fisher, who plays Cyborg, in the Justice League films, has been fired from his role in the planned superhero movie, "The Flash."

 

DC COMICS - From TheBeat:   Writer John Ridley's "Future State: Next Batman" a.k.a. "Tim Fox," will continue his adventures in the digital first comics series, "Next Batman: Second Son."

 

MARVEL COMICS - From ComicBook:   And the winner of the 2020 ComicBook.com Golden Issue Award for Best Ongoing Comic is... "X-Men" by Jonathan Hickman and company.

 

DC CINEMA - From ComicBook:  Actor Ray Fisher, who played "Cyborg" in "Justice League" says that he has been fired from his role in the planned superhero film, "The Flash."

 

VIZ MEDIA - From BleedingCool:   VIZ has announced the Feb. 2nd release of the first volume of "The King's Beast" by Rei Toma, the sequel to her "Dawn of the Arcana" manga.

 

IMAGE COMICS - From BleedingCool:   The upcoming "Radiant Black" will launch Image Comics' planned "shared universe" superhero comic book line.

DC MANGA - From CBR:  The site talks about its hopes and fears for DC Comics/Kodansha Comics "Batman: Justice Buster" manga.

DC TV - From BleedingCool:  Joe Baron will be the showrunner for the HBO Max series that will be set in the universe of director Matt Reeves' upcoming film, "The Batman."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics has unveiled a teaser for Miles Morales: Spider-Man #25, which "kicks off the Clone Saga."

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  The works of Raina Telgmeier dominate "The New York Times Bestseller List" in the graphic novel categories

COMICS - From BleedingCool:  Bookstores saw a 29 percent increase in graphic novel sales in 2020.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics offers a preview of its "Alien #1" comic book, story by Phillip Kennedy Johnson and art by Salvador Larocca

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:   Has Marvel cancelled "The Punisher" ... completely?

CHARITY - From GoFuneMe:  Brian Lightle, the son of the recently deceased comic book artist, Steve Lightle, has started a "Go Fund Me" page to help with Steve's final expenses.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  DC Comics has provided a 7-page preview of "Man-Bat #1," which hits stories February 2nd, 2021.

IMAGE COMICS - From THR:   The site has the first trailer for Kyle Higgins and Marcelo Costa's "Radiant Black" superhero comic book from Image.  The series is set to debut Feb. 10th, 2021.

IN MEMORIAM - From NPR:  Bestselling African-American novelist, Eric Jerome Dickey, has died at the age of 59, Sunday, January 3rd, 2021.  If comic book fans remember him, it is because he wrote the 2006 X-Men miniseries, "Storm" that was drawn by artist David Yardin and Lan Medina.

IN MEMORIAM - From BleedingCool:  According to social media reports, comic book artist, Steve Lightle, has died at the age of 61 of cardiac arrest and COVID-19 complications.  He was best known for his work on "Legion of Super-Heroes" and "Doom Patrol in the 1980s.  He drew interior art and cover art for "Flash" in the 1980s. 1990s, and 2000s.

NEWSPAPER COMICS - From TheDailyProgress:   A look book at 1995, the year newspaper comics changed.

COMICS - From TheThings:   Oscar and Grammy-winning rapper, Eminem, apparently has a huge comic book collection.  He reportedly also has a copy of the rare "Amazing Fantasy #15," which features the first appearance of Spider-Man.

INTERNATIONAL COMICS - From CBR:  10 Comics From The Philippines That Deserve Your Attention

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool: Jeff Lemire says that he was two "Black Label" projects for DC Comics.

DC COMICS - From ComicBook:   With "Future State," DC Comics reveals major changes to the character, "Black Lightning."

MARVEL - From Newsarama:   "The Marvels," Kurt Busiek's sprawling story across the history of Marvel, is back on for a April 2021 debut.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Today's Marvel Comics (Jan. 6th) carry a tribute to former Marvel Comics publisher, Mike Hobson, who died in November.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Thanks to "sold out" first and second printings before they were released, "Star Wars: The High Republic #1" will get a third printing.  Marvel Comics may have over 200,000 orders for the first issue.

VIZ MEDIA - From ScreenRant:  The original "Star Wars"manga will be part of "The High Republic" line, "Star Wars: The Edge Balance," which will be published by VIZ Media.

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:   John Ridley talks about the future of "Next Batman" beyond DC "Future State."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Over 100,000 orders for Marvel Comics' "Star Wars: The High Republic #1."

DC CINEMA - From ComingSoon:  Reports seem to indicate that actor Michael Keaton, who played Batman in two films, 1989's "Batman" and 1992's "Batman Returns," will be the Batman in Warner Bros.' DC Extended Universe (DCEU) films, replacing Ben Affleck, who has been Batman for several years now.  Other DCEU films include the "Wonder Woman" films and "Aquaman."

BLACK COMICS - From NYT:  "The New York Times" profiles Ken Quattro and his new book about the lost black comic book artists, "Invisible Men: The Trailblazing Black Artists of Comic Books."

MANGA - From TimeOut:   The Italian fashion house, Gucci, has released a collection of fashion and apparel featuring Japanese manga character, Doraemon, entitled "Doraemon x Gucci."

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:   Filmmaker Kevin Smith says the ending of Zach Snyder's "Justice League" event film sets up for a sequel.

MANGA - From ANN:   Reports indicate that Stefan Koza, who provides the English translation for VIZ Media's publication of "Jujutsu Kaisen," has been arrested in Virginia for possession and distribution of child pornography.

MARVEL - From Marvel:  Marvel offers a new Kelly Thompson prose story featuring Kate Bishop-Hawkeye story.

BOOM STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:   Keanu Reeves' graphic novel, BZRKR, is due October 2021 from BOOM! Studios.

DARK HORSE - From BleedingCool:   Dark Horse Comics has announced that it will publish Dave McKean's upcoming graphic novel, "Raptor: A Sokol Graphic Novel," July 2021.

MANGA - From Previews:   VIZ Media's Amy Yu talks about editing the hit manga, "Spy X Family."

MANGA - From ComicBook:  Season Two of "The Promised Neverland" anime will tell new "canon" stories not seen in the manga original.

NEWSPAPER COMICS - From ComicYears:   A look back at the final episode of the classic newspaper comics strip, "Calvin and Hobbes," 25 years after its publication.

COMICS - From ScreenRant:  How COVID-19 changed the comics industry in 2020.

MANGA - From CBR:  A look at the hot new "Shonen Jump" manga, "Phantom Seer."

DC COMICS - From TheBeat:  DC Round-Up: 2020, the end of an era.

COMICS TO FILM - From MovieWeb:  Comic book writer and filmmaker, Kevin Smith, says he was once pitched a movie adaptation of comic book creator, Joe Simon's "The Fly," with actor and comedian Chris Rock as the lead.

MARVEL - From ComicBook:   The site looks at the latest chapter of the Marvel manga, "Deadpool Samurai," which involves a "Demon Slayer" reference.

DC COMICS - From Newsarama:  A preview of "DC Generations: Shattered #1."

COLLECTORS - From YouTube: The "Comic Art LIVE" Episode #23 live stream welcome comics original art collector, Jim Warden, who is also an art dealer through his "D.O.A." (Distinctive Original Art).

From comiXology:  The outstanding American manga and science fiction comic book, "Grey," is now on-sale as a digital comic at comiXology.

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JANUARY 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Ahoy Comics for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  AWA for January 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for January 2021 

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for January 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Kodansha for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics - King in Black for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Titans Comics for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Vertical Comics for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for January 2021

From BleedingCool:  Yen Press for January 2021

FEBRUARY 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Artists, Writers & Artisans for February 2020

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2020

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2021

From TheBeat: DC Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for February 2021 

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "King in Black" for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2021

From 2000AD:   Rebellion Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for February 2021

From BleedingCool:   Zenescope Entertainment for February 2021

 

MARCH 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2021 

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for March 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  March Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Second Sight for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for March 2021

APRIL 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for April 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Second Sight for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for April 2021

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#IReadsYou Review: O-PARTS HUNTER Volume 2

O-PARTS HUNTER, VOL. 2
VIZ MEDIA

CARTOONIST: Seishi Kishimoto
ISBN: 978-1-4215-0856-6; paperback; (February 13, 2007) Rated “T+” for Older Teen
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S.

666 Satan is a Japanese manga series written and drawn by Seishi Kishimoto.  It was originally published in the magazine, Monthly Shōnen Gangan, from 2001 and 2007.  VIZ Media published an English-language edition of the manga as a 19-volume, paperback graphic novel series, entitled O-Parts Hunter, from 2006 to 2009.

The manga series O-Parts Hunter is essentially a card-playing or game manga.  “O-Parts” are artifacts containing mystical powers.  They are all that are left of an unknown ancient civilization and come in the form of everyday objects like rings and amulets to the more unusual such as aircraft and arcane technology.

An O.P.T. or O-Parts Tactician has the ability to release and use the power within an O-Part.  The “Spirit” is the special energy force inside an O.P.T. that allows him release the power or “effect” of an O-Part.  If an O-Part can create water, then, water is the O-Part’s effect.

O-Parts Hunter, Vol. 2 (Chapters 4 to 8) continues to follow the adventures of the series’ lead characters: Jio Freed and Ruby Crescent.  Jio, an O.P.T. whose chosen O-Part is a boomerang, wants to dominate the world (really, he does.)  Ruby wants to become the greatest treasure hunter of them all.  Together they travel the world in hopes of getting closer to their dreams.

Their travels take them to the walled metropolis of Entotsu City, where Master Jaga, the governor of the city, has enslaved the populace and uses the citizens to dig for O-Parts.  He also uses the threat of terror and his ability to fight it to keep Entotsu City dependent upon his rule (sound familiar?), but Jio has discovered his dirty big secret.  Will it cost the ambitious O.P.T. his and Ruby’s lives?

THE LOWDOWN:  Although the esoteric mythology that drives O-Parts Hunter can be off-putting (I initially didn’t want to read this.), there is really more to it than just gathering strength points and items of power.  At O-Parts Hunter's core is the quest to be a hero and all the sacrifice and work it takes to become one.  Seishi Kishimoto makes watching Jio face and overcome his obstacles fun to read.  Kishimoto’s art is also quite reminiscent of Masashi Kishimoto’s work on Naruto.  Why?  Seishi and Masashi are twin brothers.

I am partial to manga built around obtaining objects and power.  This includes titles such as Dragon Drive or Yu-Gi-Oh!  Plus, this is similar in tone to my beloved Naruto.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Seishi Kishimoto will want to try O-Parts Hunter.

B
6 out of 10

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


https://www.viz.com/
https://twitter.com/VIZMedia
https://www.instagram.com/vizmedia/
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia
https://www.snapchat.com/add/vizmedia


The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Book Review: BLEACH: Can't Fear Your Own World

BLEACH: CAN'T FEAR YOUR OWN WORLD
VIZ MEDIA

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

ORIGINAL STORY: Tite Kubo
AUTHOR: Ryohgo Narita
TRANSLATION: Jan Mitsuko Cash
COVER/DESIGNER: Jimmy Presler
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1326-4; paperback (July 2020)
256pp, B&W, $14.99 US, $19.99 CAN, £10.99 UK

Bleach is a shonen manga series written and illustrated by Tite Kubo.  Bleach was serialized in the Japanese manga magazine, Weekly Shōnen Jump, from August 2001 to August 2016 and was comprised of 686 chapters, which were collected in 74 tankobon (like a graphic novel).

Bleach focuses on Ichigo “Strawberry” Kurosaki, a teenage boy born with the ability to see ghosts.  Joining the “Soul Society,” Ichigo becomes a “Soul Reaper.”  He dedicates himself to protecting the innocent from a kind of malevolent lost soul known as a “Hollow,” and also to helping these tortured spirits find peace.

Bleach is also a media franchise, spawning a long-running anime television series (“Bleach”), four feature films, OVA (original video anime) episodes, video games, stage musicals, merchandise, and spin-off novels.  After the manga ended, Tite Kubo and various authors began producing novelizations of the Bleach series.

Kubo and Japanese novelist and manga writer, Narita Ryohgo, also produced a new Bleach novel, Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World, with Kubo providing the story and Ryohgo writing the novel.  It began serialization in Japan in April 2017, and it was collected in three paperback “light novels,” published between August 2017 and December 2018.  VIZ Media began publishing an English-language edition of Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World as a series of paperback novels under its “Shonen Jump” imprint in July 2020.

The central story line of Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World opens almost a year after the end of the Quincie's Thousand Year Blood War, in which Ichigo Kurosaki and his allies defeated the Quincy leader, Yhwach.  The embers of turmoil still smolder in the Soul Society, and incidents in the past threaten to worsen the unease.

The story focuses on Shuhei Hisagi, the assistant captain of the Ninth Company, who loves guitars and motorcycles from the world of the living.  Hisagi was once a reporter for the newspaper, the “Seireitei Bulletin,”and his late mentor, Kaname Tosen, was the editor-in-chief.  Now, Hisagi has been made the newspaper's provisional editor, and he is confronted with a mystery Tosen left behind.

Tosen once had a confrontation with Lord Tokinada Tsunayashiro, a minor aristocrat in the Tsunayashiro family, one of the “Five Great Noble Clans” and a clan said to be involved in the creation of the Soul Society.  Tokinada has recently become elevated to head of his family after a slew of assassinations take out every other claimant to the title of head of the clan.  Now, he has a grand plan to create a new “Soul King,” and it involves a very powerful child named Hikone Ubugino, who worships Tokinada so much that the child is practically his slave.

Tokinada's dark ambitions are sowing the seeds of disquiet throughout of the Soul Society, and may lead to a new total war.  The one Soul Reaper who unknowingly holds the key to stopping Tokinada is that very assistant captain and reporter/provisional editor, Shuhei Hisagi.

[This book contains spot illustrations, drawn in Tite Kubo's style; a four-page illustrated character guide; and a full-color mini-poster insert.]

THE LOWDOWN:  Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World is a strange novel.  Technically, readers don't have to have read the Bleach manga in order to read the novel.  To understand and to comprehend the story, plots, characters, and settings, readers will have to understand the world of Bleach, with which they will be familiar via the manga and/or the “Bleach” anime series.

So I write this review in that context.  If you understand Bleach, you can understand this novel and also enjoy it, to one degree or another.  Ryohgo Narita delves deeply into the personalities of the characters and explores the motivations of some of the characters.  That tends to slow the narrative, but I get the sense that this novel was written to tantalize Bleach fans and not to offer impressive prose.

The main story is linear, mostly, but the entire novel jumps around between many pasts and the present so much that I want to call this a non-linear narrative, although it really is not that.  Also, this novel is just the first volume, and it reads like one long prologue that introduces the central conflict (Shuhei Hisagi vs. Tokinada Tsunayashiro?) and the supporting players, of which there are way too many, as far as I am concerned.  Still, I have to admit that I am intrigued enough by Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World that I want to read “Volume II.”

This book contains several spot pencil art illustrations that are either drawn by Tite Kubo or by an assistant in Kubo's style.  I love that beautiful illustration that is the book cover art and is also used for the mini-poster insert.  The cover art is eye-catching, and it may tempt Bleach fans that have never read a Bleach light novel to give this one a try.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Bleach will want to read the novel, Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World.

7 out of 10

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


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#IReadsYou Review: DEMON SLAYER: Kimetsu No Yaiba Volume 3

DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, VOL. 3
VIZ MEDIA – @VIZMedia

MANGAKA: Koyoharu Gotouge
TRANSLATION: John Werry
ENGLISH ADAPTATION: Steve “Stan!” Brown
LETTERS: John Hunt
EDITOR: Mike Montesa
ISBN: 978-1-9747-0054-7; paperback (November 2018); Rated “T” for “Teen”
192pp, B&W, $9.99 U.S., $12.99 CAN, £6.99 U.K.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotoge.  The manga was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump from February 2016 to May 2020.  VIZ Media has been publishing an English-language edition of the manga as a paperback graphic novel series under its “Shonen Jump” imprint since July 2018.

It is Taisho era Japan (1912 to 1926).  Tanjiro Kamado, a kindhearted boy, sells coal in order to support his mother and four siblings.  After one particularly taxing trip to sell coal, Tanjiro returns to his home in the forest to find his family slaughtered.  He discovers that a younger sibling, his sister Nezuko, has herself been transformed into a demon by the unknown demon that killed his family.  He became a Demon Slayer to find that demon.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol. 3 (Chapters 17 to 25) opens as Tanjiro continues his battle with the servants of Muzan Kibutsuji, the demon master.  Susamaru (balls) and Yahaba (arrows) prove to be quite formidable, and Tanjiro will need help from an unexpected place to defeat them.  If defeated, will these members of the “Twelve Kizuki” (demons that serve Kibutsuji) reveal secrets about their master?

Then, Tanjiro and Nezuko meet Zenitsu Agatsuma, a demon slayer who seems to be a coward.  He proves to be little to no help when they find an unusual house that is full of demons.

THE LOWDOWN:  The Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba manga is one of 2018's best new graphic novel series.  It is one of a group of excellent titles released by VIZ Media in 2018.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Graphic Novel 3 takes readers into the grit and determination of series hero, Tanjiro Kamado.  However, creator Koyoharu Gotouge makes sure that readers how kind and considerate Tanjiro is.  That complicates a narrative that is quite gruesome at times.  At the same time, other characters begin to show layers and textures in their personalities, another element that makes Demon Slayer a manga to read.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of demon-fighting heroes will want to read the Shonen Jump title, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba.

A
9 out of 10

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

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#IReadsYou Review: GREY Chapter 3

GREY. CHAPTER 3
THE GREY ROOM

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Kris Hornett
ART: Ardee Arollado
SPECIAL PROJECTS ART: Kenet Guevarra
EDITOR: Lisa Taylor
28pp, B&W, $10.00 (September 2020)

Chapter 3 “Deja Vu”

Grey is a recently-launched. independently published comic book series from writer Kris Hornett and artist Ardee Arollado.  Published by The Grey Room, Grey is a hybrid, a combination of an American comic book format and Japanese manga.  Grey is similar to what was once called “OEL manga” or “original English language” manga.  These were American graphic novels in which the storytelling borrowed or mimicked the aesthetics and sensibilities of Japanese manga (comics).

Grey is set in the realm of Ketiyama (apparently an archipelago) and takes place some time after an event known as “the Sonoma Incident.”  This outbreak of the lethal “Moon Virus” on Nacirema, one of Ketiyama's islands, led to chaos, destruction, and division.  As a sign of good faith and as a last attempt to restore order, the ruling Board of Officials allowed the people to elect a team of highly trained tactical agents, known as “the Bureau,” to serve and protect them.  Within the Bureau is an elite unit known as “Nimbus.”  This team of five agents are sworn to maintain moral balance and to enforce the law.  The agents of Nimbus are also able to manipulate their “prana” (“life energy”).

The agents of Nimbus are Samara Asuhara, Kouken Masimuto, Shuyin Hagamuri, Manu Yagyu, and Kale Schaefer.  Belisia Asuhara is their handler and the creator of Nimbus.

As Grey. Chapter 3. (“Deja Vu”) opens,  Shuyin visits with his mother, who has telepathic abilities.  Through her, Shuyin gets to play with his memories and experiences with Willow, the young woman from his past who is connected to the Bureau's current case.

Elsewhere, agents Samara and Kouken visit Kale Schaefer to discuss the mysterious “okami mask,” its notorious past and its connection to Kale's past.  Later, Samara and Kouken may be unaware of the danger near them.  Have they walked into a trap?

THE LOWDOWN:  Grey is conceptually well-developed, and the world in which it is set has a complex history.  The authors are simultaneously building a world and unwrapping a science fiction dramatic narrative.

Grey Chapter 3 first takes a deep dive into Shuyin's mind.  I find Shuyin's interior world:  memories, dreams, thoughts, etc. to be an engaging way to delve into the character and into everything that is going on around him – past, present, and future.  As much as I like Grey's other characters, I feel as if I never get enough of him, but it is good that Hornett and Arollado have their lead emerge as a star character so early in the series.

Meanwhile, Hornett takes time to take us to some other characters, and as I wrote in a previous review, all the characters are interesting in some way.  They make the world of Grey an exciting place for readers to be, and Hornett always leaves me wanting more.  Twenty-five pages of story is a lot these days, but 50 pages per issue of Grey would not be enough.  It is still early enough to get in on the ground floor of this exciting American manga, dear readers.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of manga-inspired comic books will want to read Grey.

[This comic book includes two pages of additional informative text pieces.]

A-
7.5 out of 10

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


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#IReadsYou Review: FALCON & WINTER SOLDIER #1

FALCON & WINTER SOLDIER #1 (OF 5)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Derek Landy
ART: Federico Vicentini
COLORS: Matt Milla
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
EDITOR: Alanna Smith
COVER: Dan Mora with David Curiel
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Bengal; Butch Guice with Frank D'Armata; Ziyian Liu
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (April 2020)

Rated T+

Sam Wilson/The Falcon created by Stan Lee and Gene Colan; Falcon costumed designed by Alex Ross

James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby; The Winter Soldier created by Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting

Sam Wilson a.k.a. The Falcon is a Marvel Comics superhero.  Wilson/Falcon first appeared in Captain America #117 (cover date: September 1969).  The Falcon uses mechanical wings to fly, and he has limited telepathic and empathic control over birds.

James Buchanan “Bucky” Barnes is a Marvel Comics superhero.  Writer Joe Simon and artist Jack Kirby introduced “Bucky” as a sidekick to Captain America in Captain America Comics #1 (cover-dated March 1941).   Published by Marvel's predecessor, Timely Comics, Captain America Comics #1 also introduced Captain America.

Over six decades later, writer Ed Brubaker and artist Steve Epting reinvented Bucky as being brought back from supposed-death to be the brainwashed assassin called “The Winter Soldier.”  The character, which debuted in Captain America #1 (cover dated: January 2005), was the villain slash adversary in the 2014 film, Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier will team up in an upcoming Marvel Studios television series, “The Falcon & the Winter Soldier,” for the Disney+ streaming service.  Marvel Comics is getting in on the action with a five-issue limited series entitled... Falcon & Winter Soldier.  It is written by Derek Landy; drawn by Federico Vicentini; colored Matt Milla; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Falcon & Winter Soldier #1 opens at the Indiana home of Bucky Barnes, where he and his cat are enjoying some morning solitude.  Then, a group of men, armed with military-style weaponry, break into the house to kill Bucky.  [This attack is similar to the one that heavily-armed German security forces launched into Bucky's apartment in the 2016 film, Captain America: Civil War.]

Later, in New York City, The Falcon decides to pay a visit as Sam Wilson to the local office of an agency called the “Office of Federal Utilities.”  There, he finds an entire office of dead people... and the Winter Soldier, but Bucky says he didn't do it – kill all these people.  So, it seems that the dramatic attempt on Bucky's life has reunited The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.  They decide that they will have to hunt down the identity of the new leader of Hydra, but a gifted new killer is also hunting them.

I bought a copy of Falcon & Winter Soldier #1 for a friend of mine to read.  I was a little interested in it, as a fan of The Falcon, but not enough to purchase it for myself.  I got it back and decided to read it, and I have to admit that it was way better than I thought it would be.  Writer Derek Landy offers a simple, but straight-forward story.  There is a goal, uncover Hydra's new secrets, and there is a shocking new adversary, a gifted young killer.  The cover of Falcon & Winter Soldier looks like it belongs to a high-octane action comic book series, and it turns out that Falcon & Winter Soldier #1 reads like an actual, honest-to-goodness, high-octane action comic book.

Artist Federico Vicentini is not a polished illustrator and draftsman.  Some of his figure drawing and background details look awkward and funky.  However, his storytelling is clean and clear, especially important for this genre of comic book.  Matt Milla's coloring is good enough, but not particularly imaginative, and Joe Caramagna's lettering is by-the-books, but good enough.

Falcon & Winter Soldier #1 is not great, but it is the kind of satisfying start that could make me come back for the second issue.  I might even buy the inevitable trade paperback collection.

7 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2020 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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