#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS: The High Republic #1

STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC No. 1
MARVEL COMICS

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

STORY: Cavan Scott
PENCILS: Ario Anindito
INKS: Mark Morales
COLORS: Annalisa Leoni
LETTERS: VC's Ariana Maher
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Phil Noto
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Ario Anindito with Rain Beredo; Joshua “Sway” Swaby; Stephanie Hans; Pascal Blanche and Gonzalo Kenny
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (January 6, 2021)

Rated T

“There is No Fear” Chapter One: “Trial by Ordeal”

Star Wars: The High Republic is a new publishing initiative that includes novels (adult, young adult, middle-grade, and young readers), comic books (including all-ages, graphic novels, and manga), and other prose and multimedia releases.  Lucasfilm, the bosses of all things Star Wars, announced The High Republic in February 2020, with the first publication to be released in August 2020.  Delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, January 2021 sees the release of the first novels and comic books.

Star Wars: The High Republic is set 200 years before the film, Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace.   The Jedi Knights are at the height of their power, but they must face a deadly serious threat to the Republic, the antagonistic “Nihil,” a race of “space Vikings.”

The first comic book release is the ongoing comic book series, Star Wars: The High Republic, from Marvel Comics.  It is written by Cavan Scott; drawn by Ario Anindito (pencils) and Mark Morales (inks); colored by Annalisa Leoni; and lettered by Ariana Maher.  The High Republic comic book is set directly after the events depicted in the first High Republic novel, Star Wars: The High Republic – Light of the Jedi (released January 5th).

Star Wars: The High Republic #1 (“Trial by Ordeal”) opens on Shuraden, on the Republic frontier.  Padawan Keeve Trennis, under the direction of her Master Sskeer, prepares to complete her “Jedi Trials.”  It would help if one of the planet's inhabitants, a “Ximbi” named Kanri, would stop pestering her.  However, she will face a bigger challenge when she must protect the innocents from  the “Redadi” – a species of star-locust, but is the problem really what she thinks it is.

Meanwhile, the Frontier prepares for the dedication of the majestic “Starlight Beacon,” which will help Republic pioneers as they push into new territories in the Outer Rim.  Now, Master Avar Kriss faces two legendary Jedi “Grandmasters” who have arrived with a momentous announcement for her.

THE LOWDOWN:  I had not heard anything about the rumored “Project Luminous,” which was revealed in February 2020 to be the Star Wars: The High Republic publishing initiative.  I am a longtime Star Wars fan, but I don't dedicate much time to following Star Wars news.

So what do I think of Star Wars: The High Republic #1?  It is good, but not great.  I have enjoyed writer Cavan Scott's work on IDW's young readers Star Wars comic book, Star Wars Adventures.  His writing on Star Wars: The High Republic #1 is a little more intense than his IDW work.  Right from the beginning, Scott makes Keeve Trennis a strong character that is very likable, and he seems to have a handle on Master Avar Kriss, another strong and engaging female character.

Ario Anindito's art looks like it was drawn for a young adult graphic novel.  It seems closer to the sensibilities of animation than it does to the work of other Star Wars comic book artists like Jesus Saiz, Will Sliney, John Cassidy, and Salvado Larroca, to name a few.  If anything, Anindito's art here reminds me of artist Denys Cowan's work on the 2017-18 miniseries, Star Wars: Mace Windu.  I think Anindito's art will make Star Wars: The High Republic appeal to young readers who don't go to comic book shops, but will find the eventual trade paperback or graphic novel collection of this first High Republic story arc, “There is No Fear,” in bookstores.

Star Wars: The High Republic #1 makes me curious about where this comic book is going, and I plan to read more.  I do recommend that Star Wars readers check it out.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Star Wars comic books will want to sample Star Wars: The High Republic.

[This issue includes afterwords by Cavan Scott and Ario Anindito.]

7 out of 10

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


https://www.starwars.com/the-high-republic
https://twitter.com/Marvel
https://twitter.com/starwars
https://www.starwars.com/


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 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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#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS #1

STAR WARS #1 (2020)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

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

STORY: Charles Soule
ART: Jesus Saiz
COLORS: Jesus Saiz; Arif Prianto
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
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Arthur Adams with Jesus Aburtov; Jen Bartel; Adam Hughes; Mahmud Asrar with Matthew Wilson; Phil Noto; Chris Sprouse; Karl Story with Neeraj Menon
4pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (March 2020)

Rated T

“The Destiny Path” Part I

In 2015, Marvel Comics began publishing Star Wars comic books again.  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.

Now comes Star Wars 2020.  It is written by Charles Soule; drawn by Jesus Saiz; colored by Arif Prianto and Saiz; and lettered by Clayton Cowles.  The new series takes place after the events depicted in the 1980 Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back).

Star Wars #1 opens inside the Millennium Falcon.  Its passengers:  Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Lando Calrissian escaped 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.  There are also feelings of recrimination and anger over the capture of Han Solo by bounty hunters, led by Boba Fett, in service of Darth Vader.

Leia's plan is for them 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... and find a traitor.  Meanwhile, Luke struggles with his destiny in the aftermath of his battle with Darth Vader in Cloud City.

Star Wars #1 (2020) takes place inside the final 10 minutes of The Empire Strikes Back.  It expands on what happened between the Millennium Falcon escaping the Imperial forces shortly after leaving Bespin and the film's final moments.  Writer Charles Soule has 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 #1 is a very well written first issue, as Soule expounds on the conflict between Leia and Chewbacca against Lando.  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.  Soule also offers a tremendous mini action-thriller involving a besieged part of the Rebel Fleet, facing certain doom at the hands of Imperial Star Destroyers.  Soule creates the perfect scenario in which he can show how the post-Episode V core of heroes:  Luke, Leia, Lando, Chewbacca, and the Droids can work together to save the Rebellion.

I really like the art by Jesus Saiz and 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 #1 2020 has not made me feel the original highs I felt, but it's close enough.

8 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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Amazon wants me to inform you that the link below is a PAID AD, but I technically only get paid (eventually) if you click on the ad below AND buy something(s).

#IReadsYou Review: HISTORY OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE #1

HISTORY OF THE MARVEL UNIVERSE No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Mark Waid
PENCILS: Javier Rodríguez
INKS: Álvaro López
COLORS: Javier Rodríguez
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
EDITOR: Tom Brevoort
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
MISC. ART: Phil Noto
COVER: Steve McNiven and Mark Farmer with Sunny Gho
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Nick Bradshaw with John Rauch; John Buscema with Jason Keith; David Marquez with Matthew Wilson; Javier Rodríguez and Álvaro López
44pp, Color, $4.99 U.S. (September 2019)

Rated T

History of the Marvel Universe is a comic book miniseries that chronicles completely, for the first time, everything that was, is, or will be in the Marvel Universe.  History of the Marvel Universe is written by Mark Waid; drawn by Javier Rodríguez (pencils/colors) and Álvaro López (inks); and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

History of the Marvel Universe #1 opens at “the End of Time.”  There, Franklin Richards and the planet-devouring Galactus await the final death of the universe.  Although both will move to the universe born of the death of this one, Richards is concerned about memories.  Before it all ends, he wants the history of this universe to have meant something.  Richards asks Galactus to help him remember everything.  Thus, Galactus recounts the history of this universe, beginning with a first chapter.  It starts at the so-called “Big Bang” and ends both in the Wild West of The Rawhide Kid and The Two-Gun Kid and in the wild north of Canada where a boy named James Howlett emerges.

There is no doubt about it.  Marvel Comics' History of the Marvel Universe #1 has more than a passing resemblance to DC Comics' 1986, two-issue miniseries, History of the DC Universe.  It is true that Mark Waid and Javier Rodríguez could find no better template than the one writer Marv Wolfman and artist George Perez laid down in History of the DC Universe.

Some people consider Mark Waid an unofficial Marvel Comics historian; I imagine some people at Marvel probably think that.  Waid does a good job gathering the varied “histories” about the beginnings, the ancient times, the recent centuries, etc. that have been depicted in five decades of Marvel Comics titles.  Waid also mixes in threads from Marvel's predecessor Timely Comics and the two decades of material the predates the publication of The Fantastic Four #1.  Of course, Waid has to take into consideration decades of “retcons,” in which Marvel Comics scribes went back and changed things after the fact – the Avengers of one million years ago, introduced in Avengers #1 (2018).  I won't say that this first issue is a great read, but there are some interesting bits in this first issue.

I can say that I love the art team of Javier Rodríguez (pencils/colors) and Álvaro López.  Here, they don't have to engage in graphical storytelling, so much as they have to draw pictures that illustrate Mark Waid's text.  [Waid's script is presented in caption boxes, not word balloons, all well-crafted by Joe Caramagna.]  Their art reminds me of art of Alan Davis.

Speaking of which, Davis' longtime inker, Mark Farmer, inks Steve McNiven's cover pencil art – with excellent results.  So, in conclusion, History of the Marvel Universe #1 is an occasionally interesting curiosity, but honestly, you, dear readers, don't need to read it to enjoy Marvel Comics titles.  History of the Marvel Universe #1 is not the monumental work that Marvel Comics' monumental history deserves.  [I think the history of the Marvel Universe would be best told in a long-running, ongoing comic book series, which won't happen.]

6 out of 10

[This comic book includes four pages of annotations, which list the Marvel Comics publications which acted as reference for the story in History of the Marvel Universe #1.]

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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#IReadsYou Review: STAR WARS #68

STAR WARS No. 68 (2015)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

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

STORY: Greg Pak
ART: Phil Noto
COLORS: Phil Noto
LETTERS: VC's Clayton Cowles
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebuski
COVER: Phil Noto
VARIANT COVER: John Tyler Christopher; Kaare Andrews
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2019)

Rated T

Part I: “Rebels and Rogues”

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 new series first writer and wrote issues #1 to 37.  He delivered a number of really good story arcs and several really good stand alone, single-issue stories.

Kieron Gillen replaced Aaron.  Gillen did stellar work on Marvel's initial Darth Vader (2015) title, which was drawn by Salvador Larroca.  In fact, I can make a good case that Gillen and Larroca's Darth Vader was the best of Marvel's new line of Star Wars comic books, and, to this date, still is.  Gillen and Larroca reunited as the new Star Wars creative team with issue #38, and Larroca drew the series until issue #55.  Gillen recently ended his tenure on Star Wars with issue #67.

Star Wars #68 introduces the new creative team of writer Greg Pak and artist-colorist Phil Noto.  Letterer Clayton Clowes completes the creative team.  The first story arc, “Rebels and Rogues,” chronicles the missions that take place just before the 1980 Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back (also known as Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back).

As Star Wars #68 opens, the Rebel Alliance has learned that Darth Vader has dispatched thousands of remote probes into the far reaches of space to find the new rebel base, which will lead him to the young rebel with whom he is obsessed, Luke Skywalker.  Now, the rebel leadership is sending Luke, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca and the droids, C-3PO and R2-D2, on a mission, but this is a desperate three-pronged mission of deception that will send these friends in different directions.

First, Luke and R2-D2 must find a way to protect a rebel refueling station in the Inner Rim.  Leia and Han will head to the “Core World” of “Lanz Carpo,” in order to infiltrate the communication center of a Imperial-friendly crime lord.  Finally, Chewbacca and C-3PO head to K43, an uninhabited volcanic world on the edge of “Wild Space.”  Rebel leadership wants to lure as many Imperial Star Destroyers to K43, which, with the use of detonators, Chewie and Threepio will turn into a mini-Death Star.  Two of the three prongs of this mission will encounter surprising interlopers.

This first chapter of “Rebels and Rogues” is intriguing, but only Luke and Artoo's mission really interests me.  I can give Gillen credit for writing a story that feels like classic era or original trilogy Star Wars.  I have mixed feelings about Phil Noto's art.  I liked him as the primary artist on the recent Poe Dameron ongoing series (2016-2018), but I was not that impressed with Noto's art on the Chewbacca miniseries (2015-2016).  Here, his graphic style and graphical storytelling seem perfect for Luke's mission, not so much for Chewbacca's, and even less for Han and Leia's.

But I am a rotting-to-the core “Marvel Zombie” when it comes to Marvel's Star Wars ongoing comic book series, so I will keep reading.  In the case of the new Star Wars comic books, I am not ashamed to be a fanboy.

7 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Review: STAR WARS: Age of Resistance - Finn #1

STAR WARS: AGE OF RESISTANCE – FINN No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

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

STORY: Tom Taylor
ART: Ramon Rosanas
COLORS: Guru eFX
LETTERS: VC's Travis Lanham
EDITOR: Mark Paniccia
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Akira Yoshida a.k.a. C.B. Cebulski
COVER: Phil Noto
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Giuseppe Camuncoli with Elia Bonetti; Mike McKone with Guru eFX; Glyn Dillon (Concept Design Variant Artist)
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (September 2019)

Rated T

“Infestation”

Finn is one of the new Star Wars characters that appear in the “sequel” film series.  Finn debuted in Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015).  Finn was a stormtrooper of the “First Order,” and he was known as “Designation FN-2187.”  Finn was shocked by the cruelty of the First Order that he witnessed on his first mission.  He escaped the First Order and eventually joined “the Resistance.”

Marvel Comics is currently publishing a new Star Wars maxi-series project that is comprised of three series:  Star Wars: Age of Republic and Star Wars: Age of Rebellion (both of which have been completed, and the new series, Star Wars: Age of Resistance.  This project will span 30 issues in total (reportedly), with each issue spotlighting one hero or villain from one of three particular Star Wars eras:  Republic (prequel trilogy), Rebellion (original trilogy), and Resistance (sequel trilogy).

Star Wars: Age of Resistance – Finn #1 is the first release in the Age of Resistance series.  It is written by Tom Taylor; drawn by Ramon Rosanas; colored by Guru eFX, and lettered by Travis Lanham.  This comic book is set before the events depicted in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and offers a look at the origins of Finn's doubts about his life as a stormtrooper.

Star Wars: Age of Resistance – Finn #1 (“Infestation”) opens on “Starkiller Base.”  We meet FN-2187, a young First Order stormtrooper.  Like his partner, FN-3761, FN-2187 is a janitor, and he has a mop in his hand, even when he meets the mysterious Kylo Ren.  His commander, Captain Phasma, orders the two stormtrooper janitors to join a cleaning crew.  Upon arrival, however, 2187 and 3761 discover that the members of this cleaning crew are holding weapons instead of mops.  There seems to be some kind of pest control issue, but how will that lead FN-2187 to question everything?

I have not read all the “Age of” Star Wars comic books that Marvel Comics have released (as of this writing).  I read only two of the Age of Republic titles, but I read five of the Age of Rebellion titles because the “Age of Rebellion,” otherwise known as the “original trilogy” era, is the Star Wars time period I truly love.  I have not made up my mind about how much I want to delve into the Age of Resistance comics.  I do really like the Resistance's heroic trio of Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron, but I can't say I care much for characters like Captain Phasma and General Hux.

I like Star Wars: Age of Resistance – Finn #1.  Like the Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader entries in this series (or series of series), Finn #1 gives us a look at the development of Star Wars figure's character and personality.  Clearly, something had been going on in Finn's mind that led him to take the actions that separated him from the First Order, as seen early in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.  You know, there are the makings for a potentially high-quality Star Wars comic book series in Finn's life before his debut in “Episode VII.”

Although I like this story, “Infestation,” it is not anything heavy.  Tom Taylor offers something sweet and gentle that does not rock the continuity boat.  I like Ramon Rosanas' art, and Guru eFX's color effects, which are nice against the somewhat muted colors.  There is also something sweet and gentle in Rosanas' graphical storytelling and in Guru's coloring that makes me like this comic book more than I probably should.  As I usually say, letterer Travis Lanham has been providing excellent work on these AOR titles, and continues to do so here.

I can't say that Star Wars: Age of Resistance – Finn #1 will make me read all the Age of Resistance titles, but I like this enough to give all of them at least a cursory glance.

[This comic book includes the text piece, “I'm Gonna Call You Finn,” by Bryan Young.]

7.5 out of 10

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


The text is copyright © 2019 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site 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.

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

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: 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: THE PUNISHER #1

THE PUNISHER (2016) No. 1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITER: Becky Cloonan
ART: Steve Dillon
COLORS: Frank Martin
LETTERS: VC's Cory Petit
COVER: Declan Shalvey with Jordie Bellaire
VARIANT COVERS: Alex Maleev; Tim Bradstreet; John Cassaday; John Tyler Christopher; Francesco Mattina; Todd Nauck with Rachelle Rosenberg; Phil Noto; Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson; Christopher Stevens with Frank Martin; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2016)

Parental Advisory – Not for Kids

The Punisher is a Marvel Comics vigilante and antihero.  The Punisher was created by writer Gerry Conway and artist John Romita, Sr. and made his first appearance in The Amazing Spider-Man #129 (cover-dated: February 1974).  The Punisher is Frank Castle, a man whose wife and children were killed during a mob shootout in New York City's Central Park.  That tragedy was the impetus for Castle's one-man war on crime, especially against organized criminals like the mob, street gangs, drug dealers, etc.

Over the last 30 years, Marvel has published numerous ongoing comic book series and miniseries starring The Punisher and even a few variations on the character.  Now, there is the launch of a new ongoing comic book series.  The Punisher is written by Becky Cloonan; drawn by Steve Dillon; colored by Frank Martin; and lettered by Cory Petit.

The Punisher #1 opens in the Brooklyn warehouse district.  There, the organization, Condor, prepares a major push for its news narcotic product, “EMC.”  However, in a nearby warehouse, the D.E.A. (Drug Enforcement Agency) watches and prepares for an early morning take down of Condor's operations.  Meanwhile, The Punisher plans to strike first.

After John Romita, who designed the character, of course, I consider Mike Zeck and Steve Dillon to be the iconic Punisher comic book artists.  I am reading this new Punisher comic book because Steve Dillon is drawing it.  His interpretation of The Punisher always came across to me as a rock-solid, relentless, machine-monster with some hellbent programming that directs him to kill mobsters and criminal scum wherever they are.

However, there is something else about this new series that intrigues me.  Becky Cloonan is writing The Punisher, and she may be the first woman to write an ongoing Punisher comic book.  I am curious to see where Cloonan takes this series, especially as she offers at least three supporting characters with the potential to capture her readers' imaginations.

So I'm down to give this fresh start of The Punisher a chance.  It could be the best Punisher in a long time.

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 or 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.

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

Review: BLACK WIDOW #1

BLACK WIDOW No. 1 (2016)
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

[This review was originally posted on Patreon.]

WRITERS: Chris Samnee and Mark Waid
ART: Chris Samnee
COLORS: Matthew Wilson
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Chris Samnee with Matthew Wilson
VARIANT COVERS: John Tyler Christopher; Stephanie Hans; Tula Lotay; Phil Noto; Kevin Wada; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (May 2016)

Rated “T+”

Black Widow is a Marvel Comics female superhero.  She was created by editor-plotter Stan Lee, scripter Don Rico, and artist Don Heck and first appeared in Tales of Suspense No. 52 (cover dated: April 1964).  When she was first introduced, Black Widow was Natasha Romanova, a Russian spy who did not wear a superhero costume.  She was an antagonist of Iron Man, but later defected to the United States, where she became an agent of the spy agency S.H.I.E.L.D., and a member of the Avengers, becoming, of course, a superhero.

The All-New, All-Different Marvel presents a new comic book featuring Ms. Romanova, entitled (of course), Black Widow.  The series is written by Chris Samnee and Mark Waid; drawn by Samnee; colored by Matthew Wilson; and lettered by Joe Caramagna.

Black Widow #1 opens with the title character fighting her way through an office section of the S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier.  Black Widow has gone rogue and is fighting former colleagues.  She is now S.H.I.E.L.D. public enemy #1.  Why?

I have never read a single issue of Mark Waid and Chris Samnee's Eisner Award-winning run on Daredevil, but I keep planning on doing so.  I did read their thrilling IDW Publishing miniseries, The Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom, which I quite enjoyed (Encore! Encore!).

I'm curious about Black Widow because I am a fan of actress Scarlett Johanson's portrayal of the character in several Marvel Studio films.  So now I'm all like, let's read some Black Widow comics.  Well, this new Black Widow #1 is comprised of a long action sequence.  It is neither imaginative nor thrilling.  At the end of the book, Waid, Samnee, and editor Jake Thomas swear that we are in for something really good.  Just wait until the next issue... or the one after that... or the one after that...  [Just wait for the trade!]

This first issue is but a taste... OK.  So I'll give Black Widow #1 a grade of “B-” with the hope of a better grade on layaway.

B-

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: 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.

Review: JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS: Shattered Empire #1

JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS – SHATTERED EMPIRE No. 1
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: Phil Noto
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (November 2015)

Rated T+

Shattered Empire: Part I

The upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, takes place some 30 years after the events depicted in the 1983 film, Return of the Jedi (or Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi).  As The Force Awakens' release date (December 18, 2015) approaches, Lucasfilm is going to fill in the three-decade story gap between Episode VI and Episode VII (The Force Awakens), using its media partners in book publishing and comic books, in this case, fellow Disney subsidiary, Marvel Entertainment, LLC.

Thus, Marvel Comics recently released the first issue of the comic book series Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire.  This new comic book is written by Greg Rucka, drawn by Marco Checchetto, colored by Andres Mossa, and lettered by Joe Caramagna, with cover art provided by Phil Noto.  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.

Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire #1 opens during the closing moments of the Battle of Endor.  Rebel pilots are engaging Imperial forces in furious dogfights, as they try to protect the Rebellion's capital ships.  Then, the shield protecting the second Death Star is shut down...

Soon, the rebel forces are celebrating on the Forest Moon of Endor.  Rebel pilot, Shara, just wants to find her husband, Sgt. Kes Dameron, before she can celebrate.  Still, there are still Imperial forces to be dealt with on the Forest Moon.

Honestly, Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Shattered Empire underwhelms me – not that I am going to stop reading it.  Marvel Comics is publishing Star Wars comic books again.  When I was a kid, the arrival of each issue of my subscription to the old Marvel Star Wars comic book series was like a bonus Christmas.

Shattered Empire has potential.  Artist Marco Checchetto has an imaginative sense of page design.  Various story elements in the first five pages seem to leap off the page, as if Checchetto is trying to recreate the feel of Star Wars' famous dogfights and aerial battles.  The coloring by Andres Mossa makes the battle scenes crackle.  It's up to Greg Rucka to hold up his end on the writing.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

I Reads You Review: KANAN: The Last Padawan #1

KANAN: THE LAST PADAWAN #1
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

["Star Wars Central" review page is here.]

WRITER: Greg Weisman
ART: Pepe Larraz
COLORS: David Curiel
LETTERS: VC's Joe Caramagna
COVER: Mark Brooks
VARIANT COVERS: Phil Noto, Kilian Plunkett; Lucasfilm Ltd.; Skottie Young
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (June 2015)

Rated T

Book 1, Part 1: The Last Padawan

“Star Wars Rebels” is a recently launched 3D CGI animated television series.  It is produced by Lucasfilm and Lucasfilm Animation and is set in the Star Wars universe, of course.  “Rebels” is set 14 years after the film, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005), and five years before the events depicted in the original film, Star Wars (1977).  “Rebels” premiered on October 3, 2014 as a 44-minute, television film, entitled Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion on the Disney Channel.  “Rebels” premiered as a TV series on October 13, 2014 on Disney XD.

“Star Wars Rebels” takes place during an era when the Galactic Empire is securing its grip on the galaxy and features several new characters.  One of them is the former Jedi, Kanan Jarrus, who has spent years hiding his Force powers and lightsaber.  The fourth title in Marvel Comics' return to publishing Star Wars comic books returns to the time when Kanan was a Jedi Padawan (apprentice).

Entitled Kanan: The Last Padawan, this new series is written by Greg Weisman, a former executive producer of “Star Wars Rebels,” who also wrote several episodes of the series.  Kanan is drawn by Pepe Larraz, colored by David Curiel, and lettered by Joe Caramagna, with covers by Mark Brooks.

Kanan: The Last Padawan #1 opens 15 years before “Star Wars Rebels.”  Jedi Master Depa Billaba and her Padawan, Caleb Dume, are on the planet Kaller.  Master Billaba leads a contingent of the Grand Army of the Republic against Separatist droids.  The Jedi and the clone troops hope to chase the droids and their leader, General Kleeve, from the planet.  Don't expect the Kallerans to be grateful.  Meanwhile, there is darkness on the horizon.

First, I have to say, “Wow, who is Pepe Larraz?”  What a fantastic artist.  He reminds me of the art team of Stuart Immonen and Wade von Grawbadger.  With colorist David Curiel, Larraz captures the mercurial nature of Master Billaba and the wild and inquisitive nature of Caleb Dume.  Larraz's compositions capture the boundless potential of the young Padawan.  I also need to at least mention how good the cover art by Mark Brooks is.

As for the story, I found myself surprisingly intrigued.  I have not read many comic books written by Greg Weisman, but what I have read I've liked.  He makes the relationship between Master and Padawan seem genuine, balancing authority and obedience with camaraderie and patience.  I expected Kanan: The Last Padawan to be the least of the new Star Wars comic books, but Weisman is writing an intriguing story that demands to be read.

I can't wait for the next issue of Kanan: The Last Padawan.  Marvel Comics has delivered another winning Star Wars comic book.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for July 16, 2014

MARVEL COMICS

MAY140815     100TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL #1 X-MEN     $3.99
MAY140910     ALL NEW X-FACTOR #11     $3.99
MAY140828     AVENGERS WORLD #9     $3.99
APR148506     BLACK WIDOW #4 2ND PTG NOTO VAR     $3.99
APR148507     BLACK WIDOW #5 2ND PTG NOTO VAR     $3.99
APR148508     BLACK WIDOW #6 2ND PTG NOTO VAR     $3.99
APR140771     BLACK WIDOW TP VOL 01 FINELY WOVEN THREAD     $17.99
MAY140950     CAPTAIN AMERICA #22 75TH ANNIV BY ROSS POSTER     $8.99
MAY140890     DEADPOOL DRACULAS GAUNTLET #2     $3.99
MAY140854     ELEKTRA #4     $3.99
APR148509     GUARDIANS OF GALAXY #15 2ND PTG BRADSHAW VAR     $3.99
APR148516     INHUMAN #1 2ND PTG MADUREIRA VAR ANMN     $3.99
MAY140953     LEGENDARY STAR LORD #1 POSTER     $8.99
APR148510     LOKI AGENT OF ASGARD #4 2ND PTG FRISON VAR     $2.99
APR148511     LOKI AGENT OF ASGARD #5 2ND PTG FRISON VAR     $2.99
APR148514     MAGNETO #1 3RD PTG RIVERA VAR ANMN     $3.99
APR148515     MAGNETO #2 3RD PTG SAMNEE VAR ANMN     $3.99
APR148517     MAGNETO #4 2ND PTG SHALVEY VAR ANMN     $3.99
MAY140904     MAGNETO #7     $3.99
APR148512     MILES MORALES ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN #2 2ND PTG MARQUEZ VAR     $3.99
FEB140825     MMW AVENGERS HC VOL 14     $69.99
APR148513     MOON KNIGHT #4 2ND PTG SHALVEY VAR     $3.99
MAY140864     MS MARVEL #6     $2.99
MAY140791     NOVA #19 SIN     $3.99
APR140642     ORIGINAL SIN #3.2     $3.99
MAY140768     ORIGINAL SIN #6     $3.99
MAY140951     ROCKET RACCOON #1 POSTER     $8.99
MAY140867     SAVAGE HULK #2     $3.99
MAY140908     SAVAGE WOLVERINE #21     $3.99
MAY140823     SECRET AVENGERS #5     $3.99
APR148518     SHE-HULK #4 2ND PTG WADA VAR     $2.99
MAY140869     SHE-HULK #6     $2.99
APR140694     SILVER SURFER #4     $3.99
MAY140952     SPIDER-MAN 2099 #1 POSTER     $8.99
MAY140863     THUNDERBOLTS #28     $2.99
MAY140832     ULTIMATE FF #4     $3.99
MAY140792     UNCANNY X-MEN #23 SIN     $3.99
MAY140897     X-MEN #16     $3.99

I Reads You Review: MOON KNIGHT #2

MOON KNIGHT (2014) #2
MARVEL COMICS – @Marvel

WRITER: Warren Ellis
ARTIST/COVER: Declan Shalvey
COLORS: Jordie Bellaire
LETTERS: Chris Eliopoulos
COVER: Declan Shalvey and Jordie Bellaire
VARIANT COVER: Phil Noto
28pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2014 – second printing)

Rating: Parental Advisory

“Sniper”

Moon Knight, the Marvel Comics superhero character created by writer Doug Moench and artist Don Perlin, recently received a new eponymous comic book series.  [Moon Knight first appeared in Werewolf by Night #32 (cover dated: August 1975).]  Courtesy of writer Warren Ellis, artist Declan Shalvey, colorist Jordie Bellaire, and letterer Chris Eliopoulos, the 2014 Moon Knight comic book finds the title character taking on serial killers, spree killers, and other mass murders (so far).

Moon Knight #2 (“Sniper”) opens with a focus on eight individuals, who wind down after a long day at work.  But their pasts have come back possibly to haunt them.  Perhaps, Moon Knight can stop the haunting.

I just read Moon Knight #2, and I like it so much that I had to start writing this review right away.  That’s funny, because I did not care much for the first issue of the “All-New Marvel NOW!” Moon Knight.  Nothing:  I didn’t care for Warren Ellis’ script, nor was I feeling buzz word-hot artist Declan Shalvey or just-got-lots-of-Eisner-nominations colorist Jordie Bellaire (whose work I usually like).

Ellis’ story has a heartbreaking quality to it, but he is clever in how he manipulates through information.  By the end of the story, you might be having thoughts about how justice is served or, at least, least be thinking about blow back and real world issues.

Shalvey has a graphic style that would be right at home at alt-comix and art comics publishers like Top Shelf Productions and Drawn & Quarterly.  This time his compositions offer the striking visuals that they did not in the first issue.  Bellaire’s colors are evocative, creating mood and also giving the story a forceful sense of drama.

Shalvey and Ellis come together to create a story rhythm that is a beating heart, with a jazzy vibe that is part noir and part superhero comic book.  Half pantomime (without dialogue and exposition) and half sparsely worded, Moon Knight #2 is a unique read.  It bodes well for the next few issues, and I’m on board for more.

A

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux


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