STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC ADVENTURES QUEST OF THE JEDI

PUBLISHER: Dark Horse

Comics

WRITER: Claudia Gray

ARTIST: Fico Ossio

COLORIST: Sebastian Chang and Candice Han

The Story

On the ancient world of Angcord, the Force works in unforeseen ways. When legendary Jedi Knight Barnabus Vim and his intrepid Padawan Bly arrive on this mysterious world, seeking an ancient artifact of the Force, they quickly find more than they were bargaining for. But just what is the mysterious Echo Stone, and what does its existence mean for the continued survival of all those who call Angcord home?

The Goods

As a fan of Star Wars since I was a wee boy, the franchise is best when it fully embraces its fantastical aspects. This one shot from Dark Horse fully embraces the fun and whimsy of the High Republic era; when Jedi Knights felt like they were ripped by the mythical tales of Camelot. As a fan of what the Star Wars franchise can be, it’s great to read tales set in this universe that do not revolve around the Skywalker Saga, giving fans a chance to explore and learn more about the vast and complex history of the Jedi without being shackled by cinematic continuity. Ossio’s art is vibrant and engaging, especially in action sequences. At times the art relies too much on digital imaging that distracts but that may be more about my dislike of digitally rendered art in comics. Claudia Gray is no stranger to Star Wars. Her novels, with some set in the High Republic, are generally praised for their commitment to the lore and mythology of Star Wars while simultaneously remaining accessible to readers old and new. Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures - Quest of the Jedi may be Gray’s first Star Wars comic but it is a testament to her amazing writing style and technique that her storytelling can transcend any medium. Sebastian Chang and Candice Han do a wonderful job coloring this issue. The colors are vibrant and well done. The purple hues used throughout the book grab and keep your attention. This is a straight up fun, light book that, if you’re looking to introduce a new fan or a young reader to the franchise outside the films, I would absolutely recommend it.

In Short

• Great storytelling by an established Star Wars author

• Sometimes distracting art takes away from the storytelling

• Colors pop off the page.

PUBLISHER: Dark Horse Comics

WRITER: Amanda Deibert, Cecil Castellucci and Michael Moreci

ARTIST: Lucas Marangon, Megan Huang and Andy Duggan

COLORIST: Micahel Atiyeh and Dan Jackson

The Story

Dark Horse returns to Star Wars with new tales of adventure! This anthology series brings readers new tales of adventure from across the length and breadth of the Star Wars galaxy. From the hallowed days of the High Republic to the Resistance’s desperate struggle against the First Order, some of comics most exciting creators have come together to bring you a brand-new side of a galaxy far, far away.

The Goods

Collecting issues 1-4 of the all ages Hyperspace Stories this trade paperback is a pleasure for fans who long to see characters that they’ve fallen in love with over decades of cinematic adventures. A quest to find an artifact (playfully hidden within a child’s toy) spans every era of the Star Wars films and brings iconic characters, from Anakin to Luke to Rey, into one fun-filled book. Deibert, Castelluci and Moreci capture the voices of each and every character perfectly. The beauty of this series so far is in its simplicity, those small character driven moments between the action. I’m a Star Wars fan but don’t possess the encyclopedic knowledge that others or that the current Marvel series expects its readers to possess. What makes this book so fun is that you don’t need that knowledge to understand it. Whereas the High Republic Adventures, despite its aim at a younger audience, presumes the reader’s knowledge of the larger expanded universe, Hyperspace Stories sticks to cinematic lore and storytelling. This series screams Saturday morning cartoons in its art and storytelling and there’s nothing wrong with that. Lucas Marangon, Megan Huang and Andy Duggan’s art is a major part of the appeal of this series. It’s big, bright and colorful with the appropriate amount of whimsy and cartoonish appeal. If you know any new readers or anyone who wants to experience a fun era-crossing adventure, definitely tell them to pick up the Star Wars: Hyperspace StoriesRebels and Resistance trade paperback. Volume 2, Scum and Villainy, collecting issues 5-10 hits shelves this September.

In Short

• A fun, all ages trade, collecting #1-4 of Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories

• Fast paced storytelling and bright colorful art

• All your favorite heroes and villains in one book

STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN #8

PUBLISHER: Marvel Comics

WRITER: Rodney Barnes

ARTIST: Georges Jeanty

COLORIST: Rachelle Rosenberg

The Story

The Mandalorian is a faithful and direct adaptation of the Disney Plus series. The episode that this issue is an adaptation of aired in December of 2019. Issue 8 was published in March of 2023. Season two of the Madalorian is set for comic book adaptation beginning in June.

The Goods

The Mandalorian #8 is a truly faithful adaptation of the episode that inspired it. Barnes’ storytelling keeps much of the dialogue and sticks largely to the story from the season one finale. Jeanty’s art is fun at moments but, for some reason, Mando and Moff appear as gross renditions of the actors that play them. Maybe it was a licensing thing. Maybe Jeanty has never actually seen Pedro Pascal or Giancarlo Espisito before. It’s odd because there are moments where just the eyes of Moff Gideon were shown in a panel and that was enough to capture the character. Although I’m happy we’re getting the Mandalorian in comic form, I saw this episode over two years ago. I would like to see original storytelling set in the world of the series. Tell tales of Mando’s adventures before he meets the Child. Which brings me to another point. The Disney Plus show made Grogu into an international sensation. My mother knows who he is! (Although she still calls him Baby Yoda). If you went by this issue and some of the previous ones it would be easy to forget he’s even in the series. Grogu only appears in a handful of panels and seems almost inconsequential to the overall story. You could’ve replaced Grogu with a roll of paper towels and the story would have played out the same. The art and writing were solid. The adaptation was faithful. The series itself is largely unnecessary, adding nothing to the Mandalorian

In Short

• Excellent adaptation of an amazing show

• Doesn’t add anything to the experience; wholly unnecessary

• Off putting depictions of Pedro Pascal (Mando) and Giancarlo Espisito (Moff Gideon)

STAR WARS: #1 (1977)

PUBLISHER: Marvel Comics

WRITER: Roy Thomas

ARTIST: Howard Chaykin

COLORIST: Marie Severin

The Story

Based on the script to Star Wars A New Hope this issue started a successful run that lasted 1977 to 1986 totaling 107 issues, with an additional issue published in 2019 and, by many accounts, financially saved Marvel Comics.

The Goods

Reading this issue is a lot like reading Detective Comics #27 where we meet Batman for the first time. Sure, it’s the Batman we know and love but the mythology and continuity that has become so iconic isn’t there. The same can be said for Star Wars in this issue and the series that followed. Marvel adapted the script for the film, not the film itself, so we’re treated to scenes that never made it to the big screen including Luke witnessing the first space battle and characters like Biggs Darklighter. Thomas presumably mistakenly refers to the Force as the “Cosmic Force,” which was brought into continuity in an episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars in 2014. I’m not sure how I feel about Luke being called “Wormie” by his friends but I’m sure glad that nickname, and his friends, didn’t stick around. One whiney teen from a sand planet is enough. I really enjoy reading this issue, which is available in reprint and in trade paperbacks, from time to time. My brother, a huge Star Wars fan, had this issue. We would read it a lot. We were looking to consume Star Wars anyway we could, and comics were the cheapest and easiest way for us to do it. I’ve seen the issue sell for a few hundred, even a few thousand with a solid rating, but more than its financial value, the sentimental value is priceless. Even after 46 years it’s still a fun read.

In Short

• Roy Thomas’ writing is great and his passion for Star Wars is clear

• Howard Chaykin’s art is inconsistent at times and feels rushed but generally consistent with the time in which the book was published.

STAR WARS: #34

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Charles Soule

Artist: Madibek Musabekov

Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg

The Story

Luke Skywalker searches for one of the rarest substances in the galaxy… Kyber- the living crystal that powers lightsabers! Does it hold the answer to the unpredictable thing the Force has become? What long-lost secret is he about to uncover?

The Goods

Over 40 years later and Marvel still knows what they’re doing with Star Wars comics. It’s hard to decide who the real shining star of the book is. Soule’s writing is fluid and his exposition is masterfully done so as to not appear overbearing. With a few well-written sentences, I was completely caught up to speed with everything I needed to know. Musabekov’s art is simply phenomenal. Every panel and page are perfectly executed. In direct contrast to the Mandalorian comics from Marvel, the likeness to Mark Hamill was astounding. This story focuses on Luke’s journey for his own Kyber crystal. It’s a simple story but fascinating and fun. Soule and Musabekov capture the look and feel of Luke wonderfully. Fans have wanted to know how Luke got his new lightsaber for decades and now we’re finding out in a spectacular fashion. I love sidequest stories like this that have Luke mixed into Jedi mythology in a way the movies never did or could.

In Short

• Fun, simple story

• Stunning art

• Luke Skywalker in his prime

THE FINAL VERDICT: 9.5 OUT 10

STAR

WARS: #108

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Matthew Rosenberg, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Andrea Broccardo, Kerry Gammill and Ze Carlo

Artist: Jan Duursema, Stefano Landini, Luke Ross and Leonard Kirk

Colorist: Chris Sotomayor

The Story

Modern Star Wars comics are far, far different than they were upon their initial release. Marvel originally used the comic as a means to tell wild and detailed plot lines. Moreover, they introduced series of fascinating heroes and villains to pair with George Lucas’ original characters.

To celebrate Marvel’s 80th anniversary, Star Wars #108 was released as a sequel to legendary comic book writer Archie Goodwin’s “Crimson Forever.” Issue #108 reunites all of our favorite members of the Star Wars cast including Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2 as they venture through a threatening thrill ride of galactic proportions.

The Goods

Star Wars #108 is an absolute treat for fans of the Marvel Star War series from the 1970s and 1980s which ended with #107. This issue brings back many of the most popular characters created for the series. You have to appreciate the ingenuity and creativity of the Marvel Star Wars crew as they had to create heroes and villains that would not alter or spoil any of the events of the original trilogy. Admittedly, as a young Star Wars fan, some characters were hard to accept for me, especially Jaxxon the green rabbit-esque bounty hunter. He was always a stand out character for me but not in a good way. Valance the Bounty Hunter was always a cool character for me. He was like the Terminator but wittier. Valance is the real star of this book and he definitely gets a wonderful send off. The art on this issue was hit and miss across multiple chapters but the writing was superb throughout. It’s worth mentioning that this issue’s writing and art contributors are no stranger to the Star Wars universe and it shows. I would’ve appreciated some editor’s boxes to allow us to know what issues and story arcs were being directly referenced but regardless this was still a fun issue. Even without a full understanding of every character the issue’s crystal-clear exposition made everything I needed to know abundantly clear. I’d love to see this series continue in some form or another. Reading this issue brought back good feelings that I associate with the original run that my brother shared with me and the Star Wars newspaper strips. If you’re a Marvel Star Wars fan, you’re definitely going to want to pick up this issue.

In Short

• 8 fun, interconnected stories bringing back some of the bestknown comic book created Star Wars characters.

• Valance the Bounty Hunter was given a fitting end.

DOCTOR APHRA #32

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Writer: Alyssa Wong

Artist: Minkyu Jung

Colorist: Rachelle Rosenberg

The Story

LUKE SKYWALKER: FRIEND OR FOE? After the fallout of HIDDEN EMPIRE, DOCTOR APHRA is at a crossroads. Who better to help her with that than…LUKE SKYWALKER?!

The Goods

Doctor Aphra is a fun original character that reads like a female, more morally ambivalent version of Han Solo. This issue teams up the good Doctor with Luke Skywalker. Generally, I don’t go for issues like this. Cameos from Luke or other characters from the original trilogy seem forced and out of place but not here. This was a well-paced, well written story that is incredibly intriguing. I can see why fans rally to Doctor Aphra and why this series has legs. The final splash page of this issue is real doozy, sure to leave readers with a ton of questions. The art is solid throughout Wong and Jung make a wonderful writing and art duo. Full disclosure, I’ve only occasionally picked up Doctor Aphra books. I was a little hesitant to pick up this issue because it was so long since my last. However, the book was easy to get into and easy to follow. Aphra’s character has very much evolved since last I read this series. The transition to being a “good guy” is slow and organic. I’m really enjoying where this series is going.

In Short

• Great story and fun art

• Aphra and Luke make a good team

• Intriguing cliffhanger

THE FINAL VERDICT: 8 OUT 10