Comic Review 242 // Star Wars, Vol. 7: The Ashes of Jedha by Kieron Gillen

 

In a classic grab that intrigues me fashion, I have managed to dive into volume 7 of the series, without reading anything else first. I do apologize to those who love to see reviews in order but that's just not going to happen here.

Title: Star Wars (2015) Star Wars, Vol. 7: The Ashes of Jedha

Author: Kieron Gillen

Illustrator: Salvador Larroca

Blurb: The specter of the devastating weapon brought together a patchwork cloth of people, united in hope. And now these rebels continue to fight for a better tomorrow for a galaxy far, far away! Jedha was left in ruins when the Death Star annihilated the Holy City--now, as Queen Trios' forces move in to strip what's left, the rebels struggle to preserve the planet for its survivors! With the Leviathan looming, Luke Skywalker is torn between his allegiance to the Rebellion and pursuing the path of a Jedi--so who will lead the charge against the Empire? The echoes of Rogue One continue to be heard in an all-new adventure written by Kieron Gillen (DARTH VADER, DOCTOR APHRA). COLLECTING: STAR WARS 38-43

Format: 144 pages, Paperback

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Review

As mentioned, this is volume 7 in the series, and I believe I have others in the TBR pile, so will properly be able to round out the series soon. But lucky the way the volumes are designed, each one can be read as a stand-alone tale, you just miss some of the clues or arcing plot threads. Ultimately it is the classic theme of rebels fighting the Imperials, so we don't have to think too hard about this.

The plot is exciting and connects Rogue One to the original trilogy cast. It shows us what the main characters, Luke, Hans and Leia, were up to between films. Adding depth to their lore. The Imperials are attempting to strip mine the last of the crystals from Jedha, which is slowly tearing itself apart following the damage reaped during Rogue One. Whilst on the surface, a cell of resistance fighters continues to thwart the Imperials at every turn. The "stars" have arrived at Jedha in hopes of forming an alliance with this cell, trading weapons and support for their own supply of crystal. We also have a great villain in this tale who sadly never lived up to his threatening demeanour, don't give me a cool villain and then fail to deliver them, Marvel!

But the biggest issue, and it seems to be a more common problem these days, is the artwork. Is it me or have these been photoshopped? The faces look lifted from a photo and then cartoonised to fit the comic. It looks really weird, I noticed a similar thing in the new Alien comics, it seems like they are time-saving by bastardizing other work. It takes away from the story for sure and adds issues that aren't needed.

Overall an okay read. Star War Fans will enjoy it for what it is, whilst the rest of us will be meh.

Cheers for reading!

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Comic 193 // Star Wars Adventures (Vol 4): Smugglers Blues

How many more library finds can I discover before they fully dry up? This week it is the turn of volume 4, Smuggler's blues. With a young Solo and Chewy in trouble once again.

Title: Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 4: Smuggler's Blues

Creative: Cavan Scott, Derek Charm (Illustrator)

 Fluff: Set before the events of Episode IV: A New Hope, join everyone’s favourite stuck-up, half-witted, scruffy-looking nerf herder on a daring new caper!

Feared bounty hunters Zuckuss and 4-LOM are hot on the heels of the most notorious scoundrels in the galaxy, Han Solo and Chewbacca! Han and Chewie will risk landing on a mysterious planet that somehow shuts down all electronics to evade their pursuers. How will the boys escape with the Millennium Falcon unable to take off?

With a mix of characters from all across the Star Wars film series, Star Wars Adventures is perfect for Jedi and Padawans alike.

Review

As the name suggests, we are getting the stories of smugglers in this volume, with a Han Solo/Chewy adventure, a Lando Calrissian tale and finally, a Jaxxon the green rabbit tale (I am a big fan of Bucky O'Hare, so I better like this one!).

Opening tale is the cover also with Solo and Chewy attempting to flee from the bounty hunting duo of Zuckuss and 4-LOM. After a failed attempt to escape, the duo crash land on a planet that kills all electronic devices. As they are forced to team up, we are faced with double-crosses, killer spiders and blaster action. A great way to start the book off; I really enjoyed it.

The follow-up tale is all about the smooth as butter Lando Calrissian. During his days in Cloud City, he attempts to be an honest man and is contacted by an old friend to help steer a kid from entering a life of crime. Not a sinister tale, also not that thrilling, to be honest. A safe story.

Now I was looking forward to Jaxxon, the green rabbit, in Disney canon! An exciting story that will seem very similar to a Mandalorian tale (which I assume was inspired by this). Jaxxon has been hired to transport a batch of endangered eggs, the last in a long line of a Royal family. Of course, nothing goes to plan, and it is soon discovered to all be a ruse to allow the real eggs to be smuggled away by Hans. A short, sweet tale. I do hope we get more.

Overall a solid outing, not perfect, but when is it? It's nice to see Jaxxon and have an excellent Solo story, so it wins there. It was also interesting to see a bit of Bespin. Overall I would recommend reading if you have a spare evening.

Comic Review 191 // Star Wars Adventures Heroes of the Galaxy

Those who check in regularly would have noticed that I am on a roll with the library finds. I am trying to find and read all the Star Wars Adventures series. On my most recent trip to my local library, I discovered Volume 1. The original title that kicked off the series. SO I had to grab it. 

Title: Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 1: Heroes of the Galaxy

Author/Art: Landry Q. Walker, Cavan Scott, Elsa Charretier, Pierrick Colinet, Derek Charm, Jon Sommariva, Sean Parsons.

Fluff:

Travel to a galaxy far, far away in this collection of Star Wars comic book tales! When the junk boss Unkar Plutt is kidnapped, Rey realizes her future may be better with the devil she knows. Plus more stories with Obi-Wan Kenobi, C-3PO, R2-D2 and the rebels vs. the Empire expand the world of Star Wars into new territory for a new generation of fans.

Get a copy and support me: Amazon.ca

Format: Paperback, 80 pages

Review

Let's get the obvious stuff out the way. Yes, this is made for a younger reader, but I don't care. I have really enjoyed the stories so far, and I get to read them to my kids and absorb them into my hobbies (insert evil mastermind laughter). The part I feel that has impressed me the most with this series is the quick short format. There are no saga adventures, no getting to know the characters as we know them already. Just straight into the story and get out before you get bored.

This is officially volume one in this series. But with the stories not really linked, you can read in any order, which is nice. We kick things off with the main piece, all about Rey. We join her before any involvement in the films on the planet of Jakku. Getting to experience what her life is like. And though having connections is hard for her, it is better to know the devil than see it replaced by a new one. A great kidnapping story and a great way to add more Unkar Plutt into my life. For me, this was the stand-out tale. The rest are very lore-filling pieces. Tied to the mythology already created for SW. For example, we have an Obi-Wan and Dex story showcasing their friendship, which we already knew about, and the Flat Mountain of Yavin was a great way to tie in their other comic series Wild Space, but for me, these were filler and not the main reason to read this.

The art was great and stylish. It made for a joyful read, and most importantly, the kids loved it. Highly recommend it, especially if you have little ones learning to love the setting.

As always cheers for reading and use that link to support the blog.

Comic Review 184 // Tales from Vader's Castle

Continuing on some great finds at the library. Star Wars Adventures is a series that seems aimed at a younger crowd, but it does a great job at storytelling. I found this title recently and had to give it a go. I had heard of Vader's Castle but knew very little about so I am excited to get into this title and the follow-up.

Title: Star Wars Adventures: Tales from Vader's Castle (Star Wars Adventures: Beware Vader's Castle #1)

Authors: Cavan Scott

Illustrations: Derek Charm, Chris Fenoglio, Kelley Jones, Corin Howell

Fluff: How do a band of rebels distract themselves when sneaking into the creepiest place in the galaxy? Tell scary stories, of course!

Follow Lina Graf, Crater, and friends as they sneak--and fight--their way into the terrifying castle of Darth Vader! Along the way, they'll trade spooky stories featuring the most terrifying villains and creatures in the universe! Your favourite characters, like Obi-Wan, Han and Chewie, Hera Syndulla, and the Ewoks, face classic creeps like ghosts, monsters, witches, and more... all with a signature Star Wars twist!

Collects the five-issue series.

Get a Copy: Amazon.ca

Format: Paperback, 120 pages

Review

As mentioned earlier, this is definitely meant for a younger audience. It follows a new bunch of rebels who following some damaged have to make an emergency landing on Mustafar. As they watch their ship sink into the lava, they are left, heading towards an unknown castle guard by Imperial Forces. To help distract themselves from the dire situation, the team tell each other war stories they have heard during the conflict.

These stories are very much like a goosebumps episode, so not really scary. But they are all fun reads, my kids so far have enjoyed them (4 and 2), and I always take that as a good sign. You get a lot of fan favourite characters in the series like Chopper, Count Dooku, Han Solo and even an excellent tale for the Ewoks.

This was actually a real fun read, is it for diehard "adult" fans most likely no, but if you enjoy Star Wars for what it is and going into it wanting a fun read than you will enjoy. The big thing to remember is these are short one shots joined by a sideline story to link them all. This is not an epic tale of adventure, but every short story does have a highlight that brought a smile to my face. The final issue really built up the side story with the arrival of Darth Vader and I can see all ready how the next collection will build of this start.

Standout tales for me include the Chopper story and the Count Dooku. Dooku is a favourite character of mind and to see that story play out was a lot of fun. This collection definitely amused me throughout the read and I can't ask for more than that. A little comedy within a realm of serious action is always a welcome refresh. The artwork though kid friendly was perfectly presented with the side story done in dark shades plenty of Red, Blacks, Blues, whilst the shorts are all different artist bringing a refreshing style change.

You will either enjoy it or pick holes within, I personally full into the enjoyed and I hope a few of you will to.

As always I appreciate you stopping by and reading and join me next week for the next dose.