Star Wars: Life Day Treasury - Holiday Stories From a Galaxy Far, Far Away by George Mann & Cavan Scott

George Mann and Cavan Scott present Star Wars stories set during the Wookiee holiday known as Life Day. Other than Boba Fett, Life Day has become the most enduring contribution to the Star Wars universe to come from the infamous 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special. This treasury of tales show how different cultures and solar systems celebrate Life Day in regards to the winter solstice. As each populated planet has their winter solstice begin at different times, potentially you could celebrate the holidays every day. Coruscant, Tattioone, Alderaan, even the forest moon of Endor celebrate the beginning of winter and the New hope of warm, fertile days ahead.

I like that this book is set during different periods of time. The story on Coruscant occurs during the days of the Old Republic. My favorite story, 'The Song of Winter's Heart' takes place during the early days of the rebellion, showing how a pair of best friends can grow apart on different sides of the political spectrum, with one becoming a storm trooper and the other a rebel, and yet, the shared cultural heritage of the holidays can make even the worst of enemies brothers once more.

I also like that a majority of these stories star established characters. While my favorite tale had all-new characters, whom I hope to one day encounter again, other stories feature some of the most beloved characters across all 3 trilogies. Obi-Wan Kenobi, Wicket and the rest of his tribe are amongst those who appear. You won't get Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker or Princess Leia. But as you could probably guess, Chewbacca and his family, including son Lumpy, star in the Life Day story set on Kashyyyk that closes out this collection. Yup! Han Solo is there too!

Some characters from before Episode I, who have been established in the pages of either Dark Horse or Marvel comics publications appear here too. One such character is Jedi Knight Stellan Gios, who appears on the cover. I only know that Stellan is an established character thanks to a Google search. I'm wondering if he was meant to be based on actor David Tennant. Because that's who he looks like in profile in the beautifully painted cover image by Grant Griffin. All of the artist's paintings were fantastic and added greatly to the intended theme of each story which range from humorous and heartfelt to suspenseful and scary. 

I wouldn't mind a second volume of Life Day stories. Maybe we could see what Life Day festivities are like on Cloud City or when observed by the Hutts. But I would also like to see some sequels. I really would like to know what happened to the opposing main characters of my favorite tale. Did both survive? Did they reconcile? I really want to know more about their story. If that's not reason to believe that is a great read, I don't know what is! And there are several characters, who are not Han or Chewie, in this book that I wanted to know more about.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars 

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

This 2019 miniseries was written as a sort of 5-issue advertisement for Disney's new Star Wars land region of their amusement parks. Titled Galaxy's Edge, the park is in reality the Black Spire Outpost of the remote planet of Batuu. It's run by a Ithorian trader, Dok-Ondar who specializes in being able to find rare things; usually by illegal or unethical means. 

When we first meet Dok-Ondar, he's met by a trio of traders who are looking for a rare Sith artifact that has crossed the profiteer's path on more than one occasion. Meanwhile, First Order has arrived on Batuu looking for Resistance fighters. Immediately, I gave a cry of disgust. I was looking forward to having a story with Han Solo and Chewbacca. Han and Chewie are on the cover! Why is this a sequels trilogy set story?

Thankfully, my frustration was short-lived as while the main story is set during the days of Rey, Finn and Kylo Ren, there are flashbacks to just about every era of Star Wars throughout this book. We do get Han and Chewbacca in a tale that shows us the smuggler's very first encounter with a sarlacc. Then there are stories set in the Clone Wars, during Rebels and Rogue One and in the Marvel created worlds with an appearance by Doctor Aphra. The only time period missing is that of the era of the Old Republic and that's probably because Ithorians don't live that long. 

The comic was really good. It features one of my favorite non-film characters, Hondo Ohnaka. The way the story comes around full circle made for a satisfying conclusion. And I really didn't mind having the First Order in this book after all. 

The all encompassing approach to this book makes sense really. I've not been to Galaxy's Edge, though I really, REALLY want to! From the videos I've seen, characters from just about every Star Wars movie and TV show mingle throughout the Black Spire Outpost. Being these stories were told in flashbacks, a visitor to Galaxy's Edge can just count up these anachronistic visits as really strong glimpses of the past brought about by the Force!

The story was written by Ethan Sacks whose What If... Thor/Frost Giants one-shot was butchered by the editorial staff. I feel that this book redeemed Sacks in my eyes and makes me want to read some of his other Star Wars works like Bounty Hunters and Halcyon Legacy (which if you are wondering is where your Old Republic tie-ins await!).

The artwork, by Will Sliney, was good too. The artist has some great renderings of the actors who portrayed the legends that pepper this book. 

Not wanting to have connections with the sequel trilogy is personal preference. So my only real complaint is that I felt that this trip down Star Wars memory lane was too short. I would have liked another issue or two to incorporate characters from the original Marvel comic run or someone from Star Wars: Droids or the infamous Holiday Special. 2019 was too early for a visit from the Mandalorian. But maybe a sequel might one day bring about some more until tales of a galaxy far, far away. I would LOVE that!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 11: Rise of the Wookiees

The curtain falls on Star Wars Adventures with this volume. Though Chewbacca is the main star of this book, the focus is on the sequel trilogy and honestly, it's just not as exciting as the original films nor the prequels.

Chewie's story sees the Wookiee helping the Resistance free his native planet Kashyyyk from the First Order. The stormtroopers have taken prisoners; one of which is a mortal enemy of Chewbacca's from a neighboring tribe. In order to save his people, Chewie must overlook an age-old rivalry, even if it's at the sake of his personal pride.

Another highlight of this volume was a Tony Fleecs pencilled adventure starring R2-D2, C-3PO and BB-8, unfortunately. Sorry, but Poe Dameron's droid is just a third wheel here. However, the story was such a visual masterpiece. It reminded me of both Sergio Aragones and Frank Quietly- kinda cartoony but full of detail. 

I also enjoyed the 2-part 'Tales From Wild Space' story. The epic of Emil Graf has a perfect ending; all the while promising further adventures. I do think it was a bit annoying that it took the last 'Wild Space' adventure to finally understand why Emil Graf goes around the galaxy telling stories of the Star Wars Universe. But, I can finally say I know what the character is all about.

The 3 stories starring the newer characters were the weakest of the bunch. The Finn story and glimpse at Poe's X-Wing training sessions with Rey were just too saccharin. The only thing missing from those two tales would have been appearance from Rose Tico and that would have made both of them unreadable. Can we all just admit Poe Dameron is a fascinating character. But he's brought down by those new trilogy wet blankets Finn and Rey.

The story with Kylo Ren team-up with General Hux was the best of the new character-only stories. Maybe it's because they are bad guys. Maybe it's because the two villains want to kill each other just as much as they want to squash the Resistance. I would have loved it if IDW would have scrapped the Rey and Finn stories and stretched out the uneasy alliance between the highest ranking officers of the First Order. It would have made for a much more entertaining read and have helped to bumped up my rating of this book.

This isn't IDW's last hurrah with Star Wars Adventures. For one reason or another, Marvel, Disney or IDW (or some combination of the 3) decided it was best to restart the series at issue #1. Could it be due to the latest rise in comic book speculating? That false belief that a #1 issue sells more books... Or is it due to the fact that Dark Horse regained the licensing rights to Star Wars and IDW was looking to unload their stockpile of Star Wars stories before their contract with DIsney ran out. 

I probably won't have an answer for that anytime soon. Only 1 trade of that new series was ever published and my library doesn't carry it. Heck, I can't even find it on Amazon or favored online comic book sellers. I'm probably going to have to wait to find them individually in the bargain bins.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 11: Driving Force (Family Comic Friday)

I got majorly sick this week. That kept me from even feeling like reading for several days. I almost cancelled this week's post. Thankfully, I had an oldie but a goodie book on my hands for a quick read. So, here we go...

This is the penultimate volume of IDW's Star Wars Adventure series. The first volume. There are 2 issues reprinted here for a total of 5 stories. Even though one story is set in between Episodes III and IV, all of these Star Wars tales involve new trilogy characters. 

Poe Cameron, decked in Blue as a member of Rapier Squadron, the X-Wing pilot and his trusty droid BB-8 run afoul of space pirates!

Set in the days of the Empire, young Princess Leia is about to teach her close friend Amilyn Holdo how to drive a speeder on the crowded 'streets' of Coruscant. But Holdo has other plans, which involve touring the lowest levels of city-planet. We're talking exploring levels lower than 5! Super dangerous and yet a hidden part of the fabled Galactic center of government and commerce that excites the heck out of me!

Then we travel to Ahch-To during Rey's training with Luke Skywalker. In this story, we get to see an unseen episode in which the aspiring Jedi's impulsiveness unearths an ancient terror from the deep. 

The two remaining adventures are Tales From Wild Space back-up features. The wizened Maz Kanata teaches one of her former proteges a lesson in humility. Considering that the character is nearly 1,000 years old, there's no telling if this story occurs after the fall of the Empire or during the Age of the Old Republic. 

The second story involves a New Republic era A-wing pilot that I've never heard of. According to the date files in the back of this book (which were greatly appreciated), this character was a friend of Poe Dameron and apparently died during the events of Episode VII.

Good stories with amazing art. I would have preferred these stories to have been all set during the Clone Wars or the Rebellion. At least there are a few legacy characters peppered in. Younger fans will probably be really excited over this. Parents and guardians will probably get really excited over seeing Chewbacca! But then again, who wouldn't?! He's the best Wookiee ever! And there's no stormtroopers! Star Wars stuff has to have stormtroopers!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 7: Pomp and Circumstance

Another trio of stories set in differing parts of the Star Wars Universe. 

The best story has Princess Leia about to conduct some diplomatic business for the Rebellion. However, due to a rough landing, the Princess cannot conduct the deal. Thus, it's up to Luke Skywalker to conduct the talks in hopes of securing an important flow of trade. However, one of the hosting diplomats has been skimming from the royal family's coffers and doesn't wish to end the lucrative trade they've set up with the Empire. 

This story was great because it's so unexpected. With Luke having to play diplomat, he's a total fish out of water. Seeing him have the rug pulled out from under him by that conniving bureaucrat is kinda hilarious. Especially with C-3PO involved. 

The Han Solo and Chewbacca story stars the Alden Ehrenreich version of the character. Maybe that's why the story wasn't quite as good. The baddie in the story looked familiar. But I don't think he's the same one that I'm thinking of. This other guy was an Inquisitor. Maybe they're both the same species?

Poe Dameron and BB-8 star in the last story. They've both crash landed on a jungle-like planet full of savage natives. Things are about to look grim when a young humanoid comes to their aid. I feel like the lad in the story has popped up somewhere else in the Star Wars Universe. Maybe from a prose novel or something like that?

This volume was rather unusual as I don't recall there being any Wild Space stories. Did these 3 issues not come with the back-up features? Or were they omitted from this collection? If so, will those stories pop up in another volume of this series? I'm rather interested to know.

Two very good stories with a Solo story that was just as confusing and indulgent as the live-action film that it was based on. Could have been so much better. But you can't fake poor quality. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Tis The Ugly Sweater Season! Advent 2021: Day 4

It's December 4th. It reminds me a lot of Star Wars Day (May the 4th). To me Star Wars and the holidays are a perfect fit. My 2nd Christmas saw the Star Wars Holiday Special debut on TV. My 3rd through like 8th birthdays were filled with Star Wars presents from Santa. And up until I was in my 20s, the original trilogy always aired on TV on Christmas Day- so after presents I was always watching it.

So let's look at some Star Wars Themed Ugly Sweaters. 

May the Forth of December be With You!

The design of this one reminds me of Atari's Empire Strikes Back video game.

Chewbacca has a very special place in the heart of our family.

Wearing this sweater is sure to mess with the heads of some people.

Admit it- the scenes on Hoth technically make Empire a Christmas movie.

This sweater is absolutely beautiful.

This sweater is based on a 1980-81 holiday greeting card released by Skywalker Ranch.

AS for my Advent gift for you today we go from ugly Star Wars sweaters to ugly Star Wars vehicles. Hey- they can't all be as beautiful as an x-wing! Enjoy!

Star Wars: Life Day #1

For the first time ever in comicdom- a holiday special involving the Star Wars universe!

When I found out about this issue, I was so excited. I grew up on Star Wars. I am obsessed with holiday comic books. This just seemed to be a win-win. And I decided to make it the first read in my 2021 Christmas Comic reads!

It's Life Day- the Star Wars version of Christmas. Han and Chewie are on a mission for the New Republic with things go pear-shaped. In the ensuing fire-fight, Han reflects on past Life Day instances. 

This one-shot holiday special was a unique look at how your favorite Star Wars characters celebrate Life Day without the musical stylings of Carrie Fisher or the appearances of Bea Arthur or Harvey Korman. 

Cavan Scott, Jodie Houser,and George Jeantys (among others) work together to craft an anthology style holiday comic. And for the most part, these stories are really good. There is one story that takes place during the rule of the Old Republic. I'm wasn't familiar with some of the background characters mentioned in it. Plus, how can Han Solo recall this episode in Wookiee history? That is unless this is a tale told to him by Chewbacca. It's just that Chewie doesn't seem like the storytelling type to me.

The ending of the framing story had an ending scene that foretells something ominous. But again, I'm not so very versed in non-movie trilogy stuff. So, I'm not sure if it's just a passing clever ending or is there something in the countless novels or modern Marvel Star Wars comics that I just am not familiar with.  

I kinda wish that this special was more just one really good holiday themed Star Wars story and not a handful of okay/pretty good stories. The art for all were great. But the degree of authorship was varying. 

I really think if this was done in the fashion of Tales From Vader's Castle, the Star Wars Halloween annual miniseries, where this special was focused on being more all ages centered, this special would have been an instant classic. Maybe next year's attempt might go that route!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

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

This volume is all about the Rogues. No, not the squadron of X-Wing pilots. I'm talking about the scoundrels. The smugglers. The scruffy-looking nerf herders!

Han and Chewie run afoul of bounty hunters Zuckuss and 4-LOM. In a story filled with double-crosses and red herrings, the crew of the Millennium Falcon and the Mist Hunter are stranded on a planet in which nothing mechanic works. That includes the ships, blasters and 4-LOM!

Then explore some of Lando Calrissian's early days as a honest man on Cloud City when he tries to teach the son of an old friend that being a rogue isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Lastly, that green bunny-eared smuggler Jaxxon makes his Disney canon debut in as short story involving the transportation of some endangered eggs. If this sounds an awful lot like an early Mandalorian Season 2 storyline, you're completely right. Only this story came first and no- none of the eggs get eaten by a Baby Yoda.

The Han Solo tale was very good. But I hated that the Han Solo used in the art was that of Alden Ehrenreich smuggler and not that of a young Harrison Ford. Yeah, I know that the issues in this volume were set up as a promotion tie-in with the Solo origin movie. But I'm a Star Wars purist and well, that origin flick wasn't all that great. 

Glad to see both Lando and Jaxxon making appearances in this. Loved seeing new and unexplored regions of Bespin. And yeah, I know people hate Jaxxon. But I am not one of them! Long may Jaxxon reign. He's no Jar Jar Binks... Thank God!

Another exciting read. Not perfect but definitely a great read!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Classic Toys from a Madman's Youth: Advent 2019 Day 1

Welcome to Day One of my 2019 Advent: Classic Toys from a Madman's Youth. 

We start things off with the very first toys I can remember! I'm talking about Luke, Chewbacca, Leia and R2-D2! The first four figures issued by Kenner in the Star Wars Early Bird set from 1977.

Right now, Baby Yoda (AKA The Child from The Mandalorian) is the hot toy of 2019. But in the year I was born, it was anything Star Wars that was the hot property for kids to own. However, because nobody thought that Star Wars was going to be a hit, when Christmas of '77 rolled around, there weren't anything from a galaxy far, far away for kids to play with. 

So Kenner and Sears got this great idea to offer an early bird special. With this, kids would get an empty box with a fill-in sheet promising to send the recipient of the first 4 figures sometime in early 1978. Never has anyone, except maybe cats, ever been so excited to get an empty cardboard box for the holidays!

True, I was only a month old in Christmas of 1977. But my dad had the forethought to go ahead and order a set for me at such a young age. Yes- by the time I was two, I already had the entire original run of Star Wars action figures plus a lot of the playsets and vehicles. 

I am also quite sure that my dad play with all of my stuff before I was old enough to play with them, citing quality control or something else ridiculous that new dad's claim.

So as my Advent gift to you, I present you with the TV ad that ran prior to the 1977 holiday season for the early bird set. 

Enjoy!

See you tomorrow for Day 2 of Classic Toys from a Madman's Youth!

Star Wars: Chewbacca (2015)

If you think that the reason I choose now to read the collection version of this 2015 Marvel miniseries is due to the untimely death of actor Peter Mayhew, buy yourself a cee-gar!  The death of the first actor to portray everyone's favorite Wookiee hit me, a literal life-long Star Wars fan (I was born in 1977), very hard. My second eldest child is actually named after the co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon (and yes, Chewie is a human boy!) 

Naturally, there's quite a bit of affection for the character in my family. Along with lighting a candle in front on a copy of Episode IV on DVD, I wanted to do something else in tribute to Mayhew. So, I decided to finally hit my local library and check out this book. 

The story takes place sometime very soon after the Battle of Yavin. Chewie is on a secret mission when he crash lands on a mining planet teetering on the edge of falling under the dominion of the Empire. All the Wookiee wants to do is buy the needed part to repair his fighter and complete his mission. But when he falls under the charms of an escaped slave girl, Chewbacca will risk everything to make sure this planet doesn't fall under the iron boot of the Empire like his beloved home world of Kashyyk!

The artwork of Phil Noto is very good. The X-23 artist uses a watercolor technique that gives the story a vintage feel. Chewbacca looks almost life-like. Though I did feel that the Wookiee's muzzle looked rather comical like a  Fu Manchu mustache. 

There was another element of Noto's art that was a tad confusing; that of Chewie's youthful companion, Zarro. In much of this 5-issue series, Zarro looks more like a 10-year old boy than a girl. It's not just because she has short hair. Zarro's face looks more masculine.

I'm wondering if Zarro was originally to be a boy. But Marvel, decided somewhere in final production to switch the character's gender. In some panels (and covers), Zarro looks like a young boy from Eastern Europe in about 75% of this book. The character just doesn't look consistent throughout. 

This mini was published during the Axel Alonso era in which Marvel Comics pandered diversity for the sake of sales and fan loyalty (and failed miserably.) So, I would not have put it past Marvel to decide that this story needed a feminine touch. Thus, in a massive rush to make deadline, Phil Noto had just enough time to touch up some panels but not all! I'd be interested to learn more about who was the model of Zarro and if my theory was right.

Gerry Duggan pens this story. I love his work on Deadpool. He's faithful to beloved source material while not being afraid of pushing the envelope. But this comic is one time that you needed Chewbacca's buddy Han Solo around. Nobody is around to interpret what Chewie has to say. I can understand id Gerry Duggan felt that by having Han around, this wouldn't be a Chewbacca solo tale. But this book needed someone around to help us understand what Chewie is saying; like maybe a protocol droid. As much as I've tried, I just don't speak Wookiee.

Speaking of being lost in translation- just what does Zarro's shirt say? I bet it's an awesome Easter egg. But as much as I don't know Wookiee, I speak even less Galactic Basic!

Star Wars: Chewbacca was a good read. But, it had some rough edges. But I enjoyed it. But if ever a book needed a director's cut style appendix about the art process (and maybe a Wookiee-to-English dictionary), this would be the book to need it.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Star Wars Adventures (Free Comic Book Day 2018 Edition)

IDW Publishing made the smart but still  controversial decision to have the Alden Ehrenreich Han Solo be the focus of this year's FCBD offering. One thing that helps the transition go smoothly here is the inclusion of classic Star Wars bounty hunters Zuckuss and 4-LOM. At a trading post, Han finds himself without Chewie, who has decided to check out the local grub scene. It is here that Han finds himself the prisoner of bounty hunters. Without his right hand make, how will the Corellian rogue get himself out of this jam?

My favorite bounty hunter is Boba Fett. However, I am a big fan of Zuckuss and 4-LOM. In the anthology novel Star Wars: Tales of the Bounty Hunters, the story of how an assassin droid and a Gand findsman become partners was the best of the lot. It was also very cool to finally see the interior of their ship, The Mist Hunter. 

Cavan Scott and Derek Charm are the Chris Claremont and John Byrne of SWA. Great storytelling! Amazing artwork! A pure love for all aspects of the franchise! May the force be with them for a very long run!

I haven't been able to really stay up on Marvel's run of current Star Wars titles. There's just so many, so I must purchase when they go on steep discount. But IDW Publishing been doing a phenomenal (and affordable) job on the all-ages take on the Star Wars Universe. I'm still not sure why IDW is doing them instead of Marvel. But I'm not complaining!

Okay- one small complaint... This issue ends with a cliffhanger in which you have to read an issue or two from the regular Star Wars Adventures comic. I understand that you are trying to boost sales. If you are going to do that, do it for the teen and older books. It's just not fair to make the kids have to buy something else in order to complete the entire story. Keep in mind, some kids are receiving these books from charities and donors such as myself after FCBD. To have an incomplete story just seems like a slap in the face, especially when done in the name of benevolence! 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Solo: A Star Wars Story

I saw Solo last weekend during it's first week in theaters. However, due to work and other things, I forgot to do a review until now. The latest Star Wars film isn't doing so very well and if I am any part to blame for not reflecting on my experience, I apologize to my fellow Star Wars devotees. 

Solo doesn't have any of the original cast in the film. The ever cool Harrison Ford is now replaced by the ever trying Alden Ehrenreich (Hail, Caesar!). Instead of super-suave Billy Dee Williams as Lando, Childish Gambino himself, Donald Glover, has some big capes to fill. Sadly, Peter Mayhew is unable to portray the Wookiee Chewbacca due to ill health even in sitting down roles. But I don't think it was the acting that kept fans away.

The biggest kiss of death for a film is anytime there are massive re-shoots. Needing to go back and do a couple of scenes due to corruption of the film or poor sound quality is one thing. But Solo had around 70% of the film redone due to the poor directorial efforts of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller. Thankfully, the legendary film maker, Ron Howard (Apollo 13) stepped in and saved the film. However, I don't think many had faith in Howard's ability to save the project.

You can tell when the movie has the original scenes still attached and not fixed by Ron Howard. They lack the magical Star Wars feel to them. They're quite gritty, extremely slow paced and don't seem to fit. Howard, being a former protege of George Lucas with the filming of Willow, at least knew how to rekindle that flame of wonderment and excitement that I remember having watching Star Wars as a kid.

Solo does exactly what I expected it to do- fill in the huge gaps in the backstory of Han Solo. However, some fans feel that this film did too much to try and answer all of the questions at once. I might agree with one or two aspects. But overall, I think the effort of this movie was just fine. 

Some critics say that because Solo wasn't as cerebral as the past two Star Wars sequels, it failed as a Star Wars story. Clearly, there's some childhood bias here because I can site a number of things wrong with the original 3 Star Wars films- like Luke's whining about going to Toshi Station, Leia losing her British accent after the destruction of Alderaan, and the entire plot of the Ewoks in the last act of Jedi. 

Solo is a return to the feel good days of sci-fi movies that didn't have to be 100% scientific nor did it have to be Oscar quality. I came out of the film wanting to see it again and that was something I did not feel about watching Avengers: Infinity War. Besides with all of the Easter eggs in Solo, I probably need to watch it again to catch them all. But that biggie at the end of the film- I caught it and I loved it!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Star Wars: Vader Down

Vader Down is the ultimate Star Wars crossover as Luke's quest to uncover the mysteries of the Force and Vader's search to find the Rebel pilot that destroyed the Death Star finally intersect! All of your favorites are here, Leia, Han, Chewie, even new favorites like Doctor Aphra and her murderous droids.

   There are twists, turns, and betrayals galore in this amazing volume by Jason Aaron (Scalped) and Cullen Bunn (Origin II). But what really sets this book apart is the artwork. I have never seen such authentic looking work in a Star Wars comic. The combined efforts of artists Mike Deodato Jr. (Thunderbolts) and Salvador Larroca  (A + X) deserves some sort of award (if it didn't win one already). I mean there were times I'd turn a page to face a X-wing  swooping down at me and I actually ducked outta the way! Plus beautiful covers by Mark Brooks!

   You could read this book as a stand alone and in terms of the Star Wars regular series, you very well could that. But there are so many new characters in the Darth Vader comic, you need to read those issues to  really understand what is going on in Vader’s story immediately after the Battle of Yavin.

  An ideal read as a sort of bookend to Episode IV with Rogue One completing the other end.

  Worth Consuming

  Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The 18 Days of a Star Wars Christmas Miracle +7: Day 18 (SPOILER FREE MOVIE REVIEW)

  For today's advent, I decided to review the Force Awakens while being as spoiler free as possible. 
   
  For one thing, the Force Awakens is wicked fun. But it's not Empire Strikes Back- perhaps not only the greatest Star Wars film ever, but the best film of all-time- period. True, I have seen Episode V over 200 times and I might be a little biased. Multiple viewings of this film, which I am sure will be occurring in the next few weeks, will help me to really place this film at second or third place over A New Hope and Revenge of the Sith. 

   The acting was quite good. It was great seeing Han, Leia, Chewie, and some other friendly faces. But how did the new characters do? 
   Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron, the best pilot in the Resistance is cocky, fierce, and a little wild. But he's quite likable. The mysterious orphan Rey played by Daisy Ridley is a star in the making. I take that back, her performance as the scavenger from the planet Jakku is proof that a star is born. Another mysterious character is that of Kylo Ren, who plays a Sith Lord for the First Order. Played by Adam Driver- he's a creepy dude who I actually do not like at all (though his voice when helmeted rivals James Earl Jones' Darth Vader.)

   One thing about Episode VII that quite different from the other 6 movies are the villains. Unlike the Empire, the troops of the First Order don't strike me as evil. But they are baddies nonetheless. But whereas I love the bad guys characters of the Empire like the Emperor, Boba Fett, and, of course, Lord Vader, I hate these guys and hope that the resistance hands them their just desserts by the end of Episode IX. 

    Oh, I almost forgot one more character- the controversial Finn played by John Boyega. When he was first cast last year, some folks lost their freakin' minds over a black stormtrooper. The biggest argument was that the clones used as the original Stormtroopers were not black. Well, this is the second or third generation of stormtroopers made up of recruits and conscripts. So, haters: STIFLE!

    Boyega was the comic relief of the Force Awakens. But he wasn't annoyingly stupid like the notroious Jar Jar Binks. In fact, sometimes, his character of a conflicted stormtrooper played the straight man to an elderly Han Solo, who had some very funny moments as well. Still, Boyega's character was play with such heart and such charm that I openly welcome him into the Star Wars family. (On a side note, Boyega's Finn is rumored to be the son of Lando. If that becomes true, I'm totally fine with it because they both have that dapper swagger and a way with the ladies.)

   So, should you see Star Wars? Absolutely! The few trailers and commercials for the film haven't spoiled anything. In fact, expect some misdirects. JJ Abrams did a great job in making you think that Character A was going to turn out to be a Jedi or a villian, or someone's kid only to have it be Character B. (And yes, as I've been predicting a couple of characters from the Journey to the Force Awakens books do appear in this film. But do you have to read those books to understand what's going on? Not really, though Smuggler's Run does offer the most insight into the goings on in which we first are reintroduced to Han and Chewie.)

   Lastly, here's a couple of tips for seeing the movie this weekend.

   1. Get there early for seats but don't expect to see the film immediately at showtime. My tickets last night were for 7:30. It wasn't until 7:55 that the commercials and trailers finally ended.
   2. Cosplay is okay. But thanks to the a-hole in Denver, expect bag checks, head coverings and fake weapons to be banned, and regular appearances of ushers checking the emergency exits.
   3. There was a rumor of a secret scene at the end of Episode VII. If you hate staying through credits, go ahead and leave, there isn't anything waiting for you at the end of the movie except your car.
   4. Check your theatre for problems. I heard that one screening in Cary, NC was cancelled because their copy of the film was damaged. There were lots of upset folks last night.

   So there you have it. I hope you'll go out and see Star Wars this weekend. There are some many showings, you shouldn't have any troubles getting to see the Force Awakens. Was it a perfect movie? No, but even A New Hope had it's flaws. There were 2 moments that upset me and only 1 of which really pissed me off. Episode VII was a journey back to the Star Wars universe and JJ Abrams was the right man to do it. I hate that he's not directing the next 2 films. With lots of easter eggs, tributes, and original trilogy thrills, this is the next chapter of the House of Skywalker that we waited 32 long years for.

   The Force is strong with this one...

    Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

   

The 18 Days of a Star Wars Christmas Miracle +7: Day 8

It's time to spread a little Christmas cheer with everybody's favorite walking carpet: Chewbacca!

  So tall, so furry, so gosh darn loyal and lovable. It's one reason we named our second son, Chewbacca! (This is no joke, we actually have a HUMAN child named Chewbacca, or Chewie for short.)

  Anyways, the picture of the album you so on the left is a real recording. It's not officially licensed, but somebody took all of the noises Chewbacca made in the original trilogy, put them on a synthesizer and put them to music. Much like those Christmas albums that use puppy barks and cat mews to single Jingle Bells- someone had the idea to make Silent Night using Wookiee calls.

 So my gift to you today is a sample of the  fabled recording along with a link to another song that answers the eternal question: What Do You Get a Wookiee For Christmas When He Already Owns a Comb?

Enjoy...

The 18 Days of a Star Wars Christmas Miracle +7: Day 2

 

 It just wasn't Christmas without this LP. I don't know how many year's in a row would be put up the Christmas tree watching 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' and listening to this album. 

   Produced in 1980 by Meco, the techno whiz behind the disco version of the Star Wars theme and the Cantina Song. Featuring Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, R2-D2, and Chewbacca, the majority of the album took place in a droid factory making toys for an 'S. Claus.' 

   The album is hard to come by, with the cassette version being especially rare. But another reason that makes this album so collectible is that it features the first profession recording of Jon Bon Jovi. Recording under his birth name 'John Bongiovi' the future rocker landed the lead vocals on the song 'R2-D2 We Wish You A Merry Christmas' as his cousin, who was a producer on the project, ran the studio that John worked at as a custodian. 

    So as my advent present to you, here is a recording of that first Bon Jovi, er Bongiovi masterpiece...

  

Star Wars: Smuggler's Run: A Han Solo & Chewbacca Adventure by Greg Rucka

     Smuggler's Run is one of about 5 or 6 books issued by Disney to make new and established fans alike get psyched for Star Wars Episode VII. (Like we needed prodding...) Published as part of the 'Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens Series,' this line of books is supposed to contain vital 'clues about the highly anticipated film.'

    I've been a Star Wars fan since birth. Born in 1977, Star Wars and I have been through thick (Empire Strikes Back) and thin (the introduction of Jar Jar Binks.) The film series is like an old friend that I just cannot imagine any part of life without it. So of course, I had to snag up as many of these teaser novels as possible before the deadline of December 18th (In my case, it's December 17th, as I have tickets to see the film the day before it officially releases.)

    This book is written by Greg Rucka (Gotham Central) and features occasional artwork by Phil Noto (Birds of Prey.) Together, they craft an enjoyable tale set between Episodes IV and V. The majority of Smuggler's Run takes place immediately after the Battle of Yavin. The Rebels, despite being glad to have just defeated the Empire in this important battle, know that they've got to hightail it somewhere fast before the Empire retaliates. 

   A Rebel by the name of Ematt has gone into hiding on the planet Crykon. The leader of a covert team know as the 'Shrikes,' Ematt has been scouting out potential sites for a new rebel base. Should the Empire find the Rebel, the entire fate of the Alliance could go up in smoke with no potential place left to hide in the galaxy.

   Han and Chewie are hired by Princess Leia to rescue Ematt. But the task will not be easy as the Emperor has made the capture and interrogation of Rebels a top priority after the destruction of the Death Star. Now, an Imperial Security Chief named Beck is hot on Ematt's trail. Oh, and don't forget the team of bounty hunters that followed the Millenium Falcon to Crykon on a mission to capture Solo and his Wookiee for payments owed to the crime lord Jabba the Hutt. The smuggler's are going to need much more than luck if they hope to survive this suicide mission.

    That's the plot of Smuggler's Run in a fairly large nutshell. So, where do clues to Episode VII fall in with all of this? Well for one, the story of Ematt's rescue is sandwiched between scenes of an older Han Solo biding his time in a cantina. Also, with characters such as Ematt and Beck playing such prominent roles, I wouldn't be very surprised if they pop up at some point in the Force Awakens, even as minor characters. 

   This is just speculation here but the stormtrooper character of Capt. Phasma is played by a woman- so maybe Beck becomes Phasma after the fall of the Empire? Both Beck and the actress playing Phasma, Gwendoline Christie, are blond so it's possible. Heck, there's such a tight lid over who many of the actors appearing in the film are playing, anyone new in this book might show up in the upcoming film and I not know it yet.

   Smuggler's Run was an enjoyable read. But it just didn't have as many Easter eggs as I expected. Now, I might very well revise this after I watch Episode VII- we'll just have to wait and see. But for less than $15, this isn't a bad read and despite being a young adult book, it's not something any fan of Star Wars should pass up.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

   

Marvel Illustrated Books: Star Wars, Volume 1

  Last month at a comic book show in Raleigh, NC, I came across something that I never thought existed. It was one of the Marvel Illustrated Books from, you guessed it, Marvel Comics. This tiny pocket-sized paperback from 1981 contains 4 'never before published' comics from the original Marvel Star Wars series. 

    The book is near mint with pristine pages and the going price was $15. But, I managed to talk the dealer down to $10, mostly because he knew next to nothing about it and I promised I would do some research on this book and one day get back with him on it.
   
    I happen to have a complete run of the Marvel comic series under the Dark Horse trade title of 'Star Wars: A Long Time Age' and comparing every story from the adaptation of the first film up to the comic's version of Empire Strikes Back, again, it was confirmed that these are never before published Star Wars comics and perhaps the rarest of the bunch. 

Well, That last statement is partially true. Marvel Illustrated Books: Star Wars is comprised of 4 issues that for one reason or another, never made it into the actual series. They either didn't make a publication deadline or perhaps were rejected by Lucasfilm, who had final say over stories before they could be published by Marvel- IN THE STATES!!! (More on that shortly.)

   The first story called 'The Way of the Wookiee' takes place right before the events of Episode IV. In the prequel story, Han and Chewie pick up a shipment for Jabba the Hutt. However, when Chewbacca comes to the defense on an old Wookiee adversary, the smugglers find themselves betrayed by their spice distributor. 

    Then in another prequel tale, learn of how Princess Leia became adept with a blaster despite that her home planet of Alderaan forbids the use of weapons.

    The remaining two stories take place right after the destruction of the Death Star. First in 'the Day AFTER the Death Star' the Rebel Alliance almost loses their newest hero, when Luke Skywalker recklessly goes on a joyride to unwind from the post-celebration festivities. This was a really awesome story as in it, we learn the REAL reason Chewbacca didn't receive a medal in the final scene of Episode IV. 

    The final adventure is a very short one in which Luke must rescue Leia from Imperial forces on a diplomatic mission to a barren ice planet. I thought the main reason this story didn't see monthly publication status wasn't over length but because of the setting of the ice planet being too much like Hoth and Lucas might have been afraid that this might spoil what he had in store for Empire.
Turns out, I was wrong...

  Of the 4 tales in this book, 3 were published in the UK's Star Wars Weekly. It was common practice that if a story didn't make the cut by Lucasfilm, it wasn't scrapped but sent across the pond as the Marvel UK title wasn't restricted by the rules imposed by 20th Century Fox and George Lucas. The fourth story, about the ice planet, was short because it was the final chapter in a Star Wars serial published in the Marvel magazine Pizzazz, which was cancelled before this final chapter could see print. 

Speaking of rules, if you expect to see Darth Vader here, don't. Lucas was strict that the characters of Luke and Vader were not to met up prior to Episode V. But there is plenty of Imperial nasties and bounty hunters in this elusive Star Wars collection. A very enjoyable read with very good, but not great art, and fairly decent storytelling. As for rarity of this book, I was unable to find a copy at Milehighcomics.com and only one copy was available on eBay. Seller was asking for $55!

      Featuring artwork by Marvel/DC  legends Carmine Infantino, John Romita, Marie Severin, and Dave Cockrum along with being written and edited by Archie Goodwin and Jim Shooter this book is a Who's Who of some of the best talent to fill the bullpen at the House of Ideas in the late 70s. 

    Worth Consuming

     Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Star Wars/Serenity/Alabaster Free Comic Book Day 2012 Flipbook

WORTH CONSUMING!

It’s Whedon-o-rama in this issue as brothers Zack and Joss Whedon provide a double dose of entertainment in this Free Comic Book Day offering from 2012. First, the Whedons take on the Star Wars universe with a story featuring Han and Chewies during their pre-Yavin smuggling days. The story’s not bad and it has some really funny moments of banter between the pilot and co-pilot of the Millenium Falcon. However, it’s not familiar Whedon territory and it shows at times. But the art is very well done and it captures Ford’s likeness well.

Then the brothers tackle the crew of Serenity as they make a routine delivery. Now, I am not very familiar with this series and so I can’t really judge if it was great or not. I liked what I read, but a serious Firefly fan would know better than me if this was quality or not.

Worth Consuming.

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Star Wars/ Serenity Free Comic Book Day 2012 Flipbook

It’s Whedon-o-rama in this issue. Brothers Zack and Josh Whedon provide a double dose of entertainment in this Free Comic Book Day offering from 2012. First, the Whedon's take on the Star Wars universe with a story featuring Han and Chewie during their pre-Yavin smuggling days. The story’s not bad and it has some really funny moments of banter between the pilot and co-pilot of the Millenium Falcon. However, it’s not familiar Whedon territory and it shows at times. But the art is very well done and captures Ford’s likeness well.

Then the brothers tackle the crew of Serenity as they make a routine delivery. Now, I am not very familiar with this series and so I can’t really judge if it was great or not. I liked what I read, but a serious Firefly fan would know better than me if this was quality or not.

Worth Consuming.