Star Wars: Return of the Jedi: Ewoks #1 (Family Comic Friday)

Wordless comics seem to be a growing trend right now and I'm not sure if that bothers me. I generally feel that if I buy a comic book and there's no words in it (aside from sound effects), then I got gypped. Yet on my last trip to my favorite LCS, I bought not 1 but 2 pantomime comics. 

Man, I must be a sucker...

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi: Ewoks is part of a series of one-shots Marvel will be releasing this year in honor of Episode VI's 40th anniversary. It just happens to be a lucky coincidence that I chose this book to review for Family Comic Friday as Disney and Lucasfilm is releasing the movie for 1 day only on this very day! Sadly, where I happen to be as I write this review is nowhere close to where Jedi is being shown in theaters. Not like I've not seen the movie a hundred times, including open day 1983 (Mission Valley Cinema, Raleigh, NC- may you Rest In Peace!), but if I had the chance, I'd go see it again now!

The main reason I decided to review Ewoks this week was due to its cover rating. Marvel has this special listed as being for teens (and up). Yet, the Ewoks themselves have always been fodder for marketing to children. For Millennials and Gen Z, the Ewoks are the Porgs of Generation X.

One purpose of this weekly review is to help parents navigate the ratings system of comics. It's not a uniform program and it's left to each individual publisher to rate their own books. I've seen reprints of stuff from the 60s, which had no rating system, be re-released as all-ages and they really shouldn't have (and vice versa), hence Family Comic Friday.

Knowing that kids love Ewoks and the older folks who now have kids might be wanting to share their 40th anniversary memories with their children and grandkids, I thought it might be a good idea to check this book out. 

The premise is that the elders of Ewok village are having a festival. During this event, Logray and some of the other adults regal the woklings with tales of legendary Ewoks from the past. There are essentially 3 stories. Story One is about a young Ewok who befriends a Dulok girl. You'd only know who the Duloks were if you watched the 1985-86 Ewoks cartoon, which I did. The Duloks are the main enemy of the Ewoks. These furry green bipeds are mostly rivals in terms of battling over resources and land. Though I think on at least one or two occasions, a Dulok tried to eat a Ewok. This is an adorable tale, drawn similarly to the animated series and boasts a message of friendship and tolerance. 

Story #2 tells of an unfortunate Ewok who stumbles across a Gorax. These gigantic creatures ARE known to have enjoyed the Ewoks as a snack. While the artwork is absolutely stunning, the middle adventure can be terrifying. That ending really stunned me, though what Logray does to the storyteller when we return to the present gave me a huge laugh. If you are one who thought Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark was too intense, this is a story young readers should skip.

The final story is really fanciful. It tells of an Ewok who built their own flying machine out of parts scavenged from the Imperial presence on Endor. There is one scene of violence when the Ewok steals a Scout Trooper's helmet. The Ewok knocks the guy out with a giant log to get it. But who are we kidding? He could have killed him. It's really up for interpretation. 

Star Wars had always been known to have 3 things in it- heartwarming inspiration, jump scares, and thrilling adventures. This one-shot has all three. So really, if you're already letting your 4 year old watch Star Wars, then you'll probably not have any issue with this issue. 

I fell in love with the main cover that bears the image of a Ewok's face. The way they are enthralled by the village bonfire was just so elegant and intense. I knew I had to have it. One of the variant covers is done in the style of the Saturday morning cartoon show. It's something that very much would appeal to a young child. But don't be fooled. Some of the material in this anniversary comic is intense and I am not lying when it comes to that middle story. It starts off with the image of a decomposing Ewok. But let's face it- Episode IV has the charred corpses of Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru. So it's not like it's anything that's never been seen in the Star Wars Universe before. 

Great read. I would've liked words. But it brought me back to my childhood and some fond memories. This is a book that generations of Star Wars lovers can partake in together and make some fond memories of their own. It's just something that may have to wait a while if the young reader in your life just isn't ready for some of this material yet.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

True Believers Star Wars Ewoks #1

Before the Porgs, the benchmark of cuteness in the Star Wars universe were the Ewoks. But since the late 1980s, those distant cousins have been anything but forgotten. Well, that's all changed this week as Marvel brings the little fur-balls back in a True Believers re-release for this Family Comic Friday Extra.

True Believers Star Wars Ewoks #1

Written by David Manak
Art by Warren Kremer
Inks by Marie Severin
Published by Marvel Comics
Retail: $1.00
Reprints Ewoks #1 (1986)

1985-1990 is generally known as the Star Wars dark ages. The original trilogy was completed. Star Wars: Droids, an animated series starring C-3PO and R2-D2 was a brief candle in the wind on the ABC Saturday morning line-up. Anything Star Wars being sold in stores was on the clearance shelves. If not for the break-out stars of Return of the Jedi, the Ewoks, Star Wars might not have encountered the resurgence it did in the 1990s and beyond.

As controversial as the Ewoks have been among Star Wars fans, there's no doubt that without them, we probably would never have gotten Episodes I-III or VII-IX. Along with a couple of TV movies from Disney, the Ewoks had a Saturday morning cartoon which spanned a couple of seasons. As a result, Wicket, his friends Teebo and Princess Kneesha were marketed out the wazoo as stuffed animals, t-shirts, pencils and comic books!

In the mid-80s, Marvel Comics operated a kid-friendly imprint called Star Comics. This legendary line contained a number of licensed titles such as Masters of the Universe, Spider-Ham and Madballs, which have become highly sought after collectibles. Both Star Wars: Droids and Ewoks were given the comic book treatment. Just as with the cartoons they were based on, Droids didn't last very long. But the Ewoks enjoyed a decent run of 14 issues over the course of 3 years.

True Believers Star Wars Ewoks #1 reprints the first issue of that 1980s adaptation. In it, Chief Chirpa's daughter, Princess Kneesha, has come down with a mysterious illness. The Ewoks' medicine man recalls a miraculous liquid that had amazing healing powers. But in order to obtain it, one must traverse a deadly gorge of fire.

After sneaking away a special jewel, Wicket and Teebo embark on journey to find more of the liquid. On their adventure, they'll encounter talking rocks, fierce trolls and other perils. The little heroes might even come across the miracle elixir. But will they be able to save their ailing friend in time?

There's two big time names in the creation of this book. The first is EIC, Jim Shooter. The wunderkind was responsible for the 1980s Marvel Renaissance and the big time crossovers Contest of Champions and Secret Wars. The other is inker, Marie Severin. A member of the original usual gang of idiots behind E.C. Comics and MAD Magazine, Severin was the co-creator of Spider-Woman and several memorable Howard the Duck characters.

Some astute older fans might recognize the name of illustrator Warren Kremer. A Harvey Comics staple, Kremer created Richie Rich and Hot Stuff the Little Devil.

In 2019, the Ewoks are a nearly forgotten part of Star Wars lore. Other than featuring in a chapter of last year's Tales From Vader's Castle, the Ewoks haven't been seen in any of the prequel or third trilogy films. With a hint that The Rise of Skywalker might return to Endor, that may all change.

So why not re-introduce the newest generation of Star Wars fans to the Ewoks?  With a cover price of only $1.00, this is book is quite friendly on the pocket book. And as Star Comics was approved for all-ages, there's nothing objectionable for Star Wars fans of any age! Then if the young reader in your life becomes a fan, check out Star Wars: Ewoks- Flight to Danger, which reprints the first 10 issues of the original Star Comics run.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

True Believers Star Wars Ewoks #1 debuted in print on May 1st, 2019.

Star Wars Adventures: Tales From Vader's Castle #4

Cavan Scott does it again! I didn't think it was possible; but Scott manages to make a truly eerie Ewoks story. And it's not one that's all cute and aimed at youngsters. 

In this issue, woklings are being kidnapped from the main Ewok village. Is it their arch enemies, the villainous Duloks? You'll just have to read it to see!

Man, what a great, creepy ending! Yes, Cavan Scott does a great job staying out of schmaltzy territory. But the real star is guest artist, Robert Hack (Archie Horror)! His renderings was so classic and yet so spooky looking!

I'm gonna say it folks; I want an Ewoks miniseries by Robert Hack! Oh and Cavan Scott! Both of them! I think it will be amazing and it will make up for those horrid Ewoks films from Disney that aired on ABC.

OKAY- maybe nothing can make up for those travesties...

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Droids and Ewoks (Family Comic Friday)

 With The Last Jedi debuting in theaters this weekend, I thought it would be ideal to cover something Star Wars for this week’s Family Comic Friday. While many Star Wars comics are able to be enjoyed by readers of all ages, there was only two series that I felt that really deserved my attention today. Ladies and Gentlemen, as well as kids of all-ages, I present to you Droids and Ewoks!

Both series were published beginning in 1985 by Marvel Comics. Droids and Ewoks were released as tie-ins to the ABC animated series of the same name under the Star Comics imprint. Both series were published bi-monthly. Unfortunately, neither series, just like their animated predecessors, lasted very long.

Droids- written by Dave Manak. Art by John Romita Sr, Mary Wilshire, & Ernie Colon

This comic starred C-3PO and R2-D2. Billed as a prequel to A New Hope, the Droids drift around the galaxy looking for new masters. Every issue had the duo meeting new owners, getting into some sort of trouble, and then saving the day. Space Pirates, corrupt government officials, and dreadful alien smugglers were the usual assortment of baddies.

Like the cartoon it was based on, Droids did not run as long as Ewoks did. With only eight issues published, Droids is one of the hardest Star Wars comics to find. The first three issues were illustrated by Spider-Man legend John Romita Sr. The final trio of issues featured the adventures of Episode IV as told in Threepio’s point of view. They are the most sought after of the Star Comics releases.

Ewoks- Written by Dave Manak. Art by Warren Kremer

The Ewoks comic book was an odd duck just like the cartoon series it was based on. The cartoon ran for two seasons. The first season was considered to be a lot like the Ewoks live-action TV films as that there was a much more serious tone. Issues 1-4 of Ewoks featured some really fierce looking monsters and baddies that often got in the way of Wicket trying to prove that he’s ready to come of age in the tribe.

By issues 7, the second season of Ewoks had begun to debut on TV. ABC television wanted a more kid friendly look and feel to the show. As in the comic book as well as the cartoon, the monsters started to look less scary, the color palette was less serene, and some of the plots were just plain silly. Another thing that hurt the Ewoks comic was that the show’s main villains, the Duloks, a fierce rival species that looked a lot like the Grinch, were only featured in two issues. They were pretty good foils to the Ewoks but grossly underused in the comics.

The series was written by Archie Comics scribe Dave Manak. You could tell that Archie and the gang were a big influence as Wicket and fellow Ewok, Teebo, would have silly competitions for the affections of Chief Chirpa’s daughter Princess Kneesaa.

All 14 issues were illustrated by Warren Kremer, formally of Harvey Comics. Marvel in it’s attempt to rival Harvey with it’s Star Comics imprint, had lured away several big names from the rival publisher .You can really see Kremer’s style was deeply impacted by drawing Harvey Comics for so many years especially in Ewoks #9. There the children of the Undersea Kingdom look a lot like Casper the Friendly Ghost if he was a mer-creature.

A Galaxy Spanning Crossover

Fans of both Droids and Ewoks never got to see their favorite animated characters crossover on Saturday Morning TV. But in October to November, 1986, those fans got their wish in print form. In Droids #4 and Ewoks #10, C-3PO and R2-D2 made an unexpected visit to Endor.

The droids were hired as nannies for an royal alien tot named the Star Child. One of the Star Child’s relatives wants the kid out of the way and jettisons the lad along with Threepio and Artoo into space and then tries to vaporize them. Instead, the escape pod hits a wormhole and are sent to Endor where they crash land.

Artoo thinks he can get the escape vessel mobile again. But it will take some time. That’s a good thing, because those evil Duloks just kidnapped the Star Child.

A Legacy Remembered

There were a number of reasons that Droids and Ewoks got the boot from TV and comics so quickly. It’s hard to believe but by 1986, Star Wars had started to run its course. With no new theatrical movies being produced, kids were interested in other things like Thundercats and Transformers. The action figure line was virtually non-existent and the toys based on these two properties were exceptionally hard to find. The main Star Wars comic was lagging in sales and Marvel had no interest in renewing the license when it came due in 1987. Ultimately, by the summer of 1988, there were no more Star Wars comics of any kind being released.

For several years, there was nothing new Star Wars until in 1991 when an author by the name of Timothy Zahn wrote a little book called Heir to the Empire. Almost immediately interest in Star Wars sky-rocketed again and Dark Horse quickly snagged up the rights to the Star Wars franchise. They would published hundreds of comics based on the George Lucas for over 20 years until 2014 when Disney bought Lucasfilm and the license when back to Marvel.

Near the tale end of Dark Horse’s run on Star Wars, they began issuing collections of Marvel’s run of Star Wars comics. In 2012, they released the Star Wars Omnibus: Droids and Ewoks. This massive volume has over 500 pages and collects all 22 issues plus a bonus coloring book story set during Return of the Jedi.

Last year Marvel reissued all of the Star Comics titles under its Star Wars Legends line of reprinted comics. That volume retails for $75. However, Amazon still has a couple of dozen of the Dark Horse Omnibuses for only $15. So if you are looking to read the entire run of both series without shelling out some big bucks, this is the way to go.

Fun for Star Wars fans of all-ages. Neither of the series were really canon. But in the mid-80s, both Droids and Ewoks were the cartoon and comic fixes we were looking for.

This article was published concurrently at outrightgeekery.com.

The 18 Days of a Star Wars Christmas Miracle +7: Day 20

    Next to Jar Jar Binks, the most controversial characters in the Star Ward Universe are the Ewoks. But love 'em or hate 'em, Episode VI just wouldn't be the same without these tiny cousins to Chewbacca.

   Today's Advent gift to you is one of the cooler aspects of the Ewoks- the first episode the Ewoks cartoon show!

   Enjoy...

"Star Wars Omnibus: Droids and Ewoks"

 WORTH CONSUMING!

What a thrill it was to turn on the telly on a Saturday morning, pour yourself a huge bowl of 3po’s and milk and watch the animated adventures of Droids and Ewoks on ABC.

For the first time ever, the complete 8 issue run of Droids and 14 issue cycle of Ewoks is reprinted and collected in Omnibus form. For $24.99, having a full color account of these adventures isn’t a bad price. (It’s even better when you get it for 50 cents)

Along with a crossover story with the Ewoks, that somehow makes R2 and Threepio over 200 years old, there’s a reprint of a ROTJ color comic starring the Ewoks.

 

It’s a really fun read. The Ewoks stories are more childish (ages 5-8) and Droids is a for a little more older crowd (ages 9-13), but for a Star Wars junkie like myself, this is a trip down memory lane.