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 (2019 Free Comic Book Day Edition)

This 2019 Free Comic Book Day offering features a scary story starring Han Solo and Chewbacca. Only it's not the real Han Solo. I don't care that this is a comic book. But the version of Han illustrated in this book is the Alden Ehrenreich Solo origin film version. The only (acceptable) version of Han Solo is Harrison Ford. Plain and simple. There is no substitute. 

Now one thing added to the appeal of this book is that this is a Tales From Vader's Castle story. Since 2018, Star Wars fans have been delighted by an annual all-ages horror themed anthology set in the Star Wars Universe. It's become a new Halloween tradition. However, there's no such thing as Halloween in Star Wars. That doesn't matter as it still makes for a fun October time read. 

Compared to other Vader's Castle stories, this one isn't really that scary. Probably because this was a Free Comic Book Day offering. Mistress Lina and her droid Crater, who are the story's narrators, make a return appearance from the 2018 debut of Tales From Vader's Castle. As they explore Vader's home, Lina recalls an early adventure from Han and Chewbacca's early days involving a heist as a droid museum. 

This story sets up the framework for prospective fans to pick up the trade paperback which collected the first series. There was a Han Solo ghost story in the first anthology. I double-checked. This story is not a reprint of that issue as writer Cavan Scott managed to have both versions of Solo (the true and the reboot impostor) in the same story. There's no Harrison Ford in this book.

Featuring art by Derek Charm, this issue has a certain charm to it; even if it doesn't feature MY Han Solo. Loved the closing panel! And the back cover by Francesco Francavilla, featuring the imposing visage of Lord Vader overlooking his Mustafar is just breathtaking. Oh, how I would love to have a print of it to hang in my office!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 9: Fight the Empire!

After a collection that saw a trio of stories set during the Clone Wars, Star Wars Adventures devotes a volume to a triumvirate of stories that occur during the original trilogy in the midst of the Age of the Rebellion.

First we see Luke and Han negotiating an arms deal on behalf of Princess Leia. Han's past history as a swoop racer has long been discussed. In this story, we see Han return to those roots when he gets the bright idea to participate in a swoop race in order to earn some extra credits. 

The middle story has Leia on a mission with C-3PO and R2-D2 involving an orphaned child and some storm troopers.

In story #3, immediately after the destruction of the second Death Star, Lando is participating in a star ship race in order to gain information about a pirating ring that has been disrupting Rebel supply runs. With the surprise appearance of a memorable character from Episode I, this was the best main story of the collection.

All 3 of the Wild Space back-ups were excellent. The Bib Fortuna story was a little out of character for Bib and Jabba and yet, it's a hilarious story that had hints of plausibility. The spy tale starring Mos Eisley Cantina regular Kabe was rather clever. I never realized just how tiny she was. But the best story of them 3 involved a rather special tauntaun and her trainer. 

A tauntaun with a very large tail is abandoned by her herd. A series of misadventures results in the creature becoming part of the Rebellion and later a beloved hero of the battle of Hoth. This story was so good, I read it 3 times. I really hope that somewhere out there on a lovely snow planet, the tauntaun and her person are roaming the frosty countryside in peace and prosperity.

Lots of fun this volume was with a lot of great talent. Derek Charm and Cavan Scott (Tales From Vader's Castle). Tony Fleecs (Stray Dogs). Michael Avon Oeming (World of Krypton). I wish all of the volumes of SWA were this awesome!

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 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.

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 Star Wars: The Early Adventures

A few years ago, I read the complete Al Williamson run on the Star Wars comic strip. In all three volumes, called Classic Star Wars, there were forewords in each that proclaimed that while the Williamson stories are good, the Russ Manning era of the strips were far superior. Being a huge Star Wars lover, I had to know what the fuss was all about. So Classic Star Wars: The Early Adventures was quickly added to my wish list.

After months and months of searching, I finally found a copy of this book which I could afford. Some sites had this book listing for upwards of $80 as this Dark Horse edition was out of print. And don't even ask about the 9 individual issues. I never could find a web site or LCS that carried these in the bins. 

Anyways, after finding this book, I immediately took to reading it. It's a mix of several stories that continue the struggle between the Rebel Alliance and the Empire. As per George Lucas' instructions, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader cross paths but never officially face-off. This makes for a number of stories that contain close calls and non-canon baddies. 

The most memorable of these is a holographic agent of evil code-named Blackhole. It appears that this villain is going to be the main villain in the strip. But after the third story run is complete, he disappears- literally. He's never seen nor mentioned again. 

Also never mentioned again is a massive Rebel database named Mistress Mnemos, who promises to investigate Blackhole and just doesn't seem to get around to it. 

There's also this lizard Imperial officer referred to as Major Rahz. He's really awesome looking but quite unusual for Star Wars. Remember, the Empire wasn't known to be very accommodating to non-humans. Other than this guy, I think Admiral Thrawn is the only true alien species member to hold rank in the Empire. While very non-canon, I did think this dude was pretty cool!

One neat storyline reveals how the Rebels were able to purchase and maintain a fleet in the shadow of the Empire. This had always been a question to me. And while I am sure that the reveal has been retconned time and time again, the answer I found in this book was forever acceptable. 

The main reason anybody would want to own this book is that it contains one of the earliest appearances of Boba Fett! He crosses paths with Luke and Han; hinting at what trouble he'll be giving the Rebels in the Empire Strikes Back. I'm very interested to see if funny pages containing any of the strips from this story are considered highly sought after collectibles from fans of those who wear Mandalorian armor. 

I really can see where people would enjoy the Russ Manning stories. But are they superior to Al Williamson's run? Not in the least! Manning's artwork was quite cartoonish. It very fluid and fanciful. But it doesn't come close to Williamson's photo-realistic art that I remember enjoying every Sunday at my Grandmama's house. 

I think the reason Russ Manning gets so much love is that the artist was in the final stages of cancer when he accepted this project. I've heard that superstar talent such as Archie Goodwin filled in for Manning during some periods of time from 1979-80. You even get a sneak peak at what Al Williamson will be bringing to the series in the Boba Fett segment! 

These artists were true heroes as the kept Manning's name on the artwork so that he could keep his health insurance, even though Manning never even touched the storyboards. Being that Star Wars was Manning's last project, I am okay with the comics legend getting as much love as he did. But I still prefer Williamson's work on the Star Wars comic strip.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8 out of 10 stars.

Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 6: Flight of the Falcon

First Order bounty hunter Bazine Netal is on the hunt for the Millennium Falcon. Her search will take Star Wars fans on a roller coaster ride through decades of history set during, before and after the fall of the Empire! Flight of the Falcon was a fantastic read full of cameos of some of the greatest as well as some of the most obscure characters to ever grace the Star Wars universe. But due to spoilers, you'll have to read this collection for yourself to find out just who makes their appearances inside!

( I will give you one hint: fans finally will learn why Han and Chewie were looking for the Falcon in The Force Awakens!)

Disney made a smart decision outsourcing their all-ages Star Wars stuff to IDW. The editors and staff at IDW Publishing seem like big kids to me who want the fun they had with the properties and franchises of their childhood to be just as epic now as they were back then!

Hoax Hunters' Michael Moreci combs through 40 years of Star Wars to bring fans young and old an eclectic history of the Millennium Falcon and it's numerous owners. The art was perfectly done as an old school 80s cartoon by Arianna Florian (Doctor Who: The Tenth Doctor). The art looks how I wish a Star Wars cartoon would have looked if ever that childhood wish of mine would've ever been granted.

Not everything about this book was perfect. A major flaw was somebody's decision to not finish Bazine Netal's story in the pages of Star Wars Adventures. To get that conclusion, you have to get another book: Star Wars: Pirate's Price. That book isn't even a comic book! It's a young adult prose novel by Disney Lucasfilm Press!

I can understand (but not forgive) having to read the conclusion in another comic book series. It's a pet peeve of mine. But such an action is a staple of the comic book industry that I don't see publishers ever changing their market plan. But to make kids have to go from the comic book store to the book store to get the conclusion to a story seems just plain rude. 

I love to get kids reading. But to interrupt the flow of a story by requiring kids (and their parents) to go searching all over town for the conclusion... No wonder the comic book industry is in jeopardy!

I loved this book. I hated the bait-and-switch. The editor's do their 'best' to explain the storyline gap, but it's not the same. Want to keep young reader reading comic books. My advice IDW: don't try such a stunt again no matter what 'Emperor Mickey' decrees.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

Star Wars Adventures: Tales From Vader's Castle #3

I didn't think it was possible. But writer Cavan Scott found a way to bring together both the Alden Ehrenreich Han Solo with the Harrison Ford Han Solo without resorting to time travel or jumps in time as this issue progresses. 

We do have a jump in time as the rebels who crashed on Mustafar enter the Imperial compound, unawares that it's really Vader's Citadel. Their adventure has been what has framed all of these spooky stories from across the Star Wars universe. 

This series debuted over the month of October of last year. While I was on top of issues 1 and 2, for some reason or another I got distracted and forgot to catch up on the rest if this horror themed mini until now.

Derek Charm continues to amaze with his framing sequences. Corin Howell's (Bat-Mite) style was very clean and similar to Charm's. It was nearly seamless. 

Originally thinking this was a Ehrenreich tale and not a Ford tale originally put me off. But in reality, this is a Solo story! I'd really love to expound more on this but it would ruin the great plot twist. 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 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.

Classic Star Wars, Volume 3: Escape to Hoth

   The final adventures of the Rebel Alliance chronicled by Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson is collected in this Dark Horse treasury from the mid-90s. In this volume, the Rebels seek to establish their new base on the ice planet of Hoth.  But first the Alliance fleet's caravan must escape an Imperial blockade. Then Luke is stunned by a blast from his past before accidently getting Han captured by a band of bounty hunters under the employ of one Boba Fett. Lastly, Luke and Vader have one more battle through the Force before this epic comic strip comes to an end.

   If you are disappointed that this series is through like I am, remember 2 things. First, the next thing that happens in Star Wars timeline is the events of Empire Strikes Back- so you haven't missed anything. Second, though the Goodwin/ Williamson run is through, it's not the end of Classic Star Wars. No less than 2 Han Solo adventures are contained under the imprint title and with volume 4 of this series, you'll get the Russ Mannings run on the strip that occurred before Goodwin took over as scripter. I told that this was a confusing title!

  None the less- those adventures are on my wish list and I loved the Goodwin/Williamson books. Goodwin was a gifted storyteller of Star Wars and I just can't say enough about Al Williamson. His art is just that damn good! If you overlook these treasuries you're really doing yourself a disservice!

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

Classic Star Wars, Volume 2: Rebel Storm

    Continuing the newspaper series by Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson. In this collection, the Rebellion sniffs out a traitor amongst some new allies, Han enters Chewie in a gladiator match to the death to retrieve a mystical gem, Luke faces an ancient evil lurking in the Massassi Temples on Yavin, Darth Vader christens his super star destroyer, The Executor, and the Mon Calamari join the rebellion.

   The stories are excellent and I think after 2 volumes, I finally have the unique pacing down pat. But what I really love is the artwork. Not every panel of Luke, Han, and Leia look like their real life counterparts. But the renderings of droids, Lord Vader, and vehicles by the talented artist, Al Williamson is stunning! It also helps that the editorial team at Dark Horse did a museum quality job on the restoration and coloring of these strips.

   I am so glad that I have volume #3. This book ends on a cliffhanger and I don' think I could wait very long to find out what happens next in what is, unfortunately, the swan song to a fantastic run of Star Wars universe tales.

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Classic Star Wars Volume One

 Before I begin my review, let's get one thing straight: Classic Star Wars is by far the most confusing Dark Horse title EVER! Classic Star Wars is a 3-volume collection of newspaper strips by Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson that ran in papers nationwide from 1980 until 1984 when the title was cancelled. I've always thought that this series should have been titled Star Wars Daily and that the original Marvel Comics run should have been designated CLASSIC! Instead the Marvel reprints were packaged as CLASSIC STAR WARS: A LONG TIME AGO... Added to the confusion is yet another series of trade paperbacks that reprint the 1979-1980 non-Goodwin penned strips called Classic Star Wars: The Early Adventures!

    Having read the introductions, a little bit of this confusion is finally cleared up to me. Dark Horse in the early 90s had just received the rights to publish Star Wars comics and they were desperate to start raking in the sales. They didn't have the original Marvel books in their possession yet, so they went on to print the newspaper strips.

   For some reason, the first 18-months of the strips was MIA. Desperate to present rabid Star Wars fans with anything original, Dark Horse found its answer in rival publisher Russ Cochran and series artist Williamson. Russ Cochran had a few years earlier put out these giant sized hardback editions of the strip. But they were in black and white and they were reprints from a collection of clippings a fan made during the strip's original run. The images weren't all that great. Plus, since some strips didn't carry the weekly strip while others didn't carry the Sunday edition, to keep the reader from getting lost there were redundancies galore. Enter: Al Williamson!

    Strip artist Al Williamson apparently was ultra-meticulous. Not only did he have all of the original artwork but they were catalogued to such a degree that his files actually found flaws in the Russ Cochran archives! Working with Dark Horse, Williamson and company produced what I am just about to review, a beautiful collection of the strips, edited to look more like a classic format comic book, repetitive panels deleted; now colored, re-inked, and featuring original covers and filler art by Al!

  While I hated the title, I loved the content. The great introduction by writer Archie Goodwin helped me to better understand the way the strips were organized. There's lots of drama and action but it's framed in such a way that every other panel had to be a cliffhanger in order to entice the reader back the next day.

   In this volume, we learn of what really happened with Han and that bounty hunter on Ord Mandell. Then Luke accepts a deadly mission to the Imperial shipyards before he's a captive of the Serpent Masters. Lastly, before Han sniffs out a rebel traitor on an ocean planet, the crew of the Millenium Falcon are trapped in the wake of a collapsing star.

   The stories were exciting and I was riveted. There was one thing that really bugged me storywise and that was the love triangle between Princess Leia, Han Solo, and a certain farmboy from Tatooine. True, all of this happened before the big reveal in Return of the Jedi that Luke and Leia were brother and sister. But you'd think Lucas would've put the kibosh on this plotline. Plus, looking back at the massive hots Luke has for his (at the time unknown) sister, it's kinda creepy.

    But the thing I loved the most about this book was the art. Now when these strips were first published I was of the ages of 3-7. Yet, looking at Williamson's deft artwork and dramatic shading, I was taken instantly back to the days of having my uncles or parents read to me the daily adventures of my favorite Star Wars characters. Williamson's art is so identifiable. Though Luke may not look like Luke on every panel, the artist's renderings of spaceships, droids, and Darth Vader are so perfect.

    George Lucas was clearly influenced by the Flash Gordon serials of the 40s and 50s in making Star Wars. Here, Al Williamson's work is inspired by the classic strips that starred Flash and the Merciless Ming. Plus, I think the artist loves to draw lizards because he hides them in his artwork a lot. It's like a cool signature Easter Egg.

    With Marvel owning the rights to these properties again, you might see this series get a new reissue one day soon. But, the original Classic Star Wars volumes are not hard to find. Amazon has a ton for sale and I often find the books in this series at LCS and used books stores nationwide. And for a decent price too.

    A forgotten treasure in the Star Wars comic universe.

   Worth Consuming

    Rating: 9 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.

   

Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens: Shattered Empire

  Over the past month, I have been reading as many of the 'Journey to the Force Awakens' books as possible before Episode VII drops on Friday. Most have been entertaining but offered very little of the vital clues that were the reason I wanted to read the books in the first place. That is not so here.

    In Shattered Empire, we learn of the continuing struggles of the Rebellion right after the defeat of the Emperor. While Greg Rucka does a fantastic job exploring the further missions of Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker that's not the reason a true fan of Star Wars needs to read this book. It's because Shattered Empire reveals the true parentage of ----- NOPE, not gonna spoil it!

    With dynamic storytelling by Rucka (Gotham Central) and near photorealistic artwork by Marco Checchetto (Amazing Spider-Man) this is by far the best book in the 'Journey' series. It was tons of fun and even brings in some of newer characters introduced in the young adult novels. But Shattered Empire is just too darn short. 

   At only 4 issues long, I finished this book in just over an hour and I was desperate for more. Thankfully, the Force will awaken in just under 48-hours.

    (This volume includes a reprint of Princess Leia #1 and a beautifully remastered edition of the comic that started it all Star Wars #1.)

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

The 18 Days of a Star Wars Christmas- MAKE THAT Hannukah Miracle +7: Day 7

  Folks, Tonight marks the first night of Hannukah and I thought I would devote tonight's advent to helping my Jewish readers get in the spirit of the Festival of Lights Star Wars style! And who better to help me than the quarter-Jewish Harrison Ford (AKA Han Solo!)

   I know what you might be thinking, there isn't anything Star Wars to decorate my house for Hannukah! Well, you couldn't be more wrong folks. Here's a style guide from 2014 to help you make this Hannakuh a StarWarsakuh!

   And while we're at it, here's directions on how to make your very own 'Droidel'  in which to bet all those Imperial Gelts on!

   So, sit back with a nice warm latka and listen to the ultimate holiday song as my present to you for the Hannukah season.
 

    Enjoy!

 

What's Missing from the Force Awakens Trailer? A Theory About Episode VII...

  

I must confess, I didn't stay up to watch the Star Wars trailer last night during Monday Night Football. But when I got home today, I immediately went online and viewed it. As much as I enjoyed it, I was struck by a nagging feeling that I couldn't put my finger on- until now... Where is Luke Skywalker?

   This is the third trailer I have seen for Episode VII. Except for his voice, the character played by Mark Hamill doesn't appear in any of them.

    Then I kept coming back to Han Solo saying that everything you here about the Jedi is true. Consider how big a skeptic in the Force Han was in the original trilogy, what would cause him to change his tune? That's when something else finally came to the forefront of my mind about why these trailers bother me- where are all the Jedi?

   You would think 30 years after the fall of the Empire that Luke would have created an impressive collection of Jedi Knights. But the only character that brandishes a lightsaber with any confidence is the Sith character of Kylo Ren. (At this point you might be yelling at my post saying " What about Finn? Don't worry, I'm coming to him.)

    Anyway, the whole thought of lightsabers got me thinking about another new character named Poe Dameron. This guy is an X-wing pilot tasked with retrieving the weapon Luke had lost, along with his arm, in his battle with Darth Vader on Bespin in Episode V. It's been 35 years since that happened, so why would Princess Leia wait until now to make someone other than Luke fetch it unless....
( this next sentence is A) speculation, not a spoiler and B) likely to make you mad. So, you've been warned.)

... Luke Skywalker is dead.

    Think about it, We've not seen Luke in any of the trailers, there's no army of Jedi, just this mysterious Sith character, Han waxes poetic about the Jedi, and when someone finally wields Luke's old lightsaber, it's the controversial character of Finn. So here's my theory:

   Luke tried to train the next generation of Jedi, but like with Obi-Wan, his apprentice became seduced by the Dark Side, became Kylo Ren, and killed Luke. Thus no further Jedi Knights.

   The movie is titled 'The Force Awakens.' If Luke was around, wouldn't it already be up? What if the character of Finn, played by John Boyega isn't a Skywalker but the new New Hope? Thus, the Force Awakens when Leia, who has some Force abilities, sees potential in this reformed stormtrooper. His teacher? Why, the ghost of Luke Skywalker! In a twist to the original trilogy, the ghost has become the master. Since revealing Luke to be a spectre would be a major spoiler- that is why Hamill has yet to appear in any of the trailers  (He's not even on the official movie poster!!! See above right...)

   Addendum: Luke might be alive but in typical Skywalker fashion, he has turned to the Dark Side of the Force. It's possible that we've seen Luke in all three trailers, it's just we've not seen his face. This actually makes a little bit of sense as in the most recent trailer, the Sith Lord, Ren seems to be in possession of the skull of Darth Vader. But how did he get it if Luke had his father's body at the end of Return of the Jedi? That's because Luke betrayed the New Republic, became a Sith lord named Kylo Ren and joined/ started the First Order. (Yes- I know that Ren is played by Adam Driver, but maybe that's only when the character is wearing his mask! Unmasked, Ren is played by Mark Hamill. It's happened before with Vader being played by two different actors in Episode VI!)

    So that's my theory. What do you think? I know it sounds wild. But if you find that my post was blocked by Disney, then I was on to something...

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.