Star Wars 3-D #1-3 (2024 Comic Book & Graphic Novel Reading Challenge)

1987 was the 10 year anniversary of the first Star Wars film. In what was supposed to be a time filled with celebration and fanfare, 1987 was not a banner year for the average Star Wars fan. Star Wars: Droids and Star Wars: Ewoks; a pair of all-ages comics published by Marvel imprint Star, were cancelled by Springtime. Star Tours, a Star Wars themed Disneyland ride and a 10th anniversary convention were held. But unless you traveled to California, you couldn't enjoy them. Older fans could enjoy a new computer game as well as a RPG game- if you had the money and/or friends to play with! At least Mel Brooks entertained moviegoers with his Star Wars parody, Spaceballs.

It was a dark time for Star Wars fans, especially if you loved it in comic book form. That was until December of that year!

California based Blackthorne Publishing was a small novelty publishing company known for making 3-D comics based on popular properties such as Dick Tracy and the California Raisins. It was a small coup to win the Star Wars franchise away from major publisher Marvel, despite the waning interest in the George Lucas property. 

Issue #1 was billed as a 10th anniversary issue. Written by Len Wein, the premier issue sees Luke Skywalker and C-3PO returning with Han Solo and Chewbacca to Tatoonie immediately after the destruction of the Death Star during the Battle of Yavin. Skywalker wishes to honor his fallen Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru while being led by the Force to find a new caretaker for the Lars Homestead. The Force leads Luke and company to Mos Eisley Cantina to a massive and mean smuggler named Throgg. Featuring art and pencils by Glen Johnson and Jim Nelson, the climatic bar fight in this issue makes the misadventures seen in Episode IV look rather tame in comparison.

Patrick Zircher assists Len Wein in the next issue which reveals how the Rebels ended up seeking sanctuary on the ice planet of Hoth. Inks for this issue were by David Cody Weiss. 

Series editor John Stephenson pens the third issue which takes Luke and Leia to Dantooine. There, Luke is kidnapped by a group of Dark Force sensitive beings called Fairfolk, who subject the aspiring Jedi to a number of tests devised by Darth Vader. The combined artwork and inks by Cesar Magsombol are the weakest of the trio of issues, looking hardly anything like any of the characters.

Star Wars 3-D was a quarterly publication. The printing process to make the images appear 3-D was a costly technique in both terms of time and money. At least 3 additional issues were planned. Unfortunately, the 1988 Michael Jackson project Moonwalker led to the downfall of the young publisher. A ridiculous licensing fee for the franchise in addition to the book's failure to entice customers resulted in financial woes that Blackthorne could never rebound from. An IRS audit and a lawsuit against distribution company Sunrise Distribution didn't help matters. Outsourcing and layoffs dominated Blackthorne in 1989, despite being the 5th largest comic book publisher at the time. Ultimately, many of Blackthorne's planned titles, including issues 4-6 of Star Wars 3-D were cancelled and the company folded in 1990.

Completing this review completes Task #33 (A Star Wars Comic or Graphic Novel) of the 2024 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Reading Challenge.

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. 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 Adventures Vol. 2: Unexpected Detour

Since my library has about 20 volumes of Star Wars Adventures, and I'm not able to go to comic book conventions right now due to the lack of cons during a pandemic, I plan on saving some money by reading the whole run. Unfortunately, my library prohibits patrons from checking out more than 3 books from the same series at a time. No prob. I can make do with multiple trips.

The main feature of this volume is a 2-parter starring Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker. Taking place immediately after the Battle of Yavin, Leia is hoping the win will encourage more planets will join the Rebellion. But when Luke falls into the hands of the Empire, that victory rush might be over pretty quick. It's up to the Princess of Alderaan to don an Imperial uniform and do a impossible rescue herself!

Finn stars in another main feature story. It's from his time as a First Order stormtrooper and it offers a clear glimpse into why Finn was never meant to be a vindictive killer. This one has a great twist ending!

'The Tales from Wild Space' back up features are mixed bag. Actor Alan Tudyk pens a story starring his character from Rogue One, K-2SO. While Cassian Andor goes in search of parts to repair his ship, K-2 becomes the unwilling babysitter of a trio of precocious Wookiee younglings. Then those precocious Porgs from the new trilogy are the stars of a story that has Rey and Chewbacca going out of their minds as the alien birdies make a mess of the Millennium Falcon. 

Lastly, there's a story starring a character I'm not at all familiar with at all. He's a young lad named Mattis Banz. Banz is a character from a series of young adult Star Wars novels and he's apparently canon. This story is from his time as an orphan at a farm colony and shows how the spark of justice and heroism was within him at such a young age.

Of course, my least favorite story was the Mattis Banz story. Not because it was of poor quality or anything like that. It's just that Banz is placed within the pages of this book without any sort of introduction; like all Star Wars fans are supposed to know who he is. Luke, Chewie, Darth Vader- those are characters in a galaxy far, far away that need zero introduction. As I doubt very many young Star Wars fans have read the books he appears in, Mattis Banz is a character that needs inauguration!

Confusion aside. this was an enjoyable read full of exciting stories and great art by the likes of Derek Charm, Eric Jones and Annie Wu.

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 Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker

 It took 42 years. But the Skywalker Saga finally came to a close for me last night.

Being born in 1977, I have been in the mix of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows of everything Star Wars. I know that fans have taken issue with the prequels and Episodes VI and VII. But you know what? I decided to say the heck with the 'experts.' I stayed away from articles about secret reveals and fan reactions. I didn't even check out the reviews. My students tried to get into my head telling me yesterday that the movie got terrible reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and some Disney advisory panel. But I did not care! 

Star Wars is like life. You are who make it good or bad! I love Star Wars. Having been a shut-in with asthma, my Star Wars toys and vehicles were all I had growing up. (Thank you dad for buying all those toys and keeping them until I was a little older to play with them!)  I consider it my best friend. It's family. I love it unconditionally. 

Well, except for Jar-Jar. Oh, who am I kidding- he's like the crazy uncle that you don't talk about but still invite him to dinner. I like him too. Just in small doses...

Being a movie with a run of over 2.5 hours, there's no small dose of Star Wars here. Yes, things start off slow. You can tell that a stand-in was used quite a bit for some of the parts with the late Carrie Fisher's Leia. There was also some CGI used that made things look a little off. But the movie itself wraps things up nicely.

Ray's mysterious heritage is revealed. Kylo Ren makes his final decision into his ultimate fate! And so much more happens in this epic film! So much that I will limit my description of this film in order to not spoil the ending.

The Rise of Skywalker was almost ready the overthrow Empire Strikes Back as the best Star Wars film. Just when I was about to bestow that moniker on this film, about halfway through, director J.J. Abrams (LOST) decided to pepper tributes to some of his favorite films of the 80s. 

The middle act pays tribute to Goonies, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and Castaway among others. There was another cliche floating around at this point; but I can't remember what it referenced. I felt like I was watching a Star Wars parody of movies I grew up watching. Thankfully, that third act wrapped up the Star Wars saga that has been a part of my whole life. 

The Rise of Skywalker might not have been the perfect Star Wars movie. But it was the perfect ending to it. I am so thankful that I got to see all IX movies before my saga comes to a close.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.

Star Wars #108

Last month, Marvel released a facsimile edition of issue #50 of it's original Star Wars series. Knowing that for it's 80th anniversary that the House of Ideas was going to be releasing the 108th issue to the now non-canon comic that ran from 1977-86, I wondered why Marvel wasn't re-releasing issue #107. A week or two later, a True Believers $1 reprint of the final issue of Star Wars was released. But for the life of me, I couldn't understand what made that anniversary issue so gosh darn worthy of such a premium edition instead of the finale. 

Now thanks to finally getting my hands on a copy of this issue, I got my answer!

Star Wars #50 contained a one-shot story called 'The Crimson Forever.' This story, written and illustrated by Archie Goodwin, Al Williamson and Walt Simonson, is considered a classic and perhaps the best or one of the best of the entire first volume. It involves a pair of gems that when separated caused a deadly plague and some revenge against both the Empire and Rebellion at the hands of a woman whose brother died during the Battle of Yavin. Issue #108 is a completion of the story.

Another element of the original that was a fan favorite involved a cyborg bounty hunter named Valance. Knowing the identity of the pilot who destroyed the first Death Star, Valance seemingly met his fate in a battle with Darth Vader, sacrificing himself rather than give up that important information. Well, for those fans of this baddie with a heart of microchips, his story is also continued... in a way. 

There's quite a few fan favorites here. The hoojibs! The prim but pretty deadly Amazi. And the green space bunny Jaxxon!

What, you didn't like Jaxxon? He's a way better character than Jar Jar Binks ever was. So he looked like a nauseous Bugs Bunny. At least he was a compelling character that I didn't wish dead.

Noticeably absent is Lando! Where's he at? He appears on the cover of issue #107. So it's not like he up and disappeared. Or maybe he did and I just don't remember. 

This Legends issue was a welcome return to the Star Wars timeline I grew up with. I miss it so. But I am appreciative that Disney and Marvel understands that while it may no longer fit with their plans of the Star Wars Universe, there still are paying customers who remember that era and desire it's return!

Featuring several writers and artists including Matthew Rosenberg, Ben Passmore and Giuseppe  Camuncoli, I loved the varying art style. It's like getting to work on some sort of dream project. Just about everyone wanted a chance to work on it and Marvel did a wonderful job selecting some of the best Star Wars talent on the market today. I also appreciate having some of the original creators of on hand. Jo Duffy and Simonson contributed in their own ways with plotting and such.

Sadly, both Williamson and Goodwin have passed. Yet, Marvel managed to bring back the late Carmine Infantino for a special edition cover. While I liked his cover and Simonson's offering, I had to go with Michael Golden's cantina shoot-out cover (JAXXON!). But it was a hard choice, because I also really liked John Tyler Christopher's action figure variant of Valance. In the end I still think I made the right choice. But it was a tough decision.

Purchasing issue #108 was a no-brainer. I loved the original Marvel run and I wanted to see that version of Star Wars once again. I don't often say it but Thank You, Marvel! Here's to another return soon! 

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 10 out of 10 stars.

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 365- A Spoiler Free Review of Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi

I finished out my year of turning 40 with my oldest of  childhood friends; for today I went to see The Last Jedi. Travel, the holidays, and getting terribly ill got in the way of seeing it sooner. But now that I think of it, this was quite a fitting way to end my look at turning 40.

I had seen for weeks how many fans are disgusted with this film. Lots of fans signed a petition demanding that Episode VIII be removed from canon. Mark Hamill went so far as to say the character he portrayed wasn't his or creator George Lucas' Luke Skywalker but instead a knockoff character named Jake Skywalker. Finally, The Last Jedi now holds the dubious record of the worst one-week box office drop off in film history. 

Now, with Christmas being just the week after The Last Jedi debuted in theaters, I am sure that quite a bit of ticket sales did drop due to that fact.  Needless to say, I went into this film expecting a big huge dud. I was getting deja vu of going to see Justice League last month. But I have never missed a Star Wars in the theatres and I wasn't about to start now. Plus, with this film being actress Carrie Fisher's last, I wasn't about to pass up a chance to pay my last respects.

What I saw was an impressive two and a half hours of film by director Rian Johnson (Looper.) Continuing immediately from the events of Episode VII, the Resistance is desperately attempting to evacuate their secret base. Meanwhile, young heroine Rey has finally located Luke Skywalker and is desperately attempting to lure him back to defeat the First Order. And that's as far as I want to go on the plot. 

Many fans went so far on social media to decry that this Star Wars film was so unlike other Star Wars films. Empire is considered to be the most unlike the original trilogy. And yes- Last Jedi is very un-Star Wars. I think that's because this film was the Empire Strikes Back of the new trilogy. And there's several reasons why:

• The Super Star Destroyer was introduced in Empire. A new version, the dreadnought, is brought into play here.
• Empire has Hoth, a planet cover in white fluffy snow. Last Jedi has a new planet covered in white fluffy salt. Both planets involve the back guys unleashing a deadly type of AT vehicle.
• Empire and Last Jedi both has a wanna be Jedi begrudgingly trained by an elderly reclusive master.
• and finally both Empire and this movie are the most well acted and least cliched of the bunch and they end with the absence of a happy ending!

If this had been Episode IX instead of VIII, I think I would have been extremely happy. There's quite a bit going here that I could seen this as being the end of the third (and final) trilogy promised to us by George Lucas. And I would have left the theater extremely satisfied to have gotten to see the whole story. 

In fact I have an idea that could make the detractors and the fans happy.  I know how I look at it makes me pleased. See, I'd go so far as to reorder the Episode numbers making Rogue One no longer 'A Star Wars Story' but christen it Episode IV. This would result in shifting everything down a number. Empire is now VI, Return of the Jedi is VII, and Force Awakens becomes VII. It all ends in The Last Jedi as Episode IX. Then the new trilogy of Star Wars films recently proposed by Rian Johnson could continue upon the struggles of this new Resistance in wrestling peace back from the First Order. 

I know that in no way would my idea ever work. Disney would never go for it. And there's too many whiny wanna-be fanboys out there that would complain and threaten boycotts if this idea ever got a green lit. But a lot of the fun of Star Wars is being able to expound on the possibilities. And since I had a lot of fun watching the newest Episode of Star Wars and I have zero idea where the franchise is going from here- it was worth a shot just mentioning.

Worth Consuming!

Rating: 8.5 out of 10 stars.

My New Rankings...

                1. Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

                2. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

                3. Episode IV: A New Hope

                4. Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
                5. Episode VII: The Last Jedi
                6. Episode VII: The Force Awakens

                7. Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

                8. Episode II: Attack of the Clones

                9. Episode I: The Phantom Menace

1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 11

  Today marks an anniversary that could've gone quite tragically. It's a date in history that while minor to many, chills me to my very core. I remember my dad reading me an article in People magazine about the accident when I was a little kid sitting in my childhood dentist office (maybe that's why I bit him. The dentist, not my dad) and the whole thing has stuck with me ever since. It seems to resonate with fans too, as it's often mentioned on Facebook fan pages.

 often. Besides had things turned out differently by just a little bit, the history of several fandoms including Star Wars, Batman, and the Flash would have been very, very different. And for the Star Wars universe, it actually did change it somewhat...

Hamill, as Luke Skywalker, pre-accident.

    On this date in 1977, actor Mark Hamill got into a serious car accident. He had been speeding, made a wrong turn, and his course correction went out of control. The crash resulted in Hamill fracturing his nose and cheekbone so much that cartilage from his ear had to be used for reconstructive surgery. 

   Though Hamill's life was saved, his appearance was seriously altered. After the surgery, there was major scaring. The symmetry of the actor's face was change, most noticeably along his right eye.

(Note: Most of the reconstructive surgery happened a year after the accident. That's why photos of Hamill during the premier of Star Wars don't look so bad. But you can see the glare of a scar on is right cheek in this photo.)

During filming of 1978's Hamill was put in heavy make-up, given bangs, and shot from reverse,
to minimize the scaring from surgeries. On the right, George Lucas added the actor's scars
to the plot of Empire Strikes Back, having Luke be attacked by a giant snow creature. 

    The accident happened just 4 months before Star Wars premiered. Some re-shoots had to be done by a stun double from behind. But the incident happened with very little fanfare because at this time, Hamill was a relative unknown entity- plus Star Wars was expected to be a major flop! Instead, Star Wars went on to become the biggest motion picture hit of all-time and movie history was made- But I'll get to that later this year.

     History would have been so much different had this accident turned deadly. Without it's star, would there have been an Empire Strikes Back or Return of the Jedi? Would the film franchise even be as popular as it is now if only one film had been released? I know my childhood would've been quite different without further Star Wars sequels. And I don't even wanna think about what the Joker's voice would sound like on Batman: The Animated Series without the voice talents of Mark Hamill. (Interestingly enough, it was Hamill's accident that lead to him becoming less of a leading man and more of a major voice talent. Listen to a sampling of his Joker as Donald Trump below...) And not just one live-action Flash, but three (yes, I did the math) would've been without one of his greatest enemies. 

    
    Fate likes to play games. Sometimes it's fair, sometimes it's not. And sometimes destiny likes to be a little of both. That seems to be how it was with Mark Hamill on that fateful day in January 40 years ago. Had he not had the accident, maybe he wouldn't be, in my opinion, the definitive voice of the Joker. I don't know; maybe he'd still be a voice over action. Or would Hamill have made the jump Harrison Ford did and become a mega-star of some other franchise like Terminator or Aliens? Maybe nobody will ever truly know. What I do know is that my life surely has been enriched thanks to Mark Hamill still being around and that's a very good thing. 
     Here's to another 40 years, Mr. Hamill. I hope they are good ones!

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 Weapon of A Jedi: A Luke Skywalker Adventure by Jason Fry

  

  The Weapon of a Jedi is the third (and for me, final) young adult novel in the Journey to Star Wars: the Force Awakens series. 

   The events in this book occur shortly after the Battle of Yavin. Here, Luke Skywalker is sent on a mission to infiltrate some Imperial codes but the Force has other plans for the aspiring Jedi and he crash lands on a mysterious planet that houses an abandoned Jedi temple. There, Luke continues his training but Skywalker must protect the historic site from poachers and the Empire or countless centuries of Jedi lore will be lost forever.

     This series of books are supposed to offer clues and hints for Episode VII. But just like the Force Awakens, there is nothing about Luke Skywalker's current state of health. In fact, the very small opening scene and closer that takes place 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi does nothing to offer the reader anything about Episode VII except introducing the reader to an X-Wing pilot that I don't even remember being in the film. 

   I really felt that this book would be the one that would explain everything. In reality, I could have skipped this book. The story by Jason Fry was quite good. But if you think you have to read this book before you go to theatres to see The Force Awakens- save your cash on popcorn and jujubes instead. This book will be waiting for you on store shelves nationwide. And if you wait long enough, you might even find it on discount. 

   I wish I did...

   Worth Consuming

   Rating: 8 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.

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.