The Star Wars (comic book) - Paul's Review

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: The Star Wars
Writer: Ryan Graudin
Illustrators: Mike Mayhew, Rain Beredo, Nick Runge, and Michael Heisler


Synopsis: Before Star Wars, there was The Star Wars! This is the official adaptation of George Lucas’s rough-draft screenplay for what would become Star Wars—the film that changed motion pictures and the world. You’ll see familiar characters and places—but not all is the same in this long-ago and faraway galaxy. Still, strap yourself in for high adventure and lazersword duels, Jedi Knights, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and a battle to defeat the evil Empire!

------------------------------------------------------------

"MAY THE FORCE OF OTHERS BE WITH YOU"

Review: This is quite the different sort of Star Wars comic book. George Lucas's early rough-draft screenplay was used as source material. This book does not take place in the same world as everything else Star Wars you know. Because of this, I think only true Star Wars fans will enjoy this. 

The tropes, themes, and style of Star Wars is all there, but slightly off. There are many big changes from the known Star Wars. The ingrained essence of Star Wars like lightsabers, Jedi, Sith, and the Force  are all different. 

The names in this book may be recognizable, but the people and places they are attached to don't match. It is jolting at first, but you easily understand that you must put everything Star Wars to the side of your mind while reading this. One of the weirdest things I thought was Artoo speaking English. Every time it happened it took me off guard.

There are many plot points from both the original trilogy and the prequels that pop up in this story. I wonder if there are other themes that were in the original draft that may pop up in the upcoming Episode VI. 

The story is not as simple as the original Star Wars film. It is complex and not at all streamlined. There are a lot of characters. There is also more planetbased action. 

I give this graphic novel a 3.5/5. I enjoyed reading it, but its enjoyment is based purely on my in-depth knowledge and interest in Star Wars. A casual fan may not enjoy it as much.  


--PAUL