Star Wars: Thrawn (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Thrawn
Based on the novel by: Timothy Zahn
Writer: Jody Houser
Artists: Luke Ross & Nolan Woodard
Release Date: September 11, 2018

Synopsis: Set between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, Star Wars: Thrawn is a comic book miniseries adaptation of the 2017 novel Thrawn by Timothy Zahn. The story explores the rise of Grand Admiral Thrawn through the ranks of the Galactic Empire, setting up his appearance in Star Wars Rebels, the character's canon debut. The comic series will be penned by Jody Houser, writer of the comic adaptation of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and artwork will be completed by Luke Ross, who has illustrated various Star Wars titles.

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Review: My prior knowledge of Thrawn comes from Wookieepedia browsing and the Rebels tv series. I haven't yet read Zahn's new canon or original legends books, yet. This book follows Thrawn's story from his first encounter with the Empire up until his time in Rebels. This is a story of a war strategist climbing the ladder. There's also the story of the politics of the Empire. Although Thrawn is at the center of all the action, Arihnda Pryce is heavily featured. I loved getting to see her backstory before her time as governor of Lothal in Rebels. 

The time jumps are frequent in this book, showcasing relevant stories about Thrawn and those closest to him throughout his time with the Empire. The references to Thrawn's encounter with Anakin Skywalker really made me want to read that story. I liked getting to see the inner workings of the Empire.

Knowing the ending of Rebels, I'm really excited to see where Thrawn's story goes in the future. There are little hints about the Chiss Ascendancy in this book. And I want to know more!!!

I give this book a 4/5. It's a heavier comic than most of the other Star Wars trade paperbacks since it's covering a bigger story. Because of this it drags a little, but there's a lot of great story and connections in this book.


--PAUL

Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 1: Vader (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 1: Vader
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Salvador Larroca
Recent Release Date: October 20, 2015

Synopsis: The original Dark Lord of the Sith stars in his first ongoing series! Ever since Darth Vader's first on-screen appearance, he has become one of pop-culture's most popular villains. Now, follow Vader straight from the ending of A NEW HOPE (and the pages of the new STAR WARS comic book) into his own solo adventures — showing the Empire's war with the Rebel Alliance from the other side! But when a Dark Lord needs help, who can he turn to? As Vader pursues a very personal vengeance against the Rebels and investigates the Emperor's secret machinations, he clashes with weapons scavenger Aphra and deadly Battle Droids, and returns to Geonosis to build an army. But some very powerful people don't want him to learn the truths he seeks! Guest-starring Jabba the Hutt, Boba Fett and more!

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Review: This trade paperback opens wonderfully. The first issue of this ongoing series is fantastic. Darth Vader, shortly after the loss of the Death Star, goes to Jabba the Hutt looking for aid in getting back into the Emperor's favor. 

By the end of this first volume though, I didn't feel the same energy and momentum. Some very cool things happen, like a return to Geonosis, but I was definitely more impressed with how this ongoing series started than where it left off.

I will continue with this series, but I am hoping for more interesting stories coming up. I liked how new characters were introduced in this series pretty early on. I'm excited to read the big Vader Down crossover event.

I give this first volume a 4/5. A very strong start, but hopefully it didn't peak too early. 


--PAUL