***I was provided an advanced ecopy of this graphic novel by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
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Title: Star Wars: The Clone Wars - The Smuggler's Code
Author: Justin Aclin
Illustrator: Eduardo Ferrera
Year Published: 2013
Upcoming Release Date: July 9, 2013
Synopsis: When he encounters a criminal from his past, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi strikes out, determined to fulfill a promise he made to himself as a young Jedi: to bring in this fugitive on his own! While on the trail, Obi-Wan earns a favor from a local smuggler, but her devotion to working for her own benefit may be more trouble for Obi-Wan than her help is actually worth!
Review: This graphic novel takes place in the most recent Clone Wars tv show world. The characters, the animation, and the storytelling all match that style. The animation is really great, especially the bright colors and exotic location of the luxurious planet our protagonists are vacationing on.
This graphic novel is definitely aimed at a younger crowd. The conflict is easy. The characters are simple. The action is fun. When reading this book, don't expect to find character depth or any deep meanings. The story has a message about always asking for help when you need it.
I enjoyed this graphic novel, but it wasn't what I usually want in a Star Wars graphic novel. I give it a 3/5, but I recommend it to younger readers who love the tv show. This would make a great gift for a young Jedi padawan.
-PAUL
***I received an ecopy of this book from Diamond Book Distributors via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
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Title: Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Defenders of the Lost Temple
Author: Justin Aclin
Illustrator: Ben Bates
Year Published: 2013
Release Date: March 26, 2013
Synopsis: On a mission with a Jedi general, one clone trooper contemplates his own worth as a copy of a great Mandalorian warrior. He has never been the best soldier, and as he learns about the Jedi and the power of the Force, he begins to feel that perhaps what has been setting him apart from the other clones is his own connection to the Force. As the investigation progresses through a booby-trapped, abandoned Jedi Temple, this one clone will discover who he is and also see where he came from when the Mandalorian Death Watch suddenly appears.
Review: Unfortunately, this graphic novel did not live up to my standard of Star Wars comics. Maybe it is just for a younger audience than the Star Wars graphic novels I usually read. The characters are unknowns and they don't feel very Star Warsy to me. One clone thinks he might be force sensitive and it plays out in an unusual way. The artwork was reminiscent of the current Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series, but more colorful and cartoony.
The story is very Indiana Jones, in that they are searching though a temple for a lost artifact. Some of the booby traps just didn't feel like Star Wars to me.
Although this may be a good graphic novel for a younger audience interested in all things Star Wars, I would recommend you find another Star Wars comic. I give this novel a 2.5/5.
-PAUL
