Star Wars, Vol.10: The Escape (comic) -Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars, Vol. 10: The Escape
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Andrea Broccardo, Angel Unzueta, & GURU-eFX
Release Date: April 9, 2019


Synopsis: The rebels are reeling and on the run. Scattered. Scared. Hope is dead. Darth Vader tightens his grip, mercilessly hunting the scattered band down with his most dangerous servants. They will not escape him this time. But for Luke, Leia, Han and the rest of the Alliance, the fight against the evil Galactic Empire continues. The heroes will need to turn to allies both old and new if they hope to ever turn the tide and save the Rebellion in its darkest hour. COLLECTING: STAR WARS 56-61

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Review: This series is improving, I think. I liked volumes 9 and 10 way more than Volume 8. The art style I've disliked is still there and I found it pretty distracting when a memorable film scene's imagery was used exactly. It just takes me out of the story. 

Sana Starros is back with our main crew. And there might be a certain stormtrooper team from this ongoing series, too. Luke, Han, and Leia are on the search for Chewie and the Falcon while being pursued. There's a lot more personal stories between the main three in this issue and I really liked seeing that. It foreshadows the dynamic the three have in The Empire Strike Back. Especially Leia and Han.

Luke gets a romantic interest in the volume and it feels forced, boring, and cliche. But the character herself is pretty cool. I hope we see more of Clan Markona in the future. And the ship they fly off in looks pretty similar. 

I give this volume a 4/5. I liked the personal connections between the main three paired with fun original characters. I guess I'm going to continue reading this series.     


--PAUL

Star Wars Vol. 6: Out Among The Stars (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars Vol. 6: Out Among The Stars
Writers: Jason Aaron, Dash Aaron, & Jason Latour
Artists: Salvador Larroca, Andrea Sorrentino, & Michael Walsh
Recent Release Date: December 6, 2017

Synopsis: Collects Star Wars (2015) #33-37, Annual #3.

Your favorite rebel rabble-rousers run riot across the galaxy! Luke Skywalker finally gets the alone time he's been after with Princess Leia - unfortunately, it comes while they're stranded on a desert island! In tales of the Star Wars underworld, Sana and Lando join forces on Coruscant to swindle some credits, and Han and Chewie go back to smuggling...for a Hutt?! Then, when the Alliance starts the search for a new secret base, Han leads Leia to scope out a hideout only he knows...only to find a group of killers who want him dead! But what about the droids? The Empire has held Threepio captive for far too long - and now his faithful friend is taking action. That's right - it's Artoo to the rescue!

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Review: This volume of the ongoing Marvel Star Wars series is a little different than the past ones in that each issue follows a different group of protagonists. There's first a Luke and Leia story. It features a really col AT-AT scene. Then there's a Sana and Lando story. I like seeing Lando in the main series before our main protagonists meet him. This story also shows more of Sana's background and her sweet skills. I'm all about learning more about the original characters. There's a Han story of him working with the Rebel Alliance. There's a story featuring R2 rescuing 3PO. The last regular issue in this collection is a feature for the Scar Squadron. Then there's an interesting story about the sand people of Tatooine. And finally, the third Annual finishes off this volume, showing Han and Leia searching for a new base. 

I liked that there were multiple perspectives, but I'm starting to get bored of this ongoing series. Stuff needs to happen. This is the problem with featuring main series characters between two films. They can't grow and change as much as original characters. I definitely am enjoying the original characters' stories more right now. 

I give this volume a 4/5. I hope this series surprises me with its next volume. It's supposed to feature the aftermath of Jedha, so that at least will be interesting.   


--PAUL

Star Wars, Vol 4: Last Flight of the Harbinger (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars, Vol 4: Last Flight of the Harbinger
Author: Jason Aaron
Illustrators: Jorge Molina, Matt Milla, & Mike Mayhew
Recent Release Date: January 31, 2017

Synopsis: Marvel's epic exploration of the Star Wars galaxy continues! First, take another dive into the journal of Obi-Wan Kenobi! Jabba the Hutt has a problem, and he's hired the Wookiee bounty hunter Black Krrsantan to find out exactly who's been thwarting his men! A certain old hermit of the dune wastes might know a little something about that... Then, take a walk on the Dark Side with Sgt. Kreel and an elite group of Imperial soldiers aboard the Star Destroyer Harbinger! It's a nigh-indestructible weapon of war. But it's also the target of the Rebels' new top-secret plan. Never afraid of defying the odds, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Leia Organa are determined to make this the last flight of the Harbinger! 

COLLECTING: STAR WARS #20-25

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Review: This volume opens up with another look into Obi-wan's adventures on Tatooine while watching over young Luke. This one includes Black Krrsantan, the wookie bounty hunter. Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru also get a little more agency that they have in the past. 

The rest of this volume focuses on the Rebels taking over a star destroyer. Sergeant Kreel and his team, Special Commando Advanced Recon or SCARE, also are heavily featured. It's nice to see some stormtroopers who are actually good at their job. 

Han and Leia banter this whole volume and it's lovely. So true to the original films. Sana is still working with the Rebels. I like the perspective she adds. I'm hoping she doesn't meet an untimely end as the ongoing series approaches The Empire Strikes Back events. 

The final panel is a great teaser. I am definitely interested in the next volume!

I give this fourth volume of the ongoing Star Wars series by Marvel a 4/5.  


--PAUL

Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vol.4: End of Games (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Darth Vader, Vol.4: End of Games
Author: Kieron Gillen
Illustrator: Salvador Larroca
Recent Release Date: December 6, 2016

Synopsis: Darth Vader has been secretly pursuing his own agenda, but now it is time for the End of Games. As Inspector Thanoth returns with some startling information, it seems that Vader may have passed his master's tests. But even after finding favor in the eyes of the Emperor, the Dark Lord's schemes may yet prove his undoing... Plus, the killer droids Triple-Zero and Beetee wreak havoc in their own homicidal adventure! Marvel's in-depth exploration of the Dark Side of Star Wars goes from strength to strength!

COLLECTING: DARTH VADER 20-25

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Review: This is the final volume in the Darth Vader ongoing series that has been going since Marvel first launched their Star Wars line. Although, another Darth Vader comic is coming soon, but that one takes place shortly after Revenge of the Sith. This took place shortly after A New Hope. 

This series followed Darth Vader's rise from defeat after the first Death Star was destroyed. This last volume finishes up that rise. 

My favorite part of this series was the introduction of Doctor Aphra and her murderous droids, Triple-Zee and Beetee. I'm very excited for the doctor to get her own series. The other original characters that Vader competed against were some of my least favorite characters in the new Marvel comicverse. They all seemed very "Legends" to me. Cybernetic implants and force powers. Imperial posture. Not my kind of characters. 

There is an epic lightsaber battle that is depicted midway through this volume. It bridges the prequel-era with the original trilogy nicely. 

I found the coda odd. I'm interested to see where it leads. If anywhere. 

I give this volume a 4.5/5. I enjoyed seeing it all come to an end. The droids really shined in this volume. 


--PAUL

Star Wars: Han Solo (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Han Solo
Author: Marjorie Liu
Illustrator: Mark Brooks
Recent Release Date: January 3, 2017

Synopsis: Everyone's favorite scoundrel goes Solo! Han is given a top-secret undercover mission for the Rebellion: rescuing several informants and spies! His cover for the assignment? Only the biggest and most infamous starship race in the galaxy, the Dragon Void! A tournament he has dreamt of winning his entire life. With a chance of glory, can Han keep his mind on the mission? Or is failing Leia worse than losing? If that wasn't enough, there's also the small matter of finding a traitor within the Rebellion. As the Dragon Void heats up, can a certain Wookiee pal lend a hand in the mole hunt? Place your bets for the ultimate space race! Our money's on Han and the Millennium Falcon - after all, it's the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs! 

COLLECTING: HAN SOLO 1-5

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Review: This comic is a great look into Han Solo as a character between A New Hope and The Empire Strike Back. He isn't quite as ingrained within the Rebellion, but he is having difficulties returning to the smuggler life. There are plenty of great bro moments between Han and Chewie. Leia is characterized well, too. 

This is a fun, adventure comic. There's an ancient Space Race. There's Imperials constantly on our protagonists' tails. Rebel Spies. Fun and new characters of all shapes and colors. I especially liked the character of Loo Re Anno. 

This is another great miniseries from Marvel. It focuses on Han Solo as a character and shows a story that fits with what he's made from. I give this comic a 5/5. Don't miss out on this one!


--PAUL

Star Wars: Obi-wan and Anakin (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Obi-wan & Anakin
Author: Charles Soule
Illustrator: Marco Checchetto
Recent Release Date: July 19, 2016

Synopsis: Before their military heroism in the Clone Wars, before their tragic battle on Mustafar, and many decades before their final confrontation on the Death Star, they were Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and his young Padawan, Anakin Skywalker. Now join them a few years into the "chosen one" Anakin's training. Teacher and student have grown closer over time, but it's been a difficult road. And things aren't about to get any easier. In fact, when they are called to a remote planet for assistance, the pair may be pushed to breaking point. As they find themselves stranded on a strange world of primitive technology and deadly natives, will they be able to save themselves? First they must learn who called for help...and why!

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Review: A new Marvel Star Wars comic set in the prequel era! Obi-wan and Anakin takes place between episodes I and II. There are a lot of allusions of things to come. The Anakin and Palpatine relationship is interesting. Other than references and characterization, this comic is just another one-off. Obi-wan and Anakin end up stranded on a planet. They meet the local, interesting people and have an adventure. It reminds me of a Star Trek episode because it doesn't really effect anything else in the overall story. 

I want more Prequel era comics! I loved all the bits that took place on Coruscant and that related more directly to the overall Star Wars story. 

I give this graphic novel a 4/5. For those reading all of the new Marvel Star Wars comics, definitely read this one too, but if you're a more casual reader you could skip this one. Unless you're a Prequel era fan like me!


--PAUL

Star Wars Vol.3: Rebel Jail (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars Vol.3: Rebel Jail
Author: Jason Aaron
Illustrators: Mike Mayhew and Leinil Yu 
Recent Release Date: August 16, 2016

Synopsis: What comes next for the Rebels after the events of Vader Down? Find out as the adventures of Luke Skywalker and friends continue! The Rebel crew are en route to a prison base with a very important captive. But, unlucky for them, they aren't the only ones with their eyes on this prize! And, in another

tale from the journals of Obi-Wan Kenobi, journey back to the Jedi's days of exile on Tattooine. Moisture farmer Owen Lars may have taken in young Luke, but he refused to let Ben be part of the boy's life. Now, prepare to discover the reason why!

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Review: This volume is pretty thick. There are additional stories before and after the ongoing Star Wars series. Annual 1 starts out this volume.It is a story of a Rebel spy trying to take out the Emperor himself. The volume ends with another Kenobi story. Young Biggs and Luke appear. And the origin of Black Krrsantan's scar. 

I really enjoyed learning about Sana and Aphra's history together. and Nerf herding reference!

The stinger at the end is great!

I give this whole volume a 4/5, but I give the Annual 1 that starts it out a 5/5. it's a great continuation in the Star Wars ongoing comic, but nothing too special.  


--PAUL

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

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Title: Star Wars: Vader Down
Authors: Jason Aaron and Kieron Gillen
Illustrators: Mike Deodato and Salvador Larroca 

Recent Release Date: April 19, 2016

Synopsis: Two of the biggest titles in comics collide in the first crossover of the new Marvel age of STAR WARS! When Darth Vader accidentally finds himself facing off against the rebel fleet on his own, he is sent crashing onto a nearby planet. Will the rebels seize this opportunity to put an end to one of their greatest enemies — or will they be made to feel the full power of the dark side? The Sith Lord may be down, but he isn't out! All your favorites are here, old and new, good and evil: Luke! Vader! Leia! Aphra! Han! Threepio, Artoo, Triple-Zero and BT-1! And in a hair-raising battle of the Wookiees, Chewbacca versus Black Krrsantan! ROOOARRGH UR ROO! 

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Review: This is the first big event in the Star Wars comics since Marvel returned to the reins. This crossover volume brings the ongoing Star Wars and Darth Vader titles together. New characters introduced in each get to finally interact with the main cast. My favorite part of this comic was the assassin droids, Triple-Zero and Bee-Tee. They make this book. Especially with Artoo and Threepio featured in the comic as well. The parallels are wonderful, if not a little on the nose.

Other characters like Aphra and Black Krrsantan are featured as well. I like both of them and think they're great additions to this new canon. Commander Karbin on the other hand is one of my least favorite characters. His design is horrible. It's super weird. He is pretty much General Grievous with a Mon Caalamari head. He doesn't look badass, just strange.  

I enjoyed how this crossover event was done and hope for more in the future. I'm enjoying most of the new characters. And it's always great to have a Chewie pulling arms off reference. I give this graphic novel a 4/5. I'm excited to see where both of these ongoing series take us. 


--PAUL

Star Wars, Vol. 1: Skywalker Strikes (graphic novel) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars, Vol. 1: Skywalker Strikes
Author: Ryan Graudin
Recent Release Date: October 6, 2015

Synopsis: The greatest space adventure of all returns to Marvel! Luke Skywalker and the ragtag rebels opposing the Galactic Empire are fresh off their biggest victory so far — the destruction of the massive Death Star. But the Empire’s not toppled yet! Join Luke, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2 and the rest of the Rebel Alliance as they fight for freedom against Darth Vader and his evil master, the Emperor! But when a Rebel assault goes wrong, Han and Leia must think fast to make their escape — while Luke comes face-to-face with Darth Vader! In the explosive aftermath, a humbled Luke returns to Tatooine to learn more about his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Meanwhile, Leia and Han undertake a vital — and dangerous — secret mission. But can they succeed without Luke? Plus: the menace of Boba Fett! 

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Review: This trade paperback collects the first six issues of the ongoing Marvel Star Wars series. Since this is an ongoing series, there isn't any finality to the end of the story. It is cool to see Imperial equipment and characters form later in the trilogy come into play early as this book takes place shortly after A New Hope. 

The artwork is fantastic and the comic overall does an excellent job of getting that Star Wars feel, but it definitely is just the start of the comic. I'm excited to see where it goes. I want independent arcs that introduce new and interesting characters, places, and creatures. 

I give this trade paperback a 4/5. I will continue reading this series as it releases in trade paperback. I do enjoy the miniseries Marvel has done more. I like having a complete story tied up. 


--PAUL