Star Wars, Vol.13: Rogues and Rebels (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars, Vol. 13: Rogues and Rebels
Writer: Greg Pek
Artist: Phil Noto
Release Date: March 17, 2020


Synopsis: It's the end of the era of hope! Rebels and rogues take center stage as this volume of Marvel's STAR WARS comes to a close! Who exactly is Dar Champion, and how far can Leia trust him when Han's life is on the line? What shocking lesson will Luke learn when Warba finally reveals her true self? When faced with his lost past, can C-3PO seize control of his destiny — and be the hero of his own story? And Chewbacca takes on Darth Vader in vicious hand-to-hand combat! Meanwhile, the Rebellion's search for a new home — a base safe from the reach of the Empire — leads them to the planet Hoth! Doctor Aphra and Beilert Valance lend a hand as the Rebellion's fate is set - and the Empire ascends!

COLLECTING: STAR WARS (2015) #73-75, STAR WARS: EMPIRE ASCENDANT (2019) #1

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Review: After 75 issues, the story of our main Rebel heroes set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back comes to a close. And it's about time. In my opinion, it's been dragging with not much interesting happening for awhile. Some of the interactions recently even seem to take away from big moments in the original trilogy. Darth Vader has a LOT of interactions with the main cast in this volume. The C-3PO and Vader scenes really confuse me. Does he not recognize the droid he created? At least they are finally at Hoth.

This volume is more of the second half of the last volume's story. A boring story. I did really enjoy the inorganic aliens though.

The rest of this volume is filled with Empire Ascendant, which serves as both a conclusion and beginning. Poe's parents on Hoth. A Darth Vader intro that seems to introduce some new and interesting Death Troopers. Bounty Hunters shows Valance working along with the Rebels. And the final Aphra story was included in the Aphra volume as well. 

I give this volume a 3/5. I wish this ongoing series learned more from the animated Clone Wars series and jumped around the focus instead of focusing on the main heroes so much. It seems like a lot of these missions are redundant and don't actually show growth of the characters. I am hesitant about whether I want to continue reading these new incarnations of the ongoing series or not.


--PAUL

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 7: A Rogue's End (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 7: A Rogue's End
Writer: Simon Spurrier
Artists: Caspar Wijngaard, Lee Loughridge, Elsa Charretier, Edgar Delgado, & Jim Campbell
Release Date: February 11, 2020

Vol.1: Aphra
Screaming Citadel
Vol.2: The Enormous Profit
Vol.3: Remastered
Vol.4: The Catastrophe Con
Vol.5: Worst Among Equals
Vol.6: Unspeakable Rebel Superweapon

Synopsis: After all she's been through, professional disaster zone DOCTOR APHRA is right back where she started: working for DARTH VADER. What villainous use has the dark lord found for her to make him spare the life of his most annoying foe...? And how long does she have to try to slither out of harm's way before he decides to finish what he started three years ago...?

COLLECTING: STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA 37-40, STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA ANNUAL 3

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Review: After 40 issues, this story has come to an end. BUT, Doctor Aphra's story will continue starting with a new issue #1 set after The Empire Strikes Back just like the other ongoing series. I am so glad this comic is one of the continuing ongoing series at Marvel. An original character for the comics that is also queer and Asian! On the first page of this volume, right across from the writing credits, there's two women kissing. There's a lot more Star Wars (and Disney too) could do for the LGBTQ+ community in terms of representation, but reading this comic gives me hope.

This volume opens up with Aphra in the Empire's service yet again. She's a part of an archaeological team using their expertise to help find the Rebel base. The murder droids are back, of course. The romance between Aphra and Tolvan's relationship is so interesting. And complicated. I really like how it keeps coming back. Although I am hoping for some more permanent changes in the new series. 

The third annual is also included in this volume. It features my favorite monster hunter duo of Nokk the Trandoshan and her husband Winloss. Black Krrsantan appearing is also always a plus.  Mos Eisley is also a big part of the annual.

And finally, the epilogue is from Empire Ascendant which seems to be the lead-in to the post-The Empire Strikes Back content.

I give this volume a 4/5. I really enjoy this series, but this volume kind of felt thrown together instead of a true finale. 


--PAUL

Star Wars: Target Vader (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Target Vader
Writer: Robbie Thompson
Artists: Marc Laming, Cris Bolson, Stefano Landini, Marco Failla, Roberto di Salvo, Georges Duarte, & Neeraj Menon
Release Date: February 11, 2020


Synopsis: THE HUNTER! DARTH VADER is on the hunt for a mysterious criminal syndicate operating outside of THE EMPIRE’s rule. But little does he know he’s being hunted by a group of the galaxy’s deadliest bounty hunters, hired by the syndicate to take out Vader once and for all. Led by fallen Imperial Officer BEILERT VALANCE, this ragtag group of assassins will stop at nothing to kill the biggest bounty of their lives.

COLLECTING: STAR WARS: TARGET VADER #1-6

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Review: I immediately loved the artwork in the first few pages of this book. The colors are vibrant. The details given to the different alien species are excellent. There are aliens from all three trilogies throughout this book. That's the Star Wars I love. There are even references to the Bounty Hunter's Code that reminds me of The Mandalorian. 

Beilert Valance is going to be a big presence in the comics it seems with the upcoming Bounty Hunters ongoing comic. I'm not familiar with the character, but I like that they are bringing back select characters from the old Legends and introducing them into the new canon.

The focus is on bounty hunters, so of course a team forms. I like that the team includes what looks like a female Tusken Raider, Urrr'k. Dengar is also part of the team, keeping that connection to bounty hunters from the films. 

It's always fun to see bounty hunters do their thing because their morals are always very particular. And there will always be plenty of twists. This felt like an introduction to Valance the most. We learn some of his backstory and get to see where his allegiances fall. 

I give this book a 4/5. It's fun and very Star Wars. I think this volume has convinced me to pick up the Bounty Hunter series when it comes out.


--PAUL

Paul's TOP COMIC BOOKS/GRAPHIC NOVELS Read in 2019

I read a lot of books in 2019, specifically comics and graphic novels. I read 87 of my 50 books for my 2019 Goodreads Reading Challenge. And only 4 of them didn't have pictures and text. Out of those 83 books, I've selected my favorites. Below you will find the TOP comic books and graphic novels that I read in 2018. Click on the titles or cover pictures for links to my reviews!  

 MY TOP COMIC BOOKS/GRAPHIC NOVELS OF 2019

10. Waves

9. Moonstruck, Vol. 2: Some Enchanted Evening

8. Pilu of the Woods

7. The Tea Dragon Festival

6. Hotel Dare

  

5. Doctor Aphra: Vol.4, Vol.5, & Vol.6

  

  

4. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Vol.7, Vol.8, & Vol.9 
Go Go Power Rangers Vol.3, Vol.4, & Vol.5
Power Rangers: The Psycho Path

3. Mooncakes

2. Gender Queer: A Memoir

1. Midas

What were your favorite books of 2019? What books are you looking forward to in 2020?

--PAUL

Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - Allegiance (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - Allegiance
Writer: Ethan Sacks
Artists: Luke Ross & Lee Loughridge
Release Date: November 19, 2019


Synopsis: BEFORE THE EXCITING EVENTS OF STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER! Hounded by the FIRST ORDER across the galaxy, the RESISTANCE is in dire need of ships, weapons and recruits to make a final stand against KYLO REN'S forces. Desperation drives a delegation led by GENERAL LEIA ORGANA and REY to entreat the Rebel veteran's one-time allies, THE MON CALAMARI, to join the fight - but decades after Imperial occupation enslaved their planet, there are those willing to stop at nothing to prevent another war from bloodying the waters of Mon Cala. A system away, POE DAMERON and FINN have their own mission: to hunt down a weapons cache on the remote moon of Avedot, unaware that they are being hunted by the most notorious criminal gang in the galaxy!

Collecting: JOURNEY TO STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER - ALLEGIANCE #1-#4

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Review: This graphic novel takes place between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. Like most Star Wars comics, our heroes split up and go on different missions that loosely connect to eachother. Finn and Poe go together, while Leia, Rey, Rose, and Chewbacca head to Mon Cala.

We haven't gotten to know our new heroes quite yet so it's nice to see them interacting. I really enjoyed seeing Poe and Finn together. Their onscreen chemistry translates well. I liked the amount of physical contact that is shown between them. I'm still hoping for a romantic relationship confirmation in The Rise of Skywalker, but I'm not banking on it. Rey's voice felt off to me this whole volume. Her actions and her dialogue just seemed off to me. Rey's actions in the second half of the volume more reflect her character, in my opinion. Rose on the other hand is portrayed very accurately and I loved seeing more of her. 

We get to see Mon Cala again, which has been popular in the comics. Admiral Ackbar's son makes an appearance. There's also a Clawdite shapeshifter, which has also been popular within the comics as well. 

I like seeing the new heroes in comics, but this story just wasn't exciting. I think I would have preferred if the focus had been on just one mission. Or if the stakes seemed higher. Again, I don't know what happens next in The Rise of Skywalker so maybe there's allusions to the future that I can't pick up on yet. I give this graphic novel a 3/5.


--PAUL

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 6: Unspeakable Rebel Superweapon (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 6: Unspeakable Rebel Superweapon
Writer: Simon Spurrier
Artists: Caspar Wijngaard, Wilton Santos, Cris Bolson, & Andrea Broccardo
Recent Release Date: December 10, 2019

Vol.1: Aphra
Screaming Citadel
Vol.2: The Enormous Profit
Vol.3: Remastered
Vol.4: The Catastrophe Con
Vol.5: Worst Among Equals

Synopsis: After a year of close shaves, Doctor Chelli Aphra is taking it easy and lying low. Probably herding banthas or something. She's smart like that, right? No, not really. The galaxy's shadiest archaeologist is back doing what she does best: busting into alien temples to steal horrifying weapons for huge profi t. She just can't stop herself. But plenty of other people could. Powerful factions are watching closely: Rebel and Empire, familiar and strange - all calculating whether Aphra's more useful alive...or dead.

COLLECTING: STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA 32-36

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Review: This continues to be my favorite ongoing Star Wars comic series. I absolutely adore that a lesbian hate-love romance is at the center of an ongoing Star Wars series. Representation absolutely matters. Doctor Aphra is such an interestingly complex character. This volume, especially, showcases the gray morality of the universe. No one thinks of themselves as evil in their own head. 

In this volume we get to see a little bit more about Aphra's past. We learn more about both of her parents. Aphra compares her own upbringing to her new not-a-ward Vulaada.

Black Krrsantan and Tolvan are back. This ongoing series utilizes its original characters so well, bringing them back in places that make sense. 

This volume was a little slow for me starting out, but by the end I was completely invested and loved how everything actually played out. Predictability, allegiances, and priorities are at the center of this volume. I give this book a 5/5. I'm looking forward to more Doctor Aphra!   


--PAUL

Star Wars, Vol. 12: Rebels and Rogues (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars, Vol. 12: Rebels and Rogues
Writer: Greg Pek
Artist: Phil Noto
Release Date: November 19, 2019


Synopsis: Darth Vader is on the hunt for Luke Skywalker! Thousands of remote probes are sent into the far reaches of space looking for the Rebel Alliance. But the rebels send out desperate, heroic missions to lead them astray. Chewie and C-3PO lure a drone to a planet with an unstable core but learn of a secret droid civilization. With Star Destroyers and Darth Vader approaching, they must now protect these newfound droids. Luke Skywalker undertakes a mission to lead a drone away from a rebel refueling station but runs into the Force-sensitive human Bendoh. With Luke training to be a Jedi, will Bendoh be a valuable teacher or a simple grifter? Then, Han Solo and Princess Leia plan to use a drone to take down a local crime boss, but things get complicated when they run into Leia's ex! What could possibly go wrong?!

COLLECTING: STAR WARS 68-72

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Review: This is the twelfth volume in this ongoing series and quite honestly, it's getting stale. I am absolutely ready for the jump past The Empire Strikes Back. I'm curious to see if they'll do any Shadows of the Empire plots. But in the mean time, this volume had our main heroes split up into duos. Han and Leia meet with an ex of Leia. Luke and Artoo search a desert planet and meet a force user. Chewbacca and Threepio discover some not-so-organic lifeforms.

There are some interesting ideas in this volume, but it just feels kind of boring. There's no big picture things going down It just feels like more missions that will be resolved and are just taking up the time until we get to Hoth. The stakes don't feel high. One thing I did enjoy seeing was Han and Leia's relationship starting to look like what it does in The Empire Strikes Back. 

I give this volume a 3/5. The heroes are divided and not much happens. There isn't even much resolution in this volume. 


--PAUL

Star Wars: Age of Resistance - Heroes (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Age of Resistance - Heroes
Writers: Tom Taylor, G. Willow Wilson, & Chris Eliopoulos
Artists: Ramon Rosana, GURU-eFX, Matteo Buffagni, Elsa Charretier, & Javier Pina
Recent Release Date: November 26, 2019

Age of Republic - Villains
Age of Republic - Heroes

Age of Rebellion - Villains
Age of Rebellion - Heroes

Synopsis: This is the Age of Star Wars - an epic series of adventures that unite your favorite characters from all three trilogies! Explore untold tales of the greatest heroes of the Resistance. Finn starts to question the First Order as he is put on infestation control on Starkiller Base. Poe Dameron fancies himself the best pilot there is, but after a New Republic protocol droid is stolen he may just meet his better! Trapped in an asteroid fi eld, Poe will have to learn a thing or two from this mysterious pilot if he wants to survive. Rey, Chewie and R2-D2 start their journey to fi nd Luke Skywalker, but mechanical issues force them to land on the junkyard planet the Necropolis. Plus: Rose Tico, Admiral Holdo, Maz Kanata and BB-8!

COLLECTING: STAR WARS: AGE OF RESISTANCE - FINN 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF RESISTANCE - ROSE TICO 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF RESISTANCE - POE DAMERON 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF RESISTANCE - REY 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF RESISTANCE SPECIAL 1

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Review: I was definitely excited to read this collection since we haven't gotten much content featuring the heroes from the prequel trilogy quite yet. I really enjoyed this volume. 

The first story features Finn as a janitor on Starkiller Base prior to the events of The Force Awakens. It really shows how different Finn was from the other First Order stormtroopers. He had compassion even when he was still technically with the bad guys. I give this story a 3/5. It was pretty boring and my least favorite of the stories in this volume.

The next story has Poe Dameron flying with Rapier Squadron in the New republic. A mysterious ship steals a droid's head and Poe chases them into danger. They bond by barely surviving. There's a really fun reveal. This one gets a 5/5.

Rose and Paige are the focus of the next story. This is a true origin story for the sisters, from childhood to joining the Resistance. I always want more stories about these two! 5/5

Rey's story is small, but exciting. It follows her in the moments leading up to and the travel to Ahch-To to find Luke. 5/5

The next story shows Maz Kanata being pretty badass. It also features a younger Han and Chewbacca. 4/5

I really enjoyed the young Holdo story. It's all about impressions. I feel like this story is so relevant to how so many people viewed her in The Last Jedi. 5/5. 

The last story in this volume is all about BB-8 being a kick-ass droid with a heart. BB-8 comes to the aid of other droids. 4/5

This was a really fun collection. Most of the stories are semi-origin stories or feature younger versions of the heroes we're still getting used to on the screen. I look forward to many comics featuring these characters in the future. I give this volume a 5/5. 


--PAUL

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

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Title: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Writer: Ethan Sacks
Artists: Will Sliney, Dono Sanchez-Almara, & Protobunker
Recent Release Date: November 5, 2019


Synopsis: A thrilling call to adventure on the very edge of the galaxy! Black Spire Outpost has long been frequented by smugglers, merchants and travelers from every system looking to make their score on the infamous black market - or experience exotic thrills only the remote world of Batuu has to offer. Beings like the infamous Dok-Ondar, proprietor of rare antiquities, thrive on the unique opportunities that abound on this lawless outpost at the edge of Wild Space. But the First Order has come to Batuu - and now its survival is at stake! The road to Black Spire's salvation begins in the past...with a job that Han Solo and Chewbacca once pulled for Dok-Ondar. The newest chapter of the growing Star Wars saga begins with this riveting comic adventure tie-in to the theme park!

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Review: Welcome to the Black Spire Outpost on Batuu! I haven't been yet, but you may have if you've recently visited Disney World or Disney Land. There's obviously a lot of references to how the actual park looks. The cover featured the Millenium Falcon just like the actual attraction. 

This graphic novel tells one story focusing on one of the original characters made for the parks: Dok-Ondar. Within the big story there are four smaller tales being retold. Han Solo deals with a baby sarlacc. Greedo's ego is showcased. Hando comes in contact with the Guardians of the Whills. And, Doctor Aphra travels to the Sith Homeworld of Moraband. Each of these stories show off different aspects of the park that you can see for yourself if you go in person. This is what Star Wars does so well, making connections and building a big lived-in world.

There are plenty of wonderful references. Ki-Adi-Mundi and Chirrut are just two of my favorites. Dok-Ondar is the true star of this book. He's an underworld mastermind.

I give this book a 3.5/5. It's full of fun stories with connections to the park and featured characters from different eras. This definitely is a tie-in story, though. 


--PAUL

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

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Title: Star Wars: Tie Fighter
Writer: Jody Houser
Artists: Roge Antonio, Joshua Cassara, Geraldo Borges, & Ig Guara
Recent Release Date: October 15, 2019


Synopsis: Enter Shadow Wing! The Empire's salvation - the Rebellion's doom! As the war between the rebels and the Galactic Empire stretches on, it is the innocent people of the galaxy who are most at risk. An elite squadron of TIE fighter pilots is assembled to help protect Imperial interests - and hammer the Emperor's fury down upon the treasonous and violent Rebel Alliance. But how far is this untested team willing to go to preserve law and order? And are the pilots of Shadow Wing as loyal to the Empire as they seem?

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Review: This Star Wars comic follows the Shadow Wing Squadron of the Empire from the Battle of Hoth to the destruction of the second Death Star. This is part of a cross-media tie-in with Alpha Squadron. This book is full of references to other stories and characters, almost to its own detriment. 

There are a lot of interesting characters and a decent enough story, but there isn't enough focus. Too many peaks at other characters that aren't relevant to this story are given too much spotlight. There's even an asterick referencing the Solo tie-in comic Imperial Cadet. I wasn't sure which characters were new to this story and which ones were just references. 

I did enjoy the pacing, though. We really got to see the Shadow Squadron experience some stuff. It's an unusual style having every issue end with a flashback though. I'd love to see these characters reappear. What do they do after the Emperor is gone?

I give this book a 3.5/5. It's not enough of a story on its own. It relies too much on references and doesn't do enough on its own.   


--PAUL

Star Wars, Vol. 11: The Scourging of Shu-Torun

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Title: Star Wars, Vol. 11: The Scourging of Shu-Torun
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Andrea Broccardo, Angel Unzueta, & GURU-eFX
Release Date: August 13, 2019


Synopsis: Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo and the heroic Rebel Alliance have suffered one of their greatest defeats. Separated from their friends and ruthlessly hunted by Darth Vader and the evil Galactic Empire, Luke and his band of freedom fighters haven't given in. United with new allies and with new purpose, the Rebels are ready to go back on the offensive - and hit the Empire where it hurts the most. A little payback wouldn't hurt either. Queen Trios messed with the wrong princess of Alderaan. It's time for "The Scourging of Shu-Torun." Don't miss writer Kieron Gillen and artists Angel Unzueta and Andrea Broccardo's next blockbuster Star Wars team-up!

COLLECTING: STAR WARS 62-67

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Review: This ongoing story continues. This is the eleventh volume and it sounds like theres only a few more to go before this series ends. So I guess I'll continue reading it. If you've seen any of my other reviews for this series, you'll know that I have been enjoying it less and less. Telling stories with the main trio during a set time frame is so limiting. Some great original characters were introduced, but the focus is still on characters we already know too well who can't have big emotional arcs.

In this volume, Leia wants some revenge. Convenient revenge. The clawdite from earlier in the series is back to help. I really enjoyed that character so I was happy to see the shape shifter return. Two Tubes from Rogue One is also heavily featured. I like how this series has pretty consistently had tie-ins to minor characters. 

One of my favorite tropes is featured in the beginning of this volume: when a play is being put on about the events of the story within the story. Luc Swordswinger!

This volume is essentially a heist story. It's self-contained, but still features characters from the ongoing story. I liked some character moments, but I am so ready for this series to be brought to a good conclusion. Let's get to Hoth! I give this volume a 3/5. 


--PAUL

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion - Heroes (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Age of Rebellion - Heroes
Writers: Greg Pek & Marc Guggenheim
Artists: Chris Sprouse, Karl Story, Andrea Broccardo, & Matteo Buffagni
Recent Release Date: August 20, 2019

Age of Republic - Villains
Age of Republic - Heroes

Age of Rebellion - Villains

Synopsis: Writer Greg Pak (WEAPON H and WEAPON X) teams up with artists Chris Sprouse (BLACK PANTHER) and more to tell stunning adventures starring the greatest heroes from the original Star Wars film trilogy. What exactly did Han and Chewie do with all that reward money? What harrowing battles did Leia and Lando fight on the way to infiltrate Jabba's palace? STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION fills in the gaps between and complements the fan-favorite, iconic Star Wars moments, shedding new light on the films' eternal conflict between the light and the dark, good and evil.

COLLECTING: STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION - HAN SOLO 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION - LANDO CALRISSIAN 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION - LUKE SKYWALKER 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION - PRINCESS LEIA 1 

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Review: This was the volume I was least looking forward to of these collections. The heroes from the original trilogy era have gotten plenty of stories, especially in the ongoing Star Wars comic taking place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. Thankfully these stories are mostly outside of that specific time frame. 

Leia is the focus of the first story, which takes place after The Empire Strikes Back. Boushh is featured and some details of how Leia, Chewie, & Lando's plan for Return of the Jedi came to be are shown. Bossk also shows up. 3/5

Han's story takes place shortly after A New Hope before he has actually committed to being a part of the Rebellion. 3/5

Lando's story shows him trying to be a good leader for his people of Cloud City. He has some business problems and has to figure out his priorities. Lando shows some moral high ground while he also tries his luck. 4/5

Luke's story is the most unique (other than the final story) story, showing how the Emperor was trying to get into Luke's head. This story takes place between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. 4/5

Yoda's story is a fun one. It shows the old jedi master living his life on Dagobah before Luke arrives, remembering the downfall of the jedi. 4/5

This final story is weird. Like really strange. Porkins and Biggs are the focus and the vibe of the story is different than most Marvel Star Wars comic books. It's all about self care and going on vacation, while being haunted by the extreme things that one does during war like killing people. This story pretty much brings the hypocrisy of war and especially the war in the stars to the forefront. This story is either a 1/5 or a 5/5. I seriously can't decide; it's such a strange Star Wars story. I would be intrigued to see more stories from this perspective.

Overall, this book gets a 4/5 from me. I liked seeing the stories that don't take place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. I do wish other minor heroes would have been featured instead of the main trio. They get so many stories already.


--PAUL

Star Wars: Age of Rebellion - Villains (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Age of Rebellion - Villains
Writers: Greg Pek & Simon Spurrier
Artists: Marc Laming, Emilio Laiso, Roland Boschi, Marco Turini, Ramon Bachs, & Caspar Wijngaard
Recent Release Date: August 27, 2019

Age of Republic - Villains
Age of Republic - Heroes

Synopsis: Writer Greg Pak (WEAPON H and WEAPON X) teams up with artists Chris Sprouse (BLACK PANTHER) and more to tell stunning adventures starring the most dangerous villains from the original Star Wars film trilogy. What other schemes did Grand Moff Tarkin hatch aboard the Death Star? STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION fills-in the gaps between and complements the fan favorite, iconic Star Wars moments, shedding new light on the films' eternal conflict between the light and the dark, good and evil.

COLLECTING: STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION - BOBA FETT 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION - DARTH VADER 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION - JABBA THE HUTT 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION - WILHUFF TARKIN 1, STAR WARS: AGE OF REBELLION SPECIAL 1

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Review: This collection of stories focuses on the villains during the original trilogy era. I like that some of these characters aren't always featured as the point-of-view. 

The first story follows Tarkin during the events of A New Hope. He is absolutely ruthless. The past that made him is shown. 4/5

The next story is my favorite from this volume. Boba Fett! The colorful artwork beautifully captures the mostly mute bounty hunter. I especially liked the art style in this story. This story most feels like Boba Fett. This short comic story is the perfect medium for this story. 5/5

Jabba the Hutt is well known as a villain, but this story shows how crafty he can be. On Tatooine, there are many different factions. Jawas. Tuskens. Other Scoundrels. I also liked the Canto Bight reference, bringing the sequel trilogy era to the original trilogy era. 5/5

Darth Vader has probably had the most comics about him since the new canon comics began. I thought this story was probably unnecessary, but it portrayed how much of an outsider Vader was even within the Empire. 4/5

IG-88 is the focus of the last story featured in this volume. This is a story about bounties and how unusual of a droid IG-88 really is. 3/5

Overall, I give this volume a 4/5. I enjoyed the stories from lesser known characters more. The Boba Fett story was excellent.  


--PAUL

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 5: Worst Among Equals (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 4: Worst Among Equals
Writer: Simon Spurrier
Artists: Caspar Wijngaard, Emilio Laiso, & Rachelle Rosenberg
Recent Release Date: June 25, 2019

Vol.1: Aphra
Screaming Citadel
Vol.2: The Enormous Profit
Vol.3: Remastered
Vol.4: The Catastrophe Con

Synopsis: Doctor Aphra - worst among equals! On the run from the law in a massive alien metropolis, Aphra has ten hours to cross the hostile megacity before the bomb implanted in her throat explodes. And don't forget the pack of bounty hunters and crazed cops that are on her tail. No big deal, right? But there's one more wrinkle - Aphra can't stray more than a few paces from her companion without activating the bomb's proximity alert and blowing both of them up. And that companion is Triple-Zero, a sadistic murderous droid who's more interested in Aphra's death than in playing nice... Tune in for a brand-new manic misadventure starring the galaxy's foremost amoral archaeologist! COLLECTING: STAR WARS: DOCTOR APHRA 26-31

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Review: This is my favorite ongoing Star Wars comic series. This volume starts out with the Annual #2 story. It's a fun, little story about some animal wranglers hired by Aphra. The non-lethal Trandoshan is one of my new favorite characters. I'd love to see more stories about Winloss and Nokk.

Doctor Aphra and Triple Zero have to stick together because bombs inside of them will go off if they're too far apart. Cornelius Evazan and Ponda Baba are also featured in this volume. I like seeing background characters getting more fledged out stories. 

You get to see the PR side of the Empire in this volume! The Imperial Propaganda Flagship!

This series has so many great original characters that come back into play when it makes sense. They utilize them so well. 

This volume could be a satisfying conclusion, but I know there's at least a little more to come. I give this volume a 5/5. This series has excellent original characters in original stories. With growth. And still staying connected to the overall Star Wars story.


--PAUL