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: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 2: The Enormous Profit (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 2: The Enormous Profit
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Marc Laming with Will Sliney, Kev Walker, & Marc Deering
Recent Release Date: February 6, 2018

Doctor Aphra Volume 1
Screaming Citadel

Synopsis: Aphra's back with a brand-new plan that's guaranteed to pay! There's just one teensy problem... it involves surrounding herself with some of the galaxy's biggest baddies. And they don't like the not-so-good doctor's tricks! Her mission to make quick credits by auctioning off an ancient Jedi artifact will start well... and end badly. And that's just when a dark figure from Aphra's past decides to make an appearance! Plus, a solo focus on Aphra's Wookiee shadow, Black Krrsantan! Find out why this beastly bounty hunter is as frightening as they say... and then some! 

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Review: I am very much enjoying the Doctor Aphra character. She's not on the good side, she's not on the bad side, and she has a scientific and dark mind. This volume starts out with Black Krrsantan's backstory. I like how he's obviously a Chewbacca counterpart as well as the murder droids are mirrors to the original droid duo, but they all have really come into their own. The murder droids are excellent in this volume and I'm super excited to see where they go next. I could see them having their own ongoing series. There are plenty of fun black market characters in this story. Just like Doctor Aphra herself, this volume is fun and dark. By the end of this volume, the dynamic has changed and I can't wait to see where it goes next. 

I give this volume a 5/5. I want more original characters like Doctor Aphra!


--PAUL