As I’ve been fully immersed in Star Wars this last month courtesy of Celebration, I picked up a bunch of comics to explore more stories in these wondrous galaxies. Check out my mini reviews for five titles below!
Kanan: First Blood by Greg Weisman and Pepe Larraz
Published by Marvel Comics on May 31, 2016
Genres: Comics, Fiction, Science Fiction, Space
Pages: 144 Format: Paperback Source: Library
4.5/5 Stars
Image and Description Credit: Goodreads
Continue to explore the early days of Kanan Jarrus, the sensational star of STAR WARS REBELS! You’ve seen Kanan’s last adventure as a Padawan, now witness his first! The boy who was Caleb Dune must find his feet as the Clone Wars rage all around him. When the Jedi Temple comes under attack, what can a mere Padawan do to make a difference? Caleb and his new master, Bilaba, will take command of their own clone troop, and lead them into the furious Battle of Mygeeto. But lying in wait for them there are a pair of Separatist Generals, one of whom is one of the most deadly threats in the entire galaxy! Can Caleb and Bilaba survive Grievous?
Collecting KANAN #7-12.
Listen, Star Wars Rebels has given me all the Kanan Jarrus feels and I love discovering more about his past. This second volume shows us his first foray in the Clone Wars and being chosen as a padawan by Master Bilaba. It speaks to both his character, wanting to go to war and then realizing there’s a lot more to it, as well as Bilaba, her concern for her troops and worry about making the same mistakes. Overall I really love it!
Chewbacca by Gerry Dugan and Phil Noto
Published by Marvel Comics on March 8, 2016
Genres: Comics, Fiction, Science Fiction, Space
Pages: 112 Format: Paperback Source: Library
4/5 Stars
Image and Description Credit: Goodreads
Known as the skilled co-pilot of the infamous Millennium Falcon, the legendary Wookiee warrior CHEWBACCA stars in his very own adventure! After the battle of Yavin, Chewbacca is on his own when he crash lands his ship on an Imperial occupied planet. Now stranded, Chewie finds himself caught in the middle of trying to return to the rebellion and helping a young and feisty girl in need. Writer Gerry Duggan (DEADPOOL, 1872, HULK) and artist Phil Noto (BLACK WIDOW, X-23, UNCANNY X-FORCE) bring us a never-before-seen tale of the heroic Wookiee we all know and love.
COLLECTING: STAR WARS: CHEWBACCA 1-5
I’m so glad Chewbacca got his own adventure. It was good to see him go from reluctant Wookiee trying to get home to helping an entire planet fight corruption and the Empire’s hold there. His interactions with Zarro, a young girl fighting back who actually stole the spotlight, were so endearing. Wish there had been a bit more but overall pretty darn good.
Poe Dameron, Vol. 1: Black Squadron by Charles Soule and Phil Noto
Published by Marvel Comics on December 13, 2016
Genres: Comics, Fiction, Science Fiction, Space
Pages: 144 Format: Paperback Source: Library
4/5 Stars
Image and Description Credit: Goodreads
Poe Dameron, former Republic flyer turned Resistance fighter, is the best pilot in the galaxy. Hand-picked for the resistance by General Leia Organa to lead a squadron on a top-secret and vital mission, Poe sets off to investigate sites of historical importance to the Force — revealing backstory leading directly into The Force Awakens! Follow Poe and his X-Wing squadron on covert missions against the First Order, brought to you by writer Charles Soule (STAR WARS: LANDO, DAREDEVIL) and artist Phil Noto (STAR WARS: CHEWBACCA, BLACK WIDOW)!
Collecting issues 1–6 from the ongoing series.
Poe Dameron is a superstar pilot but BB-8 of course stole the show again in this one. This story really feeds right into The Force Awakens and it was cool to see how he worked with his squadron and the interesting cast of characters that have joined the Resistance. I’m definitely interested in what’s going to happen next but my high hopes were slightly dashed.
Lando by Charles Soule and Alex Maleev
Published by Marvel Comics on January 19, 2016
Genres: Comics, Fiction, Science Fiction, Space
Pages: 112 Format: Paperback Source: Library
3.5/5 Stars
Image and Description Credit: Goodreads
You know him, you love him — now, join him for his biggest caper ever as master of charm Lando Calrissian steps into his very own high-stakes adventure! Before he joined the rebellion, before he ran Cloud City, Lando made his way in the galaxy getting by on some swindles, some swagger and a smile. With the loyal Lobot at his side, Lando has a plan to steal a very valuable ship. But has he bitten off more than he can chew? One of the galaxy’s deadliest, most effective trackers is on his tail, and the heist of a lifetime has become a fight to survive! Lando and Lobot took this gig for the easy payday — but if they make it through alive, they’ll never be the same. It’s the tale of a scoundrel in his natural element: trouble!
Collects Lando (2015) #1-5.
There’s definitely not enough Lando Calrissian out there but I had mixed feelings about most of this story. It wasn’t until the end that I truly cared and then I got super emotional. Lobot was definitely a highlight but I’d still like to see more adventures with them.
Obi-Wan & Anakin by Charles Soule and Marco Checchetto
Published by Marvel Comics on July 19, 2016
Genres: Comics, Fiction, Science Fiction, Space
Pages: 120 Format: Paperback Source: Library
4.5/5 Stars
Image and Description Credit: Goodreads
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!
COLLECTING: OBI-WAN AND ANAKIN 1-5
Obi-Wan and Anakin forever!!! I would consume every bit of extra information on their adventures as master and padawan and this story truly delivered. Dealing with Anakin’s difficulty at the Academy and Obi-Wan’s willingness to go wherever his padawan is to teach him gives this one plenty of emotional debt. Add to that an intriguing world with two cultures constantly at war made this quite a wild ride. Definitely recommend this one!
So are you keeping up with the flood of Star Wars comics Marvel has unleashed? Any favorites? Let me know in the comments below!
Shades of Magic Vol. 1: The Steel Prince by V.E. Schwab & Andrea Olimpieri
The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars, Part 3 by Michael Dante DiMartino & Irene Koh
The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars, Part 3 by Faith Erin Hicks, Bryan Konietzko, Michael Dante DiMartino & Peter Wartman
Raven the Pirate Princess, Vol. 4 Two Ships in the Night by Jeremy Whitley & Xenia Pamfil
Raven the Pirate Princess, Vol. 5 Get Lost Together by Jeremy Whitley, Christine Hip, & Nicole D’Andria
Princeless, Vol. 6 Make Yourself Part 2 by Jeremy Whitley, Brett Grunig, & Emily Martin
Spell on Wheels by Kate Leth
Ladycastle by Delilah S. Dawson
Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening by Marjorie M. Liu
Prince in Disguise by Stephanie Kate Strohm
Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo
Hopeful Reads 