Welcome to another new column I will attempt to write on a weekly basis (If you’re keeping count, that makes three total!). I have been into comics longer than I’ve been into music (Going on 30 years now) so this is a no-brainer for me. Going forward, we’ll have some chats about the latest comic news and maybe a review or two on singles issues (like today) or hot trade paperbacks. Maybe I’ll rant about my hatred of the Spider-Man “One More Day” storyline one week or profess my love for the IDW GI Joe series the next. The point is, there is no point except that I like comics.
But onto week number one!
The fine folks at Dark Horse Comics have decided to help us out with our fledgling adventure so this week we have a review of The Star Wars #1
for you. I’ve always considered myself more of a Star Wars guy than a Trekker (Although in recent years that’s changed slightly…) so the promise of a new series based on the original George Lucas screenplay is a dream come true for fans.
But is it any good?
The first of an eight issue maxi series, The Star Wars #1 is a pretty interesting read and sets up quite a bit right off the bat. Kind of a Marvel What If? or DC “New 52” if you’re looking for comparisons. As far as similarities with Episode IV, you still have your Princess Leia and Darth Vader (The former being a lot younger and the latter being a whole lot less mechanical) but for the most part this is a whole different galaxy far, far away.
For starters there’s now a Bail Antilles (!), an Emperor who looks more like Marvel’s The Leader or Ming The Merciless than Ian Mcdiarmid’s creep, a “General Skywalker” who looks like a certain filmmaker, and an Annikin but not the one you know.
It’s a great read through and through for fans of the series, those just casually curious, and of course the uber-geeks. I, for one, am excited to see where writer J.W. Rinzler goes next and how Mike Mayhew’s art will captivate even more (Can’t wait for Han Solo and Chewbacca!).
The Star Wars #1 is in comic shops today thanks to Dark Horse Comics. Find a shop close to you here!
Grade: A
4 comments
GG says:
Sep 4, 2013
KJ alert, KJ alert!
I am not a comics fan though my kids are starting to get into them a bit. However, the only comics I do have are Star Wars related. I have some of the original series. I also have a few Dark Jedi copies.
But this interests me a ton. I may have to go seek out a comic shop, which I haven’t stepped into in a very long time. Love the idea for the column!
Kevin says:
Sep 4, 2013
Yah … totally interested, especially since it’s from the rough draft screenplay. I know that he originally wanted the focus of the original trilogy to be named Starkiller, but changed it to Skywalker. This should be fun. Thanks for the post!
Jesse says:
Sep 5, 2013
First issue was a good read. Definitely worth checking out and thanks for the kind words!!!!
Jesse says:
Sep 5, 2013
Thanks for reading. The takes are super interesting. Can’t wait to see more characters coming soon.