Published: October 7, 2020
Cover Artist: Francesco Francavilla
The Obstacle Course Part 1
Writer: Michael Moreci
Artist: Ilias Kyriazis
Colourist: Charlie Kirchoff
Letterer: Jake M. Wood
Invasion of Echo Base
Writer: Nick Brokenshire
Artist: Nick Brokenshire
Colourist: Nick Brokenshire
Letterer: Jake M. Wood
The synopsis;
An exciting new era begins! Each issue in this monthly series will feature two stories starring all your favorite Star Wars characters! Between the events of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, Poe and Finn have taken Rey to a remote planet to continue her Jedi training. But they’re surprised to find that the First Order’s reach extends far and wide. Plus, an all-new tale of the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, Darth Vader!
The review;
There is always one comic, without fail, that I look forward to every month, Star Wars Adventures. It has some of the best writers and artists in comics and really shows the breadth of talent that is in the industry. From the likes of Cavan Scott to Michael Moreci, from Elsa Charretier to Delilah S. Dawson, from Tony Fleecs to Derek Charm, the list is endless and has really showcased what these talents can do in a galaxy far, far away. But what all these writers and artists have done in Adventures, is to bring fun back into Star Wars. The stories are incredible and very well written, but none of the writers have lost sight to what first drew us all to Star Wars, the fun and not taking itself too seriously. It is why with Adventures I can always sit back and relax. When I was told that the previous incarnation was coming to end, I was mortified, only to be reassured that it was nothing more than a rebirth of the series.
Finally, the first issue is here and I’m very excited to see what this issue entails. The first story is by none other than Michael Moreci, who only last week, finished his incredible series of Star Wars: Battle Tales. He has long been a favourite of mine and I’m so pleased he is opening the series. He is joined by well-known comic artist Ilias Kyriazis, who is venturing for the first time into Star Wars. The second story is no stranger to Adventures, Nick Brokenshire, who has written several stories before, each beautifully illustrated and with a great sense of humour. This is already shaping up to be a great issue…
The comic opens with the first part of Moreci’s ‘The Obstacle Course’. I’m going to sound like a broken record, but in case you haven’t read anything by Moreci or my reviews on them, then I better say, Moreci writes Star Wars voices so well. A lot of authors can write a character, but Moreci takes it to a whole new level, where the style of the speech, the words they are saying, you are powerless to not hear the actual voices of the actors and actresses from the films. I’ve always compared this knack to that of Timothy Zahn, who has always been the standout author who can do this. It’s an incredible gift to have and it really brings you into the story and believing in these characters.
And characters is what Moreci is all about. The Rise of Skywalker gives us a small glimpse to the main characters being a new Han, Luke and Leia trio, but not nearly enough of this was seen. Moreci really strips everything away in the story to focus on these three and the relationship that they have with one another. This is about three characters who are looking out for one another and building up the trust that they are going to need in the coming battles. It feels so much like the original three, that you can’t help but see the similarities. What is really interesting, whereas Han was always a little doubtful of Luke’s journey to becoming a Jedi, both Poe and Finn believe in her abilities without question, that her importance to the Resistance and the galaxy can’t be understated. Through this, we can see how much pressure Rey is under to reach her potential and also start contributing to the Resistance, who are in dire need of help.
The similarities to the original trilogy don’t end there, Moreci drops them in throughout the story. We get to see Rey go through Jedi training much like Luke in The Empire Strikes Back. In fact, Artoo helps to design it because he’s seen Luke’s training. I thought this was an excellent touch by Moreci, although Artoo isn’t seen, we still feel his influence in the story. We also learn that much like the Empire trying to find Luke, that Rey is being hunted by the First Order, making her very well known throughout the galaxy. It’s these little points that have a huge impact. The reason The Force Awakens was so well received, was because of the same nods back to the original trilogy. Moreci employs the same things here, using some of the same nods. However, we are dealing with new characters and so Moreci is able to use the same points to see how they will affect these characters in different ways to the original cast. It is building something new on the foundations of something we know and love.
The artwork by Kyriazis is very stylised and very different to artwork I’ve sen in Adventures before. What really stood out were the silhouettes of locations, vehicles and characters, while having the focus on a character. Kyriazis uses this to great effect in the issue. His choice of alien creatures was also wonderful to see, drawing from a wide range of species, from the films to the television series. It is very easy to follow and the way Kyriazis shows movement really keeps the pace of the entire story.
The second story is ‘Invasion of Echo Base’. As with the previous Adventures series, the second story suffers with the same issue: space. It is always shorter and so the second tale always has to be quick and to the point. The issue with this, is that there are some stories that are just begging to be longer, to have the writer have more space to tell their story. This is certainly one of them. The story follows the events at the start of The Empire Strikes Back, but from Vader’s point of view. It is always a gamble, using something so beloved by fans but Brokenshire does an incredible job. We see parts of the story that we know must have happened but have not actually seen. Brokenshire goes so far to put part of a deleted scene into the story. But where the story really shines, is the flashback images with Vader. It is this that makes this story so good, seeing how Vader is feeling as he is trying to track Luke. Luke is the missing piece for Vader, that as soon as he learnt his name, he needed to find him. This is a villain who wants to meet his son, and with that comes expectation, hope and trepidation. All of this comes through these pages in quite a profound way and you can almost feel the need Vader has but also the anxiety if he does get to see Luke face to face.
This all works so beautifully for one reason, the artwork. Not only has Brokenshire written the piece, but he has also illustrated it as well. The story has few words, most lifted straight from the films. It is the artwork that brings these emotions out, timed perfectly with the words. The artwork is breathtaking. As soon as I opened the page, I gasped. Brokenshire really brings the feel of The Empire Strikes Back to this piece. It is a scene beloved by many, and as such, it is open to more criticism than other scenes. Yet the detail, the style, it all shows a love for this film and it enhances what we already know, rather than being a detriment. Every panel is a joy to behold and I know I will be going back to look ever more closely at this beautiful work.
It is wonderful to have Adventures back, its absence has been noticed! As a first issue, this does exactly what it needs to, showing the very best that this comic can offer to fans. The first story is extremely well written (it is Moreci after all) and offers prequel fans a chance to see how the three main characters are able to bond between the movies. It also has enough about it to intrigue the original fanboy. I can’t wait to see where the story goes next issue. The second issue is a love letter to The Empire Strikes Back and has artwork that you can’t help but be drawn in. My only complaint? I just wanted to see more of the incredible work! If you have yet to read a Star Wars Adventures comic, then this is the perfect opportunity for you. A new start with writers and artists that will make you wonder why it took you so long to read an issue. I know one thing, at the end of reading this issue, I had fun! And at its core, that’s what being in a galaxy far, far away is all about…
Availability;
Star Wars Adventures is an ongoing series available from IDW Publishing. This issue is available from all good comic bookstores in the USA and from Forbidden Planet in the UK. This issue retails at $3.99.
