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Star Wars (2015)
Star Wars, Vol. 1: Skywalker Strikes
Collects Star Wars (2015) #1-6.
The greatest space adventure of all returns to Marvel! Luke Skywalker and the ragtag rebels opposing the Galactic Empire are fresh off their biggest victory so far — the destruction of the massive Death Star. But the Empire’s not toppled yet! Join Luke, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2 and the rest of the Rebel Alliance as they fight for freedom against Darth Vader and his evil master, the Emperor! But when a Rebel assault goes wrong, Han and Leia must think fast to make their escape — while Luke comes face-to-face with Darth Vader! In the explosive aftermath, a humbled Luke returns to Tatooine to learn more about his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Meanwhile, Leia and Han undertake a vital — and dangerous — secret mission. But can they succeed without Luke? Plus: the menace of Boba Fett!
The greatest space adventure of all returns to Marvel! Luke Skywalker and the ragtag rebels opposing the Galactic Empire are fresh off their biggest victory so far — the destruction of the massive Death Star. But the Empire’s not toppled yet! Join Luke, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2 and the rest of the Rebel Alliance as they fight for freedom against Darth Vader and his evil master, the Emperor! But when a Rebel assault goes wrong, Han and Leia must think fast to make their escape — while Luke comes face-to-face with Darth Vader! In the explosive aftermath, a humbled Luke returns to Tatooine to learn more about his mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Meanwhile, Leia and Han undertake a vital — and dangerous — secret mission. But can they succeed without Luke? Plus: the menace of Boba Fett!
160 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2015
1821 people are currently reading
6273 people want to read
About the author
Jason Aaron
2,410 books1,654 followersJason Aaron grew up in a small town in Alabama. His cousin, Gustav Hasford, who wrote the semi-autobiographical novel The Short-Timers, on which the feature film Full Metal Jacket was based, was a large influence on Aaron. Aaron decided he wanted to write comics as a child, and though his father was skeptical when Aaron informed him of this aspiration, his mother took Aaron to drug stores, where he would purchase books from spinner racks, some of which he still owns today.
Aaron's career in comics began in 2001 when he won a Marvel Comics talent search contest with an eight-page Wolverine back-up story script. The story, which was published in Wolverine #175 (June 2002), gave him the opportunity to pitch subsequent ideas to editors.
In 2006, Aaron made a blind submission to DC/Vertigo, who published his first major work, the Vietnam War story The Other Side which was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Miniseries, and which Aaron regards as the "second time" he broke into the industry.
Following this, Vertigo asked him to pitch other ideas, which led to the series Scalped, a creator-owned series set on the fictional Prairie Rose Indian Reservation and published by DC/Vertigo.
In 2007, Aaron wrote Ripclaw: Pilot Season for Top Cow Productions. Later that year, Marvel editor Axel Alonso, who was impressed by The Other Side and Scalped, hired Aaron to write issues of Wolverine, Black Panther and eventually, an extended run on Ghost Rider that began in April 2008. His continued work on Black Panther also included a tie-in to the company-wide crossover storyline along with a "Secret Invasion" with David Lapham in 2009.
In January 2008, he signed an exclusive contract with Marvel, though it would not affect his work on Scalped. Later that July, he wrote the Penguin issue of The Joker's Asylum.
After a 4-issue stint on Wolverine in 2007, Aaron returned to the character with the ongoing series Wolverine: Weapon X, launched to coincide with the feature film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Aaron commented, "With Wolverine: Weapon X we'll be trying to mix things up like that from arc to arc, so the first arc is a typical sort of black ops story but the second arc will jump right into the middle of a completely different genre," In 2010, the series was relaunched once again as simply Wolverine. He followed this with his current run on Thor: God of Thunder.
Aaron's career in comics began in 2001 when he won a Marvel Comics talent search contest with an eight-page Wolverine back-up story script. The story, which was published in Wolverine #175 (June 2002), gave him the opportunity to pitch subsequent ideas to editors.
In 2006, Aaron made a blind submission to DC/Vertigo, who published his first major work, the Vietnam War story The Other Side which was nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Miniseries, and which Aaron regards as the "second time" he broke into the industry.
Following this, Vertigo asked him to pitch other ideas, which led to the series Scalped, a creator-owned series set on the fictional Prairie Rose Indian Reservation and published by DC/Vertigo.
In 2007, Aaron wrote Ripclaw: Pilot Season for Top Cow Productions. Later that year, Marvel editor Axel Alonso, who was impressed by The Other Side and Scalped, hired Aaron to write issues of Wolverine, Black Panther and eventually, an extended run on Ghost Rider that began in April 2008. His continued work on Black Panther also included a tie-in to the company-wide crossover storyline along with a "Secret Invasion" with David Lapham in 2009.
In January 2008, he signed an exclusive contract with Marvel, though it would not affect his work on Scalped. Later that July, he wrote the Penguin issue of The Joker's Asylum.
After a 4-issue stint on Wolverine in 2007, Aaron returned to the character with the ongoing series Wolverine: Weapon X, launched to coincide with the feature film X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Aaron commented, "With Wolverine: Weapon X we'll be trying to mix things up like that from arc to arc, so the first arc is a typical sort of black ops story but the second arc will jump right into the middle of a completely different genre," In 2010, the series was relaunched once again as simply Wolverine. He followed this with his current run on Thor: God of Thunder.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,017 reviews
December 30, 2015
This is really good.
And I don’t just mean good as in “This is pretty good for a tie-in comic book.” I mean that this is seriously good as in, “We should use plastic surgery to alter Jason Aaron's appearance so that he is identical to George Lucas. Then we'll invent time travel and send Aaron back to 1999 where he will kidnap and replace Lucas. He will then write better prequels and save us all from much misery and suffering.”
That’s how good it is.
Set shortly after A New Hope, the good guys are trying to infiltrate and destroy an Imperial weapons manufacturing factory only to have their plans complicated when Darth Vader shows up, and during the ensuing battle he gets seriously interested in that untrained kid waving the lightsaber around. Unaware that Vader is on his trail, Luke is getting frustrated that he has no one to train him to be a Jedi while Leia urges the leaders of the Rebellion to keep pushing their temporary advantage against the Empire, and she’s continually frustrated by that scoundrel Han Solo who keeps hanging around.
There’s a lot of smart choices here that build on the events of the first movie. It all flows together in a very organic way, and all of this stuff makes for a compelling story that starts to bridge the gap between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. In addition to that the characters are very well done so that Han Solo in this comic really feels like Han Solo, and it’s not much of a stretch of the imagination to see a young Harrison Ford saying these lines. The art is also very well done with great details that all feel very Star Wars while still having a great sense of pacing for the action.
I did have a small issue with the way that Boba Fett is shoehorned in here. It makes sense that Vader might hire a bounty hunter to backtrack Obi Wan Kenobi and figure out who that kid with him was, but bringing Fett in means that things have to get cute when he confronts Luke because the subsequent movies don’t indicate that they had any previous meetings. That part does feel like a bit of forced fan service.
Still, this was incredibly fun. It feels like you’re reading the script and storyboards to a long lost Star Wars movie.
And I don’t just mean good as in “This is pretty good for a tie-in comic book.” I mean that this is seriously good as in, “We should use plastic surgery to alter Jason Aaron's appearance so that he is identical to George Lucas. Then we'll invent time travel and send Aaron back to 1999 where he will kidnap and replace Lucas. He will then write better prequels and save us all from much misery and suffering.”
That’s how good it is.
Set shortly after A New Hope, the good guys are trying to infiltrate and destroy an Imperial weapons manufacturing factory only to have their plans complicated when Darth Vader shows up, and during the ensuing battle he gets seriously interested in that untrained kid waving the lightsaber around. Unaware that Vader is on his trail, Luke is getting frustrated that he has no one to train him to be a Jedi while Leia urges the leaders of the Rebellion to keep pushing their temporary advantage against the Empire, and she’s continually frustrated by that scoundrel Han Solo who keeps hanging around.
There’s a lot of smart choices here that build on the events of the first movie. It all flows together in a very organic way, and all of this stuff makes for a compelling story that starts to bridge the gap between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. In addition to that the characters are very well done so that Han Solo in this comic really feels like Han Solo, and it’s not much of a stretch of the imagination to see a young Harrison Ford saying these lines. The art is also very well done with great details that all feel very Star Wars while still having a great sense of pacing for the action.
I did have a small issue with the way that Boba Fett is shoehorned in here. It makes sense that Vader might hire a bounty hunter to backtrack Obi Wan Kenobi and figure out who that kid with him was, but bringing Fett in means that things have to get cute when he confronts Luke because the subsequent movies don’t indicate that they had any previous meetings. That part does feel like a bit of forced fan service.
Still, this was incredibly fun. It feels like you’re reading the script and storyboards to a long lost Star Wars movie.
January 6, 2016
The Force is strong in this one!
I got this run on its single comic book issues but I am doing the review using this TPB edition to make a better general review about the whole story. The story is set after the events of “Star Wars IV: A New Hope” but before the events of “Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back”. This TPB edition contains from the title of “Star Wars” #1-6 in its new Marvel Canonic run.
Creative Team:
Writer: Jason Aaron
Illustrator: John Cassaday
THE FORCE IS BACK, BABY!
The great creative team of Jason Aaron and John Cassaday is bringing The Force back to the Star Wars comic books. A brilliant merge between iconic quotes and engaging new dialogues, along with great cinematic-like artwork, where you will get as good as it can be the exciting adventures of Star Wars in the format of comic books.
THE DEATH STAR IS GONE BUT...
The Rebel Alliance accomplished a decisive blow to the Empire by destroying its brand-new mobile station, The Death Star, with the power of obliterating whole planets. This astonishing feat was done by the young Rebel pilot, Luke Skywalker, however the identity of the new Rebel hero isn’t generally known, and therefore, Darth Vader is doing anything possible to find out the name of that pilot who he felt was strong in the Force.
The Galactic Empire suffered a huge economic fall losing the investment done in The Death Star, and now it is contacting the Hutts and other illegal crime lords in the Outer Rim to establish a new line of shipments with any material needed to keep the military structure working.
The Rebel Alliance found out, about this new strategy by the Galactic Empire, and Princess Leia and her team prepared a risky hoax to ruin the operations in Cymoon 1, the major Imperial facility in the manufacture of weapons and military vehicles, located in the Corellian System.
STRONG IN THE FORCE HE IS BUT...
Luke Skywalker is now a Rebel Alliance condecorated hero, responsible for the destruction of The Death Star, and The Force is strong in him, but he is still way too far from being a Jedi, and he is quite aware of that.
Luke knows that if he will be up to the expectations of the Rebel Alliance to make the missions that it needs him to do, and to be able to face the Sith Lord Darth Vader, to avenge the deaths of his brief teacher, Obi Wan Kenobi, and his father, Anakin Skywalker, he needs to find a way to learn more about The Force and how to become a real Jedi. Ironically, that learning journey seems to lead him to get back to where everything started, a place that he thought never to return, a world known as Tatooine.
However, The Force works in mysterious ways and he won’t be alone in Tatooine.
I got this run on its single comic book issues but I am doing the review using this TPB edition to make a better general review about the whole story. The story is set after the events of “Star Wars IV: A New Hope” but before the events of “Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back”. This TPB edition contains from the title of “Star Wars” #1-6 in its new Marvel Canonic run.
Creative Team:
Writer: Jason Aaron
Illustrator: John Cassaday
THE FORCE IS BACK, BABY!
The great creative team of Jason Aaron and John Cassaday is bringing The Force back to the Star Wars comic books. A brilliant merge between iconic quotes and engaging new dialogues, along with great cinematic-like artwork, where you will get as good as it can be the exciting adventures of Star Wars in the format of comic books.
THE DEATH STAR IS GONE BUT...
The Rebel Alliance accomplished a decisive blow to the Empire by destroying its brand-new mobile station, The Death Star, with the power of obliterating whole planets. This astonishing feat was done by the young Rebel pilot, Luke Skywalker, however the identity of the new Rebel hero isn’t generally known, and therefore, Darth Vader is doing anything possible to find out the name of that pilot who he felt was strong in the Force.
The Galactic Empire suffered a huge economic fall losing the investment done in The Death Star, and now it is contacting the Hutts and other illegal crime lords in the Outer Rim to establish a new line of shipments with any material needed to keep the military structure working.
The Rebel Alliance found out, about this new strategy by the Galactic Empire, and Princess Leia and her team prepared a risky hoax to ruin the operations in Cymoon 1, the major Imperial facility in the manufacture of weapons and military vehicles, located in the Corellian System.
STRONG IN THE FORCE HE IS BUT...
Luke Skywalker is now a Rebel Alliance condecorated hero, responsible for the destruction of The Death Star, and The Force is strong in him, but he is still way too far from being a Jedi, and he is quite aware of that.
Luke knows that if he will be up to the expectations of the Rebel Alliance to make the missions that it needs him to do, and to be able to face the Sith Lord Darth Vader, to avenge the deaths of his brief teacher, Obi Wan Kenobi, and his father, Anakin Skywalker, he needs to find a way to learn more about The Force and how to become a real Jedi. Ironically, that learning journey seems to lead him to get back to where everything started, a place that he thought never to return, a world known as Tatooine.
However, The Force works in mysterious ways and he won’t be alone in Tatooine.
December 1, 2015
Sure, this is a blatant attempt to cash in on The Force Awakens mania. Sure, this is all about scratching that nostalgic itch for people of a certain age (being of a certain age myself, I can tell you that we are a very itchy demographic). Sure, you could rightly raise a very cynical eyebrow when contemplating the dubious reasons for this book’s very existence from a creative perspective.
But, you know what? It’s fun. Lots of fun. Probably more fun that it should be. Aaron nails the characters—watching Leia (commanding and forceful…pun fully intended, of course), Luke (at his whiny best), and Han (cocksure and headstrong) trade banter is fantastic (only Han’s dialogue occasionally feels a little forced), as is seeing Vader and Jabba “negotiate” whilst they watch things get killed (very Vlad the Impaler, Jabba). Cassaday’s art is, as always, brilliant, and his cinematic style suits the Star Wars universe as well as it did Whedon’s run on Astonishing X-Men Omnibus. The story is fast-paced, action-packed, fun-filled, and all sorts of other compound adjectives.
So, screw being cynical. I’m just going to enjoy this for the time being. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some lightsaber sounds to make with my mouth.
But, you know what? It’s fun. Lots of fun. Probably more fun that it should be. Aaron nails the characters—watching Leia (commanding and forceful…pun fully intended, of course), Luke (at his whiny best), and Han (cocksure and headstrong) trade banter is fantastic (only Han’s dialogue occasionally feels a little forced), as is seeing Vader and Jabba “negotiate” whilst they watch things get killed (very Vlad the Impaler, Jabba). Cassaday’s art is, as always, brilliant, and his cinematic style suits the Star Wars universe as well as it did Whedon’s run on Astonishing X-Men Omnibus. The story is fast-paced, action-packed, fun-filled, and all sorts of other compound adjectives.
So, screw being cynical. I’m just going to enjoy this for the time being. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some lightsaber sounds to make with my mouth.
November 23, 2015
A (not so very) long time ago (the start of 2015 in fact), when Disney refused to renew Dark Horse’s Star Wars licence and gave it to their company, Marvel, instead…
(Imagine the music playing and the text begin scrolling)
Marvel Star Wars
Jason Aaron and John Cassaday’s Star Wars, Volume 1: Skywalker Strikes
It is a fanboy’s perfect fantasy: set between the two best Star Wars movies, A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, our heroes – who all look like the original cast from way back then - continue their campaign against the Empire in the wake of successfully blowing up the Death Star.
Han Solo leads a covert rebel strike force against the Empire’s biggest weapons factory on Cymoon-1. But things don’t go as planned, especially once the Empire’s “negotiator” appears.
Elsewhere, Luke continues his quest to become a Jedi Knight, Leia discovers a massive secret about Han’s past, and Vader investigates this mystery boy mentored by his old friend, Obi-Wan…
(Text disappears and camera pans down to empty space – annnnnd scene! But seriously, the classic movie opening style is also how the book is introduced!)
Jason Aaron and John Cassaday’s Star Wars is a very good comic and a promising start to Marvel’s new Star Wars line but I don’t think the quality is what made its first issue the biggest-selling single issue in 20 years; the hysteria following that first Star Wars teaser from JJ Abrams’ forthcoming Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, probably had a lot to do with rekindling peoples’ love of the franchise (not to mention that second teaser – they’re home!!!).
That said, the first three issues of this arc are truly outstanding. The rebel attack on Cymoon-1 is expertly choreographed by Aaron who splits up the action between three groups: Chewie, Threepio and the Falcon; Han, Leia and Artoo causing havoc inside the weapons factory; and Luke and Vader duelling. Aaron jumps from one group to the next in perfectly measured doses. The action is exciting and the story fast-moving and completely engrossing. Couple that with Cassaday’s gorgeous art that recalls the glory of those original movies, aided by Laura Martin’s beautiful colours, and it’s the best possible start the series could’ve had.
Then the second half of the book starts and… it’s a bit meandering. Aaron’s tightly-knit first half is gone, replaced with characters basically treading water. Han and Leia go looking for a new rebel base, which we know will be Hoth; Luke and Artoo vaguely look for something to help with his Jedi training; Vader stands around looking menacing, wondering who the kid really is (he and Luke haven’t had the “I am your father scene” yet) – it’s underwhelming stuff following on the heels of that blistering opener.
Star Wars icon Jabba the Hutt has a cameo and fan favourite Boba Fett plays a large role in the second half of the narrative, both of which helps waylay the increasingly slow-moving, er, “story”. Then it ends on a big soap-opera-esque reveal that’s currently generating lots of spoiler-filled articles on comics sites (and isn’t that great a surprise anyway).
Aaron has the voices of the characters down cold, particularly Han whom he writes with a flourish, while Cassaday’s art faithfully replicates the look and feel of those original movies (even if he is a bit too enamoured of the Dutch angle). Besides the second half’s plotting, I have no complaints about the writing or the art – these two are a great match.
In terms of the extended universe that was built up over at Dark Horse, I don’t think Marvel have kept any of it - it’s all gone and they’re starting anew. Not so good for fans of all that stuff, good for new readers jumping on board and only have experience of the movies. I’m not a fan of Star Wars comics (I’ve read only one other Star Wars book before this) and I had a blast – I imagine bigger fans of the franchise will gobble this up!
Star Wars: Skywalker Strikes is a fine first volume from two creators at the top of their game, and perfectly timed by Disney to take advantage of the keen anticipation for The Force Awakens this Christmas. It’s half a superb book but the other half still has plenty of cool moments to keep readers interested. A grand space-operatic fun read!
Here’s hoping you-know-who doesn’t ruin this comic by ever feeling the urge to do a special edition of it!
(Imagine the music playing and the text begin scrolling)
Marvel Star Wars
Jason Aaron and John Cassaday’s Star Wars, Volume 1: Skywalker Strikes
It is a fanboy’s perfect fantasy: set between the two best Star Wars movies, A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, our heroes – who all look like the original cast from way back then - continue their campaign against the Empire in the wake of successfully blowing up the Death Star.
Han Solo leads a covert rebel strike force against the Empire’s biggest weapons factory on Cymoon-1. But things don’t go as planned, especially once the Empire’s “negotiator” appears.
Elsewhere, Luke continues his quest to become a Jedi Knight, Leia discovers a massive secret about Han’s past, and Vader investigates this mystery boy mentored by his old friend, Obi-Wan…
(Text disappears and camera pans down to empty space – annnnnd scene! But seriously, the classic movie opening style is also how the book is introduced!)
Jason Aaron and John Cassaday’s Star Wars is a very good comic and a promising start to Marvel’s new Star Wars line but I don’t think the quality is what made its first issue the biggest-selling single issue in 20 years; the hysteria following that first Star Wars teaser from JJ Abrams’ forthcoming Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, probably had a lot to do with rekindling peoples’ love of the franchise (not to mention that second teaser – they’re home!!!).
That said, the first three issues of this arc are truly outstanding. The rebel attack on Cymoon-1 is expertly choreographed by Aaron who splits up the action between three groups: Chewie, Threepio and the Falcon; Han, Leia and Artoo causing havoc inside the weapons factory; and Luke and Vader duelling. Aaron jumps from one group to the next in perfectly measured doses. The action is exciting and the story fast-moving and completely engrossing. Couple that with Cassaday’s gorgeous art that recalls the glory of those original movies, aided by Laura Martin’s beautiful colours, and it’s the best possible start the series could’ve had.
Then the second half of the book starts and… it’s a bit meandering. Aaron’s tightly-knit first half is gone, replaced with characters basically treading water. Han and Leia go looking for a new rebel base, which we know will be Hoth; Luke and Artoo vaguely look for something to help with his Jedi training; Vader stands around looking menacing, wondering who the kid really is (he and Luke haven’t had the “I am your father scene” yet) – it’s underwhelming stuff following on the heels of that blistering opener.
Star Wars icon Jabba the Hutt has a cameo and fan favourite Boba Fett plays a large role in the second half of the narrative, both of which helps waylay the increasingly slow-moving, er, “story”. Then it ends on a big soap-opera-esque reveal that’s currently generating lots of spoiler-filled articles on comics sites (and isn’t that great a surprise anyway).
Aaron has the voices of the characters down cold, particularly Han whom he writes with a flourish, while Cassaday’s art faithfully replicates the look and feel of those original movies (even if he is a bit too enamoured of the Dutch angle). Besides the second half’s plotting, I have no complaints about the writing or the art – these two are a great match.
In terms of the extended universe that was built up over at Dark Horse, I don’t think Marvel have kept any of it - it’s all gone and they’re starting anew. Not so good for fans of all that stuff, good for new readers jumping on board and only have experience of the movies. I’m not a fan of Star Wars comics (I’ve read only one other Star Wars book before this) and I had a blast – I imagine bigger fans of the franchise will gobble this up!
Star Wars: Skywalker Strikes is a fine first volume from two creators at the top of their game, and perfectly timed by Disney to take advantage of the keen anticipation for The Force Awakens this Christmas. It’s half a superb book but the other half still has plenty of cool moments to keep readers interested. A grand space-operatic fun read!
Here’s hoping you-know-who doesn’t ruin this comic by ever feeling the urge to do a special edition of it!
April 11, 2016
In the aftermath of A New Hope, The Rebellion is struggling to get along. When Luke Skywalker comes face to face with Darth Vader on a raid, his destiny takes a turn. Who will the Empire send after him? And who is the mysterious woman stalking Han Solo?
Imagine my surprise when I returned from the inescapable Christmas morass to find this sitting in my cube.
Confession time: There were several times in my life when I binged on everything Star Wars. I've got a hundred or so action figures in a box in my basement and I've read quite a few of the Expanded Universe novels. I wasn't planning on reading this since I thought Dark Empire and Dark Empire II sucked and haven't been up for Star Wars comics much after that.
Jason Aaron's tale hit all the right beats and actually felt like a Star Wars comic rather than a comic that happened to have Star Wars characters in it. I liked the Boba Fett subplot but I loved the revelation of who was stalking Han Solo. I thought there may have been a few too many shout outs to Return of the Jedi, though, with the speeder bikes and the garb that resembled Lando's disguise.
John Cassady's artwork was spot-on for the most part, although I thought his Darth Vader could use a little work. He did a good job on the Big Three's faces, however, and did a great job on the action.
Overall, I think this volume did a good job at building the beginning of the bridge between Episodes IV and V and I'll be ready to take on more, should they cross my path. 3.5 out of 5. The Force is strong with this one.
Imagine my surprise when I returned from the inescapable Christmas morass to find this sitting in my cube.
Confession time: There were several times in my life when I binged on everything Star Wars. I've got a hundred or so action figures in a box in my basement and I've read quite a few of the Expanded Universe novels. I wasn't planning on reading this since I thought Dark Empire and Dark Empire II sucked and haven't been up for Star Wars comics much after that.
Jason Aaron's tale hit all the right beats and actually felt like a Star Wars comic rather than a comic that happened to have Star Wars characters in it. I liked the Boba Fett subplot but I loved the revelation of who was stalking Han Solo. I thought there may have been a few too many shout outs to Return of the Jedi, though, with the speeder bikes and the garb that resembled Lando's disguise.
John Cassady's artwork was spot-on for the most part, although I thought his Darth Vader could use a little work. He did a good job on the Big Three's faces, however, and did a great job on the action.
Overall, I think this volume did a good job at building the beginning of the bridge between Episodes IV and V and I'll be ready to take on more, should they cross my path. 3.5 out of 5. The Force is strong with this one.
December 12, 2017
Not liked very much the final cliffhanger, but this comic Episode 4.5 of the Star Wars franchise was just epic and far better than expected.
And Vader using Storm Troopers as human shields almost made me laugh to tears! XD
March 15, 2017
I was expecting a possibly irrelevant-bonus-mission kind of story arc here.
Yea, that was NOT what I expected.
The story takes place between "New hope" and "Empire strikes back". We find our heroes on a mission to sabotage different strategic facilities of the empire to weaken their hold on the galaxy.
And as usual, things went south.
The first three chapters are total kick ass, featuring spectacular showdowns and excellent chemistry between characters that successfully mimics the original trilogy's charm.
*Their marriage must've been really fun*
The fourth and fifth chapter considerably slows down, only to deliver an excellent final chapter. The story brings back many delightful old foes and friends. The best part is... they are not here as cameos!
And the last two page! I would do sacrifices to old gods just to see a live action of the final scene!
Glorious!
Yea, that was NOT what I expected.
The story takes place between "New hope" and "Empire strikes back". We find our heroes on a mission to sabotage different strategic facilities of the empire to weaken their hold on the galaxy.
And as usual, things went south.
The first three chapters are total kick ass, featuring spectacular showdowns and excellent chemistry between characters that successfully mimics the original trilogy's charm.
*Their marriage must've been really fun*
The fourth and fifth chapter considerably slows down, only to deliver an excellent final chapter. The story brings back many delightful old foes and friends. The best part is... they are not here as cameos!
And the last two page! I would do sacrifices to old gods just to see a live action of the final scene!
Glorious!
April 21, 2020
Worth the price of the book just for John Cassaday's art. The characters are so lifelike and actually look like the actors involved. Set right after the end of Episode 4, this is a worthy addition to the Star Wars universe.
December 17, 2015
Pretty interesting. It takes place right after Ep. 4 and gives us all a nice taste of Luke and the gang before they got all badass. Some story pieces get filled in between the movies, the iconic banter and classics are all in place. It's a nostalgic piece, and in my opinion, SO much better than all the comics that came out at the original release.
After all, this has all the pieces from Ep 1-6 to draw from, plus the millions of fans who want exactly this kind of pretty adventure.
Hell. I'm one of them. Fanboys and fangirls are all the same. :)
It's fun.
It's not high-lit. Its all the bluster and laser blasting and close calls we could ever want. :)
After all, this has all the pieces from Ep 1-6 to draw from, plus the millions of fans who want exactly this kind of pretty adventure.
Hell. I'm one of them. Fanboys and fangirls are all the same. :)
It's fun.
It's not high-lit. Its all the bluster and laser blasting and close calls we could ever want. :)
October 18, 2022
Reread: 18/10/2022
So yeah my another time rereading it this year and what can i say, its still fun, I like the fast paced nature of it and how it introduces readers to the crew and supporting cast and also like the status of the galaxy and awesome moments for all Leia, Luke and Han and cool cameos and a surprise reveal at the end, and also segueing into the next series pretty well. Also the art is just too good and a pleasure to look at!
______________________________________________________________
Reread: 15/05/2022
Rereading it and I am loving it more, the story is so fast paced and I love the way the whole thing plays out. The rebels destroying weapons on Cymoon-1 was fun to read again and I love the dynamics between the characters. Its great seeing Darth vader and also Boba Fett show up and some interesting challenges building for Luke and a surprise reveal in the end! Quite fast paced read wth amazing artwork and even better writing! A must recommend!
________________________________________________________________________
It was a fun read. We start with the Rebels aka Luke, Han and Leia and C-3PO and R2-D2 and Chewbacca attacking the Empire base on Cy-Moon 1 until the negotiator aka Darth Vader arrives. They have to battle it out with these people and face various difficulties like Luke saving those prisoners and fighting Vader and the team barely manage to escape from them. Then Vader goes to meet Jabba the Hutt and Luke goes to find his own meaning of "Jedi" to Tattooine in Ben Kenobi's place with Boba Fett after him. While Han and Leia go to scout a new Rebel base until they meet Sana..
This book was so fun to read, makes you nostalgic and has cool moments and call backs and references. Characters act the way they should and everyone gets a moment to shine. Meanwhile Adversaries and Challenges old and new come their way. Luke is going to go through some serious transformation here now.
So yeah my another time rereading it this year and what can i say, its still fun, I like the fast paced nature of it and how it introduces readers to the crew and supporting cast and also like the status of the galaxy and awesome moments for all Leia, Luke and Han and cool cameos and a surprise reveal at the end, and also segueing into the next series pretty well. Also the art is just too good and a pleasure to look at!
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Reread: 15/05/2022
Rereading it and I am loving it more, the story is so fast paced and I love the way the whole thing plays out. The rebels destroying weapons on Cymoon-1 was fun to read again and I love the dynamics between the characters. Its great seeing Darth vader and also Boba Fett show up and some interesting challenges building for Luke and a surprise reveal in the end! Quite fast paced read wth amazing artwork and even better writing! A must recommend!
________________________________________________________________________
It was a fun read. We start with the Rebels aka Luke, Han and Leia and C-3PO and R2-D2 and Chewbacca attacking the Empire base on Cy-Moon 1 until the negotiator aka Darth Vader arrives. They have to battle it out with these people and face various difficulties like Luke saving those prisoners and fighting Vader and the team barely manage to escape from them. Then Vader goes to meet Jabba the Hutt and Luke goes to find his own meaning of "Jedi" to Tattooine in Ben Kenobi's place with Boba Fett after him. While Han and Leia go to scout a new Rebel base until they meet Sana..
This book was so fun to read, makes you nostalgic and has cool moments and call backs and references. Characters act the way they should and everyone gets a moment to shine. Meanwhile Adversaries and Challenges old and new come their way. Luke is going to go through some serious transformation here now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2018
I probably went into this with lowered expectations - I had read Poe Dameron: Black Squadron earlier in the week and was left a little underwhelmed by it - but Skywalker Strikes felt like it belonged right at home within the SW universe. I mean, I really enjoyed this volume.
Set firmly between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, the fast-paced story makes all sorts of visual, dialogue, and characteristic references that those familiar with the original film trilogy will appreciate. The artwork is spot-on, with SW's holy trinity (Leia / Luke / Han) being illustrated to greatly resemble their original performers. If this doesn't sound crazy you will likely hear Ben Burtt's well-known sound effects and John Williams' score in your head while all of the actions unfolds.
If nothing else, there were some little details / touches that had me convinced that it was produced by fans for fans. The front cover blurb by ComicBook.com is "The perfect Star Wars comic" -- I'll raise a glass of Corellian wine to that opinion. Bring on the sequel!
Set firmly between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back, the fast-paced story makes all sorts of visual, dialogue, and characteristic references that those familiar with the original film trilogy will appreciate. The artwork is spot-on, with SW's holy trinity (Leia / Luke / Han) being illustrated to greatly resemble their original performers. If this doesn't sound crazy you will likely hear Ben Burtt's well-known sound effects and John Williams' score in your head while all of the actions unfolds.
If nothing else, there were some little details / touches that had me convinced that it was produced by fans for fans. The front cover blurb by ComicBook.com is "The perfect Star Wars comic" -- I'll raise a glass of Corellian wine to that opinion. Bring on the sequel!
![Profile Image for Hannahhh ;) [free palestine].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1716322390i%2F174687111._UY200_CR29%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 28, 2025
⊹₊⟡⋆pre-read:
it’s gonna be so weird switching from Vader’s perspective to the rebels but still I’m so excited to read this 🤭. I can’t deny anything Star Wars ofc
⊹₊⟡⋆review:
~4.5 stars (rounded down)
This was so good ahhhh!! It took a little bit to get used to the different art style and perspective, but the artwork was so damn beautiful. Reading these Star Wars comics has given me a new appreciation for comics and graphic novels bc the talent and passion that goes into them is incredible.
The characters in this were ofc fantastic, I love them so much. And they were portrayed so well, it may as well have been one of the films. The banter between Han and Leia was straight out of one of the originals I swear and now I’m craving a Han x Leia romance book. Oh I also really liked that Boba Fett made an appearance bc his character is so cool ngl, after watching Book of Boba Fett (whenever that was) I’ve liked his character so much more.
The plot was really good as well, I love getting to find out more about the Star Wars universe and discovering new places and events.
Now I HAVE to rewatch all the films ⤷ I feel like any Star Wars fan feels the constant need to rewatch everything. Bc I can start from the beginning and what everything in chronological order but by the time I’ve finished, I’m ready to watch the acolyte/the phantom menace again.
Oh and I really want to read the rest of the series now, but it’ll have to wait until next time I get kindle unlimited :((
it’s gonna be so weird switching from Vader’s perspective to the rebels but still I’m so excited to read this 🤭. I can’t deny anything Star Wars ofc
⊹₊⟡⋆review:
~4.5 stars (rounded down)
This was so good ahhhh!! It took a little bit to get used to the different art style and perspective, but the artwork was so damn beautiful. Reading these Star Wars comics has given me a new appreciation for comics and graphic novels bc the talent and passion that goes into them is incredible.
The characters in this were ofc fantastic, I love them so much. And they were portrayed so well, it may as well have been one of the films. The banter between Han and Leia was straight out of one of the originals I swear and now I’m craving a Han x Leia romance book. Oh I also really liked that Boba Fett made an appearance bc his character is so cool ngl, after watching Book of Boba Fett (whenever that was) I’ve liked his character so much more.
The plot was really good as well, I love getting to find out more about the Star Wars universe and discovering new places and events.
Now I HAVE to rewatch all the films ⤷ I feel like any Star Wars fan feels the constant need to rewatch everything. Bc I can start from the beginning and what everything in chronological order but by the time I’ve finished, I’m ready to watch the acolyte/the phantom menace again.
Oh and I really want to read the rest of the series now, but it’ll have to wait until next time I get kindle unlimited :((
February 18, 2020
"Who knew anyone of note was ever born on Tatooine, eh?"
Welp, this was fun!
I love the extra depth it gives the characters. Because let's be real, there had to be a lot they worked on between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. And being able to witness those struggles is gonna be fun.
It already is fun.
There are some pretty beautiful scenes in here too. I'm not a particular fan of the art style but I can appreciate those beautiful frames.
Oh, and that ending!
I did not know what to think about that. Well, that's not quite true, originally I thought it was not canon but that I had stumbled into one of the legends comics. But, nope, it is official... I don't know what that means and I don't know if I like it.
Anyway, it is and interesting setup.
_________________
Oh, I'm so ready to re-visit this era of Star Wars!
It's gonna be so nostalgic.
I'm so excited!!!
Welp, this was fun!
I love the extra depth it gives the characters. Because let's be real, there had to be a lot they worked on between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. And being able to witness those struggles is gonna be fun.
It already is fun.
There are some pretty beautiful scenes in here too. I'm not a particular fan of the art style but I can appreciate those beautiful frames.
Oh, and that ending!
I did not know what to think about that. Well, that's not quite true, originally I thought it was not canon but that I had stumbled into one of the legends comics. But, nope, it is official... I don't know what that means and I don't know if I like it.
Anyway, it is and interesting setup.
_________________
Oh, I'm so ready to re-visit this era of Star Wars!
It's gonna be so nostalgic.
I'm so excited!!!
December 3, 2023
4.75 stars ...
Oh, this was SO freakin' fun!! 👍😁👍
Oh, this was SO freakin' fun!! 👍😁👍
October 28, 2015
It shocked the hell out of me, but this is actually really good. I was sort of banking on it being acceptable, but this is well more than that. Aaron has the voices of the characters down cold, especially Han Solo. It looks incredible. As long as the characters basically look like themselves, I'm usually happy with media tie in comics, but this is above and beyond that. Everybody looks perfect, and the art is actually objectively really good outside of just being accurate representations. The first few issues are nicely plotted and action packed. This felt so much like a good Star Wars movie that I was already delighted. The last couple issues are a little more meandering, which is kind of par for the course with Star Wars. It does slow things down a bit, though. But the last issue does have that incredible moment where Vader finds out who Luke really is. It's dramatic and instantly memorable (that image of Vader standing at the cracked window is going to stick) and a hell of a lot more restrained and effective than the end of Revenge of the Sith. Overall, this is a great way to treat a beloved franchise.
December 12, 2015
Well, this was pretty good, as far as fan-fiction goes.
I liked the interaction between Han and Leia, I liked the general tone of the book, I liked the opening raid on the Imperial weapons factory and I liked John Cassaday's artwork quite a bit; he nailed the actor likenesses 90% of the time, which is pretty good going.
I didn't really like ; it felt a bit too much like fanboy wankery to me. I also let out a huge groan at the reveal of at the end of #6... but I'm willing to give Aaron the benefit of the doubt for now and see where he's going with this.
Overall, I give the story a three and the artwork a four, for an average of 3.5 stars, but as Goodreads doesn't allow half stars I'm going to round up to four because I'm nice... and because nobody gives a crap what I think anyway.
I liked the interaction between Han and Leia, I liked the general tone of the book, I liked the opening raid on the Imperial weapons factory and I liked John Cassaday's artwork quite a bit; he nailed the actor likenesses 90% of the time, which is pretty good going.
I didn't really like ; it felt a bit too much like fanboy wankery to me. I also let out a huge groan at the reveal of at the end of #6... but I'm willing to give Aaron the benefit of the doubt for now and see where he's going with this.
Overall, I give the story a three and the artwork a four, for an average of 3.5 stars, but as Goodreads doesn't allow half stars I'm going to round up to four because I'm nice... and because nobody gives a crap what I think anyway.
May 20, 2019
Not bad Jason Aaron has always been very hit and miss for me, but this was everything a Star Wars tale should be. Break neck pacing, with great action, narrow escapes, fun banter amongst the characters The creators successfully embodied the cast from the original movies. We are also treated to lots of new content. Overall a great edition to the SW universe
December 8, 2015
WARNING! This comic book may cause fangasm!
The Force is strong with Aaron and Cassaday! Their work reminds me of George Lucas at his best! It is a wild ride full of fist-pump-worthy moments, plus it’s rendered with such care to each character’s likeness that it’s practically like watching a secret Star Wars movie that was never released- Star Wars Episode 4.5 Skywalker Strikes!
Ps; Stormtroopers still can’t hit anything ;)
The Force is strong with Aaron and Cassaday! Their work reminds me of George Lucas at his best! It is a wild ride full of fist-pump-worthy moments, plus it’s rendered with such care to each character’s likeness that it’s practically like watching a secret Star Wars movie that was never released- Star Wars Episode 4.5 Skywalker Strikes!
Ps; Stormtroopers still can’t hit anything ;)
July 27, 2018
Damn, I'm absolutely shocked and amazed. Why you ask? I wasn't expecting much from this graphic novel but found a very cool story set after A New Hope. All my favorite SW characters were there, acting like their old selves, kicking ass, cracking jokes, and bring fun back to the series. The art was great too!
Can't wait to binge read the rest of the series over the weekend.
Can't wait to binge read the rest of the series over the weekend.
July 6, 2021
Appalling fanwank. Aaron writes Star Wars with the craft of a small child who has just watched the Star Wars trilogy and wants nothing more than to quote it back to his parents. In six issues Luke confronts Vader, Luke confronts Boba Fett, Vader meets Jabba and Han acts like a cad towards Leia - multiple times - all whilst re-quoting the entirety of the Original trilogy back at us in a bastardized form. I couldn't imagine a worse Star Wars comic even if I closed my eyes and used the force, I only give it 2 stars because Cassaday is a great artist when he's on form; sadly Cassaday is not on form here and the inking is fairly poor.
This smacks of a rushed out Marvel product designed to cash in on the excitement of Force Awakens but not thinking about how to maintain that excitement in the long term. ironically one of the poorer Star Wars series I'd read prior to this was Marvel's original Star Wars comic, which also felt like it had been written by a small child ... I truly hope they aren't all this bad.
***
2021 Review
I don't have time for a full reassessment. This wasn't as awful as it was first time around and now we have a lot of Star Wars material from Marvel I'm interested in looking at it again. My feeling about it being fanwanky still stands but it is at least in line with other pre-OT movies comics. My major disappointment lies with the fact that Dark Horse had been putting out really good Star Wars comics and were doing so when Disney cancelled them and we got .... this. I still feel that way, this volume and none that I've read subsequently really expand on the Star Wars universe in the interesting ways that Dark Horse were keen to. A very bums on seats approach from Marvel here.
This smacks of a rushed out Marvel product designed to cash in on the excitement of Force Awakens but not thinking about how to maintain that excitement in the long term. ironically one of the poorer Star Wars series I'd read prior to this was Marvel's original Star Wars comic, which also felt like it had been written by a small child ... I truly hope they aren't all this bad.
***
2021 Review
I don't have time for a full reassessment. This wasn't as awful as it was first time around and now we have a lot of Star Wars material from Marvel I'm interested in looking at it again. My feeling about it being fanwanky still stands but it is at least in line with other pre-OT movies comics. My major disappointment lies with the fact that Dark Horse had been putting out really good Star Wars comics and were doing so when Disney cancelled them and we got .... this. I still feel that way, this volume and none that I've read subsequently really expand on the Star Wars universe in the interesting ways that Dark Horse were keen to. A very bums on seats approach from Marvel here.
October 26, 2020
They really went all out to give Star Wars fans everything they wanted with this volume ; all your favourite characters including Boba Fett. I loved it !!
March 17, 2025
This was really good!
August 3, 2015
So Marvel got Star Wars back. I was a little sad to see it leave Darkhorse, but then I got my hands on their new flagship comic for the franchise and I was blown away!
Yes, all the extended cannon is now a moot point. Yes, everything over the years that the books and comics have built up is now considered 'legend'. But ya know what? I don't even care! Jason Aaron nailed it! Everything about these first 6 issues falls in line perfectly with the vibe of a galaxy far, far away.
The first three issues of the six that make up this first arc are, in my opinion, stronger than the 2nd half. Han, Leia and the rest of the usual suspects are infiltrating an Imperial weapons manufacturing plant and as usual when this crew are involved, all hell breaks loose. The final 3 issues are still full of awesome - we get some Jabba The Hutt, some mother-fucking Boba Fett, and a big surprise for Han Solo! Luke is kinda a bitch towards the end, but I'm willing to cut him some slack cuz...well...his entire family is dead now and poor old Ben kicked it too. That's gotta affect a guy to some degree, ya know? Good gravy - just wait until he finds out that he can't bone Leia, but that's getting ahead of ourselves, isn't it?
The voice of the characters are bang on, the artwork explodes off the page, and it is right fucking incredible to be back in the action of the Star Wars universe!
I've always been a huge Star Wars nut. It's kinda my thing. When I was a wee-little there were pretty much three things that made up my world. Star Wars, G.I. Joe, and Indiana Jones. Ever since then, even now as an adult, I can't help but squee like a little fangirl whenever something from those three universes excites me!
And this book excites me! It excites me very much!
In fact...I think I just peed a little.
December 30, 2015
Very enjoyable at parts but so many moments that felt forced because of the placement of the comic. Biggest one is Luke vs BF and you know Luke has never see. him before in empire. so they make Luke blind for the fight. That felt dumb. Also Luke somehow even remotely holding his own against Vader was a joke. Still, it was a fun easy read for the most part that left enough cliffhangers to make me want to read the next.
August 30, 2016
Oh my god yes. Fanboy's delight. Aaron writes this spot on. Kieron Gillen needs to take lessons from Aaron on this. There's humor and tension from Han and Leia, Luke struggles to understand what it means to be a Jedi yet possesses power and knowledge of the Force, Threepio is incompetent, R2 is awesome, Chewie is the brave friend in the nick of time, and Vader continues his arduous quest of solving the identity of the pilot who destroyed the Death Star, while also wielding the power of the dark side like a Sith bad ass. This feels just like the movies. I read this fast as hell.
July 13, 2017
I didn't think it was possible, but Luke has become dumber and more reckless, while Han lacks all charm and smarts, and Leia makes the occasional really dumb decision (not to mention, why did she have to change into her stupid white dress during a mission when she was in disguise?)
I hope the next set of issues is better, or I'll just have to think the Rebels literally stumbled, totally accidentally, into occasional wins against the Empire.
I hope the next set of issues is better, or I'll just have to think the Rebels literally stumbled, totally accidentally, into occasional wins against the Empire.
November 25, 2024
This is exactly what I’ve been waiting for. I’m just four years late.
I have not been that enthralled by many of the new canon books that I have read. With few exceptions (Claudia Gray, Alexander Freed), most of the new canon books that I have read have been uninspiring and uninspired. Too many of them have read like publicity material solely meant to sell merchandise or be tie-ins to sell the movies. I get it: that’s what franchises like Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm are supposed to do. They just don’t have to make it so obvious.
Unfortunately, I’ve been looking in the wrong medium. I should have been reading the new Marvel “Star Wars” graphic novel series. I have read quite a few of the new Marvel Star Wars titles, and I have enjoyed most of them. The artwork, especially, has been amazing. I haven’t, however, been reading the main “Star Wars” title, a series which originally started in 2015 and has been running steadily since. I am roughly 60-plus issues behind.
Which is okay, since there are these wonderful things called compendium volumes. “Volume 1: Skywalker Strikes” collects the first six issues.
Holy crap, this series is awesome. Seriously, if you consider yourself a Star Wars fan and you haven’t picked these up yet, do so now. I think I understand the trepidation, too, because if you are like me, you were really devoted to the old canon and were not-so-secretly pissed off at the completely new “reboot” direction that directors J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson have taken the series. Not that they’re bad films---far from it---but they weren’t what many fans (especially fans of the literally hundreds of books in the old canon) were hoping to see.
Never mind all that. These new “Star Wars” comic books are as good as the original series. Seriously.
On the timeline, the series takes place soon after the events of the original film, “Episode IV: A New Hope”. The Rebels have struck a blow to the Empire with the destruction of the Death Star, but now they must find a new Rebel base of operations. The Empire, led by Darth Vader, is on the warpath. Vader, especially, is hunting the young pilot who destroyed the Death Star single-handedly. At first, he has every intentions of killing the young Rebel, but with every new piece of information, he begins to suspect that the boy is somehow intertwined with his own fate. Then, he learns the boy’s name...
Jason Aaron’s story is exciting from the beginning, coupled wonderfully by amazingly beautiful artwork by John Cassaday. Every panel is like a screen shot from a movie that has never been made.
The original gang is all here, as young and vibrant as they were in 1977. A part of me gets teary-eyed (happy tears, of course) seeing a young Carrie Fisher playing Princess Leia again, a doe-eyed Mark Hamill playing the annoyingly good Luke Skywalker, and the ruggedly handsome and rambunctious Harrison Ford playing Han Solo.
This is what it’s all about, folks. This series. This is what Star Wars fans have been waiting for...
I have not been that enthralled by many of the new canon books that I have read. With few exceptions (Claudia Gray, Alexander Freed), most of the new canon books that I have read have been uninspiring and uninspired. Too many of them have read like publicity material solely meant to sell merchandise or be tie-ins to sell the movies. I get it: that’s what franchises like Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm are supposed to do. They just don’t have to make it so obvious.
Unfortunately, I’ve been looking in the wrong medium. I should have been reading the new Marvel “Star Wars” graphic novel series. I have read quite a few of the new Marvel Star Wars titles, and I have enjoyed most of them. The artwork, especially, has been amazing. I haven’t, however, been reading the main “Star Wars” title, a series which originally started in 2015 and has been running steadily since. I am roughly 60-plus issues behind.
Which is okay, since there are these wonderful things called compendium volumes. “Volume 1: Skywalker Strikes” collects the first six issues.
Holy crap, this series is awesome. Seriously, if you consider yourself a Star Wars fan and you haven’t picked these up yet, do so now. I think I understand the trepidation, too, because if you are like me, you were really devoted to the old canon and were not-so-secretly pissed off at the completely new “reboot” direction that directors J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson have taken the series. Not that they’re bad films---far from it---but they weren’t what many fans (especially fans of the literally hundreds of books in the old canon) were hoping to see.
Never mind all that. These new “Star Wars” comic books are as good as the original series. Seriously.
On the timeline, the series takes place soon after the events of the original film, “Episode IV: A New Hope”. The Rebels have struck a blow to the Empire with the destruction of the Death Star, but now they must find a new Rebel base of operations. The Empire, led by Darth Vader, is on the warpath. Vader, especially, is hunting the young pilot who destroyed the Death Star single-handedly. At first, he has every intentions of killing the young Rebel, but with every new piece of information, he begins to suspect that the boy is somehow intertwined with his own fate. Then, he learns the boy’s name...
Jason Aaron’s story is exciting from the beginning, coupled wonderfully by amazingly beautiful artwork by John Cassaday. Every panel is like a screen shot from a movie that has never been made.
The original gang is all here, as young and vibrant as they were in 1977. A part of me gets teary-eyed (happy tears, of course) seeing a young Carrie Fisher playing Princess Leia again, a doe-eyed Mark Hamill playing the annoyingly good Luke Skywalker, and the ruggedly handsome and rambunctious Harrison Ford playing Han Solo.
This is what it’s all about, folks. This series. This is what Star Wars fans have been waiting for...
March 2, 2017
I barely remember what the plot was and I only finished this a day (two days?) ago, but whatever, I'm giving this book 5 stars, I don't even care. It's f@*#ing awesome.
Sidenote, people who get mad/make fun of how Cassaday can't stay on a book for more than 6 issues: um have you SEEN his art though? The fact that a single page doesn't take 8 months is honestly a miracle and also -- look at the characters here! Look at Han! And Leia!
Uh anyway yes I liked this book a lot and it made me v happy and also exclaim out loud a lot, you should read it.
Sidenote, people who get mad/make fun of how Cassaday can't stay on a book for more than 6 issues: um have you SEEN his art though? The fact that a single page doesn't take 8 months is honestly a miracle and also -- look at the characters here! Look at Han! And Leia!
Uh anyway yes I liked this book a lot and it made me v happy and also exclaim out loud a lot, you should read it.
January 28, 2016
Probably a bit closer to 3.5 stars. Good story, nice art.
June 12, 2018
Love graphic novels! Glad my library had this along with a few other star wars books I might be reading soon too :)
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