It feels like a century has passed since The High Republic was first teased at Star Wars Celebration Chicago (thanks, 2020!) but at last, it has arrived! A new era of Star Wars publishing kicks off on January 5th, 2021 with the publication of Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule (and A Test of Courage by Justine Ireland) with comics and books by their fellow co-conspirators soon to follow. But is this era of publishing going to be as luminous as we’ve been promised? So far… seems like that answer just might be a resounding yes. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Charles Soule
Review: Darth Vader (2017) #13-17
In the “Burning Seas” arc of Charles Soule’s Darth Vader comic series, we take a bit of a time jump from the series so far: while issues #1-12 focused on the days immediately following the rise of the Empire, issue #13 opens three years after those events (so, around 16 BBY, for those keeping track). The Empire is consolidated, the military has built up, and the Emperor’s sinister servant, Darth Vader, has come into his own as the regime’s chief enforcer.
Whereas the series so has shown us the internal struggles of becoming Darth Vader, this arc focuses much more on external events – namely, the pacification of Mon Cala, the water world home to some of the future Rebellion’s greatest heroes. Indeed, these issues are full of familiar faces: Not-yet-Grand Moff Tarkin and his capital ship Sovereign (previously seen in the Tarkin novel) are pitted in a battle of wills (and weapons) against King Lee-Char of Mon Cala (who you may remember from The Clone Wars), Admiral Raddus (Rogue One), and then-Commander Gial Ackbar (c’mon, you know him). With such a cast of characters demanding page-time, we actually get less of the titular villain than one would expect; Vader plays the role of antagonist here, rather than the focus of the plot. Continue reading
Review: Poe Dameron #25
When reading Poe Dameron #25, it feels like this could have very easily been the end of the series. Instead, it’s an end of an era within the comic as we reach the last issue set prior to the Sequel Trilogy. From here on out, everything’s clearly going to be different and you know what? They’ve earned it.
One of the best things about this arc has been the insight it’s given us into Lor San Tekka. If anything, he’s a character we should see more of in his earlier days because he’s clearly had quite a life and seen some things. His thoughts on the Force are of particular interest given that he’s studied the Force but cannot touch it. Perhaps it’s his conversation with Poe at the end though that has the most impact. After all, he’s right: the fate of the galaxy doesn’t just revolve around Force users and nor will Luke be quite the catalyst that his sister hopes. Characters who respect the contributions of non-Force users as much as the Jedi are the best.
I do have to say that even after all this time, I don’t necessarily buy Snap and Karé as a couple. It’s very nice that they’ve found each other and clearly care but… I don’t? (Sorry.)
It does, however, say something that Soule can make us care about a mere droid so much. Poor Jess Pava has had the worst luck when it comes to astromechs and brave Ivee volunteered to fly with her and then… well, I’m sure you can guess. One of the sweetest scenes in this entire series thus far takes place between Jess and BB-8 as they remember their friend together.
Poe Dameron #25 is a fitting end to this part of Black Squadron’s story. I’m not sure where the comic intends to be (aside from to Jakku) but I’m most certainly eager to keep reading and hope we get to see the adventures of all of Black Squadron for many months to come.
Poe Dameron #25: Charles Soule/Writer, Angel Unzueta/Artist, Arif Prianto/Colorist, Joe Caramagna/Letterer, Jordan White/Editor, Heather Antos/Assistant Editor
Review: Darth Vader (2017) #11+12
After the crazy, brain breaking kyber crystal arc and then the Jocasta Nu Chronicles, Darth Vader #11 and #12 are nice, self-contained story that serve almost as a palette cleanser before Soule and Camuncoli send the dark lord off on his next adventure. For now though, his Jedi hunt continues as Vader and Ninth Sister head out to Cabarria after hearing rumors of a Jedi there… only for the hunt to turn against him and the originator to be very highly placed within the Empire…
These two issues make sure that we don’t forget several things about the relatively young Darth Vader. First, that he is far from an established presence within the Empire and its power structure. Second, that Palpatine is incredibly twisted and has no problem beating Vader down verbally. Third, there is still a little bit of Anakin Skywalker left within Darth Vader. In a way, all three of these things have been key to the entire book so far and will likely remain so in future issues.
This isn’t the first time the Camuncoli has depicted how Vader sees himself in the Force while meditating but it’s still jaw-dropping nonetheless. Those panels need very little to no dialogue to convey so much and I hope that they continue to be a thing throughout this book. I also strongly appreciated that Camuncoli made it a point to depict both men and women within the Imperial ranks. Hopefully this continues to be a trend in the Star Wars comics.
If you’re looking to start reading the Darth Vader comics, issues #11-12 aren’t a bad way to jump on to the book or to test the waters a little and see if it’s your thing. There’s plenty here to enjoy for both new and established readers alike.
Darth Vader #11+12: Charles Soule/Writer, Giuseppe Camuncoli/Pencils, Daniele Orlandini/Inks, David Curiel/Colorist, Joe Caramagna/Letterer, Heather Antos/Assistant Editor, Jordan D. White/Editor
Review: Poe Dameron #24
LISTEN AGENT TEREX. I’ve liked you a lot throughout these last two dozen issues of Poe Dameron. You’ve been a very good antagonist and delightfully evil when the occasion required it but this time you have gone TOO FAR.
PADMÉ AMIDALA NABERRIE’S GOWNS ARE INTERGALACTIC TREASURES AND HOW DARE YOU SPACE THEM LIKE THAT. HOW DARE.
*clears throat* Anyways. About the rest of the issue.
Actually you know what? Let’s just do bullet points for this thing.
- Terex has clearly lost it. Understandably so but lost it. Only a crazy man talks to Phasma like that.
- Lor San Tekka deserves better than what life is giving him.
- Jess Pava is an adorable nerd, pass it on.
- Still very much not invested in Karé/Snap, sorry.
- The close up shot on Leia’s ring is aces.
- No but seriously: Jess Pava is delightful and I need more of her.
Given that we know the events of The Force Awakens are rapidly approaching and the cliffhanger this issue ends on, I’m really unsure how Soule is planning to wrap this arc up but I’m definitely fascinated. It continues to be awesome to see more of the Resistance and how they tangled with the First Order. I have next to no idea how this all going to go but I sure am enjoying the ride.
Poe Dameron #24: Charles Soule/Writer, Angel Unzueta/Artist, Arif Prianto/Colorist, Joe Caramagna/Letterer, Jordan White/Editor, Heather Antos/Assistant Editor
Review: Poe Dameron #23
It would not be an exaggeration to say that Poe Dameron #23 had me flipping each page as anxiously as I might watch a dogfight in one of the films. It feels like a strange thing to say because we know that Poe’s going to make it out okay and we know that Lor San Tekka has to survive to hide on Jakku and yet I found myself consistently worried about both of them and, weirdly enough, Terex.
Let’s start from the top. When last we saw Poe, Commander Malarus who is, without a doubt, completely out of her mind, had just commandeered his x-wing. There’s just something about Poe that seems to infuriate his First Order opponents beyond their ability to think rationally. Malarus was just… Honestly, I can’t say that she’s been my favorite villain in this book. That honor still goes to Agent Terex who has really seen better days but who is also doing whatever he can to get control of his mind back. (Who knew that the riot batons came in miniature sizes?)
Poe, on the other hand, does some pretty fantastic flying in an unfamiliar ship but it has consequences that are, shall we say, adding to the feel that we’re rapidly approaching the events of The Force Awakens in this comic. On the one hand, it’s helping build the excitement but on the other, it’s a bit of a bummer because I’d love to see so much more of the Resistance in this book especially now that the Tico sisters are likely fair game. Also, precisely how much money does Leia have? Is she funding this entire Resistance out of her own bank accounts? And if so… daaaaang House Organa was loaded!
Poe Dameron #23 is a definite page-turner and I’m very anxious to see how things go in #24 especially after those last few pages.
Poe Dameron #23: Charles Soule/Writer, Angel Unzueta/Artist, Arif Prianto/Colorist, Joe Caramagna/Letterer, Jordan White/Editor, Heather Antos/Assistant Editor
Review: Darth Vader (2017) #10
If Darth Vader #10 tells us anything, it’s that there is still a bit of Anakin Skywalker close to the surface of the man who is now Darth Vader.
We all knew how this story arc was going to end for Jocasta Nu. There was no other option. We know how this sort of tale ends for the Jedi. That said, what an ending for her and I can only hope that someone further down the timeline makes use of the seeds that Jocasta planted. More people need to read this comic and give her some respect. If nothing else, read it for a badass old lady condescendingly calling Vader ‘boy’ and not giving a damn that he could kill her with a thought.
The one thing that this comic has consistently done beautifully is explore the rough transition from Anakin to Vader without ever actually putting us inside of the Sith Lord’s head. There’s still a little bit of the Jedi hero that was once within him; the sort of man who hesitates when it comes to killing his clearly defeated enemies. I couldn’t help but draw mental parallels between how he treats an unarmed Jocasta and how he inititally treated an unarmed Dooku. In contrast, we see the lengths he’s willing to go to protect his own secret… and it doesn’t end well for the clones. (Honestly, does this book ever end well for the clones?) Either way, it’s a delightful slow burn that has me always eagerly awaiting the next issue.
Darth Vader #10 is a satisfying conclusion for the Jocasta Nu arc and absolutely one that’s worth picking up just like this entire comic has been.
Darth Vader #10: Charles Soule/Writer, Giuseppe Camuncoli/Pencils, Daniele Orlandini/Inks, David Curiel/Colorist, Joe Caramagna/Letterer, Heather Antos/Assistant Editor, Jordan D. White/Editor
Review: Poe Dameron #22
Poe Dameron #22 is masterful.
When I first started reading it, I figured that perhaps this issue would hit me a little harder after seeing The Last Jedi. After all, much of who Poe Dameron was in the latest film made so much more sense when you had this comic run in the back of your brain. While that level of realization was there, that wasn’t the start of the show. No, that would be Charles Soule’s writing.
It seems fitting that an issue released so close to the anniversary of Carrie Fisher’s passing features Leia narrating a plan as a framing device. Of course she has a plan to get Lor San Tekka out: this is Leia Organa we’re talking about here. Her plan is a heist because a woman picks up a thing or two thanks to being married to a notorious smuggler and being part of a rebellion since she was a teenager. And yeah, it’s a good plan.
Aside from the masterful weaving, the other great part about this issue is that it gives everyone a minute to shine. Yes, it’s definitely Leia’s show but it won’t succeed without them. Admittedly, I’d like to slap Snap for his continuing self-pity over being dumped by Karé but I’m hardly alone there. (Seriously buddy, this is not how you get a girl back.) The OTP that I’m truly invested in is Jess getting a droid who sticks around. Even Poe gets a particularly good role in this plan.
I won’t spoil any of the twists and turns for you but needless to say, Poe Dameron #22 is a comic issue that you need to read.
Poe Dameron #22: Charles Soule/Writer, Angel Unzueta/Artist, Arif Prianto/Colorist, Joe Caramagna/Letterer, Jordan White/Editor, Heather Antos/Assistant Editor
Review: Darth Vader (2017) #9
Jocasta Nu is officially a bad ass.
Perhaps she’s not a match for the Grand Inquisitor in a lightsaber duel but she knows how to hold her own. While the Jedi Order seems fine with letting their Knights have their own areas of specialty, they definitely make sure that everyone knows how to fight. In this case, that’s a very good thing. This particular story arc in the Darth Vader comic is doing wonders not just for Jocasta Nu’s characterization but also the Grand Inquisitor’s. He doesn’t seem to be entirely at ease with taking orders from Vader yet… especially when they’re contrary to what he wants to do.
But Jocasta… Listen, this arc should be required reading for anyone who wants to reduce her down to a snarky sentence about her scene in Attack of the Clones. Jocasta didn’t have to return to the Jedi Temple and neither did she have to dedicate herself to trying to ensure the knowledge of the Order endures. It’s incredibly brave of her to return. At the same time, the arc shows her weakness: she can’t stand to see the books and knowledge that she cares so deeply about read and mistreated by someone with no right to them.
Camuncoli’s art continues to be delightful. I will admit to giggling a fair bit at the first page in which Vader stands in the back of a speeder while two others drive it with his cape billowing in the wind. Could he possibly be any more dramatic? (The answer is likely yes: this is the man who was once Anakin Skywalker, after all.)
Are you reading this book yet? You should be.
Darth Vader #9: Charles Soule/Writer, Giuseppe Camuncoli/Pencils, Daniele Orlandini/Inks, David Curiel/Colorist, Joe Caramagna/Letterer, Heather Antos/Assistant Editor, Jordan D. White/Editor
Review: Poe Dameron #21
Congratulations to Charles Soule and Angel Unzueta for creating a comic page that made me audibly gasp really, really loudly.
It’s a relatively quiet issue for Black Squadron. They’re present, of course, and Poe, Snap, and Jess all have some nice moments but the real focus this month is on Leia Organa and Lor San Tekka. Poor Lor is imprisoned thanks to breaking and entering in search of knowledge and while Leia might be looking to find adequate storage and protection for her birth mother’s gowns, she definitely has an alternative agenda going on. Come on, it’s General Organa. She’s leading the Resistance. You don’t really think she’s just there to store dresses, do you?
This is actually something that I really like about this book. While Poe’s obviously the focus, Soule isn’t afraid to pull back and let other characters take and/or share the spotlight at times. It worked really well in the arc where the guys and girls split up and it works rather well in this issue too. Also, it certainly doesn’t hurt that this arc has thus far been a stellar example of how to incorporate Prequel elements in the Sequel era. After all, it’s one big galaxy.
Assorted Thoughts:
- Jess’s trouble with droids has shifted from being a funny joke to a genuine thing that makes me want to hug her
- I just don’t care about Snap/Karé and their troubles
- That lake gown. THAT LAKE GOWN
- Phil Noto’s cover is drop dead gorgeous
Poe Dameron #21 keeps doing a lot of things right and I can’t wait to see where this arc goes.
Poe Dameron #21: Charles Soule/Writer, Angel Unzueta/Artist, Arif Prianto/Colorist, Joe Caramagna/Letterer, Jordan White/Editor, Heather Antos/Assistant Editor