SWBC: Star Wars comic reviews; more Essential Legends books coming soon
Plus: Upcoming Star Wars comics to add to your pull list.
Star Wars comic reviews
The High Republic #1 (2022)
Marvel Comics’ Star Wars: The High Republic series returned last week with a thrilling first issue, plunging readers right into the tense and sometimes violent drama in the holy city of Jedha.
The first issue introduces us to Vildar Mac, a broody and intense Jedi arriving on Jedha for a new post. Upon arrival, he meets the fast-talking and immediately charming Jedi Padawan Matthea “Matty” Cathley. Matty gets right to business telling Vildar that before he meets her master, Leebon, the two Jedi must first investigate a recently stolen relic at a nearby temple.
On the way to the temple, Matty informs Vildar (and us, the readers) of the many different groups of Force “religions” on Jedha. It’s an overwhelming info-dump, but one that makes me excited and hopeful for more Jedha content.
The backup story follows Jedi Oliviah, who takes the place of Master Leebon at a meeting of the various groups’ leaders. Not surprisingly, the leaders of different religious factions don’t easily get along.
With writer Cavan Scott back to helm the Phase 2 series, The High Republic comics are in excellent hands — helping kick off an intense, epic, and sometimes dark era of Star Wars storytelling. Issue #1 kicked off the series with a bang and ended on gripping cliffhanger.
I’m already counting down the days until the next issue. The High Republic #2 is expected on Nov. 9.
Rating: ★★★★★/5
Book Review: Star Wars: Path of Deceit is an ominous, Force cult-filled start to The High Republic Phase 2
Star Wars: Visions #1
It’s been about a year since we were blessed with the collection of masterpieces that is Star Wars: Visions. The wildly imaginative and visually stunning animated series brought new stories and forms of storytelling to the Star Wars franchise, finally giving us anime set in the galaxy far, far away.
One of the most epic anime shorts was The Duel, which followed a former Sith and his homicidal droid as they encounter a spinning lightsaber-wielding Sith witch. Those characters continued their story in the Star Wars: Ronin novel, published in October 2021.
Visions #1 brings back the Ronin and his droid B5-56 for an equally captivating tale set right before the events of The Duel.
The issue is set in a mountainous and snowy region, and opens with Ronin taking out some thugs who underestimate him until he whips out his red-bladed samurai lightsaber. Afterwards, he takes a break to relax in some nearby hot springs, where he meets a mysterious (and a bit unhinged) stranger. As the two share some vague war stories and chat over cups of sake, something the stranger shares triggers recognition in Ronin. The issue ends with a beautifully chaotic duel of sorts before the two decide to go their separate ways.
Writer Tokashi Okazaki (who also wrote The Duel) is also the artist for Visions #1 and masterfully brings the anime style of the short to the pages of a comic book. Like Visions the series, the one-shot comic is heavy on visuals and lighter on insightful dialogue. But also like the anime, the comic lets the dazzling art do most of the talking.
Every page is a piece of frame-worthy art.
If you loved The Duel and Ronin, Visions #1 is the perfect companion to Ronin’s tale.
Rating: ★★★★/5
Book Review: Ronin beautifully challenges everything we know about the Sith, the Jedi and the Star Wars universe
Add these upcoming Star Wars comics to your pull list
There are SO MANY new Star Wars comics coming out this year and in early 2023. Here are the ones I recommend you pick up from your local comic book store or digitally.
The High Republic: The Blade #1
Publication date: Nov. 23, 2022
Publisher’s summary:
“Hundreds of years before the Skywalker Saga, witness the rise of a legend - the mighty Jedi PORTER ENGLE, perhaps the most skilled lightsaber wielder in the High Republic. With his fellow Jedi Knight Barash, he travels the galaxy, serving as a guardian of peace and justice. But even Porter Engle has enemies he cannot defeat.”
Hidden Empire #1
Publication date: Nov. 16, 2022
Publisher’s summary:
“The mysterious syndicate Crimson Dawn and its leader Lady Qi'ra have become the galaxy's most wanted criminals, as Emperor Palpatine realizes the scope of Qi'ra's plans against him and moves to destroy her. But Qi’ra still has tricks up her sleeve, and with the help of the Knights Of Ren and her many other allies, she will not go down without a fight!”
Yoda #1
Publication date: Nov. 23, 2022
Publisher’s summary:
“ALL-NEW ADVENTURES FOR THE GREATEST JEDI OF ALL TIME! To some, he was a legend. To others, he was a teacher. Now Yoda is all but forgotten, living in exile and haunted by the past. As a strangely familiar voice echoes through the swamps of Dagobah, Yoda must revisit the many lessons he has given over the years, from the days of the High Republic to the chaos of the Clone Wars. In the first of three story arcs, a desperate cry for help reaches the Jedi Council on Coruscant and only Yoda can respond. But how far will he go to protect a community from attack?”
The High Republic Adventures #1
Publication date: Nov. 30, 2022
Publisher’s summary:
“For young Padawan Sav Malagan, joining the ranks of the noble Jedi Order has been all she's ever wanted. But a chance encounter with a crew of eccentric misfits makes her question everything she's taken for granted in her life. Trapped aboard the ship of infamous space pirate Maz Kanata, will Sav ever be able to rejoin the Jedi? And if she spends much long with Maz and her crew, will she even want to?”
The High Republic Adventures: The Nameless Terror
Publication date: Dec. 28, 2022
Publisher’s summary:
“Even in the shining light of the High Republic, there are shadows lurking in the galaxy. A Jedi mission to the planet Dalna suddenly comes under attack by unknown assailants. As the knights retreat to an ancient structure, it quickly becomes clear that they are far from safe. Something evil stalks the ruins, a ruthless predator, an unknown terror, a Nameless Fear!”
The High Republic: Quest of the Jedi
Publication date: Feb. 8, 2023
Publisher’s summary:
“On the ancient world of Angcord, the Force works in mysterious ways . . . When a pair of Jedi arrive on the mysterious world, seeking ancient artifacts of the Force, they quickly find more than they were bargaining for. But just what is the mysterious Echo Stone, and what does its existence mean for the continued survival of all those who call Angcord home?”
Coming soon: More Essential Legends paperbacks
There are just two weeks until a new wave of Star Wars books get the Essential Legends treatment. That means the Legends books will have new cover art, new paperback formats, and new unabridged audiobooks.
Essential Legends books releasing on Nov. 1:
The Bacta War: Book 4 in the X-Wing/Rogue Squadron series by Michael A. Stackpole
The Old Republic: Deceived by Paul S. Kemp
The Old Republic: Revan by Drew Karpyshyn
And you know what just arrived in my inbox? Audiobook files for The Bacta War from Penguin Random House. It looks like I need to move The Krytos Trap (book 3) up my TBR list so I can dig into The Bacta War.
My reviews of Essential Legends books:
Retro Review: Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter audiobook is a deliciously creepy prequel to The Phantom Menace
Retro review: Revamped Rogue Squadron novels and audiobooks breathe new life into EU’s X-Wing series
Star Wars books and comics out this week
Oct. 18
Oct. 19
Oct. 25
More from the Space Wizards Book Club
'Path of Deceit' review; first excerpt from 'Star Wars: Convergence'