Star Wars Adventures Vol. 1: Han Solo and the Hollow Moon Of Khorya

1 Year BBY

If anyone out there still doubts the utter awesomeness of Chewbacca, drop what you're doing and go pick up this mini graphic novel now.

Han Solo and Chewbacca have made many friends along the way, but just as many enemies. Cornered on the planet Simbarc by the diminutive criminal casino mogul, Sollima, Han Solo is forced to infiltrate a heavily guarded Imperial base. What force in the galaxy could convince Solo to do something so foolish? Only a threat on the life of his best friend and first mate, Chewie (and a little debt forgiveness thrown in on the side). Joining in on the mission is a questionable character from Solo's past: the con artist extraordinaire, Billal Batross.

I can't think of anything I particularly disliked about this comic, but I can point out quite a few things I definitely enjoyed. The storyline, done by Jeremy Barlow, I admit was very simple. But I think that's how it should be. This graphic novel is meant to be just what it is- a one-shot story. What I liked most about the story is that it paid homage to a rarely glimpsed part of Han Solo's past- his time spent under the care and service of the criminal Garris Shrike, which is where Han originally met Billal. I've only really encountered a reference to Shrike in the Han Solo Trilogy, especially in The Paradise Snare. According to Wookieepedia, he is mentioned in a few other books, but most likely only tersely. Either way, quite a nice touch.

For some reason, I'm also really attracted to the art style of this comic. In this case, I think the most kudos go to the colorist, Michael Atiyeh. He really brought vivid and exciting dimension to the GFFA with his work. I'm also a fan of how the penciler, Rick Lacey, styled our favorite outlaw duo. Chewbacca, in particular, had an impressive, savage look in this book.

Which brings me to the number one selling point of this story- Chewbacca the gladiator. What does Chewie do while Han's away infiltrating Imperial bases? Fighting in the ring of course. You won't be disappointed.

Overall, I'm quite satisfied by the first installation of the Star Wars Adventures series. I'll be sure to read the one featuring Princess Leia and the yet-to-be released adventure featuring Luke on Dagobah. Apparently he battles the dragon snake (sweet!).

Old Corellian and Socorran Raava

Weekly Journal

September 07, 2009

12-4 months BBY

You never know how much you miss something until it's gone. I was glad to get out of the realm of Han Solo and smuggling for a while. Taking a trip with Boba Fett and Darth Vader definitely widened the scope of this time period a bit more. But my adventures last week brought me back to the criminal roots of this time in GFFA history.

I started out with two really amazing short stories written in 1994 by Patricia A. Jackson. "Out of the Cradle" and "When the Domino Falls" follow the adventures of a young and budding Socorran smuggler named Drake Paulsen. The two stories themselves aren't much in terms of importance for the GFFA but there is something just plain interesting about them. For me, being an anthropology major in college, it's the language/culture theme of the stories. I did a bit of research on Patricia A. Jackson, and apparently she is the key developer of the "Old Corellian" language. She also includes some of the Coyn language. Whenever I see an author take this extra step, making the story that much more vivid and real, it touches a special part in my heart. To top it all off, she gets in depth with the cultural traditions and beliefs of the people of Socorro (Lando is a notable Socorran). For instance, Socorrans do not refer to those who have passed as "dead". Instead, they refer to them as "doing business offworld". There is also a heavy distinction between Socorrans and Corellians in terms of the value of honor and pride. If you have Star Wars Hyperspace (most of us obviously do), they're in the archive- check 'em out.

I also read one of the new Star Wars Adventures one-shot graphic novels, Han Solo and the Hollow Moon of Khorya". I'll be writing a review of this shortly, so stay tuned!

On a final note, I've been reading the Essential Atlas and The Art of The Clone Wars. Many of you are aware that The Art of The Clone Wars is the source of the recent "continuity crisis" surrounding Karen Traviss' departure from the GFFA. Apparently, people are mad because they changed Mandalore's capital (as stated in the Art book). There's also rumor that Mandalore is now desolate except for this giant cube city. First of all, though the city's concept art is definitely cubical in nature, it's not just a giant cube. Plus, it's only concept art. Second of all, where are people getting the idea that the rest of Mandalore is desolate/barren? It says nothing of the sort in the Art book, merely that Mandalore was ravaged by war, leading to the rise of the New Mandalorians. This does not have to equate with desolate/barren.

In lieu of this, it is my opinion that everything is rumor until I see it in Star Wars: Clone Wars Season 2. It can't be that bad. Feel free to discuss and share your opinion on this blog!

As The Critical Moment Approaches

Weekly Journal

August 31, 2009

2 years BBY

Zero Year comes ever so closer, and appears ever so ominously in almost every tale I've read in the past two weeks. It's as if I can see the Force hear faintly in the background, like a breath in the wind. All the strings are coming together and soon the instruments of rebellion will be strung. There is no stopping it, just as one cannot stop the suns from setting. It is the will of the Force.

I began last week with Han Solo's Revenge, which I found to be more or less mediocre. I then moved into a chapter of Rebel Dawn, which primarily featured Boba Fett and a cameo from Lando Calrissian. Though it goes without saying that Lando escapes Fett's clutches, it's by the skin of his neck. I then moved into Han Solo and the Lost Legacy. That's where all the pieces began to come into place.

At the end of Lost Legacy, Han Solo mentions his intention to head back to Hutt Space in order to secure some work with Jabba, daring the infamous Kessel Run. Next, an old 1979 UK Marvel Illustrated Adventure, "The Way of the Wookiee", chronicles this particular run, during which Han and Chewie "get boarded" by Imperials and have to jettison their cargo. Catch my drift? Well, don't get your Wookiee hair in a knot. This isn't that fateful mishap, landing Han in debt to Jabba, but an eerie prelude to it. Nonetheless, Jabba is not pleased, as is alluded to by his attempt to kill Solo in the Dark Horse short, "This Crumb For Hire".

Moving on to an out of the way desert planet, far away from any bright center of the galaxy, the prelude of Empire: Darklighter features the final days of Biggs Darklighter on Tatooine, before joining the Imperial Naval Academy. But Biggs' interest in the Alliance is no secret, nor is Luke's.

Skipping over to yet another soon-to-be-member of Red Squadron, "Lucky" (Star Wars Tales Volume 6) relays the series of tragic events that lead to a young pilot by the name of Wedge Antilles to join the Rebellion. I must say, this story adds a very morbid tone to the character of Wedge.

But disgruntled Rebels aren't the only one's fighting the Imperial iron fist at this time. Boba Fett: Enemy of the Empire pits the galaxies most notorious bounty hunter against the Dark Lord himself. But none of these attempts at insurrection have swayed the Empire's mighty reign. An excerpt from The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader underscores this unfortunate reality, describing the slaughter of over 250,000 sentients on Faleen.

But it won't be long. Not long at all.

Boba Fett: Enemy of the Empire

Boba Fett: Enemy of the Empire

2 or 3 years BBY

Whew! You mean not another Han Solo post? Well, don't get too excited, there's at least two more on the way. But for now, I'm glad for a change of pace, especially when that pace is good, old-fashioned bounty hunting.

Colonel Abal Karda has been declared an enemy of the Empire, and has disappeared with an invaluable item. While all others have failed to track down Karda, Darth Vader knows the one man who will get the job done: Boba Fett. But Fett was foolish to accept a commission from the Dark Lord, especially when the prize in question must be kept secret at all costs. Two of the most feared men in the galaxy will go head to head, and it won't be pretty.

There's so much to like about this graphic novel. How can you not love a duel between Darth Vader and Boba Fett? And trust me- it's not one-sided. The storyline, by John Wagner, is beautiful in its simplicity. It's everything you'd want out of a Boba Fett comic- a bounty hunt, dark characters, and action at every turn. Wagner's representation of the Boba Fett character is right on par as well. He's ruthless and cunning, yet retains an odd sense of Mandalorian honor throughout the story. For example, he doesn't kill anyone he doesn't have to and always completes the deal. He's the ultimate "killer with a code", which has always been one of my favorite aspects of him.

For the record, the kooky religion on Maryx Minor called the "Order of Pessimists" cracked me up every time. "Woe, woe, a thousand times woe!".

The artwork in this graphic novel is hit and miss. The cover is awesome, by far one of my favorites. But the Gibson, Nadeau, and Ezquerra team really lack luster with the rest of the artwork. My number one complaint would be that Boba Fett's armor looks way too grimy, with weird dots all over him. And is it my imagination, or does Darth Vader seem kind of punier than usual in some of the scenes? The artwork definitely didn't do him justice.

Either way, awesome and quick read! Don't miss this one!

Han Solo and The Lost Legacy

Han Solo and the Lost Legacy by Brian Daley

2 years BBY

So who's legacy's been lost? Xim the Despot's of course. The third installment of the Han Solo Adventures offers a crash course in early galactic history. Xim the Despot was the greatest warlord of his time, conquering the vital Tion Cluster shortly before the rise of the Old Republic. However, as the fledgling Republic became more and more of a threat, Xim sought to build a war machine. Commissioning the legendary craft, The Queen of Ranroon, Xim's legions hid the galaxy's greatest treasure on the unassuming mining planet of Dellalt. But Xim never returned to collect his deposit, and the Queen disappeared into infamy.

Hooking up with an old friend- and some new one's too- Han Solo and Chewbacca get a lead on the location of this treasure, the solution of all their financial woes. But between them and the treasure are a gamut of foes- including Xim's legion of war-robots and the gunslinger, Gallandro, who has a score to settle with Solo.

Per my previous post on Han Solo's Revenge, I had hoped to review both Lost Legacy and Revenge as a set. But, as it turns out, the third book has followed suit with the rest of the trilogy. More specifically, Lost Legacy is only loosely connected by characters to Revenge, and hardly at all to Han Solo At Stars' End. This doesn't particularly bother me, it just means my views on Revenge haven't changed- not bad, not good, all around uninspiring.

Lost Legacy, on the other hand, was way more exciting for me. I would even go so far as to say that it was better than Stars' End, though of course not as classic. The best thing about this story, for me, is the undertone of galactic history. It's not very often that you find a book that gives you an idea of just how long the GFFA has been around. I felt it really emphasizes the idea that the Old Republic wasn't as unyielding and dominant as seemed during it's long reign. It wasn't the first galactic order- the Xim Dictatorship and the Rakatan Infinite Empire are evidence of that. Need I say why it wasn't the last?

But that's not all. Throw in Gallandro- who, by the by, really shows you what he's made of- Xim's fearsome Guardian Corps, and a fight between Chewbacca and a massive Houk, Lost Legacy is one of the best Solo adventures I've read. I especially like one of Gallandro's quotes towards the end:

"You were never the amoralist you feigned to be, Solo, but I am."

So much in such a small sentence. Isn't that the essence of Han Solo? The reluctant hero?

Great finale, overall, by Brian Daley.

Han Solo's Revenge

Han Solo's Revenge by Brian Daley

2 years BBY

Unfortunately, the book is not as exciting as the title suggests. I was tempted to review this book and the next book, Han Solo and the Lost Legacy, as a pair. After finishing Revenge, it seems like the last two books of the Han Solo Adventures will form a larger two-part story.

Han Solo and Chewbacca are down to their last credits. Desperate for a big break, they carelessly take a "no-questions-asked" job smuggling a mysterious cargo for 10,000 credits. Well that cargo ends up being slaves- and Han Solo doesn't do slaves. The slavers soon find that out the hard way. But, the way Han and Chewie see it, someone still owes them that 10,000 creds. With nothing but a data-disk as a lead, Solo and his first-mate head off into the Corporate Sector. But the allies and enemies they meet along the way are more than they seem.

As a stand alone book, Revenge was mediocre, especially when compared to Stars' End. I wouldn't say anything turned me away from this book, it's just that nothing turned me on to it. But, alas, there are some very good qualities to this adventure. Firstly, there's something unavoidably intriguing and nostalgic about reading a Star Wars book written in 1979. Secondly, this book is an easy read. Not only is Daley's writing smooth, clear and engaging, but the book is only 200 pages long. This further leads me to believe Revenge was only Part 1 of a larger story with Lost Legacy, while Stars' End is more stand alone (though all three, obviously, share a story setting and character roster). Finally, I always dig kool baddies. This time around its an infamous gunslinger named Gallandro, with a draw so fast even Han thinks twice about challenging him:

Keeping all this in mind, I'm going to postpone my final judgement on this book until I finish Lost Legacy, hopefully later this week!

Weekly Journal - Update!

August 17th, 2009

2 years BBY

Had a slow week this time around. I'm about halfway through Han Solo's Revenge, the second book of the Han Solo Adventures. The book hasn't blown me away thus far, but it does have some value. Stay tuned for a blog this week. After that, will be another chapter of Rebel Dawn and then the last book of the Adventures trilogy, Han Solo and the Lost Legacy. Shortly followed by more Han Solo tales. Anyone detecting a theme in this particular stretch of the timeline?

Anyway, a list of upcoming releases by Del Rey was posted on Sue Rostoni's blog not too long ago. I thought I'd share what Del Rey books (as well as Scholastic and Dark Horse) I'll be picking up later this year. Expect reviews!

09/01- A New Hope: The Life of Luke Skywalker by Ryder Windham

Happy birthday to me! Why am I excited about a Scholastic book? Well, one, it comes out on my birthday, and, two, the first two books- The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader and The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi- were so helpful and fun. Each of these books chronicle the key moments in the lives of key characters in the Star Wars universe, often incorporating previous adventures found in other titles. I found the Obi-Wan book to be particularly interesting because not only does it recap on the Jude Watson young Obi-Wan series, but also reveals never-before heard of adventures of Obi-Wan on Tatooine. Did you know he fights a Jedi from the old Order during his exile? I'll only read a few parts of the Luke book when I first get it, but I can't wait!

10/27- Imperial Commando: 501st by Karen Traviss (*sniffles*)

My frequent readers will know I am juiced for this release. I think its selling point is that it will most likely enlighten us as to how clone troopers transitioned into stormtroopers. Some may already know that stormtroopers are a mixture of clones and enlisted humans, but I'm sure there is an interesting story there.

11/04 - Knights of the Old Republic, Vol. 7 - Dueling Ambitions

We left Zayne Carrick and the motley Gryph having at last defeated the Krynda Draay's Jedi Covenant. And Zayne officially renounced the Jedi Order. So what happens next? Well, for one, Zayne and Gryph have gone into business together! What adventures will they get into next? I'm sort of excited about his graphic novel, but it reeks "transition story" to me.

FYI: I don't pick up the individual comics, I prefer the neatness of graphic novels. So I have no idea what's going on currently in KOTOR.

11/18 - The Clone Wars Vol. 1- Slaves of the Republic

I've been waiting for this for a long time. I'm really hoping that Henry Gilroy, the creator, can add a bit more depth to the stories of the Clone Wars Animated Series, ultimately limited to 30 minute episodes. Just please, oh please, don't do any more damage to the original Dark Horse Clone Wars series. And is that Anakin dressed as a slaver on the cover? Awesome!

12/08 - Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil by Drew Karpyshyn

Get geared up for the final fight between Bane and Zannah, or at least I hope! Having read the blurb online, it seems the final installment of the Bane trilogy will have Bane seeking the key to eternal life.... Darth Plagueis anyone? Possibly, but definitely not directly. Still a few Sith Lords to get through (i.e. Millennial is next, I believe) before Plagueis.