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Star Wars (2015) (Single Issues)
Star Wars: Skywalker Strikes, Volume 1
When a rebel attack goes wrong, Han and Leia must think fast to make their escape - while Luke comes face to face with Darth Vader!
32 pages, Library Binding
First published April 28, 2016
51 people are currently reading
1040 people want to read
About the author
Jason Aaron
2,356 books1,680 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 149 reviews
January 6, 2016
The Force is strong in this comic book!!!
While I plan to to an overall review on the eventual TPB edition, since I am getting this comic book series in its single issues, I thought relevant to make a review of the first issue in the series.
Creative Team:
Writer: Jason Aaron
Illustrator: John Cassaday
A NEW HOPE FOR COMICS
…I have a very good feeling about this.
This is the single comic book issue which begins the new run of Star Wars getting back again to the publishing house of Marvel, which it wasn’t a surprise since Disney adquired Lucasfilms and it has already Marvel before, so it was just logical to unite efforts to publish a new comic book of Star Wars under the seal of Marvel.
And I can tell you...
...IT’S AWESOME!!!
Not only the comic book visually begins just like a Star Wars movie, but also it’s strong on its narrative and its artwork.
It’s no wonder why this first issue created an impressive fuzz and it made records in sales.
And definitely I am sure that this comic book will make history in the expanded universo of the franchise born a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
THE DEATH STAR GOT... WHAT?!!!
My name is Luke Skywalker. And I’m here in the name of the Rebel Alliance. Anyone who hates the Empire... follow me.
The storyline is set right after the ending of the first movie Episode IV: A New Hope, and it’s clear that the Empire got in financial problems due the surprising destruction of the Death Star, its brand-new mobile space station with the power to destroy entire worlds.
The loss of such huge monetary investment is provoking that the Empire now requires the supply of raw material to be able to keep up with the military operations of the Empire and secure its control over the galaxy.
The Rebel Alliance knows that there won’t be a better time like now to push its attacks to show to people that it’s possible to defeat once and for all, the Empire.
Han Solo, rogue smuggler, has helped the Rebel Allliance but his involment wasn’t something of public knowledge, but now he is taking a huge risk, to help again to the Alliance.
In this dangerous mission, he is not alone, since he has Luke, Leia, Chewie, R2-D2 and C3PO.
However, they aren’t aware of how highly dangerous this mission will become...
While I plan to to an overall review on the eventual TPB edition, since I am getting this comic book series in its single issues, I thought relevant to make a review of the first issue in the series.
Creative Team:
Writer: Jason Aaron
Illustrator: John Cassaday
A NEW HOPE FOR COMICS
…I have a very good feeling about this.
This is the single comic book issue which begins the new run of Star Wars getting back again to the publishing house of Marvel, which it wasn’t a surprise since Disney adquired Lucasfilms and it has already Marvel before, so it was just logical to unite efforts to publish a new comic book of Star Wars under the seal of Marvel.
And I can tell you...
...IT’S AWESOME!!!
Not only the comic book visually begins just like a Star Wars movie, but also it’s strong on its narrative and its artwork.
It’s no wonder why this first issue created an impressive fuzz and it made records in sales.
And definitely I am sure that this comic book will make history in the expanded universo of the franchise born a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
THE DEATH STAR GOT... WHAT?!!!
My name is Luke Skywalker. And I’m here in the name of the Rebel Alliance. Anyone who hates the Empire... follow me.
The storyline is set right after the ending of the first movie Episode IV: A New Hope, and it’s clear that the Empire got in financial problems due the surprising destruction of the Death Star, its brand-new mobile space station with the power to destroy entire worlds.
The loss of such huge monetary investment is provoking that the Empire now requires the supply of raw material to be able to keep up with the military operations of the Empire and secure its control over the galaxy.
The Rebel Alliance knows that there won’t be a better time like now to push its attacks to show to people that it’s possible to defeat once and for all, the Empire.
Han Solo, rogue smuggler, has helped the Rebel Allliance but his involment wasn’t something of public knowledge, but now he is taking a huge risk, to help again to the Alliance.
In this dangerous mission, he is not alone, since he has Luke, Leia, Chewie, R2-D2 and C3PO.
However, they aren’t aware of how highly dangerous this mission will become...
November 10, 2022
A pretty solid reintroduction of Star Wars and Marvel got back the rights, written by superhero scribe extraordinaire Jason Aaron. I still prefer the old novels, but Aaron does know his fun action.
Taking place after A New Hope, there are a lot of familiar faces entering before their film appearances. The initial storyline of Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader is a classic, it's not all that new just well done (the art by John Cassady is always great), then those Return of the Jedi characters start showing up.
Certainly worth reading for fans, and not even hardcore fans just anyone who liked these movies--which means almost everyone. Honestly, though, doesn't feel essential and doesn't add anything that new to the mythos.
Taking place after A New Hope, there are a lot of familiar faces entering before their film appearances. The initial storyline of Luke Skywalker vs Darth Vader is a classic, it's not all that new just well done (the art by John Cassady is always great), then those Return of the Jedi characters start showing up.
Certainly worth reading for fans, and not even hardcore fans just anyone who liked these movies--which means almost everyone. Honestly, though, doesn't feel essential and doesn't add anything that new to the mythos.
January 14, 2015
It was probably the explosive teaser trailer for JJ Abrams’ Star Wars Episode 7: The Force Awakens that appeared at the tail end of 2014 that helped, but it was announced weeks ago on several comics sites that Jason Aaron and John Cassaday’s Star Wars #1 was going to be 2015’s biggest selling single issue comic. Today when I went to two comics shops? Cleared shelves. And I know they were ordering in bulk! Jackpot, Marvel!
Why the fuss? This is the flagship first Star Wars comic Marvel have published in years. Dark Horse held the licence for a long time before but, once Disney bought Marvel AND Star Wars, that licence was not renewed so on January 1st, 2015 Marvel became the official publisher of all Star Wars comics and they’re celebrating with a bumper first ish leading the charge.
Set in between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, the Empire is reeling with the destruction of the Death Star. Forced into working with anyone who has supplies, like the mob boss Jabba the Hutt, Jabba’s “envoy”, Han Solo, is sent to meet with the Empire’s negotiator, deep within enemy territory. But Han’s not alone - Luke, Leia, Chewy, the droids, and, of course, the Falcon are backing him up as they go up against the “negotiator”: Darth Vader.
I’m not actually a huge Star Wars fan. I like the original trilogy just fine and I hate the prequels, but I’ve only read one Star Wars comic book before this and didn’t care much for it. Jason Aaron and John Cassaday though have made a fine start with Marvel’s new run and I liked this first issue!
It starts the only way it could: “A long time ago in a galaxy, far, far away…”. Cut to double page spread of the STAR WARS logo, scrolling text, then cut to empty space, panning down to spaceship entering into shot. Classic. But this basically speaks to what we get in this first issue - it’s Jason Aaron ticking all the boxes that fans want to see.
Intro, check; original cast with original likenesses, check. Falcon, check, lightsaber action, check, Vader doing evil stuff, check, Leia kicking ass, check, Leia and Han bickering/flirting, check, AT-ATs, check, Threepio doing clowny stuff, check. I suppose this is expected because it’s set between the first two films so it can’t deviate too much, but it still felt kinda rote.
There was one scene that made me instantly tense when the Empire officer told Han to go into a room for the negotiation - uh oh, this is like the opening scene of The Phantom Menace. Then R2 does some stuff that resembles a scene from the opening of Revenge of the Sith. Oh god, please no! Thankfully, those two moments are the only things that resemble those hated prequels.
What I like best about John Cassaday’s art is the cleanliness of his panels. There’s no extraneous shit cluttering up the pages like the prequels where CGI nonsense was always filling in any space in the background. Here there’s lot of empty space to breathe with the focus rightly on the characters.
Cassaday went big for this first issue and there’s full pages dedicated to the entrance of beloved characters Luke and Vader, and that battle scene between Vader and Chewy was awesome. Cassaday still favours dutch angles for establishing shots for some reason but otherwise I can’t fault his art.
The plot is secondary to the introduction of the characters and is more concerned with immediately throwing them into action. There’s also not a whole lot here that’s unexpected (gee I wonder who the masked guards escorting Han could be?) but it’s a very enjoyable comic and a strong first entry in Marvel’s new Star Wars library. I can only imagine bigger fans of the franchise will be passed out frothing at the mouth by the end of this issue!
This IS the Star Wars comic you’re looking for!
Why the fuss? This is the flagship first Star Wars comic Marvel have published in years. Dark Horse held the licence for a long time before but, once Disney bought Marvel AND Star Wars, that licence was not renewed so on January 1st, 2015 Marvel became the official publisher of all Star Wars comics and they’re celebrating with a bumper first ish leading the charge.
Set in between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, the Empire is reeling with the destruction of the Death Star. Forced into working with anyone who has supplies, like the mob boss Jabba the Hutt, Jabba’s “envoy”, Han Solo, is sent to meet with the Empire’s negotiator, deep within enemy territory. But Han’s not alone - Luke, Leia, Chewy, the droids, and, of course, the Falcon are backing him up as they go up against the “negotiator”: Darth Vader.
I’m not actually a huge Star Wars fan. I like the original trilogy just fine and I hate the prequels, but I’ve only read one Star Wars comic book before this and didn’t care much for it. Jason Aaron and John Cassaday though have made a fine start with Marvel’s new run and I liked this first issue!
It starts the only way it could: “A long time ago in a galaxy, far, far away…”. Cut to double page spread of the STAR WARS logo, scrolling text, then cut to empty space, panning down to spaceship entering into shot. Classic. But this basically speaks to what we get in this first issue - it’s Jason Aaron ticking all the boxes that fans want to see.
Intro, check; original cast with original likenesses, check. Falcon, check, lightsaber action, check, Vader doing evil stuff, check, Leia kicking ass, check, Leia and Han bickering/flirting, check, AT-ATs, check, Threepio doing clowny stuff, check. I suppose this is expected because it’s set between the first two films so it can’t deviate too much, but it still felt kinda rote.
There was one scene that made me instantly tense when the Empire officer told Han to go into a room for the negotiation - uh oh, this is like the opening scene of The Phantom Menace. Then R2 does some stuff that resembles a scene from the opening of Revenge of the Sith. Oh god, please no! Thankfully, those two moments are the only things that resemble those hated prequels.
What I like best about John Cassaday’s art is the cleanliness of his panels. There’s no extraneous shit cluttering up the pages like the prequels where CGI nonsense was always filling in any space in the background. Here there’s lot of empty space to breathe with the focus rightly on the characters.
Cassaday went big for this first issue and there’s full pages dedicated to the entrance of beloved characters Luke and Vader, and that battle scene between Vader and Chewy was awesome. Cassaday still favours dutch angles for establishing shots for some reason but otherwise I can’t fault his art.
The plot is secondary to the introduction of the characters and is more concerned with immediately throwing them into action. There’s also not a whole lot here that’s unexpected (gee I wonder who the masked guards escorting Han could be?) but it’s a very enjoyable comic and a strong first entry in Marvel’s new Star Wars library. I can only imagine bigger fans of the franchise will be passed out frothing at the mouth by the end of this issue!
This IS the Star Wars comic you’re looking for!
July 28, 2017
Here's a respectable start for a great series (I hope so), Star Wars!
Star Wars the comics enjoys the advantage of not introducing the characters and building their personality. It relies on a universally known fact that everybody knows who the hell are the main players of this epic space saga. Issue one is a fitting start. It gives you right away who the main players are and what they will be doing (which is either rebel or defend the galactic empire). The story happens right after the Death Star exploded.
This issue doesn't have space battles. That would certainly come after. Like Episode IV, issue one started with good old corridor fights. So expect to see a lot of blasts and covers.
Unlike Rogue One, even the comics has this line, the logo and the text crawl. It is so authentic that you'd here the SW opening fanfare in your soul.
The last page of this issue is awesome, though it would certainly raise some nerdy eyebrows: .
Star Wars the comics enjoys the advantage of not introducing the characters and building their personality. It relies on a universally known fact that everybody knows who the hell are the main players of this epic space saga. Issue one is a fitting start. It gives you right away who the main players are and what they will be doing (which is either rebel or defend the galactic empire). The story happens right after the Death Star exploded.
This issue doesn't have space battles. That would certainly come after. Like Episode IV, issue one started with good old corridor fights. So expect to see a lot of blasts and covers.
Unlike Rogue One, even the comics has this line, the logo and the text crawl. It is so authentic that you'd here the SW opening fanfare in your soul.The last page of this issue is awesome, though it would certainly raise some nerdy eyebrows: .
May 7, 2015
Finally came to my senses that now that I have an iPad (since last Christmas, mind you) I can start downloading some comics once again and see/read them on a decent sized screen. As others have pointed out, this first issue of the newly rebooted Star Wars universe isn't exactly original in regards to storyline but the great artwork really makes up for that. Almost feels like coming home once again and visiting the family.
A good start to the new series and one that I'm sure to follow religiously.
A good start to the new series and one that I'm sure to follow religiously.
October 23, 2017
Ritrovare i mitici protagonisti, anzi, gli eroi di Star Wars della trilogia classica mi ha emozionato molto. L'unico difetto di questa storia è che dura davvero poco, visto che è solo una prima parte. Disegni straordinari, sembra di vedere un film.
Quasi quasi acquisto l'edizione cartonata! :)
Quasi quasi acquisto l'edizione cartonata! :)
November 25, 2015
This captures the personality of all the characters I love. And talk about cliffhanger. I'm in love with this series already
March 12, 2015
I've read more than a few Dark Horse Star Wars comics of various vintage lately. What I noticed was that a lot of their stories focused on minor characters or entirely new ones with a tangential relationship to the main movie cast and are often set years or even generations after the event of the original trilogy.
Marvel's new series is similar in that it is set in the gaps of the movies; this one is set in between Episodes IV and V but the art, in comparison to most of what Dark Horse offered is parsecs away the best I've seen in Star Wars comics. It is simply spectacular. So much so that I wouldn't mind a John Cassaday directed Star Wars movie spin-off and with the may Disney is awarding them, it might not be that far off.
Marvel's new series is similar in that it is set in the gaps of the movies; this one is set in between Episodes IV and V but the art, in comparison to most of what Dark Horse offered is parsecs away the best I've seen in Star Wars comics. It is simply spectacular. So much so that I wouldn't mind a John Cassaday directed Star Wars movie spin-off and with the may Disney is awarding them, it might not be that far off.
March 16, 2015
I was very hesitant to pick this up, as the last time I was tricked into more Star Wars it involved Jar Jar Binks, whining child Anakin, and a 45 minute pod race that was 46 minutes too long. But this comic, set in between Episode IV and Episode V, returned some of my faith in the franchise (and just in time for the new Star Wars movies). The art fit the series and the characters -- favorites like Luke, Han, Leia, and Vader -- and the plot started off with an exciting skirmish between the Rebels and the Empire. I'm definitely going to keep reading as long as the comics maintain this high level of quality.
May 14, 2016
Yesterday I watched Star Wars:the force awakens and I decided to join this fandom.. so I decided to read the comics and watch the old movies until 2017, when we will have a new movie.
it's a good start. the illustrations are really good!
it's a good start. the illustrations are really good!
September 4, 2015
Odlican artwork, fin prikaz likova i prica je interesantna za sada.
U svakom slucaju jedva cekam da ovo neko krene i kod nas da objavljuje.
U svakom slucaju jedva cekam da ovo neko krene i kod nas da objavljuje.
March 21, 2017
Loved the story along with the artwork that was amazing! The art is so true to the characters. Love it.
September 22, 2018
While Disney may have fouled up with The Last Jedi, the Marvel comic books from a galaxy far, far away are true to the spirit of the original films. Read one and see if you don't enjoy it.
January 18, 2015
I'm a fairly big Star Wars nerd. I'm obsessed with any scrap of news related to The Force Awakens. I've written Star Wars fan fic. I own a New Era Star Wars baseball cap (Imperials). I own many Boba Fett toys. I've even read some of the expanded universe novels (now Legends).
And yet... I've always tended to stay away from the Star Wars comic books. Like many of the novels, most of what I've read reads like over-heated disposable fanboy fic (I would know), and a lot of it seems to be only Star Wars in name. But this new line of Marvel Star Wars comics is different.
When names like Mark Waid and Jason Aaron start being mentioned in the same breath as Star Wars you have to take notice.
Jason Aaron is writing STAR WARS. Let that sink in for a moment.
I got this opening day. And when I say "opening day" I definitely do mean to suggest that reading this book will inspire in you feelings of a cinematic experience that you probably haven't had in a long time, a long time.
The setup:
Intent on keeping the momentum going after destroying the first Death Star, a group of Rebels stages a daring undercover operation to decommission a vast Imperial military manufacturing plant on a Correllian planetary moon.
As far as channeling the cinematic experience of the original trilogy goes, this comic book will definitely deliver and consequently probably hold you over until the actual new Star Wars movie comes out in December. Indeed, from the opening crawl to the opening images of a Tatooinian sail barge descending from space into the polluted, Correllian industrial atmosphere, Aaron and his creative team nail the classic Star Wars tone so effortlessly that it induces chills at times. Laura Martin's colors, in particular, are gritty enough to evoke that lived-in, industrial feel of the original trilogy, while never so dark and dystopian as to overwhelm the light, jaunty tone of Aaron's script or of John Cassaday's lively pencil work.
Speaking of Cassady, I initially found his pencils a bit too cartoony yet bland in detail for my taste. Upon closer inspection, however, it's clear that Cassaday's art is still photo-realistic and specific enough to capture the essence and quirks of the original big three and of the actors who once portrayed them on screen, right down to Han Solo/Harrison Ford's wry smirk and "who me" befuddled expressions. What's more, it's noteworthy how Cassaday's art captures the tone of Aaron's swift and bouncy script so well. To be sure, coupled with the frisky dialogue and swift pace of Aaron's script, it's just too easy to picture many of these images and sequences by Cassady in an actual Star Wars movie. Cool, right? (Note that Aaron also seems to throw a nod or two towards the prequels, lest he alienate any potential customers, er, fans.)
Well, yes. And no. I mean... evoking the look and feel of the original trilogy is gratifying in itself but it's also a frustrating aspect in the book. Most people won't care too much that Aaron & Co. have taken a safer, more crowd pleasing creative route here. The way I see it, at this point most fans just want good 'ol fashioned Star Wars again (emphasis on "good"), especially after the interesting though failed mess that was the prequels, right? I think that Marvel and the Lucas Film Story Group know this as well. But though this story may uncannily resemble what could have been the first chapter in an abandoned sequel to A New Hope, the whole endeavor seems less ambitious for it.
Though filled with incident and major events, situating the story between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back seems to have created certain inevitable, built-in storytelling constraints for Aaron & Co., in particular where the conceptual scope of the book is concerned. So far, Aaron's & Co. seem content to channel the charm and whimsy of the original Star Wars movies--down to recycling a very specific type of storyline and stormtroopers who can't shoot straight. In the process, Aaron's creative team falls a bit too short of the original movies' epic grandeur and originality to produce anything that could yet function like an actual Star Wars sequel. Though it will perhaps gradually transition into something darker as the story gets closer to Empire, perhaps conceptual originality isn't where this series promises to become something a bit more subversive.
To be sure, small, nagging pangs of disappointment notwithstanding, it's actually kind of eerie how well Aaron's skill set as a writer not only merges so seamlessly with the style and tone of the Star Wars movies (yes, at times including the prequels here) but how well it also enhances these elements, in particular where the storytelling is concerned. Though many will cite his seemingly effortless ability to mimic the style and feel of the original trilogy, Aaron's true contribution to Star Wars is to be found where the "how" of the book is concerned rather than in the "what", as it were.
Not surprisingly, then, Aaron's prodigious ability to write compelling characters and compelling drama is what allows him to put his authorial stamp on the galaxy far, far away. For instance, many familiar characters get to do some pretty novel and surprising things in this book yet none of it rings false in that these actions are true to character and tied organically into the story: intent on pinning both his heroes and villains' backs against wall every step of the way, Aaron skillfully creates major setbacks for his characters that can only lead to certain, albeit surprising, character moments and plot developments. Indeed, tension-filled, brisk, and exciting, every plot development and twist in the script is grounded in character and in the logic of the scene and thus feels inevitable however novel and attention grabbing it might seem on the surface. We learn a lot more about these characters in the process.
On that note, however, I should mention that, in his attempts to tell a big, eventful yarn with note-worthy twists, I did get the sense that Aaron goes too far at times, flirting dangerously with disaster, in particular in regards to a very unexpected confrontation that occurs between two major characters who probably shouldn't be meeting this soon, a confrontation that could feasibly undermine the momentousness and tension of major events yet to come. As such, more than the tone of the movies themselves, at times this book seems to evoke the kookier tone of some of the older, more bizarre Star Wars Marvel comic book adventures. (If so, was this done on purpose?)
Nonetheless, Aaron & Co. clearly deserve the benefit of the doubt here. All in all, they've concocted a genuinely exciting book that goes beyond mere novelty and sensationalism, holding its own as an honest-to-goodness Star Wars adventure. In fact, although its more brazen plot twists and character moments subversively betray what we already know of the Star Wars saga, they also ultimately remain true to its original spirit. In accomplishing this, Aaron & Co. also allow their own ambitiousness and subversiveness as artists to shine through. So far Star Wars and Jason Aaron's creative team is making for a successful marriage. Though not quite a home run in my book, this first issue is a long extra base hit for Marvel and promises to become a major score for Star Wars fans, in particular for desperate, post-prequel Star Wars fans such as myself, thank you very much. Grab this book. It's worth the hype.
And yet... I've always tended to stay away from the Star Wars comic books. Like many of the novels, most of what I've read reads like over-heated disposable fanboy fic (I would know), and a lot of it seems to be only Star Wars in name. But this new line of Marvel Star Wars comics is different.
When names like Mark Waid and Jason Aaron start being mentioned in the same breath as Star Wars you have to take notice.
Jason Aaron is writing STAR WARS. Let that sink in for a moment.
I got this opening day. And when I say "opening day" I definitely do mean to suggest that reading this book will inspire in you feelings of a cinematic experience that you probably haven't had in a long time, a long time.
The setup:
Intent on keeping the momentum going after destroying the first Death Star, a group of Rebels stages a daring undercover operation to decommission a vast Imperial military manufacturing plant on a Correllian planetary moon.
As far as channeling the cinematic experience of the original trilogy goes, this comic book will definitely deliver and consequently probably hold you over until the actual new Star Wars movie comes out in December. Indeed, from the opening crawl to the opening images of a Tatooinian sail barge descending from space into the polluted, Correllian industrial atmosphere, Aaron and his creative team nail the classic Star Wars tone so effortlessly that it induces chills at times. Laura Martin's colors, in particular, are gritty enough to evoke that lived-in, industrial feel of the original trilogy, while never so dark and dystopian as to overwhelm the light, jaunty tone of Aaron's script or of John Cassaday's lively pencil work.
Speaking of Cassady, I initially found his pencils a bit too cartoony yet bland in detail for my taste. Upon closer inspection, however, it's clear that Cassaday's art is still photo-realistic and specific enough to capture the essence and quirks of the original big three and of the actors who once portrayed them on screen, right down to Han Solo/Harrison Ford's wry smirk and "who me" befuddled expressions. What's more, it's noteworthy how Cassaday's art captures the tone of Aaron's swift and bouncy script so well. To be sure, coupled with the frisky dialogue and swift pace of Aaron's script, it's just too easy to picture many of these images and sequences by Cassady in an actual Star Wars movie. Cool, right? (Note that Aaron also seems to throw a nod or two towards the prequels, lest he alienate any potential customers, er, fans.)
Well, yes. And no. I mean... evoking the look and feel of the original trilogy is gratifying in itself but it's also a frustrating aspect in the book. Most people won't care too much that Aaron & Co. have taken a safer, more crowd pleasing creative route here. The way I see it, at this point most fans just want good 'ol fashioned Star Wars again (emphasis on "good"), especially after the interesting though failed mess that was the prequels, right? I think that Marvel and the Lucas Film Story Group know this as well. But though this story may uncannily resemble what could have been the first chapter in an abandoned sequel to A New Hope, the whole endeavor seems less ambitious for it.
Though filled with incident and major events, situating the story between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back seems to have created certain inevitable, built-in storytelling constraints for Aaron & Co., in particular where the conceptual scope of the book is concerned. So far, Aaron's & Co. seem content to channel the charm and whimsy of the original Star Wars movies--down to recycling a very specific type of storyline and stormtroopers who can't shoot straight. In the process, Aaron's creative team falls a bit too short of the original movies' epic grandeur and originality to produce anything that could yet function like an actual Star Wars sequel. Though it will perhaps gradually transition into something darker as the story gets closer to Empire, perhaps conceptual originality isn't where this series promises to become something a bit more subversive.
To be sure, small, nagging pangs of disappointment notwithstanding, it's actually kind of eerie how well Aaron's skill set as a writer not only merges so seamlessly with the style and tone of the Star Wars movies (yes, at times including the prequels here) but how well it also enhances these elements, in particular where the storytelling is concerned. Though many will cite his seemingly effortless ability to mimic the style and feel of the original trilogy, Aaron's true contribution to Star Wars is to be found where the "how" of the book is concerned rather than in the "what", as it were.
Not surprisingly, then, Aaron's prodigious ability to write compelling characters and compelling drama is what allows him to put his authorial stamp on the galaxy far, far away. For instance, many familiar characters get to do some pretty novel and surprising things in this book yet none of it rings false in that these actions are true to character and tied organically into the story: intent on pinning both his heroes and villains' backs against wall every step of the way, Aaron skillfully creates major setbacks for his characters that can only lead to certain, albeit surprising, character moments and plot developments. Indeed, tension-filled, brisk, and exciting, every plot development and twist in the script is grounded in character and in the logic of the scene and thus feels inevitable however novel and attention grabbing it might seem on the surface. We learn a lot more about these characters in the process.
On that note, however, I should mention that, in his attempts to tell a big, eventful yarn with note-worthy twists, I did get the sense that Aaron goes too far at times, flirting dangerously with disaster, in particular in regards to a very unexpected confrontation that occurs between two major characters who probably shouldn't be meeting this soon, a confrontation that could feasibly undermine the momentousness and tension of major events yet to come. As such, more than the tone of the movies themselves, at times this book seems to evoke the kookier tone of some of the older, more bizarre Star Wars Marvel comic book adventures. (If so, was this done on purpose?)
Nonetheless, Aaron & Co. clearly deserve the benefit of the doubt here. All in all, they've concocted a genuinely exciting book that goes beyond mere novelty and sensationalism, holding its own as an honest-to-goodness Star Wars adventure. In fact, although its more brazen plot twists and character moments subversively betray what we already know of the Star Wars saga, they also ultimately remain true to its original spirit. In accomplishing this, Aaron & Co. also allow their own ambitiousness and subversiveness as artists to shine through. So far Star Wars and Jason Aaron's creative team is making for a successful marriage. Though not quite a home run in my book, this first issue is a long extra base hit for Marvel and promises to become a major score for Star Wars fans, in particular for desperate, post-prequel Star Wars fans such as myself, thank you very much. Grab this book. It's worth the hype.
January 15, 2015
This first issue of Star Wars takes place right after A New Hope. The story so far is not specifically original. However, the art and writing does a very good job of capturing the essence of the characters behavior and action sequences of the original Star Wars film. Its a great start to the series and has a Skywalker in action cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more.
January 24, 2018
My girlfriend got this in a Loot Crate a while back and gave it to me. It was wonderful, it hit me in the geeky feels.
July 27, 2016
This first issue of Star Wars(2015) was great! The art is fantastic and so well done. Cassaday is becoming one of my favorite artists after Whedon's Astonishing X-Men and now Star Wars. Aaron captures the characters perfectly and the script is pretty normal Star Wars in flavor. The time period that this comic is set in, between A New Hope and Empire is a great place to build upon more stories. Not sure if I'll grab the trade paperback or try to get the single issues but regardless I'm now a fan.
January 15, 2015
Today is new comic book day and look what was waiting for me...er...my 7- and 11-year-old at our local comic book store. This book starts off where Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope (1977) left off. The story, starring all of the old familiar faces, is off to an exciting start. Great artwork! And I do an excellent job playing John Williams' original soundtrack in my head, because when page one starts "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...." you can't help yourself. :-)
January 19, 2015
Quite simply put - I could 'hear' the actors voices in the characterization within the panes, especially Han and Threepio.; excellent job, Marvel. To be honest, I thought picking up the baton after Dark Horse put it down was a daunting task. So far, you've captured my attention!
May 8, 2015
Son tan cortitas las grapas, que no da tiempo a adentrarse en la historia...
Los dibujos están muy bien, utilizando como modelos a los actores de la peli, lo que resulta muy nostálgico.
Será una delicia leerlo cuando esté completo ^^
Los dibujos están muy bien, utilizando como modelos a los actores de la peli, lo que resulta muy nostálgico.
Será una delicia leerlo cuando esté completo ^^
November 2, 2020
To start off, at least from my memory, this was the first graphic novel I've read outside of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, and I thoroughly enjoyed my quick experience with it. I am a huge Star Wars fan. I've watched all of the movies multiple times and have watched the original three films probably 10 times each. I love the characters Star Wars has to offer, so reading about a whole new adventure with the characters I have always adored was awesome. This book had my favorites, such as Han, Leia, Luke, C-3PO, Darth Vader, and R2-D2. This was the first time I have ever dug deeper into the Star Wars mythology via a book. This book contained the classic light saber and gun battles, Jedi using the force, the Empire being the absolute ruler, and the natural banter and sass of the characters that I have grown accustomed to in the films. I appreciated the fact that I finished a book in about ten minutes in one sitting, which is something I never do.
I loved most of what this graphic novel had to offer, but I didn't give it 5 stars. I gave it 4 for a reason, and most of this was because of the overall layout of a graphic novel such as this. I never got into comic books or super books because of the pictures and format. Not just for this book but for all graphic novels, I find the picture and designs distracting from my understanding the content. I get too focused on the pictures and drawings and am not fully invested in the content being communicated. Additionally, I found the speech bubbles tough to follow. I never know if I am going to the correct speech bubble, and I also missed a few bubbles in this Star Wars book.
Ultimately, if one likes Star Wars and just loves the mythology and world of Star Wars, they should give this graphic novel a read. Even if they think it is bad, it only takes about ten minutes to read. For me, it was odd to be reading about Star Wars when I am just so used to watching the action take place on screen. From a content standpoint, everything was great. From just the general layout, I wasn't a huge fan. This was the first volume of a series, and in my opinion, the volumes should be combined to create one large book about Star Wars. If one doesn't like Star Wars, don't waste time with this graphic novel. In all, this was the first volume of a series, and it made me want to read the following volumes, which means the book was good and did its job.
I loved most of what this graphic novel had to offer, but I didn't give it 5 stars. I gave it 4 for a reason, and most of this was because of the overall layout of a graphic novel such as this. I never got into comic books or super books because of the pictures and format. Not just for this book but for all graphic novels, I find the picture and designs distracting from my understanding the content. I get too focused on the pictures and drawings and am not fully invested in the content being communicated. Additionally, I found the speech bubbles tough to follow. I never know if I am going to the correct speech bubble, and I also missed a few bubbles in this Star Wars book.
Ultimately, if one likes Star Wars and just loves the mythology and world of Star Wars, they should give this graphic novel a read. Even if they think it is bad, it only takes about ten minutes to read. For me, it was odd to be reading about Star Wars when I am just so used to watching the action take place on screen. From a content standpoint, everything was great. From just the general layout, I wasn't a huge fan. This was the first volume of a series, and in my opinion, the volumes should be combined to create one large book about Star Wars. If one doesn't like Star Wars, don't waste time with this graphic novel. In all, this was the first volume of a series, and it made me want to read the following volumes, which means the book was good and did its job.
February 24, 2020
Much of my youth was spent playing with my Star Wars figures and pretending I was Luke or Han. I am excited to read this story, which takes place right after the first movie would have taken place. The Death Star has been blown up. What is the next rebel mission? I will find out by reading this series. Starts off with a bang.
August 18, 2016
Check out the review on my blog
I am vaguely aware of the existence of the Extended Universe and all the books and comics set in it, but outside of couple video games I have never come in contact with it. I love Star Wars, but not that much. So the first volume of Marvel's ongoing flagship Star Wars series is my first contact with the galaxy far far away portrayed in this media.
If I had any reservations before picking up this book, they were all gone when I read who is responsible for committing it. Jason Aaron has my complete trust when it comes to writing, after he made me fall in love with Thor in his various Thor series and reintroduced Doctor Strange into his new ongoing series (I still need to get my hands on his Southern Bastards from Image). Also he just won an Eisner Award for the best writer.
The story is set between the events from The New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. A great choice in my opinion. Such setting gives a lot of wiggle room for the story and allows to explore and develop the characters that we know so well. It also allows to show some of the actual rebellion work that is not solely focused on Luke's journey to become a Jedi (although it is also part of the story). After all something must have happened that Rebellion moved from celebrating victory after the first Death Star's destruction to holding back against Empire's siege of Hoth.
Most importantly the characters stayed true to their original cinematic portrayals and in some instances they even got improved. Luke is getting over Obi-Wan's death and tries to become a Jedi on his own, C3PO's and R2D2's banter is still funny, princess Leia and Han are stuck in a circle of flirt and annoyance, and Chewbacca is as eloquent as ever.
But let's talk about the villains. We all know the Darth Vader is bad, he is an icon for a bad guy with his cool design, smooth voice, iconic theme and the force choke. However Darth Vader in this comic is truly menacing. He is an unstoppable executor of Empire's will, who can't be challenged by anyone. He is obsessed with discovering the identity of the pilot who destroyed the Death Star (which is Luke) and our heroes are no match for him (yet). At the same time he is insecure and self-centred just like Anakin was in the newer films. There is a moment in which he kills a Stormtrooper who looked at him without his mask. That is the Vader we are dealing with.
Also Boba Fett is worth mentioning. A bounty hunter beloved by many, but which had only five lines of dialogue in the original trilogy and was more of an interesting looking set piece rather than an actual character. Here he is a real badd ass. I finally understand what the hype surrounding him is all about.
John Cassaday manages to transfer the feel of Star Wars set pieces onto the pages in a great fashion. Also characters look very well; they look like more cartoonish versions of the original actors but without making them look comical (at least for the most part). Kudos for that.
I am vaguely aware of the existence of the Extended Universe and all the books and comics set in it, but outside of couple video games I have never come in contact with it. I love Star Wars, but not that much. So the first volume of Marvel's ongoing flagship Star Wars series is my first contact with the galaxy far far away portrayed in this media.
If I had any reservations before picking up this book, they were all gone when I read who is responsible for committing it. Jason Aaron has my complete trust when it comes to writing, after he made me fall in love with Thor in his various Thor series and reintroduced Doctor Strange into his new ongoing series (I still need to get my hands on his Southern Bastards from Image). Also he just won an Eisner Award for the best writer.
The story is set between the events from The New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. A great choice in my opinion. Such setting gives a lot of wiggle room for the story and allows to explore and develop the characters that we know so well. It also allows to show some of the actual rebellion work that is not solely focused on Luke's journey to become a Jedi (although it is also part of the story). After all something must have happened that Rebellion moved from celebrating victory after the first Death Star's destruction to holding back against Empire's siege of Hoth.
Most importantly the characters stayed true to their original cinematic portrayals and in some instances they even got improved. Luke is getting over Obi-Wan's death and tries to become a Jedi on his own, C3PO's and R2D2's banter is still funny, princess Leia and Han are stuck in a circle of flirt and annoyance, and Chewbacca is as eloquent as ever.
But let's talk about the villains. We all know the Darth Vader is bad, he is an icon for a bad guy with his cool design, smooth voice, iconic theme and the force choke. However Darth Vader in this comic is truly menacing. He is an unstoppable executor of Empire's will, who can't be challenged by anyone. He is obsessed with discovering the identity of the pilot who destroyed the Death Star (which is Luke) and our heroes are no match for him (yet). At the same time he is insecure and self-centred just like Anakin was in the newer films. There is a moment in which he kills a Stormtrooper who looked at him without his mask. That is the Vader we are dealing with.
Also Boba Fett is worth mentioning. A bounty hunter beloved by many, but which had only five lines of dialogue in the original trilogy and was more of an interesting looking set piece rather than an actual character. Here he is a real badd ass. I finally understand what the hype surrounding him is all about.
John Cassaday manages to transfer the feel of Star Wars set pieces onto the pages in a great fashion. Also characters look very well; they look like more cartoonish versions of the original actors but without making them look comical (at least for the most part). Kudos for that.
VERDICT
Four out of five Leia's in slave outfit.
January 14, 2015
It's here! Marvel is publishing a "classic" Star Wars series, featuring our favorites from the original movies! As soon as it hit the shelves today I had to scoop it up and read it.
Skywalker Strikes sees the gang visiting a weapons factory with a cover story of negotiations between the Empire and Jabba the Hutt. Of course this is anything but that as the rebels try to make a further dent in the Empire's plans.
This story is set between Episode IV and V and for those that have read the novel "Scoundrels", it would seem it is set just before Scoundrels too, as Han Solo is still in the action (or maybe just after - if anyone cares to clarify please comment below!). It has a really classic feel to it and I liked the story line a lot. Jason Aaron writes with humor too and, of course, I liked the humor between C3PO and Han Solo.
I liked this first issue, and the only downside that I see is that I have to wait another month before the second issue!!
If you like the original movies this would be a really good starting point to start reading Star Wars comics!
Skywalker Strikes sees the gang visiting a weapons factory with a cover story of negotiations between the Empire and Jabba the Hutt. Of course this is anything but that as the rebels try to make a further dent in the Empire's plans.
This story is set between Episode IV and V and for those that have read the novel "Scoundrels", it would seem it is set just before Scoundrels too, as Han Solo is still in the action (or maybe just after - if anyone cares to clarify please comment below!). It has a really classic feel to it and I liked the story line a lot. Jason Aaron writes with humor too and, of course, I liked the humor between C3PO and Han Solo.
I liked this first issue, and the only downside that I see is that I have to wait another month before the second issue!!
If you like the original movies this would be a really good starting point to start reading Star Wars comics!
January 13, 2025
Inicio muy prometedor de la serie principal de comics de Star Wars. Hago el comentario a la tercera lectura del mismo y tras ir completando la colección poco a poco (tengo todos los números publicados hasta ahora). La primera vez que lo leí no me gustó tanto como ahora, y fue por los dibujos de John Cassaday, que, bueno, hizo Planetary, ¿no? (y teniendo en cuenta que no me gustó esa serie, pues...) y como planificador de viñetas y creador de ritmo no es que sea muy acertado, pero el guión de Aaron empieza muy, muy bien (excepto quizá por el encuentro Luke-Vader, un cliffhanger que no es de mi agrado, lo veo muy forzado). La suerte es que habiendo leído ya varios tomos puedo afirmar que la serie mejora paso a paso (al menos hasta el arco Vader Derribado), y en cuanto Cassaday abandona los lápices despega con fuerza y se afianza como un entretenimiento sin igual. De ahí mis tres estrellas.
January 22, 2015
Marvel es a partir de ahora la nueva propietaria de los cómics de la saga galáctica Star Wars, y el esperado/temido por muchos momento ha llegado. El primer número que inaugura la primera serie publicada por la Casa de las Ideas está en la calle desde hace unos días y recientemente lo he degustado para poder hacerme una idea de lo que podremos encontrar en la saga a partir de ahora. La conclusión es agridulce de momento, pero al tratarse de un primer número no podemos lanzarnos a juzgarlo de manera porque todavía quedan muchas entregas para que la cosa mejore y tome caminos diferentes. Pero aún así hay que ser crítico, especialmente con una obra donde el comprador se deja el sueldo.
Sigue leyendo...
Sigue leyendo...
December 26, 2015
That is all I ask from a SW comic book. Plain, simple, straight to the point, a plot that is easy to follow and stunning art. It doesn't hurt that the main characters are not just some unknown fellas from the Outer Rim. I have a good feeling about Marvel Star Wars comics. I can't wait to read a Kylo Ren-related comic book!
March 11, 2016
Es un inicio bastante chulo porque empieza fuerte. Los rebeldes se meten en la boca del lobo.
Lo que pasa es que se hace muy cortito (unas 30 - 32 páginas)... :(
Y 1/3 del cómic es publicidad de otros cómics de la Saga, etc...
Star Wars es una Saga que me encanta y tal vez continué con la colección.
Lo que pasa es que se hace muy cortito (unas 30 - 32 páginas)... :(
Y 1/3 del cómic es publicidad de otros cómics de la Saga, etc...
Star Wars es una Saga que me encanta y tal vez continué con la colección.
January 30, 2015
That was everything I wanted it to be. Lots of fun, great pacing and I felt like I could hear the original cast saying the lines as I was reading them.
Now to try and wait patiently for the next issue and the first issue of the Vader and Leia series.
All the Star Wars!
Now to try and wait patiently for the next issue and the first issue of the Vader and Leia series.
All the Star Wars!
April 15, 2015
This was definitely a solidly fun read. It fulfilled my desire to spend more time with characters that I'm fond of, and I loved how the dialog was written spot on so that I could hear the characters' voices in my head.
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