Star Wars: Tales, Vol. 4

Star Wars: Tales #4

by Dave Land (Editor), Kilian Plunkett (Illustrator), W. Haden Blackman

Collecting issues #13-#16 of the quarterly anthology smash sensation, Star Wars Tales Volume 4 features an astonishing collection of stories featuring Jedi Master Mace Windu, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and of course the big man himself—Darth Vader! Tales has explored every corner of the Star Wars galaxy and kept readers coming back for more! Star Wars Tales Volume 4 is sure to delight fans both young and old!

Genres: Star Wars, Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction, Comic Book, Fiction, Fantasy

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Sophie_The_Jedi_Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

I intially picked this up for the Kitayla story, and while that one was good, I had differing opinions on every story in here. There were some where I liked the art style, some where I didn't, and some where I liked the storyline and others where I didn't. Also, I had seen the Mace Windu stories before in a different collection, but I still really enjoyed those. Here's a rating of each story individually:

Puzzle Peace: Disappointing. 2.5/5 stars.
The Secret of Tet-Ami: One of my rereads; a bit confusing but enjoyable, 3/5 stars.
Survivors: A reread, but still just as amazing. 5/5 stars.
Stones: Another really good reread. 5/5 stars (and very interesting art style).
The Sith in the Shadow: I've read this about three times now and still don't understand it. 2/5 stars.
Children of the Force: A very interesting topic to focus on: children stolen to become Jedi. 5/5 stars.
Apocalypse Endor: Goodness, I never knew I'd be so terrified of the Ewoks. 3.5/5 stars.
The Emperor's Court: Very amusing and entertaining story. So many movie Easter eggs. 3.5/5 stars.
Urchins: Odd art style and bland storyline. 2/5 stars.
Tides of Terror: This is the one that persuaded me to originally pick this book up. Kitayla!<3 I was not disappointed, and the story was entertaining as well. And it made my shipper heart happy. 5/5 stars.
The Lesson: By far one of my favorite stories in the book, not to mention a tear jerker. 5/5 stars.
Smuggler's Blues: Amusing and very fun story, though I didn't love the art style. 3.5/5 stars.
Mythology: A story I've read before trying to explain the inane reasoning of why a Jedi cannot love. It's interesting and good, but still weak in reasoning why a Jedi should let go of love. 3.5/5 stars.
Sandstorm: Holy Sarlacc this was amazing! An easy 5/5 stars!
First Impressions: Leia was in this so it was incredible, but I didn't like the art style. 3/5 stars.
Falling Star: This was very good but kind of sad. 3.5/5 stars.
Do or Do Not: A short, entertaining story. 4/5 stars.
Slippery Slope: Good artwork but a boring story. 2.5/5 stars.
Lucky Stars: Another Leia story with (I personally think) better artwork. Very good and entertaining. Not to mention the amusing movie Easter egg: "Space jockeys aren't my type." Sure, Leia. Sure. 4.5/5 stars.
The Other: A really interesting story on why Leia never became a full-fledged Jedi and a peek at life after Return of the Jedi at our favorite trio. (Loved seeing Leia and Han's EU kids - Jaina, Jacen, and Anakin.) I didn't like the artwork, and the cursive part made it hard to read, but still really good. 4/5 stars.
Best Birthday Ever: Good artwork, and a funny light-hearted story. 3.5/5 stars.
The Long, Bad Day: Really short, but funny and entertaining. 3.5/5 stars.
Kessel Run: Amusing, but I wasn't in love with the artwork and the storyline was a bit lacking. 2.5/5 stars.
Lunch Break: I found this a bit sadder than I probably was intended to since it's sort of funny. 2.5/5 stars.
Heart of Darkness: Just really boring, honestly. Nothing interesting happened. 2/5 stars.

Overall review: 3.5/5 stars. This was very good at parts but not at others. Will I pick up any of the other compilations? Maybe. But not anytime soon because I have an infinitely long TBR list at the moment. But this one was definitely worth it.

[Jedi Sunni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puzzle Peace:

Good read with a solid story line. I would consider the art fun but yet entertaining. I really liked the plot points and I personally like how star wars relates to our real world at times. My rating for this story is 4.5 out of 5.0.

The Secret of Tet-Ami:

This story did not make any sense at all, I'm not sure of the point of this story. I feel like it may be a little to deep for me, because I had a very hard time following this short story. The art was still solid and mace seems to be the center piece. My rating for this story is a 2.5 out of 5.0.

Survivors:

The was an excellent story and really added to a theory I had about the Jedi. Even with all the good the do, they seem to over exert their power at time which lead to their ultimate down fall. You witness it here again in this story. This short story is packed full of goodies. The art is very well done and fits the story perfectly. My rating for this story is a 4.9 out 5.0.

Stones:

I found this to be a very good story, with a very good moral. It represents what the Jedi stand for and why they are thought of as being so Nobel. I can appreciate the type of responsibility that comes with a certain amount of power. Though the art was done in a style I don't particularly enjoy it did not detract from the story.My rating for this story is a 3.8 out of 5.0.

The Sith in The Shadow:

This was some kind of Jedi adventure that put before Jedi Mace Windu. I thought this was an average star wars story that required the Jedi to do some self examination. There was little to no action and it was way to short to really grasp were they wanted to take this story. My rating for this story is a 2.5 out of 5.0

Childern of The Force:

This was a very good and unique story were we can see how one usually becomes a Jedi. It does make one think of the true nature of the jedi I order. This was a remarkable story to me one have childern of my own and it really tugged at my heart. There is enough action to keep on engaged and the action actually leads to some very good points. My rating for this story is a 4.7 out of 5.0.

Apocalypse Endor:

This was a good story for anyone who is a fan to of the Ewoks. This story was told from a 3rd person point of view and the writer did an excellent job of displaying emotion. He did a great job of making the Ewoks look like little terrors. The story he told seemed embellished but had quite a bit of truth in them. My rating for this story is a 4.5 out of 5.0.

The Emperor's Court:

This story is a spin-off of peoples court which is a show were people take cased to be ruled on by a tv judge. I found this to be a cool little set up with a good amount of humor. I enjoyed the story and the art. The Solo lines were very good. My rating for this story is a 4.1 out of 5.0.

Urchins:

I am a big episode 1 fan so with that being said this story really resignates with me. I like the choppy art style and the idea of anakin having encounters with the force before he meets qui-gon-jiin. This was a good story and very well written.

Tides of Terror:

Yea, I you get to take a trip back to Kamino. I particularly like the long neck aliens who resemble something out of your run of the mill syfy movie. I find the design simple but fitting for star wars. The art work is beautiful and who doesn't like kit-fisto and Aayla. The story was one that has been told before and fit the short story format perfectly. You even get what could be the beginning of a little romance, which the Jedi forbid. My rating for this issue is a 4.9 out of 5.

The Lesson:

I have to say anytime I see a lesson taught in a story that aligns with my own personal beliefs it brings about a sense a purpose. This story has much to do with one laying down his life for the greater good or a friend. The story speaks of purpose which I am a big believer in, even when I don't understand. I thought the art was about average but the story was very well written. The characters are believable and its always nice to see an Brown colored person in the star wars universe, ha ha ha. My rating for this issue is a 4.5 out of 5.0.

Smuggler's Blues:

This Story follows the events of Han and Chewy just before the meet our Jedi friends in the Cantina. The story is very short but includes some good humor and decent art. There are some familiar species and other never seen before. This was pretty creative for a very short story. My rating for this issue is a 4.2 out of 5.0.

[Malcolm Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puzzle Piece
What?: Mace Windu tries to broker peace between two warring factions.
When?: Before the Clone Wars
Could be Canon?: Yes
Thoughts: This was a fun little story that has a punchline.
The Secret Of Tet-Ami
What?: Mace Windu checks out an archaeological site before it's revealed to the galaxy.
When?: Before the Clone Wars
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: This was a fun self-fulfilling story that covers an aspect never before seen in the Star Wars universe.
Survivor
What?: A criminal this he's safe but an unstoppable assailant is approaching.
When?: Before the Clone Wars
Could be Canon?: Yes
Thoughts: A nice showcase for how ruthless and dangerous a Jedi can be.
Stone
What?: Padawan Mace Windu acquires his purple crystal for his lightsaber.
When?: Before the Phantom Menace
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: Though not the official origin of the purple crystals, this was still a fun tale.
The Sith in the Shadow
What?: Mace Windu gives his padawan a chance to prove himself.
When?: Before the Phantom Menace
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: A nice expansion on the scene in The Empire Strikes Back when Luke goes into the cave on Dagobah.
Children Of The Force
What?: Not everyone feels honoured to have their gifted children brought into the Jedi fold.
When?: Before the Phantom Menace
Could be Canon?: Yes
Thoughts: This is a nice exploration behind the Jedi's 'right' to take babies strong in the force and the repercussions that this can have.
Apocalypse Endor
What?: A retired stormtrooper defends himself when asked why the Stormtroopers were no match against a bunch of Ewoks.
When?: After Return of the Jedi
Could be Canon?: Yes
Thoughts: I loved this one. It's easy to forget that those little furballs were planning on eating Han and Luke and were far more than little cutie things.
The Emperor's Court
What?: In the style of a live TV court, the Emperor oversees the trial of Han Solo for the killing of Greedo.
When?: After A New Hope
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: This was very silly and a lot of fun. Lots of things to look for in the crowds as well.
Urchins
What?: Anakin Skywalker and his fellow slaves unintentionally help Watto out of a financial bind.
When?: Before the Phantom Menace
Could be Canon?: Yes
Thoughts: Another story with a punchline.
Tides of Terror
What?: Aayla Secura and Kit Fisto investigate a deadly toxin let loose in Tapoca City.
When?: After Attack of the Clones
Could be Canon?: Yes
Thoughts: Brilliantly illustrated and exciting. This also shows a few things about these Jedi we haven't seen before. Great stuff.
The Lesson
What?: A padawan struggles to understand the Jedi way of paying with one's life in order to safe the life of another.
When?: During Attack Of The Clones
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: An interesting view on self-sacrifice.
Smuggler's Blues
What?: Han and Chewie turn down a succession of potential passengers before an old man and a kid change his life forever.
When?: A New Hope
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: A nice little precursor to the events in the film.
Mythology
What?: Qui-Gon Jinn tells Obi-Wan Kenobi a story about twin Jedi whose fates are used as a lesson about attachment.
When?: Before The Phantom Menace
Could be Canon?: Yes
Thoughts: Quite a lengthy story for what it is.
Sandstorm
What?: A young Luke, fed up of being stuck of the farm, attempts to run away but is caught in a sandstorm. An unexpected figure keeps him company.
When?: Before A New Hope
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: A gentle story with some touching scenes.
First Impressions
What?: Bail Organa takes his adopted daughter Leia to meet the Emperor
When?: Before A New Hope
Could be Canon?: Yes
Thoughts: It's great seeing some of Leia's life as an Alderaanean princess.
Falling Star
What?: Luke and Biggs buy a ticket on a ship for a jaunt into space. It doesn't go well.
When?: Before A New Hope
Could be Canon?: Yes
Thoughts: More great stuff of Luke's younger life.
Do or Do Not
What?: Luke comes to terms being the last Jedi in the galaxy.
When?: Just after Return of the Jedi
Could be Canon?: Yes
Thoughts: Some great insight into Luke's thoughts and feelings about creating a new order of Jedi.
Slippery Slope
What?: A droid bounty hunter finds Luke and Yoda of Dagobah.
When?: During the Empire Strikes Back
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: More Jedi stuff.
Lucky Stars
What?: Leia Organa join an all-female task force to liberate a data cube off of a broker.
When?: During the Rebellion
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: A nice little heist story featuring women with big chests.
The Other
What?: Leia has her reasons for not wanting to learn the Jedi ways.
When?: After Return Of The Jedi
Could be Canon?: Yes
Thoughts: A sequel to the excellent Princess Leia Diaries, this gives further character development to Leia.
Best Birthday Ever
What?: Bib Fortuna presents Jabba the Hutt with a new creature for his pit.
When?: Before Return of the Jedi
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: A silly version of the acquisition of the Rancor. Probably a little bit more interesting than an accurate account.
The Long, Bad Day
What?: Obi-Wan's force ghost taunts Vader after the destruction of the Death Star
When?: After A New Hope
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: I loved this funny take on what happened to Vader after being flung off into space in his ship.
Kessel Run
What?: Han Solo does the Kessel Run, but not that one.
When?: Before A New Hope
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: Using an interesting art style, this story gives its own interpretation as to how Han did the Kessel Run in less than 12 Parsecs. Really quite daft, but fun.
Lunch Break
What?: Two stormtroopers peruse Darth Vader's diary.
When?: During the Empire
Could be Canon?: No
Thoughts: Very comic strip in nature, this was fun, if pointless.
Heart Of Darkness
What?: A young Jedi attempts to defeat a member of the Sith by themselves.
When?: During the Old Republic
Could be Canon?: Yes
Thoughts: A thrilling story following a young member of Yoda's species. It was nice seeing something based during the time of the Old Republic. Good stuff.

All in all a great selection of stories, set throughout the Star Wars universe. A real mix of themes, characters, setting and artwork.

[Jaime K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume collects issues 13-16 of the ‘Tales’ series.
It helps to keep in mind that most of these aren’t canonical and some are purposely meat to be spoof.

Issue 13 (about Mace Windu)
- Puzzle Peace: It’s sad that Mace destroys a statue (a deity) instead of helping to find peace between two warring, genocidal clans.
- Secret of Tet Ami: This is a weird time paradox.
- Survivors: This is odd
- Stones: Mace is sent to Hurikane by himself at the age of 14 to build a lightsaber.
- Sith in Shadow: Mace is a harsh master for his male apprentice.
- Children of the Force: Despite his harshness, Mace is a fantastic master for Depa. It is VERY sad to see Jedi testing and taking newborns.

Issue 14 (mainly somewhat spoofy AUs)
- Apocalypse Endor: Ewoks and Imperials don’t mix.
- Emperor’s Court: This is a hilarious take on who shot first. It is like a PG set of ‘Robot Chicken.’
- Urchins: Ani (IT IS NOT ANNIE) and his friends make Sebulba lose by accident.
- Tides of Terror: A nanovirus affects Clones--and Aayla & Kit are sent to Kamino to stop it (kind of like in the Republic Commando series??)
- The Lesson: At the battle of Geonosis, a Knight remembers her master.
- Smuggler’s Blues: Kind of dumb look at Han before Obi-Wan hires him. What the hell Hutt smut?!
- Mythology: An interesting story told by Qui-Gon about why passion is forbidden.

Issue 15 (about OT characters, during & before)
- Sandstorm: I don’t know how podracing isn’t a thing anymore. Luke wanders from home in a sandstorm and meets a lost child Anakin.
- First Impressions: Leia faces the harsh reality of Coruscant.
- Falling Star: Biggs gets him and Luke tickets to Tatooine’s moon for the day, but the ship has issues.
- Do or Do Not: Eh, kind of dumb after ROTJ
- Slippery Slope: Yoda has an interesting test for Luke.
- Lucky Stars: On the planet Elerion, Leia tracks down thieves who stole Rebel data, working with four other females on her team. What is abysmal is how large their breasts are. This is a 2000s SW comic, not a swimsuit edition of a popular magazine.

Issue 16 (hodgepodge of characters & events)--And the art & stories here bring this rating down a star
- The Other: This is about Leia not training to be a Jedi. The art is kind of disparaging, with her hair and with the scowl constantly on her face. Plus Jaina has blonde hair which is bonkers.
- Best Birthday Ever: Bib Fortuna is determined for Jabba to have the BEST ‘surprise’ birthday ever.
- Long, Bad Day: A too short story of Obi-Wan annoying Vader after the DSI is destroyed.
- Kessel Run: The premise of Kessel being a species of bird is bad enough, but the art? This is all taking movie images (and not just from SW) and Photoshopping them to blurred or created backgrounds. It’s abysmal.
- Lunch Break: A Trooper finds Vader’s diary and reads it on his lunch break, only to find an interesting fact about the Dark Lord.
- Heart of Darkness: In 700 BBY, a new Jedi named Munch (of Yoda’s species) crashes on Dagobah and pursues a Darksider.

[Mirjam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these were really good, fun and beautifully done. I do prefer the ones with a diverse set of characters, especially female ones. I will say that it would be refreshing to have some of the female characters that are featured be a little bit less sexualised also.

[helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

here just for the kitayla story

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I deeply enjoyed the previous volumes, this one was …weird. Like go home comics you’re drunk weird. Also entirely too much Mace Windu

[Adam Gott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old School Star Wars fun

Most of the stories are humorous but it's definitely a fun read. Lots of small stories from the Dark Horse days.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

[Jeff Lanter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The art continues to improve in this series as it goes along and in this volume in particular, most of the art is fantastic. I wish some of these "Tales" were a little longer. Why not have some ten page stories and then a full issue-length to go along with it? Oh well, its great to see this series progress and I'm on board until the finish. Some of the notable stories for me were:

Apocalypse Endor: It has Ewoks and they terrorize Imperials. Can't ask for much more than that!

The Emperor's Court: One of the few funny stories in the entire series that made me smile. This one is clever.

Children of the Force: While all of the Mace Windu stories are pretty good (which is important since there are quite a few), the art and concept in this one really click. What does happen to children whisked away to become Jedi?

[David Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth collection of Star Wars tales. The first several stories all feature Mace Windu. After those, the tales range in time and cover many different characters from the saga. Likewise, both the level of seriousness and artwork cover a wide range.

As with any collection, some stories are better than others. I liked that there was some thought put into the order the stories were presented. Having several Mace Windu stories together made it seem to be a more cohesive collection instead of just a bunch of filler stories thrown together to make a quick buck.

I didn't always feel that the artwork and the story meshed together. In several cases, the style of artwork seemed to be a poor match for the style of the story which distracted from the overall enjoyment of the story.

[Kelly Lynn Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A series that, like "Infinities", explores "what if?" It allows the authors and artists some license to be creative without having to worry about continuity. There are some truly moving stories in "Tales," such as the one about the stormtrooper who has to take point when they board the Tantive IV, and the Darth Vader vs. Darth Maul duel, and the story that shows Vader with 3PO on Cloud City during "Empire".

[Jerome Otte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good collection of Star Wars tales, all of them with interesting stories, with a good variety of humor, seriousness, and time differences. (“Best Birthday Ever” is pretty funny). The quality of the artwork, however, varies greatly, since each is created by a different team of writers and artists.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most compelling character is Leia, just like in the last volume.

[The Third Place A Teen Library]

SW tales v.4

[Jordan H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much Mace Windu...

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weaker stories in this collection

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favorite of the series, but, still enjoyable.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Generally shorter and not as silly as previous installments