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Star Wars: Poe Dameron (collected editions)
Star Wars: Poe Dameron, Vol. 5: The Spark and the Fire
Lor San Tekka has been found! Now Poe Dameron is off to recover the missing link to legendary Jedi master Luke Skywalker's whereabouts. But his plan goes astray when the First Order intervenes on Jakku... Meanwhile, the rest of Black Squadron takes off on their most daring mission yet! Follow everyone's favorite Resistance crew as Poe Dameron tells Rey and Finn all about his unseen adventures during the events of Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens!
COLLECTING: STAR WARS: POE DAMERON 26-31 and ANNUAL #2.
COLLECTING: STAR WARS: POE DAMERON 26-31 and ANNUAL #2.
176 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2018
13 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Charles Soule
1,519 books1,689 followersCharles Soule is a #1 New York Times-bestselling novelist, comics author, screenwriter, musician, and lapsed attorney. He has written some of the most prominent stories of the last decade for Marvel, DC and Lucasfilm in addition to his own work, such as his comics Curse Words, Letter 44 and Undiscovered Country, and his original novels Light of the Jedi, The Endless Vessel, The Oracle Year and Anyone. He lives in New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
February 5, 2020
“We have no idea whether our friends are alive or dead. We’ve gotten no transmissions, and zero reply to our attempts to check in with D’Qar. But I’m going to record this, and send it, and keep on with the mission. We’re Black Squadron, that’s what we do.”
There's just one thing that needs to be completely acknowledged before we can proceed with anything else. I love Black Squadron.
They really helped to make these comics all that much better and fun.
Therefore, I was not upset that most of this volume was dominated by Black Squadron narrative with little Poe. Nope, not upset at all.
Sure, I was expecting something different but, who cares? I got a lot more than I had bargained for.
“It’s a nice thought. But you don’t get to choose what the galaxy needs pilots for. Just why you fly.”
Going into this volume I was only sure that it was gonna tell me the story of how Poe got back to D'Qar after Jakku. Which happened. But I expected it to take a lot more time than it actually took at the end.
That whole narrative took a tiny space out of all the things we get to see in this volume. And it wasn't half as interesting or exciting as I had always pictured it.
Disappointment.
But, hey! I suppose not everything can be super exciting, right?
“That’s part of it. Losses, death. But there’s another part, too. A choice. Despair… or hope.”
Instead, it gave me a lot of cameos, well, actually, extra characters that I had not been waiting for but I loved to see.
It was fun to reminisce about some of the things that have already happened and also get to see some new things happening. If only for their addition.
Though, the best out of all the guess appearances was, definitely, Han and Chewies. I was elated to see them at least once.
It was super nice.
“It’s life’s music [the force]. The song we make.”
Seeing those little memories was heartbreakingly-beautiful.
I swear I stayed on them, each of them, entire minutes just staring at all the details those images presented me with. If it was for me I wouldn't have stopped staring at them for a very long time.
It was just fun to do all of this at the end of the series. I wish it had continued, of course, but we can't get everything that we want in the world.
I do believe there are some Poe Dameron books... I'm gonna get my hands on them and read them. You can be sure of that.
“I don’t think it’s about heroes [the fight]. I used to. Got that idea burned right out of me. It’s not about Jedi, or the best pilots in the galaxy winning against impossible odds. It’s not about saving the galaxy. It’s about saving your galaxy. The one within your reach. You choose right over wrong. When it’s dark, you try to bring some light. You end your journey knowing you made things brighter. If everyone made that choice… well… I think everyone can. Maybe they just need to see how you do it. I think that’s the fight.”
________________
This was different than what I thought it was gonna be like but so, so nice.
That last story broke my heart.
RTC.
________________
Oh! Finally!!!
If I'm correct, then this volume finally catches us up with the events of The Force Awakens. So, I'm expecting a great good deal of things to happen here.
I'm also sad because I believe this is the last volume and I need more of Black Squadron. I'm not ready for this.
There's just one thing that needs to be completely acknowledged before we can proceed with anything else. I love Black Squadron.
They really helped to make these comics all that much better and fun.
Therefore, I was not upset that most of this volume was dominated by Black Squadron narrative with little Poe. Nope, not upset at all.
Sure, I was expecting something different but, who cares? I got a lot more than I had bargained for.
“It’s a nice thought. But you don’t get to choose what the galaxy needs pilots for. Just why you fly.”
Going into this volume I was only sure that it was gonna tell me the story of how Poe got back to D'Qar after Jakku. Which happened. But I expected it to take a lot more time than it actually took at the end.
That whole narrative took a tiny space out of all the things we get to see in this volume. And it wasn't half as interesting or exciting as I had always pictured it.
Disappointment.
But, hey! I suppose not everything can be super exciting, right?
“That’s part of it. Losses, death. But there’s another part, too. A choice. Despair… or hope.”
Instead, it gave me a lot of cameos, well, actually, extra characters that I had not been waiting for but I loved to see.
It was fun to reminisce about some of the things that have already happened and also get to see some new things happening. If only for their addition.
Though, the best out of all the guess appearances was, definitely, Han and Chewies. I was elated to see them at least once.
It was super nice.
“It’s life’s music [the force]. The song we make.”
Seeing those little memories was heartbreakingly-beautiful.
I swear I stayed on them, each of them, entire minutes just staring at all the details those images presented me with. If it was for me I wouldn't have stopped staring at them for a very long time.
It was just fun to do all of this at the end of the series. I wish it had continued, of course, but we can't get everything that we want in the world.
I do believe there are some Poe Dameron books... I'm gonna get my hands on them and read them. You can be sure of that.
“I don’t think it’s about heroes [the fight]. I used to. Got that idea burned right out of me. It’s not about Jedi, or the best pilots in the galaxy winning against impossible odds. It’s not about saving the galaxy. It’s about saving your galaxy. The one within your reach. You choose right over wrong. When it’s dark, you try to bring some light. You end your journey knowing you made things brighter. If everyone made that choice… well… I think everyone can. Maybe they just need to see how you do it. I think that’s the fight.”
________________
This was different than what I thought it was gonna be like but so, so nice.
That last story broke my heart.
RTC.
________________
Oh! Finally!!!
If I'm correct, then this volume finally catches us up with the events of The Force Awakens. So, I'm expecting a great good deal of things to happen here.
I'm also sad because I believe this is the last volume and I need more of Black Squadron. I'm not ready for this.
March 30, 2020
Regular. Este grupo de cómics más que todo trata del encuentro entre Rey, Poe y Finn luego de la batalla de Crait a bordo del halcón. Ahí se conocen sobre todo Rey y Poe. También vemos a la Jedi decodificando algunos textos que más tarde veremos en "The rise of Skywalker". Luego Poe recibe un mensaje de auxilio de Jess, una de las integrantes del Escuadrón Negro y se nos detalla qué han estado haciendo ellos mientras que la Resistencia peleaba en Craig.
March 15, 2023
A rousing finale to a great run on Star Wars comics in which the author was given the unenviable task of knitting together an, erm, disparate trilogy of films.
Result? Now I want a Jess Pava Disney+ series starring Jessica Henwick!
Result? Now I want a Jess Pava Disney+ series starring Jessica Henwick!
May 12, 2019
Aaahhh.
I didn't expect that. I gave the previous Poe Dameron books 5/5 stars, but they were more so reluctant 5 stars than "oh-my-gosh-so-good-changed-my-life"-type 5 stars. I might change those ratings in the future.
But this book. This book. In the smallest of ways, this book made me teary and emotional. If you know me, you know the original Star Wars trilogy is my life force. It doesn't take much to make me cry here - just a well-placed flashback to the originals. Here are four parts I particularly loved about this book:
(Oh, but first - I wasn't a fan of the art style here. The people looked a little weird. The style grew on me as the book went on, but it was hard to get used to.)
1. The first page of Volume 27
Aah, flashback scenes hit me the hardest. It took me a second to turn the page after that scene. Minor spoiler:
2. This line by Poe about a "tree"
When discussing the Force, Poe says that he doesn't have it because he "grew up with this tree... if I had it, I think I'd know." I felt a bit proud of myself at that point - I understood the reference! Poe's parents grow a Force tree in Star Wars: Shattered Empire! I feel really connected to these books now that I'm getting the in-book references. Also, I recommend Shattered Empire.
3. This conversation
The first chunk of Volume 29 is a conversation between two unknowns about stuff that's gone down since TFA. But when you see who's talking... my gosh, I love it.
So yeah, there was that, but I have to say that this book relied a lot on some deus ex machina.
I guess for the moment I give this 5/5 stars, but I'll probably change all my ratings here once I reread this series as a whole. It's an enjoyable ride, though. I recommend.
I didn't expect that. I gave the previous Poe Dameron books 5/5 stars, but they were more so reluctant 5 stars than "oh-my-gosh-so-good-changed-my-life"-type 5 stars. I might change those ratings in the future.
But this book. This book. In the smallest of ways, this book made me teary and emotional. If you know me, you know the original Star Wars trilogy is my life force. It doesn't take much to make me cry here - just a well-placed flashback to the originals. Here are four parts I particularly loved about this book:
(Oh, but first - I wasn't a fan of the art style here. The people looked a little weird. The style grew on me as the book went on, but it was hard to get used to.)
1. The first page of Volume 27
Aah, flashback scenes hit me the hardest. It took me a second to turn the page after that scene. Minor spoiler:
2. This line by Poe about a "tree"
When discussing the Force, Poe says that he doesn't have it because he "grew up with this tree... if I had it, I think I'd know." I felt a bit proud of myself at that point - I understood the reference! Poe's parents grow a Force tree in Star Wars: Shattered Empire! I feel really connected to these books now that I'm getting the in-book references. Also, I recommend Shattered Empire.
3. This conversation
The first chunk of Volume 29 is a conversation between two unknowns about stuff that's gone down since TFA. But when you see who's talking... my gosh, I love it.
So yeah, there was that, but I have to say that this book relied a lot on some deus ex machina.
I guess for the moment I give this 5/5 stars, but I'll probably change all my ratings here once I reread this series as a whole. It's an enjoyable ride, though. I recommend.
June 17, 2019
This graphic novel collection consists of Poe Dameron: The Awakening Parts 1-6 as well as the Poe Dameron Annual 2. This graphic novel takes place right after the events of The Last Jedi, with reference to events going on while the Resistance is fleeing the First Order, being chased by Snoke's flagship, among other transports. Some flashbacks as hologram messages relate Black Squadron's mission after destroying Starkiller Base. Poe greatly admires Leia, and there's an emphasis that, as long as she is around, there will still be hope for the Resistance. Poe Dameron Annual 2 features an earlier mission with the Resistance, a mission planned by C-3PO. Well, that should go well.
I really liked this collection because of the timeline. Black Squadron is an important aspect of the Resistance, so it was interesting to find out why they were not a part of The Last Jedi (and of course, filling in some holes that Rian Johnson didn't quite account for with the new canon). The art was very detailed and the space battle scenes were done in exquisite detail. This seems like the last of the Poe Dameron graphic novels, but with such an expansive universe, there is always room to add new stories for characters we know and love.
I really liked this collection because of the timeline. Black Squadron is an important aspect of the Resistance, so it was interesting to find out why they were not a part of The Last Jedi (and of course, filling in some holes that Rian Johnson didn't quite account for with the new canon). The art was very detailed and the space battle scenes were done in exquisite detail. This seems like the last of the Poe Dameron graphic novels, but with such an expansive universe, there is always room to add new stories for characters we know and love.
January 22, 2019
Awesome ending to a great star wars run. I have total faith in Soule when it comes to Star wars his Darth Vader Lord of the Sith series is excellent aswell. Maybe there will be more to come as some events take place a few days after the last jedi movie episode 8.
This volume differs in format where you have the survivors of episode 8 hanging out on the millenium falcon regaling each other with their exploits from episode 7 and 8 so we get to see what happened off screen. The later issues are all about black squadron which is a team of X-wing pilots led by Poe I really dig there dog fights against countless tie fighters, and seemingly insurmountable odds once again this was a real treat to read. It's worth checking out this series was much better than I anticipated.
This volume differs in format where you have the survivors of episode 8 hanging out on the millenium falcon regaling each other with their exploits from episode 7 and 8 so we get to see what happened off screen. The later issues are all about black squadron which is a team of X-wing pilots led by Poe I really dig there dog fights against countless tie fighters, and seemingly insurmountable odds once again this was a real treat to read. It's worth checking out this series was much better than I anticipated.
December 22, 2018
The first four volumes of this series (as much as I remember of them, which isn't very much) built a steady story of Black Squadron and Poe Dameron's search for Lor San Tekka. What was finally revealed about Lor San Tekka was not especially enlightening, and now this final volume skips all over the sequel trilogy timeline. It starts as a frame story with Poe, Rey, and Finn on the Falcon just after The Last Jedi. That's like a Jeopardy answer where the question is "Who are three Star Wars characters I'm not very interested in?" Some parts of Episodes 7 and 8 are fleshed out from different perspectives, but a lot of it feels like writers scrambling to invent reasons why the movies had plot holes—questions such as "If there's a Resistance bomber fleet, why wasn't it used at Starkiller Base?" and "Why did the other X-wing pilots in Black Squadron disappear in the few minutes between the end of Episode 7 and the beginning of Episode 8?" It's hard not to think that it would be better just to make movies that make sense on their own right from the start.
This series about Poe Dameron had some really great, Star Wars-y moments, but the beginning and the ending were, for me, lackluster. It's hard to say how much the final volume could be improved if Snap Wexley didn't call his wife "babe," but I suspect it's quite a lot.
This series about Poe Dameron had some really great, Star Wars-y moments, but the beginning and the ending were, for me, lackluster. It's hard to say how much the final volume could be improved if Snap Wexley didn't call his wife "babe," but I suspect it's quite a lot.
July 1, 2023
This volume wrapped up the series and the fates/futures of the Resistance and Black Squadron very well. I’ve said it before, but I definitely enjoyed this series more than I expected to! Also, the second annual that is collected in this one holds the volume back a rating because the art, especially on faces, was horrendous.
January 24, 2020
Happy 2020 friends, and welcome to my first review of the new year, and the new decade! I picked up a ton of canon star wars comics on comixology during a sale at the end of 2019, and this is one of the comics I picked up.
I ended up giving this a read, but before doing my review I went back and read the series from the beginning. Because even though this volume by itself is pretty good, there was something holding it back.
To give a quick overview, I'll recap my quick thoughts on the other volumes. The first, Black Squadron, could be described as Star Wars comic fluff, but I had fun with it. The Gathering Storm wasn't quite as good, but it offered an interesting backstory for Agent Terex, the primary villain for the series. Legend Lost was a huge improvement from both volume 1 and 2, with Angel Unzueta giving a big upgrade to the artwork and offering a really thrilling story about Black Squadron doing their thing. Legend Found was decent, and probably better than volumes 1 and 2, but not up to par with volume 3.
Honestly, most of these are ok to good on their own, but the Poe Dameron series has this weird problem where the individual volumes are better than the sum of their parts, and I think its a problem with sequencing. Looking back, the series doesn't have a very cohesive vision- the first volume sets up the search for Lor San Tekka, promising to lead up to the opening of The Force Awakens. But then that plotline is dropped in The Gathering Storm and not resolved until Legend Found. Gathering Storm and Legend Lost are more just about Black Squadron battling the first order- while fun, isn't quite as epic as it could have been due to a lack of proper buildup.
This last volume also suffers slightly from the structure of the series overall, but I'll get to that later.
THE STORY: Opening right after the Battle of Crait as seen in The Last Jedi, The Spark and the Fire has Poe chatting with Finn and Rey on board the Millenium Falcon catching each other up with what has happened leading up to when they all have finally become acquainted with one another. This is the framing device for what is essentially an epilogue that aims to fill in various blanks within The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. The first issue has Poe describing to Finn and Rey how he got off Jakku after he and Finn's tie fighter crashed. We also get a bit where we see the scouting mission to Starkiller Base and how they got the information for the attack, as well a a sequence showing Jess Pava install the booster that Poe uses at the start of The Last Jedi. Then, we get this odd sequence where R2-D2 learns from BB8 about the exploits of the resistance on Takodana and Starkiller Base, that pretty much just show us the scenes from the movie again. Afterwards, however, things pick up big time when we get to see what Black Squadron was doing during the events of The Last Jedi, and showing why Snap Wexley and Jess Pava didn't show up in that movie.
THE BAD: I take two main problems out of this volume.
The main problem I have is with the exchange between R2-D2 and BB8. It was just showing sequences we already saw in The Force Awakens, and doesn't really offer any new insights on the scenes or the characters these comics have been focusing on. Hence, it was a waste of page space.
The other problem comes from just the structure of this series in its entirety, but this story just adds to the confusion of what these comics were all about.
The other problem I have is how this story fits into the rest of the comic, in that it doesn't fit that well. The plot threads with Terex and Lor San Tekka set up in the first volume was resolved in Legend Found, and this was after that story took too long to tell. While I really like what is happening in this volume itself, it could have been so much more satisfying had it been properly been built up too.
THE GOOD: The majority of this volume's shortcomings come from the series its part of rather than the volume itself, because I really enjoy The Spark and the Fire by itself quite a bit. First of course, I love Angel Unzueta's artwork. It was a welcome change between The Gathering Storm and Legend Lost, and I will always get excited to see more of Unzueta's visuals in Star Wars comics. The action scenes are fun, the backgrounds are detailed, the color scheme is nice to look at, and the characters offer a wide range of expressions that almost never feel too cartoonish or uncanny.
The character work is pretty solid here. From the start, its great to see Rey, Finn, and Poe interracting together. Soule captures these three characters effectively and provides a solid foundation for the dynamic we get in The Rise of Skywalker (that movie has major problems but the Rey-Finn-Poe teamup is great and one of its best qualities).
I also enjoyed the scene showing how Poe Dameron escaped Jakku. That sequence was shown in Alan Dean Foster's The Force Awakens novelization but this take is far better. It was boring and forgettable in the novel but it's visually stunning and entertainingly written here. Sure it was changed and contradicts the novelization's scene, but I'm glad Soule updated it for the better here.
But the real highlight comes from the rest of Black Squadron- Snap Wexley, Kare Kun, Jessika Pava, and Suralinda Javos. The interplay between these four characters is quite endearing. Poe also gets a strong moment at the very end, but these four are the heart of the volume. I really enjoyed seeing the scouting mission hinted at in The Force Awakens before the attack on Starkiller Base, largely because we got to see Snap and Kare as the ones carrying it out. It was surprisingly intense due to how much heart the dynamic between these two characters have. It was also a fun fanservicey moment to see Jess install the booster rocket, showing how Poe was able to move so fast at the beginning of The Last Jedi.
My favorite part is easily the last segment where the squadron goes to aid a city from a first order attack. You get more fun interplay between Snap and Kare, but the scene with Jess and Sura is particularly great. Soule and Unzueta take full advantage of what's been given to them with TFA and TLJ, as well as what they created for this comic. The scene is very exciting, and along with the parallel scene with Snap and Kare, together builds up to a really good payoff and a really satisfying ending. (The annual 2 coming right after the end is fine, but feels a bit weird after such a solid end. I like what happens in the annual on its own, but the problem just came from bad placement/sequencing with the publication.)
THE CONCLUSION: Final rating is 3.5 stars, rounded up because the stuff in THIS volume SPECIFICALLY is largely very solid.
For those of you who found the worldbuilding and setting a bit too thin in TFA and TLJ, you might want to check this comic out. These scenes and mini-stories feel like they would be part of an extended cut of The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi if Lucasfilm would actually do those. But because extended cuts of the star wars movies dont' actually exist, this is the best we're gonna get, but I mean that in the best of ways. The scenes really do fill in some unnecessary holes, but they do so in a fun and memorable way. It also enriches the worldbuilding of the sequel trilogy, which I find lacking in those movies as a whole.
As for the series overall, I think it would have worked better if it was sequenced differently. Start off with the events in Gathering Storm and Legend Lost, then follow it up with the events from Black Squadron and Legend Found. That way, we can see Black Squadron form and get comfortable with their dynamic before the comic begins to directly tie in with the movies. The exciting plotlines with Black Squadron fighting the first order would still be fun, but they would be set up better- and then the search for Lor San Tekka and the great San Tekka scenes in Legend Found would be more satisfying with a better buildup. The Spark and the Fire would still be the last volume but it would be a more satisfying conclusion for the story of Black Squadron told in these comics rather than a unnecessary, despite being well-executed, epilogue.
Oh well, take this series for what it is. Spark and the Fire is fun, but does need the other volumes for the context. It should have been called "Black Squadron" instead of "Poe Dameron" because that's what these comics are really about- the squadron as a whole. Poe Dameron's characterization is consistent with that of the movies but you don't learn that much about him and he doesn't go through any sort of arc. The other characters meanwhile either get greatly expanded upon from their movie counterparts (Snap Wexley and Jess Pava), or go through some pretty good character arcs (Kare Kun and Suralinda Javos, along with the villain Agent Terex). This series is enjoyable and ended on a good note (I would rank The Spark and the Fire as the second best of these 5 volumes, right behind Legend Lost), but I can't help but think that we could have had something truly spectacular if the sequencing was tweaked just a bit.
I ended up giving this a read, but before doing my review I went back and read the series from the beginning. Because even though this volume by itself is pretty good, there was something holding it back.
To give a quick overview, I'll recap my quick thoughts on the other volumes. The first, Black Squadron, could be described as Star Wars comic fluff, but I had fun with it. The Gathering Storm wasn't quite as good, but it offered an interesting backstory for Agent Terex, the primary villain for the series. Legend Lost was a huge improvement from both volume 1 and 2, with Angel Unzueta giving a big upgrade to the artwork and offering a really thrilling story about Black Squadron doing their thing. Legend Found was decent, and probably better than volumes 1 and 2, but not up to par with volume 3.
Honestly, most of these are ok to good on their own, but the Poe Dameron series has this weird problem where the individual volumes are better than the sum of their parts, and I think its a problem with sequencing. Looking back, the series doesn't have a very cohesive vision- the first volume sets up the search for Lor San Tekka, promising to lead up to the opening of The Force Awakens. But then that plotline is dropped in The Gathering Storm and not resolved until Legend Found. Gathering Storm and Legend Lost are more just about Black Squadron battling the first order- while fun, isn't quite as epic as it could have been due to a lack of proper buildup.
This last volume also suffers slightly from the structure of the series overall, but I'll get to that later.
THE STORY: Opening right after the Battle of Crait as seen in The Last Jedi, The Spark and the Fire has Poe chatting with Finn and Rey on board the Millenium Falcon catching each other up with what has happened leading up to when they all have finally become acquainted with one another. This is the framing device for what is essentially an epilogue that aims to fill in various blanks within The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. The first issue has Poe describing to Finn and Rey how he got off Jakku after he and Finn's tie fighter crashed. We also get a bit where we see the scouting mission to Starkiller Base and how they got the information for the attack, as well a a sequence showing Jess Pava install the booster that Poe uses at the start of The Last Jedi. Then, we get this odd sequence where R2-D2 learns from BB8 about the exploits of the resistance on Takodana and Starkiller Base, that pretty much just show us the scenes from the movie again. Afterwards, however, things pick up big time when we get to see what Black Squadron was doing during the events of The Last Jedi, and showing why Snap Wexley and Jess Pava didn't show up in that movie.
THE BAD: I take two main problems out of this volume.
The main problem I have is with the exchange between R2-D2 and BB8. It was just showing sequences we already saw in The Force Awakens, and doesn't really offer any new insights on the scenes or the characters these comics have been focusing on. Hence, it was a waste of page space.
The other problem comes from just the structure of this series in its entirety, but this story just adds to the confusion of what these comics were all about.
The other problem I have is how this story fits into the rest of the comic, in that it doesn't fit that well. The plot threads with Terex and Lor San Tekka set up in the first volume was resolved in Legend Found, and this was after that story took too long to tell. While I really like what is happening in this volume itself, it could have been so much more satisfying had it been properly been built up too.
THE GOOD: The majority of this volume's shortcomings come from the series its part of rather than the volume itself, because I really enjoy The Spark and the Fire by itself quite a bit. First of course, I love Angel Unzueta's artwork. It was a welcome change between The Gathering Storm and Legend Lost, and I will always get excited to see more of Unzueta's visuals in Star Wars comics. The action scenes are fun, the backgrounds are detailed, the color scheme is nice to look at, and the characters offer a wide range of expressions that almost never feel too cartoonish or uncanny.
The character work is pretty solid here. From the start, its great to see Rey, Finn, and Poe interracting together. Soule captures these three characters effectively and provides a solid foundation for the dynamic we get in The Rise of Skywalker (that movie has major problems but the Rey-Finn-Poe teamup is great and one of its best qualities).
I also enjoyed the scene showing how Poe Dameron escaped Jakku. That sequence was shown in Alan Dean Foster's The Force Awakens novelization but this take is far better. It was boring and forgettable in the novel but it's visually stunning and entertainingly written here. Sure it was changed and contradicts the novelization's scene, but I'm glad Soule updated it for the better here.
But the real highlight comes from the rest of Black Squadron- Snap Wexley, Kare Kun, Jessika Pava, and Suralinda Javos. The interplay between these four characters is quite endearing. Poe also gets a strong moment at the very end, but these four are the heart of the volume. I really enjoyed seeing the scouting mission hinted at in The Force Awakens before the attack on Starkiller Base, largely because we got to see Snap and Kare as the ones carrying it out. It was surprisingly intense due to how much heart the dynamic between these two characters have. It was also a fun fanservicey moment to see Jess install the booster rocket, showing how Poe was able to move so fast at the beginning of The Last Jedi.
My favorite part is easily the last segment where the squadron goes to aid a city from a first order attack. You get more fun interplay between Snap and Kare, but the scene with Jess and Sura is particularly great. Soule and Unzueta take full advantage of what's been given to them with TFA and TLJ, as well as what they created for this comic. The scene is very exciting, and along with the parallel scene with Snap and Kare, together builds up to a really good payoff and a really satisfying ending. (The annual 2 coming right after the end is fine, but feels a bit weird after such a solid end. I like what happens in the annual on its own, but the problem just came from bad placement/sequencing with the publication.)
THE CONCLUSION: Final rating is 3.5 stars, rounded up because the stuff in THIS volume SPECIFICALLY is largely very solid.
For those of you who found the worldbuilding and setting a bit too thin in TFA and TLJ, you might want to check this comic out. These scenes and mini-stories feel like they would be part of an extended cut of The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi if Lucasfilm would actually do those. But because extended cuts of the star wars movies dont' actually exist, this is the best we're gonna get, but I mean that in the best of ways. The scenes really do fill in some unnecessary holes, but they do so in a fun and memorable way. It also enriches the worldbuilding of the sequel trilogy, which I find lacking in those movies as a whole.
As for the series overall, I think it would have worked better if it was sequenced differently. Start off with the events in Gathering Storm and Legend Lost, then follow it up with the events from Black Squadron and Legend Found. That way, we can see Black Squadron form and get comfortable with their dynamic before the comic begins to directly tie in with the movies. The exciting plotlines with Black Squadron fighting the first order would still be fun, but they would be set up better- and then the search for Lor San Tekka and the great San Tekka scenes in Legend Found would be more satisfying with a better buildup. The Spark and the Fire would still be the last volume but it would be a more satisfying conclusion for the story of Black Squadron told in these comics rather than a unnecessary, despite being well-executed, epilogue.
Oh well, take this series for what it is. Spark and the Fire is fun, but does need the other volumes for the context. It should have been called "Black Squadron" instead of "Poe Dameron" because that's what these comics are really about- the squadron as a whole. Poe Dameron's characterization is consistent with that of the movies but you don't learn that much about him and he doesn't go through any sort of arc. The other characters meanwhile either get greatly expanded upon from their movie counterparts (Snap Wexley and Jess Pava), or go through some pretty good character arcs (Kare Kun and Suralinda Javos, along with the villain Agent Terex). This series is enjoyable and ended on a good note (I would rank The Spark and the Fire as the second best of these 5 volumes, right behind Legend Lost), but I can't help but think that we could have had something truly spectacular if the sequencing was tweaked just a bit.
April 2, 2019
Finally we get to see events that happen during Force Awakens and Last Jedi, as well as after!
As Poe, Rey and Finn sit at the Dejarik table on the Falcon, they begin to tell stories that cover some of the plot holes from the movies. Contained:
- How did Poe escape from Jakku? He travelled across the desert till he met Naka, a local scavenger (Rey knows them) who gave Poe a ride to Niima Outpost once he helped Naka escape from pirates. He borrowed a starship and came back to D'Qar. It was at that point Poe finds out that BB-8 is on Takodana. They then replay the battle at Maz's castle through the eyes of Poe.
- How did the Resistance find a weakness in Starkiller base? Turns out that Jessica Pava, a Black Squadron fighter flew an experimental craft that was able to get close enough to take scans.
- What happened between the end of Starkiller Base and the beginning of the First Order's invasion of D'Qar? They knew that they needed to evac, so Poe came up with the idea of putting the booster on his X-Wing. We see the discussion and installation of the booster.
- Where were Black Squadron during the events of The Last Jedi? Leia sent them out to gather allies sympathetic to the Resistance's cause after the destruction of Hosnian Prime.
-First stop: Pastoria, led by King Siroc. He leads them to believe he will help them and join their cause, but only if they help him. They do, and end the life of his competition, but he then tells them he would be a fool to join the "losing side".
- Second stop: Ikkrukk, who sent out a distress call that they were being attacked by the First Order. Black Squadron heads in, and though it is a bit rocky, they drive off First Order forces when Poe arrives with news of what happened over Crait (see Last Jedi). Ikkrukk pledges its support to the Resistance.
Add in a story about Black Squadron saving a package containing the remnants of the library of Alderaan, where Han and Chewie were involved (unbeknownst to Poe and Co.), and you have not only an excellent end to the run of this comic, but also hope that the stories surrounding Episode IX will be just as amazing.
High recommend!
As Poe, Rey and Finn sit at the Dejarik table on the Falcon, they begin to tell stories that cover some of the plot holes from the movies. Contained:
- How did Poe escape from Jakku? He travelled across the desert till he met Naka, a local scavenger (Rey knows them) who gave Poe a ride to Niima Outpost once he helped Naka escape from pirates. He borrowed a starship and came back to D'Qar. It was at that point Poe finds out that BB-8 is on Takodana. They then replay the battle at Maz's castle through the eyes of Poe.
- How did the Resistance find a weakness in Starkiller base? Turns out that Jessica Pava, a Black Squadron fighter flew an experimental craft that was able to get close enough to take scans.
- What happened between the end of Starkiller Base and the beginning of the First Order's invasion of D'Qar? They knew that they needed to evac, so Poe came up with the idea of putting the booster on his X-Wing. We see the discussion and installation of the booster.
- Where were Black Squadron during the events of The Last Jedi? Leia sent them out to gather allies sympathetic to the Resistance's cause after the destruction of Hosnian Prime.
-First stop: Pastoria, led by King Siroc. He leads them to believe he will help them and join their cause, but only if they help him. They do, and end the life of his competition, but he then tells them he would be a fool to join the "losing side".
- Second stop: Ikkrukk, who sent out a distress call that they were being attacked by the First Order. Black Squadron heads in, and though it is a bit rocky, they drive off First Order forces when Poe arrives with news of what happened over Crait (see Last Jedi). Ikkrukk pledges its support to the Resistance.
Add in a story about Black Squadron saving a package containing the remnants of the library of Alderaan, where Han and Chewie were involved (unbeknownst to Poe and Co.), and you have not only an excellent end to the run of this comic, but also hope that the stories surrounding Episode IX will be just as amazing.
High recommend!
September 30, 2018
Honestly, this whole series is such a fun space romp. I was particularly a fan of the vibrant artwork, and Poe Dameron's character is just fantastic, as are the rest of Black Squadron. Definitely had the heart of the Star Wars franchise.
March 10, 2019
The final volume of Poe Dameron’s adventures fills in what he and Black Squadron were up to while off-screen during The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi. It opens delightfully, with Poe, Rey, and Finn getting to know each other over a drink in the Millennium Falcon. These scenes were adorable and I was particularly amused to learn Poe’s feelings about the jacket he gave to Finn. The subsequent Black Squadron mission to drum up allies for the Resistance was thrilling and the involvement of droids suitably amusing. Leia and Han Solo had excellent cameos. Phil Noto’s cover art is beautiful, although the comic struggles to fully convey Oscar Isaac’s charisma and handsomeness as Poe Dameron. Impossible to reproduce that in 2D static images, I guess. There is a lot to enjoy in this series and it definitely ended on a good note. An excellent companion to the films.
EDIT: I just hope the fact this series isn't ongoing doesn't mean that Poe will be killed off in the next film...
EDIT: I just hope the fact this series isn't ongoing doesn't mean that Poe will be killed off in the next film...
July 8, 2020
Wowza what an ending 😭 I will protect Black Squadron with my life now.
December 17, 2018
This is the conclusion of the ongoing Poe Dameron comic series. Over the first four volumes, Black Squadron went on missions for the Resistance gathering intel on the rising First Order. This volume begins at the conclusion of The Last Jedi with Poe, Rey, and Finn aboard the Falcon. Through different characters interacting, the story of The Force Awakens and The Lats Jedi is retold from new perspectives. We get to see what the Black Squadron was up to the whole time. I really enjoyed the format of this volume.
My favorite part of this comic is the interactions between primary characters. Nien Nunb makes an appearance! In the third issue, there's an epic reveal about who's interacting.
After reading this, I'm really hoping that Episode IX has a time jump. The Annual #2 that is also included in this volume was unimpressive to me. It takes place prior to The Force Awakens and features some strange cameos that I didn't think fit well with the story.
I give this volume a 4/5. I look forward to seeing Poe and the Black Squadron making appearances again in comics closer to Episode IX.
My favorite part of this comic is the interactions between primary characters. Nien Nunb makes an appearance! In the third issue, there's an epic reveal about who's interacting.
After reading this, I'm really hoping that Episode IX has a time jump. The Annual #2 that is also included in this volume was unimpressive to me. It takes place prior to The Force Awakens and features some strange cameos that I didn't think fit well with the story.
I give this volume a 4/5. I look forward to seeing Poe and the Black Squadron making appearances again in comics closer to Episode IX.
December 30, 2019
Excellent Ending
My fav of all the volumes due to seeing the trio together. The first few issues were full of sass and little moments to make you laugh. I’ll miss them so much!
My fav of all the volumes due to seeing the trio together. The first few issues were full of sass and little moments to make you laugh. I’ll miss them so much!
December 28, 2018
I'm going to miss this graphic novel series - though as we have caught up with the released films I can definitely understand why they are finishing it here. I really loved the artwork in this volume with the exception of the Annual which had really odd art which I didn't like at all.
Overall I've really enjoyed this series about my fave character from the new films.
Overall I've really enjoyed this series about my fave character from the new films.
January 4, 2020
2 - 2.5 stars
It basically rehashed Poe's activities from TFA and getting off Jaku up through Crait, with some new stuff for what the rest of Black Squadron was doing during TLJ.
I liked seeing Poe, Finn, and Rey finally getting to know each other and Finn checking on Rose, but this otherwise added nothing to the story. A lackluster installment in this comic series.
It basically rehashed Poe's activities from TFA and getting off Jaku up through Crait, with some new stuff for what the rest of Black Squadron was doing during TLJ.
I liked seeing Poe, Finn, and Rey finally getting to know each other and Finn checking on Rose, but this otherwise added nothing to the story. A lackluster installment in this comic series.
July 17, 2020
Confusing timeline and very obviously catered to movie watchers rather than comic readers. A disservice to Black Squadron's story
November 27, 2024
Good solid Star Wars action.
February 17, 2024
A thrilling, feel-good ending for this arc of Poe Dameron and the Black Squadron.
February 26, 2019
Well that was a disappointing conclusion to the Poe Dameron series. It's been an up and down ride, but it's almost always been fun - hard not to be when a series stars the self-proclaimed best pilot in the galaxy! This fifth and final volume, though, was not fun. It was a dull rehash of Episode VII and Episode VIII. Literally! Poe and friends hang out on the Millenium Falcon post-Crait, reminiscing about Jakku and D'Qar. Sure, the rest of Black Squadron goes off on an adventure for a while, but it's strictly by-the-book, including Poe seemingly time traveling to save the day. Lame!
The annual issue at the end is at least a solidly told little adventure. It also served as a reminder of just how much I dislike Angel Unzueta's art. There are scenes where you can see the 3D-rendering software hard at work. Call me a purist, but I prefer my comic book art actually drawn, not coded. Helps avoid that awkward uncanny valley that these Star Wars series keep falling into.
The annual issue at the end is at least a solidly told little adventure. It also served as a reminder of just how much I dislike Angel Unzueta's art. There are scenes where you can see the 3D-rendering software hard at work. Call me a purist, but I prefer my comic book art actually drawn, not coded. Helps avoid that awkward uncanny valley that these Star Wars series keep falling into.
September 27, 2018
I'm sad to see this one come to an end. I hope to see more post Battle of Jakku graphic novels come out after this. I don't feel like enough stories have been told from this era. I am sure that Resistance will explore alot and likeley more will fill the gaps after Episode IX but I am hoping for more comics as well. Poe is a great character to explore, but I think it was a good time to end it. Give us some Black Squadron novels or a Poe novel, that'd be great!
January 24, 2020
Out of all the Poe Dameron titles, this one definitely was the most interesting but it still didn't hold me. Poe is recounting the time during Force Awakens that happened off screen and just showing off how bad ass he is. I enjoyed seeing how he interacted with Rey and Finn and how they formed a friendship although their faces were draw weird. And the artwork for the Annual was frightening. I don't know. It was cool for a conclusion but I just never got hooked on this series.
April 25, 2019
Public library copy.
I've long ago burned out on this title and this book was no exception.
I've long ago burned out on this title and this book was no exception.
July 7, 2019
While I didn't fully know the previous book was the precursor to The Force Awakens, this was handled as a sequel to The Last Jedi. I really enjoyed the series of Poe Dameron and I grew a fan of the Black Squadron (something missing in the Original Trilogy; a special-forces kind of team that has unique characters and individualism to carry on a story), so I felt a little down seeing The Last Jedi and not noticing these characters. Thankfully, this book is sort of an official explanation of what happened to them, and as far as continuation goes, this one's pretty solid, considering the mission in which the squadron was dealing with connects properly to the events of Episode VIII, the only remaining loose end will be to know if they're coming back for The Rise of Skywalker (which I genuinely don't know), but probably they will, considering how well Disney has been treating its new Canon. In the storytelling aspect, while this one's still pretty solid, there were things from the previous two books that I'd truly missed, like the villains Terex or Commander Malarus, which sort of provided a new form of antagonistic identity to Poe's adventures. One thing I consider top notch on this, and throughout the series, has been the art. By god, they really delivered the best in regards of the illustration, all due to Angel Unzueta's art, who's gotta be in my top 5 Star Wars illustration all time; not just by the accuracy of the characters related to their real-life counterparts looking exactly and with neat style, but the landmarks and vehicles, specially in the action panels. I simply loved what these series offered when it comes to art. In the end, Poe Dameron's limited series offered an interesting and great look towards the new-expanded Star Wars Universe; connecting the rightful dots and offering some great continuation value, among original stories to make us invest our interest and passion for this world. For volume 5, this was a proper finale of the series and an intriguing precursor to Episode IX, my only hopes are for the studio to actually respect the continuation from the comic books, the same way comics have respected the films.
December 3, 2019
The Poe Dameron comic seemed to be going in a pretty strong direction in Volume 3. There was a promising overarching story with a dynamic villain constructed as a foil for the main character, a decent amount of downtime to develop side characters, and an increasingly coherent plot drawing them all together. Volume 4 felt like a bit of a detour from a lot of that, but I was optimistic 5 would bring it home. But no. The final volume of this series is more like an epilogue than a conclusion, leaving the Terex story completely unfinished. Instead, it just does the Captain Phasma route, explaining really uninteresting off-screen story beats from the sequel trilogy, filling in blanks that didn't need to be filled with stories that are instantly forgettable. It's interesting that this is the first content I've read beyond TLJ, but there's not much to it. After the bland what-were-you-doing-btw-those-edits session with Rey and Finn, we do get back to Black Squadron. And the things they do are maybe slightly less irrelevant than the standard one-off planet adventures. But they're ultimately still one-off random planet adventures with only tenuous, tonal connections to the main story. The stories they do have are fine, thematically appropriate and even interesting compared to most of the one-offs earlier in the series. They're both pretty familiar, but they're told so fast that none of it gets a chance to develop.
It feels *so* *weird* to me that this is what happened after TFA. Four pilots went to two random planets no one had ever heard of before to ask for help, ignoring the entire Republic, and had some minor adventures. That's it. Idk it just doesn't feel right. Part of the problem is comign from the weird sense of scale in the movies themselves--why is the response to Starkiller blowing up Hosnian actually so small? Sure, it's hard to motivate people against a threat they would rather pretend doesn't exist, but now that it's exposed? Surely some of them are ready to contribute? Why is this the way it is? IDK.
It feels *so* *weird* to me that this is what happened after TFA. Four pilots went to two random planets no one had ever heard of before to ask for help, ignoring the entire Republic, and had some minor adventures. That's it. Idk it just doesn't feel right. Part of the problem is comign from the weird sense of scale in the movies themselves--why is the response to Starkiller blowing up Hosnian actually so small? Sure, it's hard to motivate people against a threat they would rather pretend doesn't exist, but now that it's exposed? Surely some of them are ready to contribute? Why is this the way it is? IDK.
May 20, 2020
”This might be my last transmission for a while. I’m about to do something that’s… well, it’s just like everything Black Squadron does. Incredibly brave, incredibly important and… incredibly stupid. We should make that the squadron motto.”
I loved this comic series, and I think these last issues were a great ending to this story. This last arc begins with Poe telling Rey and Finn, after the Battle of Crait, about his adventures and the parts his Black Squadron buddies played in taking down Starkiller Base. We get to see how Poe got off Jakku and we get to experience the Battle of Starkiller Base from the point of view of the pilots, which was interesting. And then, most importantly, this comic answers a significant question many people were left asking themselves after seeing TL: where the hell were Snap, Jess, Karé and Suralinda? Were did they go to after Starkiller and why didn't they participate in the evacuation? I've loved following this team of reckless, brave heroes and this final adventure was just the cherry on top of the cake - amazing.
This issue had everything I loved about the previous comics: adventure, fun, some heartbreaking moments, quotes that I want tattooed on my forehead, badass pilots, inspiring people standing up against evil and lovely art. I grew to love these characters so much over the last 31 issues and it was super difficult to say goodbye to them and to realize there are no more issues left to read. I love how much they trust one another and how they would do anything for one another, and ahh I just love my Black Squadron, okay? Also, it was nice to see Rey and Finn play small roles, and to see Poe and Leia's interactions and how, even after Poe's mistakes in TLJ, Leia still trusts him because his heart is in the right place. In short: I'm emotional about everything and I loved this comic series a lot. Also, the speech Poe gives at the end of the comic about how he views the fight they're in? Killed me dead. Bless you, Charles Soule.
I loved this comic series, and I think these last issues were a great ending to this story. This last arc begins with Poe telling Rey and Finn, after the Battle of Crait, about his adventures and the parts his Black Squadron buddies played in taking down Starkiller Base. We get to see how Poe got off Jakku and we get to experience the Battle of Starkiller Base from the point of view of the pilots, which was interesting. And then, most importantly, this comic answers a significant question many people were left asking themselves after seeing TL: where the hell were Snap, Jess, Karé and Suralinda? Were did they go to after Starkiller and why didn't they participate in the evacuation? I've loved following this team of reckless, brave heroes and this final adventure was just the cherry on top of the cake - amazing.
This issue had everything I loved about the previous comics: adventure, fun, some heartbreaking moments, quotes that I want tattooed on my forehead, badass pilots, inspiring people standing up against evil and lovely art. I grew to love these characters so much over the last 31 issues and it was super difficult to say goodbye to them and to realize there are no more issues left to read. I love how much they trust one another and how they would do anything for one another, and ahh I just love my Black Squadron, okay? Also, it was nice to see Rey and Finn play small roles, and to see Poe and Leia's interactions and how, even after Poe's mistakes in TLJ, Leia still trusts him because his heart is in the right place. In short: I'm emotional about everything and I loved this comic series a lot. Also, the speech Poe gives at the end of the comic about how he views the fight they're in? Killed me dead. Bless you, Charles Soule.
July 10, 2019
Siempre que me preguntaban sobre las nuevas series, nuevas entre comillas porque ya tiene casi 4 años que se publican, sobre Star Wars, tras haber leído prácticamente todo, la única que recomendaba abiertamente era Han Solo, una mini serie bastante entretenida y emotiva, y la serie de Poe Dameron que aún con un principio un poco lenta, desde el volumen dos al cuatro, es una absoluta joya, entretenida, emotiva, desgarradora, y con buenos conceptos sobre la fuerza y lo que implica ser un miembro de la resistencia.
Lamentablemente el quinto volumen no es el final con un BANG que yo esperaba. Del volumen cuatro a este hay una especie de salto temporal y los eventos mostrados en el tomo final nos transportan al final de The Last Jedi, la octava película. Este tomo me hizo recordar los problemas que normalmente tengo con Marvel cuando saca un "Evento anual" y las series son interrumpidas para meter tie ins del evento que no concretan nada y no son esenciales en lo más mínimo para la historia. El tomo entero es a medida de remembranza, con una narrativa dinámica eso si, para contarnos la historia de Poe Dameron y el escuadrón negro detrás de bambalinas. ¿Cómo logró salir Poe de Jakku? ¿Qué estuvo haciendo durante los momentos que no vimos en The Force Awakens? Información que no es realmente necesaria para la película y que rompe un poco tanto el tono como las temáticas de lo que estábamos viendo en este cómic.
El último número, el anual 2, es bueno porque es emotivo y nostálgico. Pero en general no es tan impresionante.
El tomo no es malo, pero si lo comparas con los cuatro volúmenes anteriores, palidece bastante. Dejando un mal sabor de boca para una serie que era de lo mejor de Star Wars.
Lamentablemente el quinto volumen no es el final con un BANG que yo esperaba. Del volumen cuatro a este hay una especie de salto temporal y los eventos mostrados en el tomo final nos transportan al final de The Last Jedi, la octava película. Este tomo me hizo recordar los problemas que normalmente tengo con Marvel cuando saca un "Evento anual" y las series son interrumpidas para meter tie ins del evento que no concretan nada y no son esenciales en lo más mínimo para la historia. El tomo entero es a medida de remembranza, con una narrativa dinámica eso si, para contarnos la historia de Poe Dameron y el escuadrón negro detrás de bambalinas. ¿Cómo logró salir Poe de Jakku? ¿Qué estuvo haciendo durante los momentos que no vimos en The Force Awakens? Información que no es realmente necesaria para la película y que rompe un poco tanto el tono como las temáticas de lo que estábamos viendo en este cómic.
El último número, el anual 2, es bueno porque es emotivo y nostálgico. Pero en general no es tan impresionante.
El tomo no es malo, pero si lo comparas con los cuatro volúmenes anteriores, palidece bastante. Dejando un mal sabor de boca para una serie que era de lo mejor de Star Wars.
December 17, 2025
Very different from the previous four volumes of 'Poe Dameron' comics, but I loved it as an ending. This batch of comics mostly takes place on the Millennium Falcon after the events of 'The Last Jedi'. The characters are telling stories which in turn fills in a lot of blanks for us as readers, showing us different perspectives and expanding on some moments. It was a clever narrative device.
Issue 28 is particularly wonderful, when you realise who is telling the story in that one you won't be able to stop yourself grinning. I didn't realise how badly I needed that in my life until it happened. The comics also fill us in on what Black Squadron were doing during the course of the events of 'The Last Jedi' which is great from a continuity perspective. To be honest I don't really like what they did with the Resistance in that film so anything that improves on it, is a win. Also, Suralinda is back and plays a big role which made me happy.
When it comes to the art, there are so many beautiful double page spreads in these issues. I love a proper big, double page image that captures all of the detail needed so this was heaven for me. Sometimes the character's faces were a little too image-like rather than comic-like, which I find a little distracting. These was a gorgeous volume to read though and I wish that I had them physically in front of me rather than on my phone.
Slowly but surely reaching the finish line of this project! You can read all of my 'Star Wars' reviews here.
Issue 28 is particularly wonderful, when you realise who is telling the story in that one you won't be able to stop yourself grinning. I didn't realise how badly I needed that in my life until it happened. The comics also fill us in on what Black Squadron were doing during the course of the events of 'The Last Jedi' which is great from a continuity perspective. To be honest I don't really like what they did with the Resistance in that film so anything that improves on it, is a win. Also, Suralinda is back and plays a big role which made me happy.
When it comes to the art, there are so many beautiful double page spreads in these issues. I love a proper big, double page image that captures all of the detail needed so this was heaven for me. Sometimes the character's faces were a little too image-like rather than comic-like, which I find a little distracting. These was a gorgeous volume to read though and I wish that I had them physically in front of me rather than on my phone.
Slowly but surely reaching the finish line of this project! You can read all of my 'Star Wars' reviews here.
December 9, 2018
There was a lot riding in this collection. As a conclusion to a fairly entertaining, if not consistent, series, I had a lot of hope for The Hope and the Fire. Soule really took this series from a weird and unnecessary beginning to something that actually mattered and was probably one the best Disney owned Star Wars comics...and vol. 5 promised to fill in the gaps between TFA and TLJ. So yeah, lots of possibilities and high hopes for the wrap up of the entire Poe Dameron series. Did it measure up to expectations and deliver the thrilling conclusion I had expected?
Well, not really. The first 3 issues did do a good job trying to explain Black Squadron’s actions during and after the battle of Tako Donna (spelling?) and actually did an ok job filling in those gaps and slandering a few question the movies failed (once again) to answer. But the last 3 issues dropped the ball, devolving into a rather inconsequential and unexceptional storyline involving yet another unknown planet with more Avatar-like beings who don’t bring anything to the story. That, and the eventual conclusion was extremely disappointing, leaving literally no questions answered and ending with a half-ass PSA about being heroes and some such fluff.
Look, I’m not saying this was bad (at least by Dr. Aphra and Last Shot standards), and, as a whole, this series has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing canon, but, like I said, the wrap up of this 31 issue series just felt rushed and not nearly up to snuff as the previous volumes.
Well, not really. The first 3 issues did do a good job trying to explain Black Squadron’s actions during and after the battle of Tako Donna (spelling?) and actually did an ok job filling in those gaps and slandering a few question the movies failed (once again) to answer. But the last 3 issues dropped the ball, devolving into a rather inconsequential and unexceptional storyline involving yet another unknown planet with more Avatar-like beings who don’t bring anything to the story. That, and the eventual conclusion was extremely disappointing, leaving literally no questions answered and ending with a half-ass PSA about being heroes and some such fluff.
Look, I’m not saying this was bad (at least by Dr. Aphra and Last Shot standards), and, as a whole, this series has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing canon, but, like I said, the wrap up of this 31 issue series just felt rushed and not nearly up to snuff as the previous volumes.
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