Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

Star Wars Graphic Novelisations #2

by Henry Gilroy, Jan Duursema

A Jedi shall not know anger. Nor hatred. Nor love.
"Star Wars: " "Attack of the Clones" is a seminal tale of the "Star Wars" mythos, unlocking some of the history and events that laid the foundation for the Rebel Alliance's epic struggle against the Empire as chronicled in the original "Star Wars" film trilogy. Featuring familiar characters as never seen before and introducing new players destined to become "Star Wars" icons, Episode II is a must-see film, and this graphic novel is a must-read for all "Star Wars" enthusiasts. Adapted by Henry Gilroy from the original screenplay by George Lucas and Jonathan Hales, and illustrated by Jan Duursema and Ray Kryssing. Make sure you catch this legendary series that's sure to please "Star Wars" fans of all ages.

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

44 pages, Paperback

First published April 24, 2002

Reviews

[Ozan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a proof that the cinema is a better story teller than the medium of comics. There are so many scenes that taken out in the comics that it took away from the experience. The film was not that good to begin with anyway... so the result is not very good. Aspecially the depiction of action scenes were not very good. The duel of Anakin&Obi-wan and later on Yoda vs Dooku was kind of ok compared to duel of the fates in the previous volume but not there nevertheless. I gave it one more star cause they took one jar jar scene out in the comics so less jar jar is the better lol

[Dimitris Papastergiou · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set in 22BBY

Well, it's an adaptation, what'd you expect? It was ok. The artwork was nice, the script was pretty much copy paste from the film, along with some bits from the novel.

The exposition and the simplicity along with just being an adaptation pretty much killed any excitement.

[Olga Goa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I decided to reread this year the greatest adaptation of Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.

I bought in a paperback version and really enjoyed when it came out. It was so far long ago, in 2002 year, so I feel now so old. Lol.

As I remember correctly, the book came out after the premiere of the movie, at the same 2002 year. I bought so fast this book as like I've never bought any book before. Ha-ha. Because I am a fan of Star Wars ffs, and I couldn't miss this release! I smelled the fresh book's copy like a drug addicted person, and couldn't get enough of this.

Well, what can I say? I loved the story. Despite I have watched the movie before I have read the book, I think the book is much better in many ways. Not only because you can read the scenes that weren't included in the movie, like Anakin talks to Amidala in the garden of her home on Naboo planet or more discovering of other characters, but because I felt Anakin's pain more and sympathized him more than in the movie. As a Dark Romance author, I wanted to feel more steaminess in the story but I thought why it should be there, this is not a romance novel. So I was not so strict towards SW.

I liked how Anakin's image was discovered there as Padme's and their secret love. I do not know why but I love their story like Romeo and Juliet's one. I can call them - Romeo and Juliet's Galaxy story. And yes, I had tears in my eyes, in some moments when Anakin and Padme suffered because of their love that shouldn't be happen because JEDI CANNOT LOVE.

Now, I reread this book with a different feelings and remember my early young years. I felt so much nostalgy about good times I was living in.

There were really good times. I miss them... <3

[Matthew Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

The art and the lettering didn’t really sit well with me at first, but I didn’t mind them by the end of this one. This is definitely the best adaptation of a movie that I’ve read in a comic so far. Really enjoyed the pacing and storytelling in this comic.

[Tony Romine · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've heard quite a few people speak fondly of Attack of the Clones because 'it's the Star Wars movie I grew up with'. This is profoundly depressing to me because Attack of the Clones is the worst Star Wars movie. At a certain point while I was reading the graphic novel of The Phantom Menace, I realized that telling that story in a comic book made it a lot more enjoyable. This is not at all the case with Attack of the Clones, but it's not for lack of trying. The artwork and pacing of the comics are really good, the best of the adaptations, but it suffers because it's telling the story of Attack of the Clones.

Attack of the Clones takes all that drab, terrible political arguing you loved in the Phantom Menace and ups it by like a thousand. It also adds in a very awkward, forced romance that is just straight up creepy by a certain point. The main idea here is we are going to see the Palpatine's plan for an Empire start to make some strides and we see Anakin beginning to go against some of the Jedi principles. Too bad this story was written by George Lucas and as a result it all is just awful.

The story begins with an attempt on Padme's life by an assassin, except instead of one assassin, it's like a chain of assassins working together like they are following union regulations or something. It's so dumb and only serves to add an action scene to grab you at the beginning (which it doesn't because it's has this terrible back and forth between Obi-Wan and Anakin as they chase in speeders. All of this is prefaced with an awkward encounter between Padme and Anakin where I guess we're supposed to believe there is a romantic possibility there. It just comes off as creepy on a lot of levels. After this the story then progresses into Anakin being a bodyguard for Padme and Obi-Wan investigating the assassin. These present so many possibilites to be interesting and exciting, but instead we get the very creepy progression of Anakin/Padme's romance and Obi-Wan stumbling onto new characters for us to hate.

Obi-Wan visits a 50s style diner to figure out information about the assassin. Why is there a 50s style diner on a planet in another galaxy in another time? His "investigation" leads him literally to the planet where Palpatine is secretly assembling clones to fight in his war he is creating, there is not sort of decoy there to throw off visitors or anything. The assassin was Boba Fett's dad Jango.
Who asked for us to explore Boba Fett's heritage? He's awesome in Empire Strikes Back because of how mysterious and tough he seems. Why would finding out who his dad and seeing him as a kid make that character better? Why does he run away from Obi-Wan and immediately go to the planet where the rival army of droids are being produced by the Separatists in preparation for the Clone War about to happen?

Anakin and Padme hang out on Naboo and Anakin acts like a creep until Padme makes out with him because she's so turned on by his creepiness. There is zero chemistry here. Then he goes back to old home on Tantooine to find his mom, but she's been killed by Tusken Raiders, so he kills them all and their families. He feels really bad about doing that, but this doesn't scare Padme or anything a reasonable person would do. Then he gets a message from Obi-Wan saying he found out that Count Dooku, this old Separatist leader who used to be a Jedi, ordered the assassination. Instead of following the orders to keep Padme safe, they go to rescue him from that planet because he was taken hostage while telling them that.

It all comes to a head in the overblown and drab extended action scene in some arena where Obi-Wan and Anakin are pitted against some monsters and then the Jedi Knights show up to save Obi-Wan too, but then the Clones show up to fight the Battle Droids and the Jedi fight the droids. Jango Fett dies in like 2 seconds because Fetts aren't nearly as cool as they seem. Count Dooku cuts off Anakins arm, but then loses to Yoda. Anakin and Padme get secret married at the end.

It's hard to convey just how boring all this is without actually seeing it on screen. The romance is so forced, the mystery Obi-Wan is solving is non-existent, and the villains are beyond bland. You have to keep in mind, on top of this nonsense plot, is even worse dialogue than Phantom Menace. You don't feel anything for these characters except contempt for ruining Star Wars for you. You don't feel a sense of awe at the aliens and the worlds they are on because it's all so uninspired.

Don't read this graphic novel. Don't watch the movie. Read the synopsis on Wikipedia and move on. I wish I could give this pile of shit zero stars.

[Kai Charles(Fiction State Of Mind) · Rating 5 out of 5]

HC adaption of the Episode 2 Comic book series.

[Judah Radd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my review for The Phantom Menace. It’s literally the same review.

[J.M. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this story as much as I liked Episode I. The romance between Anakin and Padme seemed forced to me. I mean, seriously ~ she met him when he was what, nine? I know he's grown but it's hard to look at someone as an adult who you once knew as a child.

The movie was especially difficult for me to understand, so I appreciated the additional clarity reading the book brought to the story line. Still, too much focus on Anakin, who isn't a favorite of mine (sorry, not a Skywalker girl here, neither Luke nor his father). Read only if you're a die-hard fan of the series.

[Alayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 (ponele, ni me acuerdo bien)
Leído el año pasado.

[Rami Abuhamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always had a soft spot for this movie. While it's not perfect, it remains reliable. After reading the novelization by R.A. Salvatore, I was eager to see how Henry Gilroy handled the comic adaptation after picking it up at the store, and I'm pleased to say that it’s an enjoyable read! The artwork mirrors the style of the Republic comics that were published around the same time as this adaptation.

I won’t delve into the plot since most of us are already familiar with it. However, if you haven’t seen Attack of the Clones, I’m not sure why you’re reading this in the first place. The comic closely follows the final shooting script and the film, with the notable addition of reinstated deleted scenes. I found that these added scenes improved the flow and pacing, making the comic feel more in line with the novelization.

It’s worth mentioning that some of the dialogue was altered from the film. I’m not certain if Henry Gilroy was working from an earlier draft or if he made those changes himself. However, it appeared that George Lucas was fine with the modifications, as they remained in the comic. Personally, I enjoyed the dialogue changes. It offers a refreshing change in the story, rather than just copying and pasting the entire screenplay.

Overall, I found this adaptation to be quite enjoyable, exciting, and visually appealing. Attack of the Clones itself is very underrated, but I’m glad we have this comic adaptation alongside Salvatore’s novelization. Combining all three elements enhances the story and sheds more light on the plot.

So, if you enjoyed the film and the novelization, I highly recommend checking this comic out. It’s a fun read that ties into the Republic comics, especially if you're following the story in chronological order.

3.5/4 stars.

[Ian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The graphic novel adaptation of the second Prequel, set 22 BBY.
As Obi-Wan investigates an assassin and a mysterious clone army, Anakin and Padme go into hiding and find themselves conflicted by their feelings for one another. The separate paths converge as the Sith unleash the Clone Wars against the galaxy.

I've always disliked Episode II and once would've said it was easily the worst Star Wars film ever made (but then I saw 'The Last Jedi' and 'Rise of Skywalker'). However, time has mellowed me on it somewhat and this book has the benefit of editing out or cutting down on some of the movie's worst scenes (I was particularly glad to see Threepio's 'comedy' shenanigans all but gone).
Also, because no poor actor has to read it out loud, some of George Lucas' terrible dialogue sits much easier here than it does onscreen.

Don't get me wrong, none of the elements above redeem all of Episode II's failings, but they do ease them enough to make it much more enjoyable experience overall.
In fact, due to Jan Duursema's artwork, this feels like it would comfortably sit among the stories of the 'Republic' comic book series (not least because of the appearance of Quinlan Vos).

* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *

[StrictlySequential · Rating 2 out of 5]

Background:
I was a fervent fan of the first three throughout my youth but when I saw "Episode 1" in a theater I knew that I would not be continuing the series. So, all these years later, I want to at least give them a chance but reading their sequential adaptations.

Story: **
Now that I have read two of the threequel I'm only going to get the third if it's at serious basement price because this and both others are extremely forgettable.

Art: **
I noticed nothing impressive and was often very disappointed with various renderings throughout. I have no good explanation though -I rarely knew exactly what I disliked- but I am certain that there was no point in which I thought it was anything above average.

[Cudahy Family Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones is exactly what it sounds like, a comic version of the movie and its events. As it’s only a collection of four issues, it focuses on the biggest and most important events. So while you could get the idea out of reading this, this is obviously for someone who already knows the story shown in the movie. To its credit, this comic actually included two scenes that were deleted in the movie! The art is well done and characters generally look how they’re supposed to. While not a necessary read, if you’re doing a read-through of the comics, this is a fun little book.

[Elizabeth Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The clone wars has always been one of my favorites! I forgot how broody Annie was but it was fun to watch them grow up. I miss seeing so many Jedis around. The comic portion was amazing and I really love the graphic details. Padame has always been one of my favorites as well I would love to see more supplemental material

[Chuy Ruiz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was better than the Episode I graphic novel adaptation in that there were a few different or slightly extended scenes. It still felt mostly a choppier retelling of the movie in graphic novel form. I definitely enjoyed the more aggressive political messages in this vs the movie.

[Alyce Caswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't mind this adaptation too much, since it was competently done (unlike the previous film's adaptation) and I liked the subtle changes in illustration which occurred in certain scenes. But the script relies too much on narration in order to fit important details in.

[Pablo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The movie made into a graphic novel. The cringe from the anakin-padme dialogs remain

[Jaime K · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's odd that the beginning 'scroll' wasn't there.

Everything followed he movie to a T, save for one or two side scenes from the novel.

[Cristian Diaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a good book but I prefer the movie, because there are a lot of special effects that you can’t imagine. Its interesting see the movies then read the books it makes you realize of many details

[Timo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ei tämän lukeminen niin kauaa vienyt kuin elokuvan katsominen. Eikä se tee elokuvasta saatika tästä hyvää.

[Alam]

Read

[emilia]

no es igual que en la peli pero esta bueno igual

[Elliot · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shot for shot retelling with subpar art.

[machado · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[B.A.G. Studios · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ultimately not much more than a retelling, in stark contrast to the excellent R.A. Salvatore novelization. Accomplishes the goal but without any fanfare of any kind.

[Graham Barrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

(Review from 2024)

Read this as a kid. Even back then I thought it was pretty bland. Artwork (used in Dark Horse's Republic comics) was pretty good though.

[Jamil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este cómic me gustó de verdad, aporta mucho a la película, como el "juicio" que le hacen a anakin y padme, dónde los sentencian a muerte.

[Hannah_Grace14 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Star Wars

[Antonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's basically the movie made into a graphic novel. The artwork is really good and very detailed. It also features some dialogues and scenes that were not in the movie. Padme and Anakin's romance is so forced and so weird. I recommend this to any fan of Star Wars and I'm so glad to have these graphic novels to my collection.

[RdWd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jan Duursema's artwork makes this a better installment than the The Phantom Menace's graphic novelisation. Like most good graphic novelisations, there are additional scenes included, in this case they were scenes cut from the final film - like Obi Wan's discussion with Jedi librarian Jocasta Nu. Finally, the panels aren't necessarily traced directly from the film's frames, so you can tell that the artist has had more scope for some visual reinterpretation.