The Star Wars/Marvel Conundrum

Due to the recent news about Star Wars and its future publications in term of sequential art, I began to think quite a lot about the possible implications, good or bad, about the whole deal.

Star Wars, like a lot of franchises, is something that is held dearly for many. With a rich history in multiple medias, the beloved saga found a place in many fans heart with its mix of fantasy and science fiction and its general approach to storytelling. Jedi’s, Sith’s, the force and many more terms such as these are now commonly known by a very large percentage of the general population on the planet, something that many franchises could very well be jealous of.

However, with such an impressive following comes many things, such as much more difficult to please fans and the much more fanatic. Much like Marvel, DC and other such continuities, there are always some subjects that are hard to talk about when speaking about (don’t ever say the word midi-chlorian to a fan, seriously).

A subject that has been kind of moot, though, is if Dark Horse did a good job with the franchise or not. While they did produce some stinkers once in a while, like any company, they did give fans plenty of excellent material, like John Ostrander’s Star Wars Legacy or John Jackson Miller’s Star Wars: Knights of the old republic. Giving plenty of different material taking the lore to exciting new places, Dark Horse did quite a lot with the franchise in the 22 years it had it in its possession.

However, it seems that the company’s time with the franchise is over. With the recent purchase from Disney of everything Star Wars related, it only made sense that they would eventually try to reach for not just movies but comics as well in their new handle on the franchise. In 2015, Marvel, a company also owned by Disney, will publish Star Wars comics instead.

While this may seem like a tragedy for aficionados of Dark Horse and their general handle on this franchise, not everything is all that bad, nor is it that good either. Sure, the fact that Marvel will publish those comics can lead to rather exaggerated fears, such as a crossover between Star Wars and the X-Men (something close to that did happen, though) or Boba Fett appearing in a Deadpool title. While such ideas may appear silly and simply too stupid to ever be thought-of, there is always the slight possibility that Marvel could go for utter silliness and milk everything for what it’s worth.

Star Wars #6 – Review

By: Brian Wood (Writer), Carlos D’Anda (Artist), Gabe Eltaeb (Colorist)

The Story: Luke goes to save Leia and gets much more involved in the mission that Leia is involved in.

The Review: Did you ever read something that you know is crafted well, yet you could never truly get into for some reason? A novel or a comic that you can definitely see the qualities and the hard work put into, yet did absolutely nothing for you? This is what Star Wars by Brian Wood is doing for me right now.

There are several qualities to this book, like the willingness to stick to the mythos as much as possible, without being redundant. By incorporating some newer characters and giving us a plotline that can be easily placed between the first two films (the original ones, mind you), Brian Wood show inventiveness that does him credit. It can be hard to write in such a revered era while adding new stuff in it without sounding sacrilegious, which I do believe he manage fairly well.

Star Wars #5 – Review

By: Brian Wood (Writer), Carlos D’Anda (Artist), Gabe Eltaeb (Colorist)

The Story: Han Solo has to find a way out of Coruscant, as Leia and her squad fight some Tie-Fighter as per her plan to guess just who might be the rat in the rebel army.

The Review: I finally understood something about this comic and myself, something that came as some kind of realization as to why I rather disliked some of the scenes while I enjoyed others. I once said that I preferred the Han Solo scenes in general, while I found the space battles to be rather boring, but gave a rather vague assessment of just why I felt that way about those.

Star Wars #4 – Review

By: Brian Wood (Writer), Carlos D’Anda (Artist), Gabe Eltaeb (Colorist)

The Story: Han Solo tries to escape from Coruscant, Leia goes on with her plan to find out the rat in the rebellion and Darth Vader is awesome.

The Review: When I reviewed the last issue of Brian Wood’s take on Star Wars, I mentioned the fact that there were parts that were much stronger, or at least, more interesting than others. I now realize, in retrospect, that it was not absolutely fair, as it seemed to come a bit from personal taste rather than actual appreciation and critical analysis of the various scenes. However, while I do admit that I rather prefer Han Solo to Leia Skywalker as a character, this issue made me see just why perhaps this analysis was closer to the truth than what I thought.

Star Wars Legacy #1 – Review

By: Corinna Bechko & Gabriel Hardman (script), Hardman (art), Rachelle Rosenberg (colors), Michael Heisler (letters)

The Story: 125 years after Return of the Jedi, the galaxy is still in turmoil.

Review: I didn’t enjoy this as nearly much as I’d hoped.  The primary problem with the issue is that the story is a little too busy and that leads to confusion.

The basic set-up is that Legacy takes place ~125 years after Return of the Jedi.  The galaxy is currently recovering from being ruled by the Sith and the new government (consisting of leftovers from the Alliance, Empire and Jedi) is just trying to get a functioning government back in place to keep the galaxy from fragmenting.  Of course, evil lurks in dark places and promises to make their job more difficult.  And, as expected, there are some young, plucky, budding heroes who will be asked to step-up once they become embroiled in galactic events.

Star Wars #3 – Review

By: Brian Wood (Writer), Carlos D’Anda (Artist), Gabe Eltaeb (Colorist)

The Story: Luke gets a little bit rebellious with one of his comrades; Leia tries to uncover the identity of the spy while Han Solo gets into a trap set by the empire.

The Review: There are several things that can be frustrating in comics featuring a whole universe: some concepts that are too conceited or too much used, some characters that don’t have enough screen time and a whole load of other problems. This issue here has a very particular problem that does not fatally undermine the whole thing, yet becomes a bit handicapping: there are some parts and characters that are much more interesting than others.

Now, this may seem normal, even obvious to most, but there is a difference when it is a ‘’universe’’ book. In a team book, it’s pretty much normal that some people prefer some characters above others, but in a ‘’universe’’ style book, the writer has to show a whole world through his story and his characters, to make everything interesting and relevant to the plot. Here, we have two plots, with one being about Leia commanding her own squadron and trying to uncover a traitor amongst their midst, while the other one features Han Solo being his regular self as he tries to get some work on Coruscant. It is the latter one that is more interesting and actually better written, as the adventure of the charming rogue is actually more fulfilling for a reader.

Star Wars #2 – Review

By: Brian Wood (Writer), Carlos D’Anda (Artist), Gabe Eltaeb (Colorist)

The Story: Han Solo is pursued by a well-known bounty hunter, whole Leia form a team to carry out the mission she received.

The Review: This feels like Star Wars. It’s a bold statement to start this review with, but it also very much true. In this issue, you’ve got much of everything that made this franchise great to begin with. There’s the scope, the war between good and evil, the space fight and the characters. Much of it ring true to the original trilogy, but there’s also something more to it.

What Brian Wood has succeeded in doing so far is properly extend and deepen some characters while respecting who they actually are and how they usually are presented. There’s Han Solo, still roguish and savvy like always, partnered up with his trusty Wookie friend Chewbacca. Here, he explores just how his life as a smuggler has been affected by his actions from A New Hope, which is a wise choice, as it had not been properly explored in the actual sequel to the original movie.

Star Wars #1 – Review

By: Brian Wood (writer), Carlos D’Anda (artist), Gabe Eltaeb (Colorist)

The Story: After an ambush by the empire on Luke, Leia and Wedge, the alliance suspects that there might be a spy in their midst.

The Review: Star Wars means a lot to most of us, both as a sci-fi universe and as movies. It is cherished by millions, loving the classic battle between good and evil that was represented during the whole saga. It is a universe that is no stranger to comics, with some very good stories told in its vast continuity and lore. Writing in such a loved universe can have its lot of challenge to even the most seasoned of veterans or the greatest of writer. It is even more so when the story that is told in this issue is set in the most beloved part of the saga: the original trilogy of films.

A single error in characterization, in the timeline or the addition of several unwanted elements could topple all this noble effort down by the fans. Thankfully, Brian Wood is a smart writer and knows exactly what he can and what he should do with this series and all its characters. Here we see all the beloved characters, themes and designs from the first movie in a comic book format and it works really well, incorporating just the right amount of new elements in the mix to make sure it is a brand new tale.

WCBR Quick Hit Reviews – Week of 12/15/2010

Sometimes we get a few more comics than we can review in full, so here are the balance of the comics read by the WCBR staff, some good, and some pretty bad.

Thunderbolts #151 – This was a great little story that tells the origin of Ghost (for those who care of such things).  Again, Jeff Parker smashes an incredible amount of story into a normal sized comic.  Goodness do I wish he could rub off on some of his fellow Marvel creators (e.g. Fraction, Matt).  At the end, you’re crystal clear on why Ghost hates corporations and you really don’t blame him.  Very nice art by Kev Walker! Grade: B+ — Dean Stell

Doc Macabre #1 – Why buy this odd horror comic from IDW?  Well, it is drawn by Bernie Wrightson and that is reason enough for me.   Wrightson is a Hall of Fame-level comic artist who still has his fastball.  This comic looks great!  As for the story, it is about some young ghost hunter guy (Doc Macabre) who uses his wizardry and gadgets to get rid of ghosts and zombies for money.  Story is entertaining, but nothing spectacular.  Worth buying if you love beautiful sequential art.  Grade: B — Dean Stell

Captain America: Man Out of Time #2 – By Mark Waid (writer), Jorge Molina (pencils), Karl Kesel (inks), Frank D’Armata (colors), VC’s Joe Sabino (letters) I’m already on record as loving the premise of this book, and this issue has me loving the execution right along with it. Although Cap’s wild and rather exaggerated mood swings could have very easily come across as silly or out of character, Waid brings out just the right note in each episode to not only keep them realistic, but to use them to reinforce Steve Rogers’ essential humanity. (After all, who WOULDN’T go just a little bit nuts after being unfrozen, time-traveled, and brought face to face with an alien in the same two or three hour time span!) Special note has to be taken of the short but very sweet scene where Cap discovers his personal proof that he is not trapped in a dream. Moments like that, while possible in other mediums, are what make comics so special. A perfect marriage of a single, powerful static image and piece of dialog that packs (a rather unexpected) emotional punch. Very well done, and well worth picking up.  Grade: B — SoldierHawk

Comic-Con 2008: Complete Progamming schedule

The full programming schedule is available now. I noticed a high increment in game related panels compared to previous years. Many people will not like this as it doesn’t have any relation from the comics.

Friday is Star Wars day. Artists scheduled for panels include Paul Dini, Geoff Johns, Mark Waid, Robert Kirkman, Eric Larsen, Jim Butcher, Kevin Smith, Frank Miller and Brad Meltzer among others.

Media & games related panels include Watchmen, Stargate, Prince of Persia, Star Wars, Spaced, Resident Evil: Degeneration, Ghostbusters, The Wolfman, American Dad, The Spirit, World of Warcraft, The Venture Brothers, 24, Robot Chicken, Mystery Science Theater 3000, Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow, Eureka and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along among a lot more of other panels.

A highly recommended panel is the Kevin Smith one. I don’t even like his movies, but his panels are hilarious.

Check the full list for Friday here.

For Saturday there is lots of panels to pick from: Ralph Bakshi, Joe Hill, Ben Templesmith, Steve Niles, David Mack, Dean Koontz, J. Michael Straczynski and media events for Futurama, The Simpson, Heroes, Dollhouse, Terminator Salvation, Battlestar Galactica, Pushing Daisies, Gears of War 2, Fable 2, Fringe and Starship Troopers 3.

The full list of panels for Saturday is here.

Sam & Max: Surfin’ the Highway (TPB) – Review

By Steve Purcell (written & illustrated)

Since the release of the first game on the PC, I’ve always wanted more Sam & Max. I didn’t even know that there was a comic book or a cartoon TV series. Eventually, I found out about all this stuff, and the collected edition of the comics that was released around 1995. I really wanted to get my hands on this sucker but the book was just too hard to find, not to mention ridiculously expensive. Then came Telltale with “Sam & Max Season One” – an episodic series of adventure games. After the successful and acclaimed return, they compiled and re-released the previously sold out TPB, adding a few more new pages and some extra color.

The book is about a cop dog and a rabbit who fight crime in an unorthodox way. The humor is hit and miss; if you played the game and didn’t like it, don’t even bother with the comic – it’s not on par with it. I’m not saying that it’s bad – it’s still wacky, sarcastic and funny, but it’s just not on the same level as the game. Also included are some cartoons that where made to promote LucasArts games: Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Full Throttle. The pinup gallery is a great extra, too.

I know there is more material to add to this book (especially new stuff), but for some reason it wasn’t added. I’d love to have some kind of bimonthly Sam & Max comic, but who knows if that’ll ever happen. Like Sam says: You crack me up, little buddy. (Grade: B)

-Daniel Yanez

X-Factor #28 – Review

By Peter David (writer), Pablo Raimondi (art), Jeremy Cox (color)

After all the super hero / mutant antics of Messiah Complex, a storyline that derailed, and even stole some of X-Factor’s identity and momentum, the series is finally back on track with issue #28. It’s very much welcomed, too. This is probably the only consistently good book amongst Marvel’s X-titles. Don’t get me wrong, the cast here is definitely feeling the ramifications of the Messiah Complex – Layla Miller is still stuck in the future and Rahne is leaving for X-Force, but the on-going subplots are finally back in play.

Speaking of X-Force, Marvel really dropped the ball by not promoting this book. In a way, it feels somewhat as a prequel to the X-Force #1. In Uncanny X-Men, Wolverine is on vacation in Europe – at least Peter David was smart enough to respect current continuity with Rahne.

So Rictor is out wandering around Mutant Town when he finds a girl who resembles Layla. But she’s not Layla. Instead, she’s a (very) fashionable prostitute who proceeds to hit him with a stun gun while her pimp beats the crap out of him. Strong Guy comes to the rescue, but I’m still wondering how Rictor recovered from the stun gun so quickly. Must have been those mutant genes!

Anyway, Madrox finally loses it and does more damage to the Purifiers (by himself, no less) than anyone in X-Force #1 ever does. Sure, we don’t see blood, but his butt kicking in 2-3 panels had me more excited than that book ever could. Now, is it me or are the Purifiers just a device Marvel created so the X-Characters had mindless fodder to kill. They’re like the Battle Android Troopers in G.I. Joe – it gave the Joes a faceless enemy that they could destroy with their guns, because heaven forbid they kill any *real* people or *real* bad guys! This same idea applies with the droid army in the Star Wars prequels! I honestly don’t like it. It’s such a lazy idea.

Tangent aside, Peter David’s dialogue is fun, as always, and you can tell he loves writing Strong Guy. Pablo Raimondi’s art is outstanding. His painstakingly detailed backdrops (especially Mutant Town), are beautiful and well complimented by Jeremy Cox’s colors. And as much as I hate pop cultural references in my comics, there’s a scene involving an iPhone that’s hilarious! This is how an X-Book is done. Way to go, guys. (Grade: B+)

– J. Montes

Family Guy Presents: Blue Harvest – DVD Review

A long time ago, but somehow in the future…

First things first, if you are not a fan of both Star Wars and Family Guy, you will probably not enjoy this film enough to warrant buying it. That being said, if you are a fan of both and are properly armed with a healthy knowledge of 1970’s – present pop culture references, this DVD is a must own.

As hugely conspicuous Star Wars Fans, Seth MacFarlane and the crew at Family Guy have created what may be considered the ultimate Star Wars parody, going farther than Space Balls and Robot Chicken before them. This film is not a clip show or quasi-homage, Blue Harvest is a complete reimagining of Star Wars: Episode IV (the first film if you are keeping track). The reimagining takes the characters of Family Guy and places them in the roles of Star Wars characters, while maintaining much of their original personality traits. In addition, the plot is maipulated to allow for the inclusion of the Family Guy humor many have come to love. From the pedophiliac Mr Herbert as Obi-Wan to Peter as Han Solo to Stewie as Vader, the laughs don’t stop. The movie is absolutely hilarious and takes shots at many of the memorable scenes from the original film. After watching this film, one can see the effort and dedication that true Star Wars fans put in to the design and execution of this piece.

The film would be enough on its own but the DVD comes fully loaded with extras. Included is a making of feature, animatic material, a clip compilation from the regular show, a digital copy of the film (that can be loaded onto iTunes and uploaded to a portable video device like an iPod) and an interview with George Lucas. What’s George’s favorite TV show? Watch the DVD and find out.

My advice is to run to your nearest video store, buy Blue Harvest and prepare to geek out. (Grade: A)

– Chris Williamson