Star Wars Adventure #1 Review

Star Wars Adventures #1

Writer: Cavan Scott (Devil You Know, Tales from Wild Space)
Artist: Derek Charm (Devil You Know)
Penciller: Jon Sommariva (Tales from Wild Space)
Inker: Sean Parsons (Tales from Wild Space)
Colorist: Charlie Kirchoff (Tales from Wild Space)
Letterer: Tom Long (Devil You Know, Tales from Wild Space)
Publisher: IDW Publishing

A Review by Greg Brothers

So perhaps you have heard of this little franchise called Star Wars. They have a few movies out, some great cartoon series, some comic book series that have been published by various companies, and of course a great Christmas Special. Well at long last, with the all ages Star Wars Adventures #1, they tap into the youth market.

Okay, sarcasm out of the way!

Star Wars Adventures #1 is an all ages anthology book from IDW. Leading up to the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the book will focus on various characters. The plan is for lead stories to have some canon in them. Meanwhile, the backup story will be stand alone with no impact on the Universe.

The primary story in Star Wars Adventures #1 focuses on Rey. Taking place on Jakku sometime before The Force Awakens, Rey is trying to survive in the best way she knows how. Meanwhile, Unkar Plutt has upset a group who is looking for a particular droid. Thus, Rey as must decide which is the best choice: helping the man she despises and deal with the consequences, or embrace the devil she knows and help him.

Scott’s story helps to add to the legend that is Rey. The personality traits that fans of the character have come to expect are once again put on display. While other characters are in the book, the focus is purely on Rey. A majority of the dialogue is Rey talking to herself either internally or verbalizing her thoughts. It is a strategy that works as Rey has always been a bit of a loner.

The art is simple, yet effective. Rey is easily identifiable, while the designs on new characters are unique. The traditional panel layout signals to the reader that this story is going to fall along familiar lines. Meanwhile, the minimalistic backgrounds allow for the focus to fall directly on the action and characters within the panels.

The backup story, also written by Scott, focuses on Emil Graf. Graf is telling a story of an adventure he had heard about, while trying to teach a valuable lesson to his crew. In the story, Obi-Wan Kenobi is chasing down a known common criminal who has stolen from him.

The story is a simple one, but it is one that creates a valuable lesson. The characterization of Obi-Wan fits in with the attitude that people have come to expect. At no point does anger enter the equation. Instead he calmly reaches a conclusion without much of an effort. I found myself smirking throughout the whole story, as to how simple the conclusion was.

The art in the backup story is a bit more complex. Instead of simple designs, most of the characters are drawn in deep detail. The panels are also filled with scenery that enhances the story, without taking away from it. Of the two stories, the art in the back up is much richer and engaging.

Verdict:
Buy it! Let’s be honest, for some people, no matter the quality of the product, if it says Star Wars they are buying it. The thing about Star Wars Adventure #1 is that it is a quality product. With both Rey and Obi-Wan, their portrayal here feels spot on. Every choice and action by both is what you would expect from them. While not everything in these books are going to be canon, Star Wars Adventures #1 provides a nice snack while waiting for the full course in December.