Comic Talk: Bounty Hunters #10

Few Star Wars fans know the name "Valance the Hunter". He is an obscure character from Marvel comics of the late-seventies. Though one largely forgotten Valance is becoming more and more prevalent in Star Wars media. 

Valance now has his own line of Marvel comics titled "Bounty Hunters", which is one of the five ongoing Marvel Star Wars titles.

Prerequisites: 

Beilert Valance has appeared in the miniseries "Han Solo: Imperial Cadet" and "Target Vader". Both of these series introduce the character into the Disney Universe.

Who Wrote This?

Ethan Sacks has contributed to Star Wars a few times in the last couple of years including the comic series "Galaxy's Edge" and "Allegiance".

Characters:

"Star Wars: Bounty Hunters" features all of the hunters who appear in "The Empire Strikes Back", but Valance is the main character. Valance is a tough anti-hero who is also extremely dangerous. The creators are definitely give out "Terminator" vibes and its worth noting that the character of Valance predates the Terminator.

Why Should I Read It?

Who doesn't love Bounty Hunters? They have always been the coolest characters in Star Wars. They aren't heroes or villains. Hunting bounties is just a way to make a living: a dangerous job in a dangerous galaxy.

What's Next?

Next week I take a look at Doctor Aphra #8

Comic Talk: Star Wars #12

In 2019 Marvel wrapped up their comic series which took place between "A New Hope" and "The Empire Strikes Back". After all- there is only so much ground you can cover between the Death Star and Hoth. When the comics relaunched in 2020, all the new comic series were set between "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi". This includes the main "Star Wars" line as well as "Vader", "Doctor Aphra" and "Bounty Hunters".

It may be a surprise then that Han is featured on the cover of Star Wars #12. He should be frozen in carbonite and absent entirely from this series. However Marvel has never had an easy time writing out "the smuggler with the heart of gold". In 1982 (whilst Han was still frozen) Marvel brought back Captain Solo via flashback for "Star Wars Annual 2: Shadeshine!" and Marvel pulls a similar trick here. Leia is dealing with Han's absence and recounts a memory from her past.

Prerequisites: 

Because of the flashback nature of this comic, readers really do not need to know much to enjoy this single issue. However Star Wars #12 is really the 87th issue of Marvel's main "Star Wars" line. There is benefit in knowing what is going on in the wider universe of the Marvel Star Wars comics. This includes limited series such as "Shattered Empire" and "Lando".

Who Wrote This?

Charles Soule is becoming a big name in Star Wars expanded media. His first contribution to the franchise was the "Lando" limited comic series back in 2015, but as of 2021 Soule is running the main Star Wars comic line and he recently topped the New York Times Bestseller list with his novel "Light of the Jedi".

Outside of Star Wars, Soule has written for Marvel franchises such as Daredevil, She-Hulk, Death of Wolverine, and he penned the Oni Press series "Letter 44".

Characters:

This tale centers on two characters. Princess Leia Organa and Kes Dameron (father of Poe Dameron). Both of their loved ones are captured behind enemy lines. Kes tells Leia the story of how he met his wife Shara Bey. Leia, in turn, tells Kes a previously untold tale of Han Solo's adventures on planet Hoth which gives insight to Leia's love and respect for the smuggler.

Why Should I Read It?

There's a lot going on in the first 12 issues of the new Star Wars line. Luke has a new lightsaber, Leia has a new nemesis, and Lando is acting shady. Furthermore, the four comic series that take place in the aftermath of "The Empire Strikes Back" are about to collide in a crossover event called "War of the Bounty Hunters". This crossover event will lead directly into a mini-series which is also penned by Charles Soule. If there was ever a time to be into Marvel's Star Wars comics, this is it!

What's Next?

Next week I take a look at Bounty Hunters #10

Comic Talk: The High Republic Adventures #2

Science Fiction is in the middle of a renaissance of sorts in which female characters are dominating the genre. Strong female leads have been part of Sci-Fi since at least the 80s when Sarah Connor and Ellen Ripley dominated the Box Office. In the 2020s however Science Fiction is practically defined by women.

Disney introduced Rey as the lead character of their tent-pole trilogy and put Jyn Erso in the center of the first spin-off film. Doctor Who now has Jodie Whittaker's "Thirteenth Doctor" behind the controls of the Tardis. Marvel's "Wandavision" is the first true Marvel Universe TV show with Elizabeth Olson proving her acting chops.

What's more is that Black Females are beginning to break through as well. Sonequa Martin-Green as Michael Burnham leads Star Trek Discovery to new worlds. Jo Martin was introduced as the first black Doctor Who. And Teyonah Parris as Monica Rambeau is the coolest new MCU super hero.

And now in the High Republic sub-franchise everything is female led. From Avar Kriss to Vernestra Rhow to Keeve Trennis, females are at the center of this series. In "The High Republic Adventures" Lula Talisola and Zeen Mrala solidify the fact that females will be at the center of the Star Wars franchise moving forward. And the franchise is all the better for it.

Prerequisites: 

This story exists within the larger framework of "The High Republic" sub-franchise. To really get a handle on the plot, the villains, and the stakes- adult fans might want to check out the novel "The Light of the Jedi" or "The High Republic" comic series from Marvel. Kids, however, are probably not going to care about how this series fits into the larger mythos of Star Wars- they will just want to enjoy the ride.

Who Wrote This?

Daniel Jose Older is has been working on Star Wars stories since 2017 including his novel "Last Shot" which tied in with the film "Solo".  Outside of Star Wars, Older is known for his "Shadowshaper Cypher" young adult series.

Characters:

Lula Talisola and Zeen Mrala are the leads here. Lula is an established Jedi where Zeen is a force user who must hide her powers because of the religious sect she grew up in. Beyond the leads we have a variety of interesting characters including Krix Kamerat, who feels betrayed by Zeen's sudden revelation that she can use the Force. Yoda is also a strong character in the pages of this series because we get to see the Jedi Master at the height of his life. He is Grand Master of the Jedi Order at a time when the Order truly represents a beacon of hope for the Galaxy.

Why Should I Read It?

I think the relationship between Zeen and Krix is the most interesting part of the series. Two best friends suddenly find themselves on the opposite sides of the same war. This theme is featured in "Lost Stars" by Claudia Grey and in "Resistance" Season 2. But it is also found at the very heart of every Star Wars Trilogy. Luke & Vader. Obi-Wan & Anakin. Rey & Ben Solo.

In a world where your favorite aunt might also believe in the QAnon Conspiracy Theory, this theme is very timely. 

What's Next?

Next week I take a look at Star Wars #12 by Charles Soule

Comic Talk: Star Wars Adventures #3

Comics are frustrating and never release on time or on schedule, especially Star Wars comics. We should be here today talking about Star Wars Adventures #4, but the release date changed (again) and so I am going to talk about Star Wars Adventures #3 instead, which released on February 3rd.  

Prerequisites:

When the anthology series "Star Wars Adventures" first released in 2017 it was told through the lens of Emil Graf, pilot of the Star Herald. Emil told stories and tales to his crew: CR-8rR, BB-00, and a Kowakian monkey-lizard named Noni. Each story was also meant to teach a lesson to one of his crew members. Star Wars Adventures was published by IDW and ran for 32 issues before it was rebooted last year.

The relaunched series is still an anthology series that can take place in any Star Wars era and feature any character, however it is no longer framed through the lens of Emil Graf or the Star Herald crew. 

It also now features a slogan "Tales of Villainy" 

Who wrote this?

Michael Moreci has been writing for Star Wars Adventures since 2018. Before that he worked on horror comics such as Stranger Things & Vampironica.

Sam Maggs is new to Star Wars comics but is a Canadian author most knows for her book "The Fangirl’s Guide to the Galaxy"

Characters: 

The first tale "Life Day" sees Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice "Obi-Wan Kenobi" on planet Kashyyyk during the celebration of Life Day. 

The second tale "The Hostage" features Darth Maul captured and chained on planet Bahlah. 

Why Should I Read It?: 

Obviously these tales are marketed towards kids, but they don't have to be. The scripts would work just as well with an older target audience. The only part of these stories that is really "kid-ified" is the art itself.

The genius of the anthology format is that you could find yourself in any era of the Star Wars universe with characters that you love.  The tales are quick-burns and then you are onto something new.

Comics can be so frustrating because issues often release months apart and it is easy to lose the plot threads. When comics are suddenly cancelled mid-plot-thread it is even more frustrating. Star Wars Adventures does not run into this issue. A lot of these stories are one shots, and if not, the story is going to be resolved the very next week.

What's Next?

If it releases on schedule I will be back next week to review High Republic Adventures #2

Aliens of "The High Republic"

Mirialans

Mirialans were a near-human species from planet Mirial- a cold, dry planet located in the Outer Rim. Mirialans could be identified by their green skin and geometric face tattoos. Face tattoos could be gained after completing a special task, but some were status symbols. Tattoos were seen as an important, yet sometimes antiquated tradition among the Mirialan people.

Jedi Master Luminara Unduli and her apprentice Barriss Offee were the first Mirialans to appear in Star Wars. However novels and guidebooks from 2002 first identified the pair as being human. It may have been the 2004 MedStar novels that first assigned the Mirialan species name to the two Jedi.

In The High Republic series Vernestra Rwoh is a young Mirialan Jedi knight. Vernestra is the main character in “A Test of Courage” by Justina Ireland.

Umbaran

Umbarans were sometimes known as Shadow People. They hailed from a dark planet in the Ghost Nebula in which never saw daylight. Their colorless eyes could see deep into the ultra-violet spectrum. The Umbaran culture was a complex caste system and individuals would spend their lives attempting to rise into higher and higher social levels.

Sly Moore, chief of staff to Chancellor Palatine, was the first Umbaran to appear in a Star Wars film.  The character design of Sly Moore was inspired by Gothic Subculture. Moore was a close confidant of Palpatine and was rumored to have given birth to Palpatine’s son Triclops.

Orla Jareni is an Umbaran Jedi Knight / Wayseeker who appears in the novel “High Republic: Into the Dark” by Claudia Grey.

Zygerrian

Zygerrians were a fur-covered, pointy eared species from the outer rim. On their native world the Zygerrian government ran a slave trade.  Zygerrians often carried retractable shock-whips, which were a symbol of their culture. Shock whips were non-lethal as Zygerrians preferred to capture their enemies, rather than kill them. 

Zygerrians were first mentioned in “The Star Wars Sourcebook “in 1987. They first appeared onscreen in The Clone Wars animated series. Though the Zygerrians featured in Clone Wars are coyote-like in appearance, Zyggerrians that appeared prior to the animated series were hairless with facial ridges. Dave Filoni chose the coyote appearance specifically because he wanted the species to look deceitful. 

Farzala is a Zygerrian Jedi Padawan that is featured in the “High Republic Adventures” comic series.

Pantoran

Pantorans were a blue-skinned species from the moon, Pantora. The Pantorans had an very old society that once worshipped a moon goddess. ThModern Pantora was known for its beautifully designed democratic society, which stood as a symbol against oppression and slavery. Pantorans often wore golden face tattoos which denoted their family symbols.

Pantorans are not to be confused with other blue skinned species such as the Chiss (who have red eyes) or Wroonians (who have yellow eyes).

Star Wars fans were able to glimpse a very early concept drawing of a Pantoran as far back as 1995 as part of the “Star Wars: Episode I Insider's Guide CD-ROM”. The species would not appear onscreen until “Revenge of the Sith” premiered a decade later, where George Lucas and his daughter, Katie, appear as Baron Papanoida and Chi Eekway Papanoida. Initially the Pantoran name was not attached to the species. According to old guidebooks, the character that George Lucas played was a Wroonian and the character that Katie Lucas played was a Twi’lek. There’s even an action figure of the Katie Lucas character with Twi’lek Lekku. However in 2009 a Season 1 episode of “Clone Wars”. Firmly establishes these characters as being Pantoran.

Pantoran characters appear in “The High Republic: Into the Dark” and “The High Republic: A Test of Courage”. 

Tholothian

Tholothians were a human-like species with long white tendrils growing from their heads. Tholothians tended to have dark skin and blue or violet eyes. Tholoth was a warm world with many trees. The Tholothian government prided itself in keeping wildlife preserves over large swaths of their planet.

Many Tholothians were skilled force users including Jedi Council Members Adi Galia and her cousin, Staff Allie. Indeera Stokes is the Tholothian Jedi who appears in the novel “The Light of the Jedi”

 

Comic Talk: Darth Vader #10

Darth Vader is arguably the most iconic character of an entire franchise of iconic characters. Vader has been a goldmine of merchandise for decades and he will continue to sell merchandise long after "Baby" Grogu "Yoda" is a forgotten memory. Star Wars comics have always cashed in on Darth Vader. Dark Horse had a dedicated Vader line from 2011 - 2014 and Marvel has hardly let a month go by without a comic with Vader's name on the cover. The current Vader line is actually the 3rd to be published under the title "Darth Vader". 

Prerequisites:

You do not have to be familiar with the plot of the first Marvel Vader line that covered the timeframe between "A New Hope" and "The Empire Strikes Back" to enjoy this comic. You also don't have to read the "Darth Vader Lord of Sith" series, the "Vader: Dark Visions" or the "Target Vader" series. 

What you should really be familiar with before tackling "Darth Vader #1" (2020) is the novel "Queen's Shadow" by EK Johnston. Trust me, it's worth it. 

Who wrote this?

Grek Pak has been writing Star Wars comics since 2019. Pak first wrote the series "Age of Rebellion" before taking over as head writer on the closing arc of the main Star Wars line (#68 - #75). 

Characters: 

Vader is on a journey of self-discovery in which he is haunted by his past, his present, and his future. The journey has taken him to the planet Tatooine (where he grew up), the planet Naboo (where he fell in love), the asteroid field of Polis Massa (where his son was born), the planet Mustafar (where he was reborn), and now the planet Exegol (where his Master keeps secrets). 

Ochi of Bestoon is a Sith assassin, who was first introduced in "The Rise of Skywalker". Palpatine had tasked Ochi with eliminating Vader, but now Ochi is very much a captive and along for the ride on Vader's strange quest.

Why Should I Read It?: 

The character of Darth Vader has never been so compelling. Fresh from his duel with his son, Luke Skywalker, Vader is questioning his place in the Galaxy. Vader's tenuous relationship with his master has always been strained, but now it feels like it's at the breaking point. Vader wants Palpatine dead and Palpatine knows it. This series bridges the gap between Bespin and Endor, but also draws on storylines from both the Prequels and the Sequels.

What's Next?

I will be back in two weeks to review Star Wars Adventures #4

Comic Talk: The High Republic

Star Wars fans who read comics should be overjoyed with the fact that 2021 will have 7 ongoing Star Wars comic series, which is probably the most in the history of Star Wars comics.

Over the next couple of months I will be checking in on these various series and this week I am looking at The High Republic #2 by Cavan Scott.

Prerequisites:

The High Republic series is part of the newly launched "High Republic" subfranchise which includes various comics, books, and novels which take place in an era set about 200 years before "The Phantom Menace". Though readers should feel free to dive into this series without any prior knowledge it might be a good idea to read Charles Soule's amazing novel "Light of the Jedi" which launches the series.

Who wrote this?

Before Disney purchased Star Wars, Cavan Scott wrote comics for many other franchises including Power Rangers and Doctor Who. Scott's first foray into Star Wars were the children's books "Adventures in Wild Space", which he wrote with Tom Huddleston. Since then Huddleston has worked on the Star Wars Adventures comics, the Choose Your Own Destiny books, and the Dooku: Jedi Lost audiodrama. Scott's "The Rising Storm" will be the second hardcover book in the High Republic novel series (due out June 29th)

Characters: 

Jedi Padawan, Keeve Trennis (introduced in the book A Test of Courage) and her Master Sskeer (introduced in the book Light of the Jedi) are stationed at Starlight Beacon in the Outer Rim territories (think Deep Space 9). Keeve is ready for her Jedi trials but there's something wrong with Sskeer. Every since the Battle of Kur the Trandoshan has been acting strange- like Dark Side strange. Trennis considers going to the other Masters with her concerns. 

Why should I read it?

This might be the first Star Wars comic (certainly the first Marvel Star Wars comic) to feature a black female in the leading role. But representation aside Keeve Trennis is a fairly cool character. Like Vernestra Rwoh (see A Test of Courage) she is a new Jedi Knight discovering her place in the galaxy. Also like Venestra Rwoh (see A Test of Courage) the creators have given Trennis a fairly unique type of lightsaber in that her double-bladed green lightsaber can unlock to form two single blades.

If Keeve Trennis isn't enough for you, Sskeer is the "mystery box" mechanism of this series. Just what is going on with this Jedi Master and how could that impact  the Jedi Order itself?

What's Next?
I will be back next weekend to review the comic Darth Vader #10 by Greg Pak