#10/10 CAVAN SCOTT YOU DID IT AGAIN!!!

[naur-shaddaa]

I FINISHED TEMPEST BREAKER

[sterling-silvers]

Star Wars: The High Republic #1 Review

In terms of the comic, the first issue is the definition of a C story – it is a 7 out of 10 because it is average. The simplicity and lack of depth is both the saving grace and condemning damnation of it.

The story follows a new, human Padawan called Keeve Trennis, who is revealed to be on the planet Shuraden, partaking in her final Jedi trial; result of which will be the deciding factor of whether she become a full fledge Jedi Knight. Chaperoning and assessing the trial is her Jedi Master, Sskeer – a Trandoshan – who is sporting one arm (more on that later on).

During said “final” trial, a swarm of giant alien insects – called Ridadi – pop out of nowhere and start stampeding toward a community of fairy like aliens, called Ximpi. Keeve makes an “audacious” choice to abandon her trial in order to save the village. One thing to note, is that she made a utilitarian decision during the course of her rescue, as did not attempt to save one Ximpi who was swallowed whole – she allowed the death of one to save the lives of many.

After relaying the situation those at Starlight Beacon’s, in particular Master Estala Maru, she is told to read the minds of the insects; in doing so, she gathers that these creatures normally using a magnetic homing beacon to guide their migration course – Starlight Beacon has thrown it off course and if Keeve were to fail to stop them here, they would eventually fly to the Beacon, itself.

Using a new lightsaber powered, Force attuned ship – a Vector – Keeve is able to steer the bugs back on course and off of the planet. 

As she reconvenes and recounts with her master, he takes her the Starlight Beacon. Thinking she is about to be expelled from the Order for failing the trial, a new Jedi Master, Avar Kriss – who, via Grandmasters Veter and Yoda, most recently was christened as the new Marshall of Starlight Beacon, officially promotes Keeve to the rank of Knight. As her valediction ceremony takes place on the Beacon, itself, we see Keeve shedding an emotional tear of joy. 

This is interesting as, I thought it was the padawan’s master that would knight them but, this seems not to be the case. Even more curiously, the Jedi do not exclaim “May the Force be with you” but, “For Light and Life”. At the conclusion of the comic, we see Sskeer alone in his chambers screaming “No!” at the top of his lungs.

As forementioned, this debut issue is the epitome of a C story and as so earns it’s 7 out of 10. This is my first introduction into Cavan Scott’s writing and, so far, it is subpar at best and candidly amateurish at it’s worse. The narrative was very telegraphed at times and makes mistakes that are unbecoming of a writer given this caliber of material to work with. Writers like Greg Wiseman, Kyle Higgins, and or David F. Walker would not be making these kinds of errors – Marvel might need to call them to take over.

In the same vein, Ario Anindito’s art is decent but, could be better. It’s not as crisp as I think it should be and looks like it needed another render. Artists like Dan Mora, Stefano Caselli, and especially Doc Shaner would have delivered an efficient job as opposed to the sufficient one Anindito is giving.

It’s vexing as honestly, there is something there in terms of Keeve Trennis in terms of both her character and design.

I am more than fine with a protagonist that doubts themselves because that is a manner in which we are able to learn with them, and there is definitely an avenue to explore with a newly dubbed Jedi Knight still working on finding her niche in the Order. Reviewers, like Thor Skywalker, are not so keen on her having these kind of thoughts and emotions but, it makes sense to me. One of the eventual downfalls of the Jedi was that they were trying to negate their emotions as opposed to controlling them. Keeve showing self-doubt illustrates her struggle to regulate her emotions but also that allows herself to feel the doubt work through it.  Nonetheless, it seems as if we, the reader, have missed an arc and or development with this character – I think it would have been more apt to show her in the Order working her way to the trials as opposed to the last hour of her last trial AND her becoming a Jedi Knight; this is reinforced by the alleged rapport and pedestal she puts Sskeer on – it’s more tell than show and a comic book is meant to show.

In accordance with this self-doubt, she also has the quirk of cursing. This is interesting, albeit jarring because of the era she is in – the High Republic has been presented as the apex of the Order and as so, I thought that meant this would be the time where the Jedi would be the most dogmatic and adherent to their traditions and mentality.

Her design yields the same jarring aspects, once you go beyond the superficial facet. At first glance, it’s very attention-grabbing; young Black woman with half her head shaved on one side, utilizing two lightsabers – holstered on her chest – that she can combine into a dual-sided lightsaber. However, once again, this seems to be out of place given the time period and temperament of the era. Does it make sense for a Jedi in this era to be so bombastic in their look, particularly when it comes to her hair? Seems like a better fit for a time of REVIVING the Jedi Order as opposed to them being at their APEX.

In the Light of the Jedi novel, it is said that Keeve sees the Force as a tapestry – a massive piece of art that spreads across the universe. This is a really nice take on the Force and I hope it gets expanded on with her character in this series – it certainly could attest to aspects of her design, such as her hair. I haven’t really seen Star Wars characters interested in art aside from Sabine Wren, Grand Admiral Thrawn, and Alva Brenne; now we have a character who the Force IS art for her. Granted, this aspect of hers has not been seen and or mentioned in the comic and it SHOULD be as this is the formal DEBUT of this character for many people.

The issue gets some major points off, as well because:

1.  Keeve’s uses her lightsaber to not only slow down descent but to stop the fall completely.

This is cardinal sin that follies in the mechanics and use of how lightsabers work. This happens nine pages in and broke my immersion within the issue - immediate red flag.

At best, an argument could be made that because this is set 200 years before the Skywalker Saga these sabers are weaker than their future counter parts and therefore not as potent in terms of lethality but, this is me – the fan – writing for the writer. Star Wars (or its content creators) simply do not get that luxury anymore. Plot holes are to be called out by the consumer and filled in/addressed by the writer; plain and simple.

2.  There is a general lack of references and or footnotes to other material – particularly to the current books and comics – that would have given context to some of the events and tools used in the comic. Prime examples of missed opportunities to seed this world cohesively take form in Sskeer’s missing arm, the Ximpi themselves, and the Vectors.

The High Republic, as a whole, was marketed ongoing multimedia project and as so, interconnectivity should be the prime focal point of this serious. Continuity is key ESPECIALLY when they’ve thrown out the old canon and are new canon. The tools are there – USE THEM!!! The book – really Charles Soule in general –  is doing the heavy lifting of world building and establishing many of the characters – the least Scott can do is alley oop these layups.

3.  As mentioned earlier, Keeve uses a Vector to as the driving force to solve the problem but, there was no footnote and or reference to the fact that this was a special kind of ship. Moreover, the use of the Vector has already broken the canon that has JUST been established for it – Vectors are powered by the Jedi’s Lightsaber, the hub changes color to that of the lightsaber that activated it, it is steered by the user’s ability with Force, and there should be no autopilot and astromech droids there to guide it based on the fact that these innovations are rare within the galaxy in this era.

Why add these parameters if the creators that be are not going to adhere to them?

Ultimately, this issue threatened to be interesting. If this is the modus operandi of the series as a whole… making good on the threat will be the difference between triumph and downfall.

[gffa]

Scattered Star Wars novels/comics/shows thoughts: - I want to write up a proper thing on Resistance at some point, but basically my response is:  I AM SUPER CHARMED.  It’s a little early to really have much investment in it or to be able to tell where it’s going, but I had no trouble sailing along and watching the first three episodes and would have kept going if I��d had more to watch.  It’s adorable and genuinely funny and has a magical kind of charm that works for me--I like Kazuda and Neeku and Yeager and Tam already, I enjoy spending time with them and think they have some pretty great chemistry. One of the biggest things that helped win me over re: the animation (which I know isn’t for everyone) is that I’m about 80% certain that half of what they were going for was one long love letter to Studio Ghibli!  I first had this moment of WHOA THAT LOOKS LIKE STRAIGHT OUT OF A GHIBLI MOVIE when they went to the parts shop and you can’t tell me that Flix and Orka aren’t escaped Ghibli characters!  That entire scene of them moving through the shop on the mechanical lifts, while being surrounded by these otherworldly creatures, was just so Ghibli to me. So I kept watching with that in the back of my mind and more scenes would pop up--Kazuda going to the market, with all those banners fluttering in the breeze? Ghibli.  Kazuda looking in on the little gorgs (the fish-things) as they popped up to the surface, then later went flying through the air with the spilling water animation drawn lovingly?  Ghibli.  The way Tam’s face moved through all her frustration and eyerolls and yelling up into Yeager’s face?  Ghibli.  Every scene with Aunt Z?  Ghibli. It’s not something I would have thought from the promo art, it’s really in the backgrounds and watching the characters for longer periods of time, but it gives me that feeling and I love Ghibli stuff, so that helped me instantly fall in love. But it’s more than that--everything felt really well paced to me and not too much of anything I wasn’t interested in.  I was wary that this was going to be a series really focused on racing and accepted that, hey, I wasn’t the target audience, so if it appealed more to kids, that would be fine.  But there really wasn’t that much racing and what was there was actually a lot of fun and exciting to watch!  I had no trouble staying focused on the show while those scenes were going on! Same for the tension between Kazuda and the people around him as he tries to fit in!  Yes, it’s there, but it’s not harped on so badly that I’m ready to move on--there are already moments where they’re working together better and I AM SO HERE FOR DEVELOPING FRIENDSHIPS AND POTENTIAL FOUND FAMILY STUFF.  :D  Especially since this series is set about half a year out from The Force Awakens and we’re all warily eyeing that timeline and wondering if Kazuda’s dad is going to be on Hosnian Prime when TFA happens. I’m not at the point where I have ships or the desire to look for fic or anything, but it’s only been three episodes so I wouldn’t expect it.  But I do really love it, I think they did it just exactly as they should have, and that it’s genuinely just an absolute delight and I want more of it! - I keep flipping back and forth between the book version of Tatooine Ghost and the audiobook because, if there’s going to be a lot of prequels stuff, I like reading it to better absorb it, but so far the majority of it still keeps slipping back into Han/Leia and New Republic stuff.  Kitster’s around, but the whole thing feels so.... It’s so clearly Jossed Fanfic!  Which is exactly how I feel about so much of Legends, that it was literally published fanfiction and I have that feeling of coming into a fandom late, going back to read some of the classics, which were often groundbreaking at the time, but have been very clearly Jossed in terms of continuity and even themes.  That doesn’t mean they’re less worthwhile or anything, but that, as someone who is REALLY INTO canon, it creates a much bigger chasm for me to get over to connect with. - I blogged a bit about that Tales from Vader #2 issue but OMG IT WAS SUCH A DELIGHT.  I’ve been feeling kind of down lately, a lot of little stuff has piled up and I’m forever one of those people who’s like THE NEXT THING THAT COMES OUT IS GOING TO RUIN STAR WARS FOREVER!!!! and it was kind of getting to me, especially as I’ve had some trouble here on tumblr again.  (I love a lot of the sweethearts in this fandom, but a lot of other people have no goddamned manners, jeez.)  So getting this comic with Obi-Wan and Adi and Cody and Dooku, having it be just a screaming DELIGHT (I'm really enjoying Cavan Scott’s work with Star Wars) helped reconnect me. Anything that has Obi-Wan saying,  “Nonsense, as I always tell Anakin–together, we can do anything.  Together we arestrong.” is going to win over my heart! But also DOOKU AS A VAMPIRE AS A NOD TO CHRISTOPHER LEE’S DRACULA.  Or ADI GALLIA NOT BEING FORGOTTEN.  Or the amazing echo to Order 66!  Or getting to see Lina again and CONFIRMATION THAT MILO IS STILL AROUND WITH THEM. And I am never, ever getting over that Obi-Wan saved the day by NEEDLING DOOKU’S EGO TO MAKE HIM SO MAD THAT HE SNAPS OUT OF HIS VAMPIRE FUGUE STATE.  As @aifsaath said, he is going to have an amazing resume for dealing with kindergartners after this and his 10+ years of dealing with Anakin and even Maul as well.

[anongoingsoliloquy]

Hey babes! This is a day late, but better late than never right? I was having a hard time coming up with something for today’s post. Lately, even though I’ve been reading nonstop, I’ve been so enthralled with television. One of my favorite shows, Gotham, dropped a bombshell this week and the show is still on its mid-season hiatus! I’ve also been binging two separate series at once. So, as I was pondering today’s post, brilliance hit! Why don’t I give book recs based on my favorite TV series?? So, that is what we’re doing today. I’ve come up with 10 book/TV series for the “If You Like That, Try This” Book tag. Let’s get started!

1.    If you Like Gotham, try Gotham: Dawn of Darkness – Jason Starr

I know it isn’t very creative, but hear me out! Everyone that I know who watches Gotham, has never heard of this book and that is such a shame! It is a wonderfully written novel, and is different from most tie-in novels. The author Jason Starr must have watched the series a couple of time, because every detail in the book lined up perfectly with the show. So perfectly, that I find it hard to believe that a tiny throwaway line about Oswald’s shoes cannot be a coincidence! This novel serves as a prequel to Gotham, it follows the days leading up to the Wayne murders. And Jerome Valeska even makes an appearance! I gave this book a five-star rating!  

2.    If you like Ripper Street, try Stalking Jack the Ripper – Kerri Maniscalco

To be completely honest, I’m only half way through Stalking Jack the Ripper, but I have no guilt in recommending it to everyone! It’s that good! Fun fact about me, I’m obsessed with the Ripper murders, have been since I was way too young to have even known about them! I think my fascination stems from the fact that he committed the perfect murders; they never caught him! I think Stalking Jack the Ripper does a fantastic job in keeping the mystery of the Ripper at the forefront of the story. Honestly, I’m suspicious of everyone at this point in the novel! I would also recommend the book The Case Files of Jack the Ripper if you are interested in the murders. It’s a nonfiction book containing copies of police reports and autopsy photos. Really gruesome, but super interesting!

3.    If you like Merlin, try Here Lies Arthur - Philip Reeve

If you’re like me, and your favorite show to ever grace the airwaves is Merlin, then I would recommend Here Lies Arthur. This is by no means anything like Merlin. It is, however a retelling of the Arthurian Legend. It is not fun and magical like the show, and Arthur is nothing like the charming Bradley James version. In this novel Arthur is kind of a brute and the leader of a rough and tumble group for men. This story is about a girl named Gwyna, who is taken in by Myrddin the bard, who is the Merlin like character…only without magic. He is a story teller and is determined to create an awe-inspiring legend out of Arthur. Myrddin transforms Gwyna into lady goddess, a boy warrior, and a spy. Gwyna is the beginning and the end of the Legend of Arthur.

4.    If you like Grimm, try Magnus Chase: The Sword of Summer – Rick Riordan

This one is a little out there, but bear with me. I think if you like Grimm, then chances are you would really enjoy the Magnus Chase series. Both have the same underlining elements. In each, a young man is thrust into a new version of the world; one that he doesn’t really understand. With the help of his friends – old and new – the leading man is able to take on his family lineage; a lineage much greater than himself. You see what I did there? The explanations, I’ve got them. i have a review for the Magnus Chase series that you can read here. 

5.    If you like Vikings, try Vikings: Godhead - Cavan Scott

Another no very creative rec, but I feel like not many people know about this comic series. So, if you like Vikings, you should definitely read Vikings: Godhead. This comic takes place a little before and after the events in France, dealing with Ragnar’s thought process before his 10 year absence from Kattigate. There is also a subplot dealing with Ivar, Siggy and Kattigate’s fear of Ivar when he was a child.    

6.    If you like Salem, try Fiendish –  Brenna Yovanoff

Salem was one of the best shows, and my best boy Cotton deserved a better end. That being said, if you also like Salem, you should give Fiendish a go! It’s set in modern day, but it deals with witchcraft and the coming apocalypse, just like Salem. This novel is not as dark as Salem is, but there is still that unnerving undertone. Our story opens with our main character, Clementine, being found in the basement of her home with her eye stitched shut. And that’s all I’m going to say. I think it’s always best to keep quiet about mysteries!

7.    If you like The Exorcist, try Good Omens – Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman

Again, hear me out. The Exorcist is my favorite show on TV right now (my favorite character is Father Marcus btw). The big, overarching plot of The Exorcist is that demons are infiltrating the Vatican and are trying to bring about the apocalypse. In Good Omens, the apocalypse is happening “next Saturday”, a little bit before dinnertime. The two main characters, an angel and a demon, have grown fond of earth and its people. So, they go about trying to stop the apocalypse because they aren’t feeling it. If that isn’t the most Tomarcus (ship name for Father Tomas & Father Marcus) thing you’ve ever heard, you’re lying! Good Omens is a fun, yet still dark novel, that I believe The Exorcist fans would love! #RenewTheExorcist 

8.    If you like Castle, try Magpie Murders – Anthony Horowitz

I think Magpie Murders would suit any Castle fan! The novel revolves around storytelling and one particular manuscript, so I think it is in the same vein as Castle in that regard. Magpie Murders is a wonderful murder mystery! The twists are so beautifully executed, that it keeps you on your toes the entire time! I don’t want to give anything away, so I would say any more about it, other than everyone should read this book!!!

9.    If you like Penny Dreadful, try The Dark Missions of Edgar Brim – Shane Peacock

I’ve mentioned the similarities of Penny Dreadful and Edgar Brim in a bunch of posts, but here we go again. The biggest connection between these two are that they both take the classic Gothic characters (Frankenstein, Dracula, etc.), throw them into the same world and spit out completely new stories. I feel like I’ve talked about this series so much so I won’t go into detail again here but I have a review of the second Edgar Brim novel, Monster. You can read it here.

10.   If you like Riverdale, try Afterlife with Archie - Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa

Afterlife with Archie was a wild ride and I loved it! I think if you like Riverdale, you would probably enjoy this comic. It’s basically Riverdale, but with zombies. Both Riverdale and Afterlife with Archie take the classic, wholesome Archie comics and turn them on their head. The comic is the first in a series, were the zombie apocalypse begins when Sabrina brings Jughead’s dog, Hot Dog, back to life after a hit and run. The zombie plague is soon spread to the humans of Riverdale, and it is up to a few non-infected kids to find a cure and save the town. Fun fact – the author of Afterlife with Archie is one of the writers for Riverdale!

And that’s it! This was a lot of fun to do, and I think I’ll be doing it again. Let me know what you want me to give recs based off of for next time. Music, other books, animals??? I don’t know! We shall see!

[eddycurrents]

For the week of 4 September 2017

Three comics made the favourites list this week. Made Men #1 from Paul Tobin and Arjuna Susini, Seven to Eternity #9 by Rick Remender and Jerome Opeña, and Star Wars: Captain Phasma #1 by Kelly Thompson and Marco Checchetto. Published by Oni Press, Image, and Marvel respectively.

Made Men #1 is a mix of a crime drama and horror, introducing us to the world of Jutte Shelley (nee Frankenstein), a cop who tried to leave behind a world of monsters.

While the story did grab me, what really made this book stand out was the artwork by Arjuna Susini. He has a style I’ve been seeing pop up more again recently, that shows a certain influence by Bernie Wrightson, but also artists like Richard Case, Bill Sienkiewicz, Sam Kieth, and Kelley Jones, and it’s just wonderful. Dark and evocative with nice use of cross-hatching and some hard angles, Susini probably veers closer to the Richard Case end of the spectrum. Still realistic and not nearly as stylized as Kieth or Jones. It’s very impressive work.

The introductory narrative from Paul Tobin, gives us a first-person narration by Jutte that is fairly direct, clinical, and visceral in its description of what’s going on and allows for a distinct window into the procedural way her mind works. It really aids in driving home the cop drama aspect to the story and provides an interesting lens to perceive the carnage.

Needs more talking cats, though.

Seven to Eternity #9 concludes the second story-arc of the series. And hoo, is it a doozy.

In many ways, this series has been telling the story of the fall of a hero. Or at least someone who sets out in the first issue on what seems like a hero’s journey. What Rick Remender really seems to be writing about is how the protagonist, Adam Osidis, has become potentially compromised and has begun a spiral into selfishness over the steadfastness of his father. 

Especially as a large part of this issue is a discussion on the nature of good and evil, and of how whispers and rumours--the weapons of Adam’s antagonist and current travelling companion/hostage, the Mud King--and thereby perception shape the reality of an individual. And then, of course, there’s a climactic magic battle.

All of it made beautiful by Jerome Opeña and Matt Hollingsworth. It’s nice to see Opeña back after a couple issues by James Harren--to his credit knocked it out of the park as well--as this series remains what’s probably the best looking book on the shelves.

The only downside to this issue is that we now have to wait until February 2018 before the series starts up again.

Star Wars: Captain Phasma #1, or more accurately the unwieldy title of Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi - Star Wars: Captain Phasma, is a direct continuation from Star Wars: The Force Awakens chronicling what happened to Captain Phasma, the First Order Stormtrooper played by Gwendoline Christie in the film, in the destruction of the Starkiller Base. Wacky hijinks ensue.

Okay, maybe not.

Although certainly a matter of coincidence in timing, Kelly Thompson’s narration for Captain Phasma serves as an interesting comparison to Tobin’s in Made Men. It too is clinical and succinct, but where Jutte is no nonsense and direct in her observations, Phasma is cold and emotionless. Both characters adhere to a certain type of ruthlessness, but one is seeking vengeance for a wrong-doing and the other is taking a pathological approach to covering her tracks. It’s interesting to see the difference in a similar narrative approach in how it relates to ostensibly a hero (Jutte) and a villain (Phasma). 

Beyond just that comparison, this first issue is compelling in its own right. There’s a nice bit of humour in juxtaposition of Phasma’s log recording of the events of the destruction of Starkiller Base and what was actually going on, deadpanning much of the explosions.

This issue also features what is probably the most gorgeous art in one of Marvel’s Star Wars titles yet. And that’s saying a bit since they’ve had artists such as Kev Walker, Phil Noto, and Salvador Larroca working on them. The art here from Marco Checchetto and Andres Mossa is just breathtaking. 

Quick Bits:

All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #9 begins telling the story of what exactly happened to Groot to make him into Baby Groot at the beginning of this volume. Aside from corporate synergy with the second Guardians of the Galaxy film that also saw the rest of the team more reflect their cinema brethren. The answer Gerry Duggan gives in the story is interesting, adding a new wrinkle to the Guardians’ tapestry.

| Published by Marvel

Astonishing X-Men #3 continues the Shadow King’s game with the X-Men trapped in the Astral Plane, this time focusing mainly on Old Man Logan. Ed McGuinness tackles the art this issue and I’m still wondering about how the overall arc will read in one go. Unlike the past two issues, though, this one doesn’t necessarily play to McGuinness’ strengths. The art is still good, but I would have expected something more bombastic or action-oriented from the story.

| Published by Marvel

Black Bolt #5, like every issue preceding it, features some excellence in storytelling from Saladin Ahmed and Christian Ward. There’s also a nice four-page sequence illustrated by Frazer Irving that gives a summary of Lockjaw’s relationship with Black Bolt. 

| Published by Marvel

Daredevil #26 kicks off the three-part Land of the Blind story-arc with the return of Ron Garney on art, delivering some absolutely gorgeous work.

| Published by Marvel

Elsewhere #2 continues Amelia’s Adventures in Wonderland, with the revelation that she’s apparently going to end this world and summarily sent to be executed. Jay Faerber’s story is still a bit of a slow burn in introducing this world, its people, and what exactly is going on, but it remains interesting.

| Published by Image

Giant Days #30 deals with the fallout of Ingrid and Daisy’s relationship. It’s a funny, but sometimes accurate, look at how a first love--or even just a new love--can affect a broader friendship dynamic.

| Published by BOOM! Entertainment / Boom! Box

Hawkeye #10 reminds you that you should be reading the series if just for Leonardo Romero’s artwork. Even if the story from Kelly Thompson wasn’t entertaining in its own right, Romero’s visual storytelling from page layouts to character work to panel transitions is just a visual treat. But the overall story is entertaining too, with some fun dialogue, humour, and an interesting take to see Madame Masque as Not-Kate.

| Published by Marvel

Iron Fist #7...just look at this spread from Mike Perkins with colours by Andy Troy. This issue is a feast.

| Published by Marvel

Royals #7 continues Al Ewing’s trip through obscure(ish) Marvel cosmic and Inhuman continuity, deftly weaving past tales into his ongoing narrative that seems to be his signature. Not to mention some great character moments and development.

| Published by Marvel

Scales & Scoundrels #1 was very nearly my fourth favourite book of the week, it’s a damn impressive debut. Sebastian Girner has offered up another winner after his Shirtless Bear-Fighter a scant few week ago. As its title suggests, this is a fantasy book taking after traditional Dungeons & Dragons tropes, but like other recent series like Night’s Dominion and Ladycastle, it seems primed to turn some of those conventions on their ear. This issue is full of humour, action, and an interesting protagonist in the titular scoundrel, Luvander.

The art by Galaad is also magical. It’s deceptively simple, reminding me of a more abstract Albert Uderzo, and it propels the story nicely.

| Published by Image  

Star Wars: Darth Vader #5 is Charles Soule’s third book this week, after Astonishing X-Men and Daredevil, and it’s another solid read. There’s an interesting missed path What If...? in the issue as Vader works to construct his lightsaber. Giuseppe Camuncoli’s artwork is fantastic as usual.

| Published by Marvel

Star Wars Adventures #1 is good all-ages fun. There are two stories here, both written by Cavan Scott. One focusing on a young Rey on Jakku as a continuing story and the other a “Tales from Wild Space” tale of Obi-Wan one and done. If you like Star Wars and want to share with your kids, this isn’t a bad choice.

| Published by IDW

Thor vs. Hulk: Champions of the Universe #1 is a digital original on Comixology and Kindle from Jeremy Whitley and Simone Buonfantino. I’d consider it more light-hearted, out-of-continuity, all ages fun, probably meant to be collected in time for the Thor: Ragnarok release. It features Thor Odinson and Bruce Banner, so if you’re missing the classics, this is a good get.

| Published by Marvel

Venomverse #1 is every bit as good as the preceding Edge of Venomverse mini-series of one-and-done stories introducing some of the players in this event. Cullen Bunn and Iban Coello deliver an entertaining first chapter here, setting up not just a playground for alternate Venoms, but also a series of adversaries in ever more alternate Poisons.

| Published by Marvel 

The Woods #35 has all of the chickens coming home to roost. This penultimate issue of James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas’ series is epic. After this, I can’t wait for the conclusion.

| Published by BOOM! Studios

Other Highlights: 4 Kids Walk into a Bank #5, Ab Irato #5, Animosity: The Rise #3, The Greatest Adventure #5, Harbinger Renegade #7, Inhumans: Once & Future Kings #2, Jessica Jones #12, Kingsman: The Red Diamond #1, Lazaretto #1, Millennium: The Girl Who Played with Fire #1, Motor Crush #6, Nancy Drew & The Hardy Boys: The Big Lie #6, No World #5, Outcast #30, Postal #22, Rocket Girl #9, Spider-Man #20, Spider-Man/Deadpool #21, Usagi Yojimbo #161, Venomverse: War Stories #1, The Wicked & The Divine #31, World Reader #6

Recommended Collections: Black Beetle: Kara Bocek, Extremity - Vol. 1, Iron Fist - Vol. 1: Trial of the Seven Masters, Kong of Skull Island - Vol. 2, Manifest Destiny - Vol. 5: Mnemophobia & Chronophobia, Pathfinder - Vol. 1: Dark Waters Rising, Throwaways - Vol. 2

d. emerson eddy knows where the bodies are buried. Which bodies? The ones that hit the floor in 2001.