Published: August 5, 2020
Writer: Michael Moreci
Artist: Derek Charm (1-3; 19-20), Valentina Pinto (4-18)
Colourist: Luis Antonio Delgado (1-3; 19-20), Valentina Pinto (4-18)
Letterer: Jake M. Wood
Layout Assistant: Davide Tinto
Cover Artist: Derek Charm
The synopsis;
This exciting series explores a time of great upheaval in the galaxy-the Clone Wars! While Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and other Jedi Knights confront Count Dooku, two Republic squadrons must hold their position against an encroaching droid army of the Separatists. Pinned down for the duration, Commander Cody, Captain Rex, and other clones swap war stories that feature your favorite characters from The Clone Wars animated series, such as Padmé Amidala, General Grievous, and many more!
The review;
Life is beginning to return to normality, which in terms of comics, means a release schedule that is more in keeping with what we are used to. Thankfully, that applies to Battle Tales, an incredible series (so far) that has not put a foot wrong. Not only does it appeal to fans of both series of Clone Wars, but being a huge fan of Lost, the format of this series really suits me. To say I have been eager for this issue would be a huge understatement. Michael Moreci has never disappointed me with his expert writing and command of characters in Star Wars and I’m sure this issue will be no different…
This issue opens with Dooku, providing us a context of where our characters are before going to a flashback told from Cody’s point of view. Moreci very much focuses on character again (which I will come back to in a moment), but what really stood out for me throughout this entire comic, were the little nods to all areas of Star Wars. It won’t be the last time that I refer to Moreci as the master weaver. He has such a skill at being able to weave lots of different elements into a single story that it shows what a fan he is of the franchise, but also, it really cements the feeling that this is a grand galaxy and that it all fits perfectly together. Moreci is able to borrow bits and pieces from the films, the television series’, the books, other comics, the references are never ending. Within this one issue, we see a (very welcome) return of Waxer and Boil from Clone Wars, a very well-placed Han Solo quote, Trandoshan slavers, and I’m sure that’s not all of them. On the surface, you have to wonder how these could all possibly fit together, yet Moreci is able to put all these different ideas into a blender, mix them up and out comes a beautifully woven story. It is one of the reasons Moreci’s stories work so well. The references all make complete sense, fit so well, and slide into the mythology of Star Wars flawlessly. Where others might create new characters or species to fit a story, Morcei is able to use so much pre-existing things to fit within the story he is trying to tell.
As mentioned though, Moreci also has an incredible talent for character. Although this story focuses on Cody and his units, it is two other characters that really shine through. The first is Obi-Wan. Even with the television series’, we don’t actually see Obi-Wan work too much with his force. The interaction here is very welcome, particularly at the end of the flashback. Moreci shows us just how much Obi-Wan trusts his clones and how far he would go for them. Not only does this build up the relationship between clone and general, but knowing where this relationship will end, makes it so much more tragic. Kenobi doesn’t just think of the clones as fodder, they are each someone to him. In this way, he is actually very similar to Anakin, the master learning from the student. Yet, as much as Moreci shows us they are similar, he also shows us how Obi-Wan is different. For the mission on the planet Krystar, Obi-Wan makes sure to take a subtle approach, one far different than Anakin would have taken. It feels very in keeping with how Kenobi deals with things.
Linked to Obi-Wan is the other character that really shone through this issue, Padme. Kenobi and Padme are on this mission together and it shows the level of trust and interaction that these two characters have. In Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan goes to talk with Padme about Anakin, like they ahem built up a friendship, yet we never really get to see this friendship blossom. Here, Moreci is able to go some way to show that during this time Padme and Obi-Wan are working together, that they have that period to create a bond, one that will ultimately lead to Anakin’s jealousy. As much as Anakin is busy during the war, so is Padme. I like that we see her here directly getting involved, as opposed to just being on Coruscant. It’s exactly how the character should be and we see bits of in The Clone Wars. She suits Obi-Wan’s principles of diplomacy and try and leave the violence.
The artwork by Charm is, as always to a very high standard, I’ve said before, I always feel like I’m watching the original Clone Wars series when gazing at his artwork. For the flashbacks, Valentina Pinto takes over the role and provides us with the visuals for Krystar. What really impressed me with her work were the clones. There are a lot of unmasked clones in this issue, yet Pinto is able to give each one their own look while still making it clear that they are the same.
It is always a pleasure to read Moreci’s work. He gets Star Wars in a way few can, weaving a vast galaxy together with ease and providing in depth looks at characters we all know and love. This series is really showcasing Moreci at his best, the only downside being there are only two issues left! Although this issue is about the clones under Cody’s command, the comic ends up saying more about the main characters and their views and principles. And character is what makes Star Wars, Star Wars. Coupled with fan favourites of Waxer and Boil returning, what more could you possibly need? If your fan of Clone Wars, whether it be the original series or the Filoni series, this comic (and series) could not be more perfect…
Availability;
Star Wars Adventures: Clone Wars – Battle Tales is a five-part series available from IDW Publishing. This issue is available from all good comic bookstores in the USA and from Forbidden Planet in the UK. This issue retails at $3.99.
