Published: March 24, 2020
Cover Artist: Francesco Francavilla
Life Day (Part 2)
Writer: Michael Moreci
Artist: Megan Levens
Colourist: Charlie Kichoff
Letterer: Jake M. Wood
Credits
Writer: Jordan Clark
Artist: Yael Nathan
Letterer: Jake M. Wood
Edited by: Riley Farmer
The synopsis;
Join the Wookiees of Kashyyyk for part two of a special Life Day celebration! Plus, an exciting adventure featuring a beloved bounty hunter!
The review;
After a stress filled week, there is nothing like finding Star Wars Adventures to come back to to help you unwind. That, and the wait has been excruciating! Almost seven weeks for this beloved series to return. This issue sees the second part of ‘Life Day’ (as seems to be the case at the moment with the IDW website, ignore the synopsis) written by fan favourite (and one of mine) Michael Moreci and illustrated by Megan Levens (who did an amazing job single handedly illustrating the last issue). The following story is by Star Wars newcomer Jordan Clark and artist Yael Nathan. This is also Nathan’s first foray into illustrating a story for Star Wars, but if the name seems familiar, she has been doing some gorgeous variant covers for the High Republic. Their story involves characters from Solo: A Star Wars Story, which has me very intrigued. So, let’s dive into issue four…
The second part of Life Day picks up where we left off. What is so noticeable throughout this part is that both the writing and art and done by some of the best in Star Wars. Moreci and Levens both understand Star Wars and it is the little details (as well as the big) that really shine through in this final part. I have always said that Moreci is following in the footsteps of Timothy Zahn, where his writing instantly conjures up the voice of the character in your head. It’s not an easy skill to have, in fact very few have it. Every time Moreci uses it, it just makes my jaw drop. Here, it is the voice of Qui-Gon that really screams out every time Moreci puts his words on the page. Liam Neeson comes loud and clear, that deep, patient voice. It’s incredible, I’d happily read a whole comic of Moreci writing Qui-Gon, ‘Bedtime stories with Master Jinn!’ It is this uncanny knack that Moreci has that really throws you deep into this story. It shows what an impact that Qui-Gon and his teachings have on Obi-Wan and to be honest, I want more, a lot more. There are hints from Brennonn that there is a lot more to his and Qui-Gon’s relationship and I would love for Moreci to do a mini prequel, to a younger Qui-Gon bonding with the Wookiees.
Just as Moreci works his magic in writing the story, Levens does the same with the illustrations. The background of Kashyyyk really took my breath away, we first see the trees with Obi-Wan and the Wookiees. Levens creates the atmosphere perfectly. As with Moreci, it’s the little details. The detailing on the lightsabers is flawless, matching their movie counterparts perfectly. It might seem like such a small thing, but it makes a difference. And the end scenes of Life Day, just as in issue one, are simply stunning, with detail and light matched to create an atmosphere of celebration and hope.
This has been an exceptional two parter, based on aspects from The Clone Wars, the prequel trilogy and (I can’t believe I’m saying it) The Holiday Special. It is all weaved together masterfully by Moreci and Levens, each complimenting each other with their knowledge of the galaxy. Moreci was given his own mini-series set during the Clone Wars, is it possible we could see a mini-series of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon? I’d be first in line!
The second story in the issue is called ‘Credits’. Before I even get to the story, Nathan opens the tale with a bang, a full-page panel of Beckett that really makes you sit up and take note. The artwork here is beautiful and I can see why Nathan has been chosen to do several variant covers. This first page screams of a comic cover. Although the artwork in the rest of the story is excellent, it is this opener that really stays with you (and that’s with a fantastic variant cover for this issue from Nathan).
This story follows Beckett and Val, told from Val’s point of view. These are two characters that we never really get to know in Solo, particularly Val, who’s part is only fleeting. Jordan does a great job of expanding this, of showing the love the is between these two characters. They are like a squabbling married couple and this allows Jordan to bring in some well-timed humour into the story. This story really has a sense of the Wild West, there are prisoners in cells, bar fights and a budding romance between Val and the scoundrel. And of course, the promise of monetary reward. It’s a very sweet tale that I would love to see more of. Jordan does an excellent job of showing us Val’s life, her thoughts and motivations for being with Beckett. I do find these shorter, second tales somewhat frustrating from IDW. Jordan and Nathan prove that within the small space they have, they can produce an exceptional piece of work yet in the back of my mind, I always wonder what they could have done with more space! I’d have happily read an entire issue just on Beckett and Val, of seeing their life before Solo.
Star Wars Adventures has always set a high bar for itself and week after week it always exceeds my expectations. The quality of the writers and artists for this series is exceptional and you only have to look at this issue for proof. From established veterans of the series of Moreci and Levens to Star Wars newcomers in Jordan and Nathan, all of them produce high quality story telling that is simply a joy to read. As always, the same problem is always there, I want more. I want to read more of Qui-Gon talking (just talking IDW, just talking), I want to spend more time in the beautiful surroundings of Kashyyyk, I want to see more of Val and Beckett’s romance. I want, I want, I want. That’s what IDW does well, they give us such great quality that we always want more from them. If you’re needing a Solo fix, if you are looking for more Qui-Gon action, then look no further than here, it has everything and more for you…
Availability;
Star Wars Adventures is an ongoing 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.
