Published: July 25, 2018
Cover Artist: Elsa Charretier
Intermission Part 1
Writer: Elsa Charretier & Pierrick Colinet
Artist: Elsa Charretier
Tales from Wild Space: A Small Push
Writer: Scott Peterson
Artist: Mauricet
The Synopsis:
Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala embark on an adventure filled with danger and romance in a story by fan-favourites Elsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet!
The Review:
With all the important storylines that are seemingly building to a climax in the Star Wars Marvel comics, I wasn’t too sure how I would enjoy something from a different publisher (as this is my first time reviewing this series). Not only that, but at thirty-two, I’m not the typical demographic that this comic is aimed at. However, as I came to the end of the comic I couldn’t help but smile; this comic is a huge amount of fun! Are the stories earth-shattering? No. Is that art the best you will ever see? No. Is it going to change the course of the Star Wars universe as we know it? Of course not and neither should it. This comic is fun, full stop. Without the weight of so many different characters or expectations, this comic does what Star Wars used to be about, fun! Do I need to say that word again? With all the news of negativity that seems to be abundant in fandom, it was with great relief to read a comic like this, it reminded me what Star Wars is when it is at its best.
The first of the two stories, Intermission, is a tale recounted by Anakin Skywalker to the Jedi Council. Although only the first part, the story is immensely enjoyable. The characters, particularly Anakin and Padmé, are very well written. Anakin is still the boy in love, persuading Padmé that they must do this or that. And there is a constant reference to the fact that these characters are always being watched. Even when they have time alone, they are having to watch their backs. It felt very much like a Clone Wars episode and I did appreciate the reference to the show in order to let the reader know roughly where in the timeline the story is set.
The subject matter of the story, a famed actress, was also a very well throughout one. Although one could argue it is mundane, I really enjoy the stories where the writer examines the everyday life of Star Wars, as we don’t typically see this. It helps to expand the universe. There are many Easter eggs in this story that I won’t spoil for any who have not read the issue yet, but they are very well placed. I imagine some children reading these issues will not even notice, but for devote Star Wars fans it adds much humour.
The second story, A Small Push, is a lot shorter than its predecessor. It follows a Twi’lek girl around her home town where she is disliked. Before long she encounters Mace Windu who has an important lesson for her. Although the story is short, there is a strong moral message here for children and acts like a fable. From my older perspective, I quite liked seeing Mace Windu being a Jedi, doing… well, Jedi things! He is able to offer advice and guidance, rather than just use his lightsaber, and I liked seeing this aspect of the character. As a huge fan of the Wild Space books, I love that these tales are told from the distant future and centred on Emil Graf.
If you are looking for a comic that is going to make you think, question parts of the movies you’ve seen hundreds of times, then this is not the comic for you. This issue allows you, as a fan, to relax and enjoy well written Star Wars stories. As a parent, I can’t think of anything better for my children to read that is set in a galaxy far, far away. As a reader myself, I was able to enjoy this issue for what it is, fun. The main story of this issue is very well done and I can see why Charretier and Colinet are referred to as fan favourites. They get it; the tone, the feel, all the things I want from a Star Wars comic (and just about anything else Star Wars for that matter). With only one issue coming each month, it also allows fans the opportunity to actually want more, to be able to talk about a story and predict what might happen next. I for one am eagerly awaiting issue 13 and can’t quite believe I have to wait so long!
Availability:
Star Wars Adventures is an ongoing series available from IDW Publishing. This issue is available from all good comic book stores in the USA and from Forbidden Planet in the UK. This issue retails at $3.99.
