Published: September 2017
Cover Artist: Derek Charm
Better the Devil You know Part 2
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Derek Charm
Tales from Wild Space: The Flat Mountain of Yavin
Writer: Elsa Charretier & Pierrick Colinet
Artist: Elsa Charretier
The synopsis;
Rey is forced to save the life of the unpleasant Unkar Plutt! Will she be able to outwit the off-worlders who have captured him?
The review;
We return to issue two of my favourite comic series, Star Wars Adventures. Scott needs no introduction to Star Wars fans and brings us the second part of his Rey story, ‘Better the Devil You know’. Issue two brings us the first tale in Star Wars Adventures from duo Elsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet, ‘The Flat Mountain of Yavin’.
Scott’s tale picks up from where he left off in issue one. This part is distinctly different to the first, as it’s comprised of mainly action, which leaves a lot of the pacing to Derek Charm. Charm has a wonderful animated style of artwork and it allows the reader to follow the action flawlessly. No matter what the characters are doing, you know it. There is no confusion between panels. What really stands out in this story, is night and day. Most of the story takes place at night, and the sense that Charm is able to create with the night sky is tremendous. This is then beautifully contrasted with the final page, which is set during the morning. Colour is used extremely well.
The story itself finds Rey being Rey. She knows that Unkar will not thank her, that she herself has wanted to do horrible things to him. Yet, these are all thoughts, not actions and that is the main theme with Rey, whether in this story or in the films. She may think something, but it doesn’t matter unless it is an action. It’s an important lesson for younger padawans to learn, that we all may have negative thoughts, but they don’t have to define us. I find it interesting that Rey blames herself for Unkar getting into trouble, as it is a stretch. But again, this shows how Rey thinks. She doesn’t want anyone to suffer, particularly on her account. She has a good heart through and through, and it provides more context as to why she helps BB-8 at the beginning of The Force Awakens. She treats others as she wishes to be treated, even if she believes that any gratitude won’t be returned.
Unkar Plutt has always fascinated me. He is king of his kingdom, but, well, it’s not much of a kingdom. For him it is enough. Even when his life is on the line, he is still the character that fans will love to hate. Yet, he is not without gratitude. We are continually led to believe that he is selfish but, in the end, he does thank Rey in his own way. Of course, why would he not reward loyalty, and there is a depth we could take this to as to why this selfish character would do this for his own end. But at a simple level, and the one I prefer, is that you never know how someone might act if you show them a bit of kindness.
The second tale is part of the Tales from Wild Space. I remember the first issue I reviewed of Star Wars Adventures, number twelve. I remember the synopsis saying that Charretier and Colinet were fan favourites, and after reading the issue, I could understand why. I have really looked forward to going back to their first story for Adventures to see how they became favourites. I make it no secret the love I have for this duo, who have consistently created story after incredible story in the Star Wars universe. This tale is no different.
The ‘Tales From Wild Space’ stories are always shorter than the first tale, yet this feels so much bigger. The first thing that grabs your attention is the artwork by Charretier, it’s jaw dropping. Everywhere is panel after panel of beautiful artwork. The panel at the bottom of the first page will draw any Original Trilogy fan in. The Vader overshadowing the medal ceremony, it pulls on the heart strings of nostalgia. The action that takes place is also well drawn, with Charretier using panels within panels to make the most of the very small amount of space available to her.
But let’s talk about the story. As I’ve mentioned, this pulls at the nostalgia that a lot of us feel for the Original Trilogy. Even the context of the story, that is set years after, feels like original Star Wars. The bickering of Boo and Crater is perfect, the two arguing just like Threepio and Artoo. We then move onto the story that is all about how one person can make a big difference. I simplify it to make a point, that Charretier and Colinet are able to keep hitting those beats that are found in the movies. It is these beats that they return to again and again in their tales, that remind us of why we love Star Wars. They may seem like only little beats, but when brought together, they create a story that feels like it belongs in a galaxy far, far away. I make it sound easy, and this duo sure make it seem that way, but it is one of the hardest things to get right in Star Wars.
Returning to the main thrust of the story, that one small action can make a big difference. This is shown through the character of Evaan Verlaine, who appeared in the Marvel series Princess Leia. It is great to see her return and the message she is able to demonstrate fits perfectly with Scott’s first story.
Going back, it shows us why we’ve headed where we have. It also has important lessons for us today. Small acts of kindness, trying to help the overall good with one small action, I can’t help but think that with us all in lockdown, being asked to do one small thing to help a greater good, that this issue is not even more relevant now than it was almost three years ago. These are lessons that stand the test of time. They are also pieces of art that are gorgeous to look at, no matter how much time has passed. Scott and Charm continue their wonderful story in this issue. We also get to see the beginnings of Charretier and Colinet, which show no signs of beginner’s flaws anywhere! Adventures has always delivered great stories and art; this second issue reinforces that beautifully. So, while you’re doing your small part for the world at the moment, put up your feet and go read this issue and see how they do it on Jakku and Yavin…
Availability;
Star Wars Adventures is an ongoing series that began in 2017 and is available from IDW Publishing. This issue is available from comiXology and all good comic bookstores in the USA. Outside of the US, A physical copy can be found in one of the many trade paperback releases from IDW. Please check with your local comic bookstore for availability.
