Comics
Review: ‘Star Wars’ # 3
Brian Wood continues his epic retelling of the post New Hope Star Wars Universe. Proving that these old characters can still tread new ground, and be completely engrossing in fantastic new ways. Wood’s new vision of Star Wars is a sight to behold, and an absolute pleasure to read.
WRITTEN BY: Brian Wood
ART BY: Carlos D’Anda
PUBLISHER: Dark Horse
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: March 13th, 2013
For the unacquainted, Brian Wood has just begun a new “Star Wars” series at Dark Horse that picks up after that pivotal moment at the end of A New Hope. The Rebel Alliance has gained a momentary victory, Luke still has two hands, Leia may potentially still be into her brother, and Han is still a slimeball.
Which is all very good news. The characters we all know and love are fundamentally different here. Wood characterizes Luke perfectly; he’s not some Jedi in training, but rather a hot head kid who believes himself to be the best of the best. It totally works.
Leia leads a secret squadron of X wing pilots into the deep reaches of space, looking for a new home for the rebel alliance (can somebody say Battlestar Galactica!). Leia is still mourning the loss of her planet, and consistently butts heads with Luke. This dynamic makes up the bulk of this issue, and the stakes are constantly raised because you are never entirely sure why Luke is pissing her off so much. Is she in love with him? Or is she truly concerned with his cocky attitude? Only Brian Wood knows.
Which again is the major draw of this series. Everything is as you remember it from Empire or Jedi but subtly different. I found myself asking so many questions, and pondering so many “what ifs” as I turned the pages. Most notably Wood seems to be pushing Vader into a useless drone. A drone who has outlived his utility for the Emperor.
The new villain introduced by Wood could potentially be a Red Herring to take us off of Vader’s trail for a couple of issues, but it doesn’t seem like it. I imagine we’re heading into completely uncharted territory here, and that prospect is amazing.
The story bounces between the Rebel Fleet, Han & Chewie, and The Imperial Fleet. Carlos D’Anda’s art holds up beautifully throughout, although his style doesn’t quite resemble the actors who made the roles famous so many years ago, but echoes the old Marvel comics from days gone by. It takes some getting used to, but it helps the story stand on its own merits, rather than the shoulders of the films.
As a whole, a solid issue that left me wanting more. If you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan, but are worried about the future of the series, then do yourself a favor and pick up Wood’s “Star Wars”. It’s a wonderful alternate take on Star Wars lore, which will keep you guessing with every page.
3.5/5 Skulls
Reviewed by – Jimbus_Christ
Comics
‘Curse of the Where Wolf’ Bites Into August Release With Trio of Werewolf Theatrical Screenings [Exclusive Preview]
Larry Chaney‘s hairy misadventures are continuing in the sequel graphic novel Curse of the Where Wolf from creative team Rob Saucedo, Debora Lancianese, and Jack Morelli, and its author is celebrating with a trio of horror’s greatest werewolf films.
The Curse of the Where Wolf hits shelves on August 7 from Encyclopocalypse Publications.
That coincides with the launch of a theatrical screening event in Houston, Texas, featuring a trio of seminal werewolf flicks turning 45 this year: The Howling on August 7, Wolfen on August 14, and An American Werewolf in London on August 21.
Each screening features a “werewolf in film” presentation as well as a book signing from Where Wolf author and River Oaks Theatre artistic director Rob Saucedo.
In the new graphic novel, “Being a werewolf sucks. Reporter Larry Chaney wanted to be a hero. Instead, he became a werewolf. Now, caught between incredible new powers and a desire to eat everything (and everyone) in sight, Larry must find a cure for his curse. Or die trying.”
“With Where Wolf, I wanted to tell a whodunit set in a furry convention, so the story was pretty contained within a very specific setting and genre. With Curse of the Where Wolf, I wanted to celebrate everything I love about the possibility of comic books. Curse of the Where Wolf is a funny book, in every sense of the phrase, but it’s also an earnest look at a person’s struggle to become a better version of themselves, especially when the alternative is to become a literal monster,” Saucedo says of Curse.
The original graphic novel was previously serialized as the first webcomic hosted on Fangoria before being collected by Encyclopocalypse Publications in 2023 and has already been optioned for film, podcast, and television development ahead of launch by producers James Fino (“The Freak Brothers” for Tubi, “Rick and Morty” for Adult Swim) and Charles Horak (First Date for Magnolia Pictures).
Expect Larry to find himself in even weirder situations in the 362-page full color sequel; Saucedo has provided Bloody Disgusting with exclusive art pages from the upcoming graphic novel that showcase lupine humor.
You must be logged in to post a comment.