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Future Imperfect: Warzones! & The Vision

STAR WARS VOL. 1: SKYWALKER STRIKES

By Jason Aaron (Author) and John Cassaday (Illustrator) Marvel Comics (Publisher)

Along time ago, in a galaxy far, far away... STAR WARS! Returning to Marvel Comics after almost thirty years, the science fiction fantasy returned in full force with this new volume set just after the events of the original 1977 film, Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope. Following the exploits of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, and the droids, this volume tells an appropriately epic and fun tale as the crew infiltrates one of the evil Galactic Empire’s weapon manufacturing plants in the hopes of sabotaging it and scoring the Rebellion another win after the destruction of the Death Star. Jason Aaron, one of the comics industry’s most versatile writers, continues to impress, capturing the unique voices of all of the characters and the overall feel that makes the “Star Wars” franchise so special. This comic sounds, looks and feels like it should, and joining Aaron in that effort is modern master John Cassaday. His style perfectly compliments the writing, and his ability to capture the likenesses of the actors who made these characters famous further enhances the experience. He illustrates some of the most iconic vehicles, locations, and characters from the entire saga and does it with an eye toward keeping everything within the cinematic language established by the films, while also utilizing the specific tools of the comic book page. In a time when the desire for material featuring these characters is near rabid, there is no better place to get your fix. Whether you’re an old fan who was in the theater in ’77 or a new one who just witnessed an awakening, this book will hit that sweet spot.



DARTH VADER VOL. 1: VADER

By Keiron Gillen (Author) and Salvador Larroca (Illustrator) Marvel Comics (Publisher)

Never underestimate the power of the Dark Side. Darth Vader, Marvel’s companion book to the ongoing Star Wars comics, demonstrates just how true this is. Darth Vader, the Dark Lord of the Sith, has essentially been demoted by the Emperor and put under supervision following his failure at the Battle of Yavin. Vader, trying to further his own personal agenda, must plot behind his master’s back with the help of three characters created for this series: the weapons archeologist Dr. Aphra, and the homicidal droids BT-1 and Triple-Zero. Keiron Gillen is able to deftly craft a story of action and political intrigue in the “Star Wars” universe while also adding an interesting European flare, making Darth Vader wholly unique from its parent series while also feeling connected. Joining Gillen is artist Salvador Larroca, who excels at illustrating the technical and robotic elements of the book, engendering them with a sense of emotion without making them cartoony, all while staying well within the visual vocabulary of the cinematic saga. This book takes the villainous Lord Vader and humanizes him, adding in elements from the character’s past while advancing him as new information is brought to him, all the while keeping him as threatening and imposing as he is in his first moments in the original film, “Star Wars: Episode IV—A New Hope.” If you enjoy Marvel’s other “Star Wars” offerings and are looking for more, Darth Vader is sure to please even the most hardened fan.

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