Star Wars: Most Wanted Book Review

Star Wars: Most Wanted

A Young Adult Novel by Rae Carson

Star Wars: Most Wanted was written by New York Times Best-selling Author, Rae Carson. This tale takes place before the events that take place in Solo: A Star Wars Story.

SUMMARY: Corellia, A planet known for its outstanding ship manufacturing, is now held in the tight grip of the Galactic Empire. The Empire uses the massive shipbuilding plants to manufacture their star-fleet.

On the the streets, even in the sewers below, life is rough. The white-worm gang, run by Lady Proxima, recruits orphans to run criminal errands in exchange for shelter and a meal.

An auction is to take place in the underbelly of Corellia. Lady Proxima sends two of her best and mature white-worm members, Han and Qi’ra, to do her bidding in the deal. However, the auction goes sideways, forcing a trio of characters to work together. Though not only just to survive, but by coming up with a solution to fix the unexpected turn of events.

CHARACTERS: as you can see on the cover, our main characters are Han and Qi’ra, so I’ll mention them and a new Character. Each of these characters are scrumrats, working for Lady Proxima in the white-worm gang.

Qi’ra: She’s one of the oldest in the white-worm gang. She puts her trust in no one but herself. Others, especially Han, view her as a stuck up, know it all. She wants out of the sewer life, going as far as having a secret safe-house out in a ship boneyard. Rae Carson did an excellent job writing Qi’ra, giving her a complete arch for this tale.

Han: He’s a survivor, loves driving, had a strong desire to pilot a ship. He’s daring and risky. He’s also one of the oldest in the white-worm gang. He’s kind, somewhat oblivious to things. His character is consistent with how he’s portrayed in the Solo: A Star Wars Story film.

Tsuulo: He’s a Rodian, somewhat of a whiz as he’s pretty good with technology. He has a strong belief in the force, trusting in it to guide him.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Although it doesn’t dive too deep into the backstory of Han’s youth, we get a better understanding of the relationship between Han and Qi’ra. Rae Carson did an excellent job writing Qi’ra and Han. Qi’ra has a drastic and complete character arc before we meet her in the Solo film.

I only have two complaints with the book, one is the name of the rodian, Tsuulo… it’s a little to close in sounding like Solo. The other thing I don’t like, is the cover of the book! The art is just fine, but this little image of the Falcon that looks like a sticker… is not a sticker, I can’t remove it! It’s printed on the cover! It says, “Read this book! Then see Solo A Star Wars Story, now in theaters!”

We have a fun tale here, the event was on a much smaller scale. I think we need more stories like this, that don’t always tie into some major galactic scale event. (Looking at you Last Shot.). The book is a quick read and like the film, I had fun with it.

Do I recommend that you pick up and read Star Wars: Most Wanted? Yes! It was a face paced read that gives a rich backstory of Han and Qi’ra.

RATING: I will give this book an A-. A solid companion for the Solo film.

Star Wars: Last Shot Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: Last Shot Book Review

Star Wars: Last Shot was written by Daniel Jose Older. This tale takes place a few years after Aftermath: Empire’s End. However, the story transitions back and forth through time to cover certain events in Han and Lando’s life.

SUMMARY: Lando Calrissian is attacked and threatened by a manipulated reprogrammed droid and a mysterious figure! A threat is made on the life of Lando and the imminent massacre coming to Cloud City. Unless, the owner of the Millennium Falcon hands over the location of the Phylanx Transmitter, to Fyzen Gor, which was stolen some 10 years ago.

Lando goes to Chandrilla, angry, because the owner of Falcon 10 years ago, was Han Solo! Lando express his anger and his plea for help in this situation to his old buddy. Han has the yearning to right this wrong, he can’t sit back and leave Lando to a horrible fate.

Lando, Han, and an assembled crew of all new characters go on a wild adventure to find the Phylanx Transmitter. This device is an apocalyptic mechanism with the capability of reprogramming droids across the galaxy, turning them into homicidal machines! Fyzen Gor is the madman behind this destructive power. Fyzen desires to unleash this device, to reconstruct the galaxy to his design.

CHARACTERS: There’s a new bundle of characters in the book, like an Ewok slicer named Peekpa and a Twi’lek named Kaasha. Even Sana Staros from the comic series makes an appearance! But, I’m going to talk about Han, Lando, and Fyzen Gor.

Han Solo: He’s a scoundrel, war hero, husband, father, and finally… head of the Republic Pilot Union. He’s the same old Han, his mind always drifting to open space, missing action. He’s full of regret for signing up to head the union, he can’t stand meetings and doesn’t understand how Leia enjoys political banter of her own position in the New Republic. Han struggles with being a father to Ben, who’s two years old now. He doubts himself at every turn, with fear of screwing up his family by not being there mentally and emotionally. When he gets pulled into the Phylanx mess, he feels at home, though he does indeed miss his wife and child.

Lando Calrissian: He’s also a scoundrel, war hero, not a husband nor a father… but he’s head of his own droid manufacturing company. He likes to wear a cape and tight pants that show off his butt in the back and support his bulge in the front (seriously… what the heck Del Rey?) For the first time, we see Lando speechless and lovesick. Lando really starts to think about his life. If he survives this Phylanx fiasco, he wonders if he’s capable of putting aside his scoundrel lifestyle to settle down. He may be a scoundrel, but his desire to keep bad people for doing harm to good people, is strong. He truly is a hero.

Fyzen Gor: He’s a Pau’an, which is a humanoid being from Utapau. He’s gone mad, wanting to set off a droid apocalypse, meaning he’d use his Phylanx Transmitter device to reprogram droids to go on a killing rampage. Fyzen is demented, he redesigns droids using parts and limbs from organic beings like humans and other alien species. His goal is to reshape the state of the galaxy and come out on top.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: The main character or headliner of the book, in my opinion, is Lando Calrissian featuring Han Solo. It’s nice to finally get a meaty story staring Lando! I believe the characters were consistent throughout the book and true to who they were in films. However, I was not thrilled with the new cast of characters. The idea of an Ewok slicer is a little goofy, but it did lend to some humor. I believe the chemistry between Han and Lando was realistic, their on this adventure together and over time they get irritated with each other, so Jose Older did get there.

There are a few things I was confused about. Back in the day when Lando had the Falcon, he also had a droid called L3. While everything about Lando is sleek and stylish, his droid is a mess of unpolished covering and lose exposed wires. This droid is also a bit odd, didn’t like it at all, most of what happens in the book could have been prevented by this droid. I found that very irritating.

As I got to the last quarter of the book, a sudden realization hit me. The plot of the book is very similar to a legends book, The New Rebellion. In that book, the villain also wants to cause chaos throughout the galaxy by reprogramming droids. I have to admit, this revelation took me out of Last Shot once it crossed my mind. Was this plot point hijacked from legends or is it merely coincidental? I’m going to hope it’s a coincidence.

Overall though, it was an okay book. The climax was pretty anticlimactic. When we know for certain what characters are in other films or books, why would we have any concern or worry? Fyzen Gor, was a pretty lame character, he comes off like a villain of the week.

I think this may be the first Canon book that has absolutely no mention of Jedi or Sith, and maybe only one mention of the force. But hey, I could be mistaken though, there might be another book without those things.

Do I recommend that you pick up Star Wars: Last Shot? Sure, it brings a few things from legends into canon. If you’re a big Lando fan… this is the book for you.

RATING: Will I give this book a rating based on the size of Lando’s bulge? No, we didn’t get that much info…. thankfully. I will give the book a C+.

Art of The Last Jedi

by Matthew Wilson

The Art of Star Wars:The Last Jedi Book Review

The Art of The Last Jedi was published by Abrams books and written by Phil Szostak. Rian Johnson, The director of Star Wars: The a Last Jedi, wrote a forward in this book. He expresses his fascination with the design of the film, from the 2D art to 3D models.

This book was released alongside the theatrical release of The Last Jedi. Now that the film can be watched in your living room, this book will serve as an awesome companion piece.

There are awesome little canon nuggets throughout, like a map of the island on Ahch-To! I love maps! it’s cool to see where events took place on the Island. The caretakers were designed to look like “fish-people.” The lady caretakers that we see in the film had originally had companions that looked very decorative, with face paint and color clothing.

The scene in the film when one Porg is looking at the lightsaber while the other is stomping on it… the concept art depicts a different scene! And it doesn’t end well for one of the Porgs!

The art is absolutely incredible. We get glimpses of how things changed throughout the process such as designs, names, and more. For example one of my favorite pieces of art, shows that the Falcon crash landed in the sea on Ahch-To in front of a massive ancient Jedi temple, with Rey standing on top of the ship. It’s so awesome!

We learn that George Lucas was involved with some of the material, which was a nice surprise. I never knew just how active he was in continuously pushing for more Star Wars material.

Do I recommend you pick up The Art of The Last Jedi? Yes! It’s an awesome, beautiful book.

See the video for visuals!

Star Wars: Cobalt Squadron Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: Cobalt Squadron

Written by Elizabeth Wein

SPOILER FREE

Star Wars: Cobalt Squadron, was written by Elizabeth Wein. This junior novel takes place before The Force Awakens.

SUMMARY: Rose and Paige Tico, sisters from the ice planet, Hays Minor. They join the Resistance after the First Order does some heavy damage to Hays Minor. Like the Empire, the First Order is out taking the resources it needs to expand and thrive in the galaxy. Like most of these junior novels, it starts off with the main characters being sent out on a mission to gather intelligence.

The Cobalt Squadron is sent out to drop probe droids on a planet to see whats going on with the First Order. The mission quickly goes sideways once a small ship crash lands into the bomb bay of the resistance bomber with our stars of the book, Rose and Paige. The story then turns into the humanitarian efforts of Cobalt Squadron.

CHARACTERS: I’ll mention one character… Rose. Why not her sister Paige? Because there’s really nothing to talk about… too dull.

Rose: Her world was torn apart by the First Order, so she joins the Resistance. She’s very whiny and too dependent on her older sister Paige. She suffers separation anxiety, understandable, but she’s a grown adult. She created a device used to cover energy signatures from the First Order. We see how useful that was in The Last Jedi… ha! I really dislike this character. Her line in The Last Jedi was flat out stupid. Paraphrasing here, “You win by saving the ones you love, not fighting who you hate.” Umm, in war you destroy your enemies… that’s how you win, moron.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: I thought this book was awful. It’s super boring and very forgettable; I did not like this book at all. This book may keep me away from the jr novels moving forward.

After Paige shoots and destroys a few TIE-Fighters, Rose says, “Are you a Jedi or something?” So… is it now common knowledge that Jedi were marksmen or pilots of star-fighters? The statement threw me off. Were Jedi flying around heroically before Kylo Ren or Snoke killed them all off again? Did the history of the Jedi come back to the history books?

So, do I recommend you read Star Wars: Cobalt Squadron? No, stay away from it.

RATING: I will give this book an F. It was dreadfully boring and offered nothing special. I dislike Rose even more as a character.

Obi-Wan and Anakin Comic Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

OBI-WAN & ANAKIN COMIC BOOK REVIEW

Marvel’s Star Wars: Obi-Wan & Anakin was written by Charles Soule. The art was done by Marco Checchetto. This story takes place several years after The Phantom Menace, during a time of peace. Anakin Skywalker and his abilities in the force, have proven to be far superior than the norm. Obi-Wan and Anakin are sent to answer a distress call in he far reaches of the galaxy.

ISSUE 001

SUMMARY: Obi-Wan and Anakin crash-land on Carnelion IV, so much debris littered the upper atmosphere. Anakin is a bit concerned, but it’s shrugged off by Kenobi, who’s more focused on he mission than a way off world. The Jedi received a distress call, it’s broadcast is reminiscent of the phrasing used by Jedi, centuries ago!

Anakin wants to leave the order! In a flashback we see that the other padawan(s) make fun of him, talking about him like he isn’t right beside them. Anakin is skilled with a lightsaber, even manipulating the training droid to appear as the Sith, Darth Maul. Palpatine is witness to some lightsaber training, and speaks with Mace Windu, insisting that he, the Chancellor, spends time with Anakin.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: The first issue was pretty good. My eyebrows lifted pretty high when I read that Anakin wanted out of the Jedi Order. Thought it was a little over the line how Anakin reacts to the kids teasing him. It’s also a bit creepy how Palpatine requests Anakin’s presence… comes off as a chomo…. child-molester.

The art is pretty cool. I liked seeing Anakin and Kenobi pull a crashing ship toward them, reminded me of the old video game, Force Unleashed, but on a smaller scale.

ISSUE 002

SUMMARY: In this issue, we witness some of the feud between the open and be closed, the opposing sides on Carnelion IV. Anakin struggles to manipulate the force in some weak-minded creatures, then does what he does best… slaughter them.

We get another flashback, showing creepy old Palpatine taking Anakin to the lower levels of Coruscant. Flashing forward to the current situation on Carnelion, three individuals are now part of the Jedi party. Two ladies are the Open faction, and one guy is from the Closed. They must work together to find safety, to be on the ground on Carnelion, is dangerous.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: The story picks up pretty nice, though this is only issue #2, the series is fast paced and feels like we’re moving along. I’m grossed out by the creepy Palpatine and Anakin thing. I’d prefer their meet ups to occur under situational circumstances, set up by Palpatine. The weird appointment thing is just weird. How could Kenobi and Windu not feel… dirty?

ISSUE 003

SUMMARY: The Jedi and the natives are flying above the Celadon Sea, avoiding the dangers below. The two women from the Open faction, learn that Anakin is an excellent mechanic, good at fixing just about anything. They have him fix up a few devices they’ve been holding on to. Then, everything gets crazy!

There’s a flashback with the pervy senator talking to Anakin, still down on the lower levels of Coruscsnt. Palpatine tells of how the government is full of low life’s and dirty politicians. Hey even spot one of these politicians, gambling. Palpatine is secretly testing Anakin’s judgment.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Not a bad issue. I was intrigued with the Palpatine and Anakin bit this time. I’m enjoying how the story keeps having flashbacks… sometimes flashbacks are boring, this comic handles them well.

I do have a problem with some of the “current” time stuff. Not so much the story, but the art. I had to look back a few times to understand what some of the characters were talking about, I couldn’t tell what was happening. Other than that, good issue

ISSUE 004

SUMMARY: The source of the distress signal was found! The natives that were with the Jedi had dark intentions, explaining why they were willing to work together! Anakin was taken as a prisoner to the Open factions home base in the mountains. His handiwork allowed for the Open’s war machines to be reactivated!

In the flashback, Palpatine tells Anakin to keep where they went and what they did a secret. He asks if Anakin is ready to leave the order, and if he ever did, he’d have a job for Anakin.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: I’m digging this comic run. I find it a little weird that Anakin wants to leave the order. I was pleased with the fee reveals and plot points of this issue. I’ve been really curious since issue one about who sent the distress call. I’m not disappointed.

ISSUE 005

SUMMARY: Kenobi is with the scavenger, the person who sent the distress call. Anakin is left with the youth of the Open while the adults seek out the scavenger to destroy her. A battle ensues between the Open and Closed! Anakin must escape and reach Kenobi!

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Okay… so the last issue got pretty lame. Anakin knows the whole story about the scavenger and the war, manages to turn the youth on their beliefs (somewhat). This story got a bit cheesy with the, “kids can change everything, because adults are stupid.” The scavenger lady who wanted peace, suddenly blames the Jedi for certain events.

Do I recommend you read Marvel’s Star Wars: Obi-Wan & Anakin? I don’t want to say no… but I don’t want to say yes. It’s a quick series to read, entertaining, but be ready for a quick and horrible ending.

RATING: I will give the Obi-Wan & Anakin series a C

Darth Vader: Imperial Machine Comic Book

by Matthew Wilson

DARTH VADER: IMPERIAL MACHINE COMIC BOOK REVIEW

Marvel’s Darth Vader Dark Lord of the Sith: Imperial Machine Vol. 1 was written by Charles Soule. Art was done by Giuseppe Camuncoli. The story kicks off immediately after Revenge of the Sith.

ISSUE 001

SUMMARY: We start in the med bag where Vader rises from the operating table beside newly crowned Emperor Palpatine. After hearing the devastating news of Padmè, Vader lashes out on rage. He destroys the room with the force, even shoving and holding (with force grip) Darth Sidious.

Vader learns his place with the Emperor rather quickly. He is set on the task of finding a lightsaber. That means, he must hunt down a Jedi, kill them, and take the saber for himself. Once acquired, he must bleed the blade.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Pretty cool first issue. Would have been really cool to see the some of the stuff that happened here, on the big screen. I’m excited to see where this comic takes us with Vader.

Only issue I have with he issue, the set. Something is off with the design of the Emperor.

ISSUE 002

SUMMARY: Out in the mid rim, at the Jedi outpost, clone troopers are following orders by taking inventory and packing up Jedi artifacts. Some are complaining that the job is far too tedious. Those thoughts fled when a ship suddenly approached and blasted arc fighters to bits.

Vader was on the search for a Jedi to slay,so he could take his opponents lightsaber. Too bad for Vader, no Jedi were at the Brighthouse outpost, just some clone troopers. So, Vader just kills them all.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: The issue was ok, nothing too cool. Funny seeing how some of the troops were talking about wanting to be the Emperors Royal Guard. They heard rumors that the clones war time was nearly over. I hope we learn more about that in the series, I can’t recall a place in canon that that has been clarified.

ISSUE 003

SUMMARY: Vader has discovered the location of a former Jedi, one who has taken the Barash vow. Master Infil’a, he’s located in the Mid-Rim on the River Moon of Al’doleem. He keeps his mind and skills sharp, meditating and practicing his fighting skills with a training droid.

Vader crash lands his ship after Infil’a launches metallic objects at the spacecraft. Vader leaves the ship to his droid, so he may find and fight the Barash Jedi.

They meet. And what happens next is crazy.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: This issue was intense and crazy. Infil’a is a beast! I like that he’s been keeping his skills up. I’m somewhat surprised by Vader’s incompetence… then again, he just went through a ton of crap and probably hasn’t fully adjusted to his suit and robotic limbs.

This issue takes his series to the next level. Vader has a hefty challenge ahead of him.

ISSUE 004

SUMMARY: After Vader’s assumed defeat, Infil’a goes out of seclusion and into the city where his Jedi starship has been kept in storage. His plan is to seek out Vader’s master and destroy him. As Infil’a waits for tune-ups to be made before he can leave, he senses Vader again. Stunned, he leaves the hanger to find Vader atop a river dam, looking down on the city below.

Round two begins. Vader unleashes his rage, making the dam faulty… and the city drowns.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Dang, Vader’s mechanical skills save him. Love how he makes his comeback. He had no mercy! Didn’t see him killing an entire city’s population, that was shocking. He was successful in obtaining a lightsaber, I really hope we get to see him bleed the blade. I’d rather see something like that in a film, but I’ll take it in a comic!

ISSUE 005

SUMMARY: Vader gets back to his ship and is given the next mission in his quest to the dark side. Return to Mustafar and absorb the darkness and pain. He must twist the force energy within the kyber crystal of his fallen enemies lightsaber…make it bleed. This is how the Sith turn their blade, red.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: This was quick issue with few words. I really enjoyed it. We have Vader doubting his role! He has a vision of what’s to come, depending on the path he chooses. I loved the image when Vader returns to Palpatine and how he handles the Royal Imperial guards.

ISSUE 006

SUMMARY: Darth Vader is in the Med Bay, soaking a bacta tank, when Palpatine tells him he needs to modify his suit to his own liking. Vader does, and is then sent to stop an intruder at the Jedi temple! Turns out this intruder was a set up by Palpatine. An introduction to the Grand Inquisitor. The Inquisitors are another tool of the Sith master, used to hunt and destroy the remaining Jedi.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: I’m guessing Vader’s suit was torn to shreds the first few issues was because the droids that made it didn’t do a good job. With Vader’s tinkering, making improvements, I’m also guessing that’s why we probably won’t see another seriously damaged Vader suit.

I don’t like the Inquisitors. It doesn’t seem traditional or smart for the Sith to create a team of warriors with force sensitivity and skills with a lightsaber. I’d be worried they’d turn on me!

This issue wraps the first arch in the Vader series Imperial Machine.

So do I recommend that you read the Star Wars: Darth Vader – Imperial Machine? Yes. It was pretty awesome seeing what exactly happened after Lord Vader was placed in the black suit.

RATING: I give the Imperial Machine arc an A.