Art of The Last Jedi

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

Star Wars: The Old Republic Revan Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: The Old Republic – Revan

Star Wars: The Old Republic – Revan, was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Drew Karpyshyn. This novel is the third event on the Legends novel timeline. This tale takes place during the Old Republic Era. This also counts as book one in The Old Republic series. It takes place 3,954 years before A New Hope.

SUMMARY

To keep this spoiler free, a lot of information will be left out. Revan, a Jedi Knight, is tormented by a piece of his life he has no recollection of. He begins his investigation, in an attempt to regain his memories. An opportunity arises when Mandalorian soldier Canderous Ordo advises Revan that the Mandalorians are seeking out an important relic to their culture, Mandalor’s Mask. Because Revan has ties to this relic, he believes it may be a piece of the puzzle in regaining his memories. His investigation will also lead him to the dead world of Nathema, where he crosses paths with Sith Lord, Scourge and Darth Nyriss.

The ruler of another faction in the galaxy, the Sith Emperor, is extremely powerful. He had plans to conquer the Republic and rule the entire galaxy, but first he must overcome the pesky obstacles in his path.

CHARACTERS

I’ve selected my two favorite characters to talk about, some plot points are mentioned but I remain spoiler free.

Scourge: The Sith Lord who was summoned by the Sith Emperor, Vitiate, to find and eliminate the root of the assassination attempts on Dark Council member, Darth Nyris. He’s big, prideful, intimidating, and fierce. Yet, he’s also weak… internally he’s not as confident. He hesitates often, second guessing and rethinking either his actions or words.

Revan: A Jedi Knight who’s been through some crazy stuff. He actually fell to the Dark Side once before but was redeemed. He’s confused and tormented by his past, in that he can’t remember it. It’s known across the galaxy how powerful in the force Revan is. He’s focused and humble, yet confident in himself. [He wears an awesome looking mask too]

OVERALL THOUGHTS

This book is fantastic! It’s pretty epic, as well as a tragedy! Drew Karpyshyn basically wrote two stories and tied them together very well. One story following the protagonist, the other following the antagonist. I was surprised that both of the main characters were extremely interesting. The book is a page turner for sure! It’s thrilling and I didn’t think it was predictable. The story was great, I can’t recall anything cheesy or tacky about it. I really like this novel.

My only negative, which also contains a positive, is the lore. Wow, do we get tons of Jedi and Sith Lore! The positive side, it’s so much material that made my imagination run wild, I wanted more and more! The negative, it’s so much material that we won’t get to read about. I enjoy the history, there’s always going to be history, just a bummer when I can’t read the details.

So, do I recommend that you read Star Wars: The Old Republic – Revan? Heck yes!

RATING

I will give this book an A-. The minus because there are so many pieces and questions I want answers to.

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.

Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi Into the Void Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Into the Void

A Legends Expanded Universe Book Review

Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Into the Void, was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Tim Lebbon.

This novel is the first event on the Legends novel timeline. This tale begins the first era of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, Before the Republic Era. It takes place 25,793 years before A New Hope.

SUMMARY: The Je’daii council on Tython has called upon Ranger Je’daii, Lanoree Brock, to take on a dangerous mission. She’s tasked with hunting down an individual who has intentions of following through on event that could possibly destroy the Tython system. It turns out that this individual is Dalien Brock, her own bother. It comes as a shock to her because, well… he’s supposed to be dead. Now it’s up to Lanoree to find her brother and put an end to his madness, even if she has to make his death a reality. CHARACTERS: The two characters I’d like to talk about are brother and sister, the protagonist and antagonist of the novel. Dalien Brock: He’s angry and irritated at the thought of the force. He’s a dreamer, a star gazer, always looking to the stars and wondering about his people’s past. When he was a child, those around him could see how distant he was from the force. With age brought madness, he wants to go beyond the Tython system, but in a way that puts all life… in danger. Lanoree Brock: She’s a Je’daii Ranger. She’s a bit of an odd one. She calls her ship home, it lacks comfort, which was pointed out by her “partner” on this mission. She loves her brother and doesn’t want to see him on such a dark and destructive path. She can’t help but constantly recall their childhood. OVERALL THOUGHTS: This book was ok. It wasn’t that good but it wasn’t that bad… just ok. I expected something completely different. With a title like Dawn of the Jedi, I was thinking this was going to be the discovery of the force or how the Jedi came to be. I was wrong. It’s just some random detective-like story with stakes that didn’t come across as legitimate. Heck, if the threat was potentially so devastating, why would the Je’daii only send one member to take out the threat? Oh, and take on this sidekick that can’t be trusted… what? So strange. This is ancient times is Star Wars and it didn’t really feel like it. How much had technology changed in the 25,000 years? Since the story is so old, shouldn’t this be more like a fantasy? Maybe like, some religious folk trekking across some planet, discovering the force, or even creating the Jedi order!? The chemistry between some of the characters was decent, like our antagonist and protagonist. But Tre Sana, Lanoree’s partner (for some reason) was strange and wasn’t very consistent with his personality. I enjoyed the flashbacks (there’s a lot… half the book), but the structure of the story can be confusing. Do I recommend you pick Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void? Not really. This novel took place 25,000+ years before A New Hope, but it does that ancient. RATING: Moving forward I have abandoned my previous rating scale of 1 to 5. Now, I’ll be rating by the old school grading scale, A through F. I give this book a D. It had some good things, but the stakes didn’t seem legit. Not a great novel to kick off the Legends timeline.