Comics

Star Wars #3

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Star Wars #3Star Wars #3 continues the opening arc of Marvel’s new main Star Wars comic as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and the droids attempt to make it out alive where their plan to cripple an Imperial weapons factory blows up in the face thanks to the timely arrival of reinforcements and Darth Vader.

Mostly action (and multiple nods to the classic trilogy including C-3PO getting blown apart, Leia joking about the Falcon‘s condition, and Luke on a speeder bike), the third issue of the series does end on an interesting note suggesting that Obi-Wan Kenobi had left something for Luke in his hovel on Tatooine that will likely become important in the series somewhere down the line.

The storyline also explores Luke’s need to prove himself worthy of a father’s legacy and Kenobi’s teaching while still not understanding how to grow into the Jedi is destined to become which leads him to taking dangerous risks to protect his friends and complete their mission despite the Dark Lord of the Sith standing in his way. For fans.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Spider-Gwen #2

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Spider-Gwen #2Set on an alternate Earth where Gwen Stacy was bitten by a radioactive spider, I felt a bit lost reading the first issue of the series that, other than the look of Gwen as this world’s Spider-Woman, did little to sell me on the concept. The second issue, which picks up following our heroine getting her ass kicked by the Vulture, is a little more entertaining thanks in large part to the appearance of Spider-Ham as a delusional sidekick only the heavily-concussed Spider-Gwen can see and hear.

The rest of the comic continues the storyline from the first issue as Gwen puts off dealing with both her father and the Mary Janes, each interested in finding Gwen for different reasons. We also learn George Stacy has been replaced on the Spider-Woman case by this world’s Frank Castle who appears only moderately more reasonable than the regular Marvel Universe version.

Other than Gwen (and the hallucinatory pig) the only variation of a well-known character that has caught my eye is that of crime lawyer Matt Murdock who is going to have to be given a much larger role to keep my interest (especially if the end of Gwen’s concussion means farewell to Spider-Ham). For fans.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Rocket Raccoon #9

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Rocket Raccoon #9Set 30 years in the future Rocket Raccoon #9 offers a glimpse at a possible dark future for Rocket and Groot. Long after their collective adventures have ended, and Groot has decided to stay on Earth without his friend (helping its heroes unlock the secret to his regenerative properties), a monster-sized Groot is terrorizing the planet destroying everything in sight. Who’s Tony Stark gonna call? Gundam-style Rocket Raccoon, that’s who!

Dark future stories of heroes are hardly anything new but writer Skootie Young still finds a way to infuse the comic’s zaniness and fun without getting lost in the grim future.

The twist near the end of the comic lessens the impact of the story a bit as it’s revealed we’re only seeing a simulation of one possible future of the pair. What makes the story work is Young flipping the idea that Groot keeps Rocket in line and that the raccoon’s loving friend might become something far more dark and dangerous without his questionable influence. Yeah, looks like Rocket Raccoon is a good influence after all (at least for a living tree turned Kaiju monster). Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Princess Leia #1

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Princess Leia #1Beginning with the awards ceremony which closes out the original Star Wars, the first issue of Marvel’s new Princess Leia series centers around Leia struggling to find a new role within the Rebellion following the destruction of her homeworld Alderaan.

Although I think some of inking of artist Terry Dodson’s panels look a tad unfinished in places, Dodson’s art is a solid match for Mark Waid’s storytelling the offers a rationale for Leia to have a few solo missions of her own to fuel the series. Not completely on her own, Waid and Dodson introduce the character of X-Wing Fighter Pilot Evaan who is loyal to the last remaining royal from her homeworld even if she has issues with Leia’s public demeanor.

Although we get glimpses of other familiar characters including Luke, Wedge, Han, Chewbacca, and Admiral Ackbar, it seems that Leia and Evaan will be carrying the bulk of the story from here on out as the pair search for other survivors of Alderaan whom the Empire has put a bounty (including a certain Rebel princess). Worth a look.

[Marvel, $3.99]

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Morning Glories #43

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Morning Glories #43Although the story will eventually tie back into the larger arc of Casey‘s bid to be the next Student Council President, the focus of Morning Glories #43 is predominantly on Ike who makes some disturbing discoveries on his trip to the school’s library.

The Librarian hands the young man a series of books causing visions from his past (a ceremony performed shortly after his birth by Abraham and Gribbs and what follows in the offices of Wow-Mo! Enterprises), present (those spying on the his “friends” in the school), and future (in which he sits down with a far older version of himself).

Despite his usual banter with Casey early on, it’s obvious that the fate of Jade is weighing heavy on Ike which makes the revelation of his eyes being opened (an important phrase we’ve seen before concerning the kids reaching an important milestone of their potential) all the more interesting. Such an experience doesn’t leave the cocky young man unscathed as he chooses to join the fight and put together a team to help Casey win the upcoming election. Has a new organized rebellion finally begun? Worth a look.

[Image, $3.50]

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