Science Fiction

Darth Vader and the Lost Command #1

darth-vader-and-the-lost-command-1-coverSet shortly after the events of Revenge of the Sith, this new mini-series sends Darth Vader on a mission into the mysterious “Ghost Nebula” to track down a missing Star Destroyer commanded by the son of Moff Tarkin.

In this first issue writer Haden Blackman gives us a glimpse into the mind, dreams, and regrets of the man who was once Anakin Skywalker as well as his growing pains at assuming his new role as the Emperor‘s right hand. One interesting note here is the early scene suggesting Vader’s mechanical limbs take far more (painful) maintanace than has previously been suggested.

The early scenes work well and as does the last half when the comic shifts into full-on action mode as Vader’s troops attack the planet of Atoa. The feel of everything is right here, even if the Atoans themselves are a bit disappointing – although we do get a glimpse of something more in the final page. Worth a look.

[Dark Horse $3.50]

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Doctor Who #1

doctor-who-1-coverIDW finally brings the Eleventh Doctor to his own monthly comic. The first issue surrounds Rory‘s misuse of the magic phone aboard the TARDIS which leads to spamming of an epic scale.

Although the set-up is rather silly, writer Tony Lee gets the tone of the characters right including Matt Smith zaniness and his mix of acceptance and incredulity at the situation which includes a magic talking stapler (I kid you not!).

If I have one complaint its the inconsistent art of Andrew Currie where Amy Pond is concerned. The Doctor, Rory, and the various aliens and spam creations come off well, but the quality of Amy seems to vary wildly over the course of the comic.

As first issues goes it’s certainly a bit of fluff, but it’s entertaining enough for Who fans to pick up. It’s not going to bowl you over, or compare with the best of Series Five, but it just may help tide you over until Doctor Who returns to the airwaves this Spring.

[IDW $3.99]

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Tron: Legacy

  • Title: Tron: Legacy
  • IMDB: link

I should have have loved Tron: Legacy. The original remains one of my favorite films of my childhood. It’s unique look and style (which has never even been attempted to be recaptured over years) was the type of eye candy and simple yet heartfelt and far-reaching message of a near future digital frontier blew my seven year-old mind.

Although Legacy has a distinctly different visual style, it still creates a beautiful world you want to get lost in for a couple of hours. The new version also throws in lightcylces, a modern take on the effects, and plenty of action. It also lifts story elements from several movies than I enjoy (which come off much better than its original ideas) some of which feel like courteous nods and homages and some of which feel like not-so-subtle rip-offs. So what went wrong?

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