Review: Star Wars #2

Star Wars #2
Written by Jason Aaron
Drawn by John Cassaday
Colored by Linda Martin
Published by Marvel Comics

I am lucky enough to have been there the first time Star Wars debuted in comic book form with Marvel’s Star Wars #1. To my young mind it was just indescribably cool that the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Darth Vader would continue past the movie. What followed was years of adventure that was sometimes goofy, sometimes incredible but always worth the time it took to read the latest issue.

I was also there when Star Wars comics were reborn at Dark Horse with Dark Empire. Instead of just a series of comics that were loosely tied into the overall Star Wars epic, these were stories that were considered canon and laid the foundation for what would become the Expanded Universe. Over the course of 20 years Dark Horse and a literal who’s who of creators crafted some of the most memorable Star Wars stories to ever see print.

And now, here I am at the beginning of a third era of Star Wars comics with the properties’ return to Marvel. Now part of Disney, this new series, simply named Star Wars, is part of the groundwork for the new continuity that is being steered by the Lucasfilm Story Group. The first issue, out earlier this month, blew most fans away with its spot-on characterization and tone. But could the second issue keep the fun going, or were we all in for a letdown?

Well, after reading issue #2 of Star Wars, the book actually somehow managed to get better, if you can believe it.

(Read our review of Star Wars #1)

Issue #2 picks up moments after the final panel of the first, with Luke and Vader squaring off and Han, Leia and R2-D2 driving an AT-AT through the weapons facility, trying to escape before the whole place becomes a smoking crater.

The issue is just overflowing with scenes fans always wanted to see, but never had the chance. Han Solo trying to step on Darth Vader with an Imperial Walker? Check. Threepio having to use a blaster to defend the Millennium Falcon? Check. Pre-Empire Han and Leia bickering like mad? Check.

It’s a credit to Jason Aaron that, after only two issues, he has managed to capture the essence of these characters so perfectly. His Han Solo in particular is just spot on, so much so I can hear Harrison Ford’s voice in my mind as I read the issue. Aaron’s Threepio needs some work, and for some reason his Vader still doesn’t “sound” like James Earl Jones, but overall the story packs enough action, humor and spectacle to earn the name Star Wars.

Speaking of spectacle, John Cassaday was not the first name I would have thought of to draw this book. For some reason, even all these years later, I still think of Carmine Infantino and compare everyone’s work to his in term of Star Wars comics. But Cassaday has really impressed me with his art here. His attention to detail is amazing, the characters look like they’re supposed to (not something you could always say when the license was at Dark Horse) and his storytelling is perfect. Whoever follows him on the book has a really tough act to follow.

The Bottom Line: Star Wars #2 continues what is proving to be a series that is a blast to read, even for people who may not be Star Wars fans. It’s full of adventure, captures the tone of what makes Star Wars so special in the first place and has me ridiculously excited for the next issue.

Next: Previously ... Star Wars #1 review

More from Bam Smack Pow

Home/Comics