Star Wars #18 Review


Is the Force strong with this one? Read on to find out.

The official description from Dark Horse:

Princess Leia’s wedding day has arrived—and so has the Empire! As Darth Vader’s fleet bears down on the planet, the Rebels scramble to defend themselves—they have been double crossed!

Star Wars 18_Preview PageI’ve had some issues with this particular monthly series but as time and the talent behind it have shown, this is certainly an era that needs more exploration. Baring in mind that these tales are no longer cannon the creative team still delivers some solid thrills in familiar territory. So by all means go grab your lightsaber or your favorite blaster, the Imperials are here and it’s time to save the princess!

Brian Wood pens the script and at this point he knows how to execute a well-timed conclusion. The whole plot feels like a steady path that even yields just enough room to set-up not one but two staple elements found in Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back. But it’s through his own interpretation that the author crafts something that’s both compelling and worth the attention of eager fanboys and fangirls. And maybe it’s the eight year old me talking but it’s great to see Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa and Chewie in action with the villains on the march.

I have to say the illustrations done by Stéphane Créty in this outing feel a bit like a crescendo of skill. The talent does a fine job in the first few pages with just a few minor visual hiccups here and there, but with each panel the level of detail and consistency increases to the point where we see simply the best renditions yet offered. What really completes this component of the endering intergalactic saga is the colors by Gabe Eltaeb. The combination of all the various layers offered here crafts an awarding display that suits the text.

Star Wars #18 is exactly what it needs to be. The inclusion of some narrative nuggets for our heroes further film adventures is a welcome one as this comic comes recommended.

OUR RATING
8
  • + The art has never looked better!
  • + The Arrochar wedding resolution.
  • + A solid tale sets up more adventure.
  • - Darth Vader is criminally underused...

S#!T Talking Central