As we enter the last few days of another pre-Star Wars era, it's nice to look back at the last ten years and appreciate what we've gotten in the galaxy's meantime — in the comic book world at least. With the purchase of Lucasfilm, Disney also snagged the Star Wars comic book rights, and with Marvel in their other pocket, the scene was set: Star Wars was returning home to Marvel Comics.
And it's been a great year for the license. Since Star Wars #1 launched in January, the series led the pack in top monthly sales for single issues and trade paperbacks. The main Star Wars run, Darth Vader, Lando and Kanan: The Last Padawan were all stunners. Princess Leia, Chewbacca and Shattered Empires filled in some of the expanded universe's blanks.
And with the Dec. 18 release of The Force Awakens film, there is no end in sight for the Star Wars comics. We're getting a C-3PO limited series and Obi-Wan & Anakin in the next few months and with the soon-to-be-concluded Vader Down, Star Wars has become a serious comic contender once again.
Also this week: X-Men Apocalypse and TMNT: Out of the Shadows trailers premiered. That's about it. Go see Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
No matter which side you're on, let's take a look at this week's offerings:
Marvel Comics
Star Wars Annual #1
This first annual issue of Star Wars takes things away from the current Vader Down arc and sends us to Coruscant, where a Rebel spy is planning to assassinated Emperor Palpatine. Of course, we all know how successful he probably is, as this takes place before Return of the Jedi and, well, we've all probably seen Return of the Jedi. Regardless, we're introduced to a great new character who takes some necessary risks.
This issue is also a nice break from what has been happening in the main series, as Luke and Vader come to blows for the first time. While it doesn't seem nearly as important at first, this annual served to flesh out more of the universe we've all come to love so much, and we can only ask for more like it.
Scarlet Witch #1
In her new solo series, Wanda Maximoff set up shop in Manhattan, looking for witchcraft users throughout the city. The current mission is a series of mysterious murders of rich folk throughout the city. The writing in this new series is solid, and it's nice to see attention paid to a character that his been a part of so many team books in the last few years. The Scarlet Witch deserves this kind of recognition, and it shows.
However, the art is a bit wonky. Some of it works, especially on the splash pages when Wanda is fighting/exorcising some demons, but it comes off as looking a bit uncanny at most points. But who knows? If the story keeps moving from this foundation, we can let the art slide.
Secret Wars #8
While Secret Wars isn't set to totally finish until January, this issue delivered on what many of the other bits of story should have showing us the characters that survived this mess. We got Star-Lord piloting the two Reed Richards' into Doom's domain. We got a glimpse of what Black Panther and Namor's plans are. We also got a pretty sweet showdown between a massive rendition of The Thing and Franklin Richards with his pet Galactus.
It may be hard to stay excited about this event since much of the All-New, All-Different Marvel universe has already started, but it's not hard to appreciate the work Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribic have put into this book. The writing is a half-decade's worth of setup matched by breathtaking art. Secret Wars, it'll be sad to see you go.
Other releases to look out for: Gwenpool Special #1, Guardians of the Galaxy #3, Spider-Man 2099 #4
DC Comics
Grayson #15
As part two of the Robin War event, this issue gives us some set up on what the Originals, the four main Robins, plan to do with a squad full of kids looking to be just like them. Sure, we know Duke and them from We Are Robin and Gotham Academy, but how about the hundreds of other wannabe Robins?
Well, it looks like they plan to train them. Red Robin takes a technical approach to the crew while Red Hood focuses on rage and violence. That's kind of his thing. Damian is sort of an a-hole, but that's come to be expected from the grandson of Ras-Al-Ghul. It works. And Grayson, of course, channels Bats with his sit-and-listen technique, taking Duke under his wing. Prediction: When it's time for Gordon to pick a Robin, my money is on Duke.
Batman #47
Probably set a bit before Robin War, Batman #47 brings us the conclusion to Gordon's first real confrontation with villain Mr. Bloom. Gordon fights off his robot Batsuit, pulses Bloom and locks him up, but per usual with all Batman villains, Bloom had something up his sleeve, or rather his dangly sword arm. He's rather scary.
On the other side of things, we get a great scene between Bruce Wayne and Duke, where Duke confronts Wayne to really dig deep into his memory to bring out the Batman. Of course, Wayne hasn't totally figured out he was Batman yet. The issue ends with him sitting on a bench, jogging his thoughts when a familiar face shows up. That is all.
Batman / Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1
I know what you're thinking. Really? Batman. And Turtles. Well, forget it, because this was just wonderful. As part of a continued partnership between DC Comics and IDW Publishing (Check out Green Lantern/Star Trek for more) Batman is about to come to blows with the half-shell heroes. In this issue, we get a brief introduction to them, though they're made to look like villains at first. But of course, it's really the Foot Clan and Shredder doing all of the dirty work.
This crossover works surprisingly well, and when the Turtles meet Killer Croc, not a doubt runs through your mind. The tease for next issue is hinting at a fight between Bats and the Turtles, but one can only assume they'll be teaming up shortly after.
Other releases to look out for: Batman and Robin Eternal #10, Gotham Academy #13, New Suicide Squad #15
Winner - Tie
It was the week of wars in comics, as Star Wars saw its first annual release, Secret Wars continues to slowly draw to a close and Robin War ramps up in Gotham City. Each of these series have had long build-ups, stellar character development and plenty for fans to take a microscope to.
Though none of these stories have reached their planned conclusion, this week's attention to detail makes it an easy choice for a tie.
Indie Spotlight
We Stand on Guard #6
One of writer Brian K. Vaughan's latest series ends this week with the final issue of We Stand on Guard, and it ended just perfectly. As the Canadian rebels make their final push to rid Canada of American forces, they offer up an ultimatum. I don't want to spoil too much, but if you're into alternate history then this book is for you.
Other releases to look out for:
Plutona #3, Paper Girls #3
