REVIEW: ‘Star Wars Adventures,’ #1

Originally slated for May 2020 but postponed due to COVID-19, Star Wars Adventures #1 finally makes its debut on comic book shelves.  Much like the previous Star Wars Adventures series also published by IDW Publishing, the new anthology series will feature two stories that may or may not be connected and which are directed at younger fans. However, despite the target demographic, older fans can still find nuggets of lore that makes it well worth a read. Kicking off the series, Star Wars Adventures #1 features a first story with the trio of heroes from the Sequel Trilogy and a second story with the ever menacing Darth Vader.

“The Obstacle Course, Part I”

“The Obstacle Course, Part I” is written by Star Wars comic staple Michael Morcei who is joined by artist Ilias Kyriazis, colorist Charlie Kirchoff, and letterer Jake Wood. The story takes place in between the events of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker and opens with Finn, Rey, and Poe on a moon deep in the Outer Rim.  Rey disembarks from the Millieum Falcon blindfolded as Finn and Poe appear to have a surprise for her.

Finn and Poe have created a training obstacle course on the moon’s surface so that Rey can continue her Jedi training. The duo had input from RD-D2 based on Luke Skywalker’s training with Yoda many years ago which gives the reader a bit of insight into Rey’s training course in The Rise of Skywalker. Much like in the movie, Rey quickly darts off to tackle the course with BB-8 at her side. During her first run of the course, Rey finds herself falling deep under the planet’s surface at no real fault to Finn or Poe. In the hole, Rey comes face to face with unruly pirates who immediately look to capture her for the First Order bounty on her head.

The moon may not be as uninhabited as the trio thought and the rest of the “The Obstacle Course, Part I” follows Rey trying to get back to her friends. She is uncertain of their whereabouts, but she is determined to ensure their safety. Overall, I believe this is a great introductory story to this new series. Writer Morcei and artist Kyriazis capture each of our hero’s mannerisms and chemistry together as if they are transported directly from the big screen to the panels. It is has been such a long time since we have seen them together and given the darker nature of the comics in the Marvel Comics run, this arc is a lighter, refreshing sight.

“Tales of Villainy: Invasion of Echo Base”

“Tales of Villainy: Invasion of Echo Base” is written by another author who is no stranger to Star Wars comics, Nick Brokenshire, who also receives credit for art and colors. This story sends readers way back to The Empire Strikes Back as the Dark Lord of the Sith leads the attack on the Rebel Base on Hoth. Much in the Star Wars Adventures fashion, the second story in Star Wars Adventures #1 is shorter than the first and Brokenshire wastes no getting straight to the point.

As Darth Vader orders the battalion of snowtroopers, readers are shown a beautiful array of flashbacks as the Sith Lord draws connections to his own past. The experiences of Luke Skywalker also appear. This creates a very eerie series of panels that add new layers to events of the Battle of Hoth decades later.  Fans. It also surprises with various Easter eggs of lore that admittedly left a smile my face panel to panel.

Ultimately, this was my favorite of the two stories in Star Wars Adventures #1. Despite being a story in a series for a younger audience, Brokenshire brings new elements to a scene in arguably the best Star Wars movie.  That is no small feat as he balances the dominating presence of Darth Vader while also giving the reader a mix of light-hearted elements.

Star Wars Adventures #1 is available wherever comics are sold and with our ComiXology affiliate link on October 7, 2020.