Review - Star Wars Dark Times - A Spark Remains #1Review by Paul Fiander
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Writer; Randy Stradley
Art by; Douglas Wheatley Colours by; Don Jackson Cover by; Benjamin Carre Published by; Dark Horse Comics Inc |
Star Wars Dark Times - A Spark Remains, is a new series with the first episode being released on the 17th of July 2013.
Set a few months after the events of Star Wars Episode III; The Revenge of the Sith.
Set a few months after the events of Star Wars Episode III; The Revenge of the Sith.
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The enduring strength of Star Wars is a marvel to many including me. The films have had their ups in Empire and their lows (in many peoples minds) in Phantom. One enduring factor has always been the stories within the wider universe and this area is brilliantly demonstrated with the graphic novels.This series has a back story and I am coming into the series completely blind to this except the movies. My review will reflect this.
The cover is visually very strong, by using one of the most recognisable characters in entertainment is sure to catch the eye. The trick of putting Vader in peril as you can see him hanging from a outcrop above what appears to be a lava flow, brings back the vision of Anakin and Obi Won on Mustafar and the imagery is really striking. The story itself is set around revenge. This is a strong topic and is dealt with by (Jedi Master) Dass Jenir in a pragmatic way. He comes across as a very strong character and is written very well. The supporting cast around is a mixture of all manner of species from the galaxy and the artwork on each character looks really very impressive . There is a second plot concerning a Bounty Hunter named Falco Sang which appears as a mid way break in the main story. Its action packed and is a hopefully a taster for what is to come for the character. |
The Font Cover of the Comic
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There is so much to like in this story but I do have one grievance and it concerns sound. Obviously within the comic setting all sound is produced with text. Reading text like 'Deet! Doot!' and Dow! Dow! Dow! Dow! although in keeping with the sounds from series drew me somewhat out of the experience. I'm not sure how it could be done as its absence would more than likely anger the Star Wars purists. Its not something that will put me off the series as I'm happy to just skip it.
As a new series in the Star Wars canon dark times certainly delivers a punch. Allowing Darth Vader a platform to flex his Light Saber is fine by me and hopefully the story will make the best use of the iconic villain. Link this with a varied interesting cast and hopefully the series will become essential reading.
As a new series in the Star Wars canon dark times certainly delivers a punch. Allowing Darth Vader a platform to flex his Light Saber is fine by me and hopefully the story will make the best use of the iconic villain. Link this with a varied interesting cast and hopefully the series will become essential reading.
The Comic is available in both print and digital from Dark Horse comics. Follow this link for more details.
Wrap Up
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The Good - Strong characters and story.
The Bad - The sounds created by the text. |
Score - 4/5 |
Images courtesy of Dark Horse Comics
Comic - Provided by Dark Horse Comics
Comic - Provided by Dark Horse Comics
