Book Review: Darth Vader-- Legacy's End

Charles Soule, et.al., Star Wars. Darth Vader, dark lord of the Sith, Volume 2: Legacy's End. New York: Marvel, 2018.  ISBN: 9781302907457.

Genre: Star Wars, science fiction

Subgenre: Darth Vader series

Format: trade paperback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library  

 

This is part of Charles Soule's run on the Darth Vader comics. This volume features two stories. 

The main story is Vader's hunt for Jocasta Nu. Jocasta was the Jedi librarian, and while she is barely a fighter, her knowledge of the Jedi and their library makes her valuable and a threat to the Empire. She strives to stay ahead as she works urgently to preserve what she can of Jedi knowledge. 

The second story has a couple of mercenaries who have a contract to kill Vader. Who would dare we might ask? When Vader discovers the contract may have come from Coruscant, the imperial capital, things may get complicated.  

I liked the stories, but there was a moment or two I honestly questioned a character or two. At one point, Jocasta has to break into the Jedi temple for some information. She is doing well, about to get away with it, when she notices one of Vader's inquisitors reading some books. Instead of just ignoring it and moving on, she decides to be upset and confront the guy pawing her books. Lady, you had one job to do. They guy was totally unaware of your presence, and instead you decide to play pissy librarian. Needless to say the story goes downhill for her from there. It's not often I get annoyed at characters doing stupid shit, but this was some really stupid shit. 

The second story was good enough, with just enough action and intrigue to keep you reading. 

Overall, I liked the volume. It was a nice and light read, and I read it pretty fast. Would've liked to see more of the librarian, but that did not last. We get a couple of stories that keep the series going, but nothing terribly memorable. This is one to read and move on. 

3 out of 5 stars. 

Qualifies for the following 2026 Reading Challenge: 

 

Deck Review: Star Wars Affirmation Cards

Marc Sumerak, Star Wars Affirmation Cards. San Rafael, CA: Insight Editions, 2021. ISBN: 9781647224868. (Link to publisher)

Genre: Star Wars

Subgenre: affirmation cards 

Format: 52-card deck with small companion book in box

Source: I own this one. I got a good break. They retail for $19.99 but HPB had them for $7.99.   

 

This is a 52-card deck to help you "discover your inner Jedi." It is a collection of motivational cards with "lessons, advice, and inspiration." 

The kit includes a companion book and the 52-card deck. The book is arranged as follows: 

• Introduction. This goes over the deck's structure. The deck has four categories or suits: Positive Affirmations, Inspirational Quotes, Feel-Good Activities, and Confidence-Building Conversation Starters. 
• How to use the cards. Some simple suggestions. 
• How to use this book. The book has entries on selected cards. The entries provide questions and prompts for further reflection. Note that the cards that have extra content in the book have a small icon with book page number in a corner of the card. 
• The card entries. Each entry features a full color reproduction of the card and the additional message. 

Card message: I have hope 

The book overall is simple and very easy to read. Though this is a deck for children, anyone at any age can use it and gain benefit. Children can read the book or have an adult read it to them. 

The cards feature a photo image from the Star Wars films including Rogue One and Solo along with the trilogies. Each card has a message and a brief explanation. The cards are color coded by category. The card backs are in the category color with the category title. 

These are cards you can use for daily and weekly draws, or just when you need a positive message. It include messages for when things are down, so it is also a good deck when you need a lift in the Hard Times. This is not really a deck for divination, but you could use it for clarifiers or just as a bonus card in a cartomancy spread. I kept the deck in my work altar for a daily message, and it worked well for me.

The cards measure about 5 3/4 inches by 3 3/4 inches. They do have a soft gloss coating that makes them stick a little, so they are not easy to shuffle. Still, they are very nice cards to view. 

Star Wars fans will likely appreciate this deck, but you don't have to be a fan to enjoy its uplifting messages. If you need a little positivity in your life, this deck is a nice option. 

4 out of 5 stars.  

Book Review: Be More Vader

Christian Blauvelt, Be More Vader: Assertive Thinking from the Dark Side. New York: DK Publishing, 2018. ISBN: 9781465477361. 

Genre: Star Wars

Subgenre: business, work, advice

Format: small hardback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library  

Note: Turns out DK is owned by PRH, so this book would've fallen under my publishers' boycott. However, it falls under the "oops exception." Also, since it was a library book, I did not spend money on it.   

This small book is in essence a career advice book with Darth Vader as the model of rising to power. If you are stuck in a rut at work, and you want to get ahead, ask "What would Vader do?"

At 63 pages, this slim volume offers a good amount of advice. The book is arranged in five parts: 

• Starting Out.
• Getting Established. 
• Seeking Promotion.
• Working with Colleagues.
• Becoming a Leader. 

Every section features an entry with a bit of advice. Each entry features a photo from a scene in one of the films, a quote from a film, the advice, and a short explanation. Photos are in color. Theme aside, the career advice is practical. These are tips you can use in your career to improve and climb that ladder. Some advice examples include: 

• Find a mentor.
• Refine your negotiation skills.
• Insist on proper recognition.
• Lead by example. 
• Give credit where credit is due.

The book combines serious, basic, and practical advice with some light dark humor.  It is a very easy read, and you can probably read it in one sitting. 

This book can be a good gift for a young Star Wars fan, maybe even for a school or college graduate starting out. I do recommend it for libraries. The copy I borrowed was shelved in the business section, but you could shelve it with other Star Wars books. 

I greatly enjoyed this one. The book is no big deal, so to speak, but it is a light, practical, and humorous at times guide to success from one of the great strong leaders from a long time ago in a galaxy far far away. So I am giving it the full 5 out of 5 stars.  

 

Book qualifies for the following 2025 Reading Challenge: 

 

 

 

Three short book reviews: May 2025

These were volumes I checked out from the Eastside Branch of Lexington (KY) Public Library. I was not able to renew them, so I had to take them in fairly quickly. I did manage to finish reading them, so here are some short review notes. 

Kieron Guillen, Star Wars Volume 7: The Ashes of Jedha. New York: Marvel, 2018. ISBN: 9781302910525.

In this story, Princess Leia and the Rebellion work to help the inhabitants of Jedha, a planet exploited and left in ruins by the Empire. Luke Skywalker continues to help in the Rebellion while trying to keep to the Jedi Path. Meanwhile, the Imperials bring forward a new tool to finish the job in Jedha. The events take place between Star Wars Episodes 4 and 5, with references to Rogue One. You don't need to have seen the film Rogue One, but you may appreciate the story a bit more if you did. The story is good enough but no big deal. I liked it. 3 out of 5 stars. 

Simon Spurrier, Star Wars Doctor Aphra, Volume 6: Unspeakable rebel superweapon. New York: Marvel, 2019. ISBN: 9781302914882.

Aphra, Star Wars' very shady answer to Lara Croft, is on the run. . . again. Whether it is the Rebels or the Empire, they all want a piece of her. When she gets a job too good to pass up, she does it and comes out with a little extra in the form of an ancient Jedi weapon. Now she tries to stay ahead long enough to sell it. The story is entertaining, and it weaves intrigues on top of intrigues. This character, on the one hand, has potential for a series, but on the other hand, it would be very easy to mess up as Disney often does with this kind of series. Anyhow, this was a good story overall. It can mostly stand on its own, but it does end in a cliffhanger. 3 out of 5 stars. 

 

 Jackson Lanzing, et.al., Star Trek: Day of Blood. San Diego, CA: IDW, 2024. ISBN: 9798887240732.

This is a Star Trek crossover event that brings various characters together. If you have not read and/or watched the more recent stories and/or series, it may be a bit jarring at first. However, the story gives enough exposition for readers to catch up. Kahless II the Klingon Emperor has consolidated power, created a Red Path cult, and plans to purge anyone not in the path. It falls to Captain Benjamin Sisko and the USS Theseus along with Lt. Commander Worf and the USS Defiant to stop him. For Worf, this is complicated by the fact his son Alexander has gone with Kahless. The volume features excellent art throughout. Story is solid with plenty of action and good pacing. It draws you in. I really liked this one, so 4 out of 5 stars. 

Book Review: Star Wars (2020), Volume 3

Charles Soule, Star Wars Volume 3: War of the Bounty Hunters. New York: Marvel, 2021. ISBN: 9781302920807.

Genre: Star Wars

Subgenre: comics, science fiction

Format: trade paperback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington Public Library

 

This volume is also part of the War of the Bounty Hunters series. This 2020 run is set right after the events from the film The Empire Strikes Back. Leia and Chewbacca are trying to catch Boba Fett in order to get Han Solo back. Luke comes along to help while still working on his Jedi training. 

This is a good story with a good amount of action and intrigue. Lando Calrissian is helping, but we are not totally sure where his allegiances lie. Meanwhile, Commander Zahra and Darth Vader remain strong threats. The story moves at a good pace; it is interesting and draws you in. Note this part of the story does end in a cliffhanger, so you may want to seek out the next one to keep reading.

The volume also features good art; the art is a pretty good reason to pick this up. Overall, I liked this one. 

3 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Star Wars (2020) Volume 2

Charles Soule, et.al., Star Wars, Volume 2: Operation Starlight. New York: Marvel, 2021. ISBN: 9781302920791.

Genre: comics

Subgenre; Star Wars, space opera

Format: trade paperback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library 

This volume includes issues 7-11 of the comics series written by Charles Soule. 

The Imperials have cracked the Rebel communication codes. When when one part of the Rebel fleet contacts another and the other responds, the Empire knows their locations to hunt them down. Leia and her group need to figure out a new code, and they attempt a daring plan to get an artifact that may help. The issue? They have to slip into the Imperial capital city Coruscant to get it. Meanwhile, Leia forms a new elite pilot team, Starlight Squadron. Their first task? To find the remnants of the Rebel fleet and warn them of the code breach before those ships communicate with each other. 

The story that started in the previous volume continues to develop here. Leia and the rebels need to stay a step ahead of Commander Zahra. In this volume, we learn Zahra is not just motivated as a loyal Imperial. She has a personal vendetta against Leia. 

Overall, I am still liking this series. The rare language to create a new code angle was interesting, a bit reminiscent of the World War II Navajo code talkers. The intrigues with Lando, who now feels the Rebellion will not protect him and Lobot, intensify.  This is where the suspense comes in. The reading pace is still fast and easy. It is a fun and light read, one mostly to borrow. Again, libraries already collecting Star Wars comics may want to add this one. 

3 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Star Wars (2020) Volume 1

Charles Soule, et.al., Star Wars, Volume 1: The Destiny Path. New York: Marvel, 2020. ISBN: 9781302920784.

Genre: Comics

Subgenre: Star Wars, space opera

Format: trade paperback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library 

This is the Star Wars comics run by Charles Soule. This volume includes issues 1-6 of the comics. The events start right after Leia, Lando, Luke, and others escape from Bespin Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back. Luke is coping with learning the truth about him and Darth Vader. Leia is working to bring the Rebel fleet back together after their defeat in the Battle of Hoth. The Empire is determined to crush the Rebellion. Darth Vader puts a ruthless young commander in charge of hunting down the rebels, Tarkin's former protege Commander Zahra. These are dark times for the rebels. 

The story fills out a gap between Episodes 5 and 6. If you thought Leia and Chewbacca hated Lando for his treasonous, albeit at Imperial gunpoint, role in Bespin that angle is really played up here. To complicate things, they need to sneak back into Bespin for various reasons, and this is much of the story in this volume. 

The story has a pretty good pace overall. It feels very familiar given the popular characters and setting within the original films. As a villain, Commander Zahra makes a strong threat. This volume is an easy ready; once you start, you just keep on reading. 

Overall, while not great, this is pretty good. It is certainly better than the bad new trilogy Disney (the current Star Wars owners) produced. If you are a fan of the original films, you'll probably like this one. Libraries already collecting Star Wars comics will want to add this one to their collections. 

3 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Star Wars Darth Vader, Volume 3 (Greg Pak run)

Greg Pak, Star Wars Darth Vader, Volume 3: War of the Bounty Hunters. New York: Marvel, 2021. ISBN: 9781302926229.

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: Star Wars

Format: trade paperback

Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library 

The third volume's events take place during the War of the Bounty Hunters; it's a crossover from that series. As the book description asks, "what will the raging war of the bounty hunters mean for the dark lord's ongoing schemes?" After reading it, I am not sure it means a whole lot. 

By now Vader is (somewhat) back in the Emperor's favor. Vader now concentrates on doing the Emperor's bidding, but he also works to continue his own agenda. One of his goals is finding Han Solo. However, he still faces intrigues from within, plus the Emperor overseeing it all. 

The story here seemed a bit less coherent compared to the previous two volumes (link to my review). At times there are schemes on top of schemes, and you need a bit of a map to follow. Still, mostly entertaining though not terribly memorable. The art does remain a great reason to pick this up. 

I liked it, but as I said this is not really memorable. You read it. It was nice, then you move on. I may try to find the other War of the Bounty Hunters comics to see if I can get the wider picture. This volume is pretty much quick popcorn entertainment, and that is fine. 

3 out of 5 stars. 

Qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenge: 

Short book reviews: Star Wars Darth Vader, Volumes 1 and 2 (Greg Pak run)

Greg Pak, et.al., Star Wars Darth Vader, Volume 1: Dark Heart of the Sith. New York: Marvel, 2020. ISBN: 9781302920814.

Greg Pak, et.al., Star Wars Darth Vader, Volume 2: Into the Fire. New York: Marvel, 2021. ISBN: 9781302920821.

Genre: graphic novels and comics
Subgenre: Star Wars, science fiction
Format: Paperback
Source: Eastside Branch, Lexington (KY) Public Library.

 

I read Guillen's run of Darth Vader a while back, and I will put the links to those issues down below. When I saw this run by Greg Pak at the library, I took a chance and picked it up to read. This series starts shortly after the events in The Empire Strikes Back. Vader is obsessed with finding his son but also getting revenge on those he sees as making his son weak. Following this quest displeases the Emperor greatly. 

In the first volume, Vader systematically seeks out those he perceives as corrupting his son. Vader gets assistance from forensics droid Zed Six Seven, who does the research to help Vader find his targets. Eventually Vader comes across someone from his past that triggers painful memories. 

In the second volume, the Emperor decides to punish Vader for his actions. He breaks Vader, quite literally, and forbids him from using the Force after stranding him on Mustafar. To make things even more difficult for Vader, the Emperor puts an assassin after him. However, Vader has always been resilient and resourceful, so he uses his skills to rebuild himself and get himself out of the troubles. 

These volumes are pretty good easy reads. The stories are fast paced, have some suspense, and are entertaining. I will say the Emperor comes across as seriously petty, but that is part of the plot. The art is very good, and it is a very good reason to pick up this series. 

I think the Guillen run is a bit more light fun. This one is a bit darker, but it is still pretty good. Get it from your local library as these are more books to borrow rather than buy. Fans will likely enjoy this series. 

4 out of 5 stars for both of them. 

These books qualify for the following 2024 Reading Challenge: 

Links to the Guillen run volumes: 

• Volume 1. 
• Volume 2.
• Volumes 3 and 4.

 

 

Book Review: The Mandalorian: The Manga, Volume 1 (Star Wars)

Yusuke Osawa, et.al., Star Wars: The Mandalorian: The Manga, Volume 1. San Francisco, CA: VIZ Media, 2023. ISBN: 9781974740963. 

Genre: Star Wars

Subgenre: science fiction, space opera

Format: Manga, e-book galley

Source: Netgalley

As I recall, The Mandalorian has been a popular series on streamer Disney Plus; there is even a movie in development at this time. Now we have a manga adaptation. Before I go on I will note that I have not seen the streaming series, so I come to this book as a reader. 

This book presents the initial part of the Mandalorian's story, a mysterious and laconic bounty hunter in the Star Wars universe. The story takes us up to the point where he meets The Child (Grogu). 

The volume starts with four pages in full color illustration. The rest of the volume is then in basic black and white. It is a pity the full story is not in color. Despite that, the art overall is good. The story is fast paced as the Mandalorian moves from one mission to the next. Being that he does not speak much, there is not a lot of dialogue, so the story moves along. Much of the story moves visually, and the visual elements are good. The book is a quick and easy read. This is the first volume of the series, so I hope the story shows some depth as it develops further. So far the story is fairly light. 

Fans of the series may consider reading this. It may work too for fans of newer Star Wars works. For libraries, if they have manga collections, and especially other Star Wars adaptations, they may want to acquire this. For my library, I would consider it an optional purchase. As a reader, this was nice, a bit of fun, but not terribly memorable. I did like it. 

3 out of 5 stars. 

Qualifies for the following 2024 Reading Challenge: 

Book Review: Star Wars: Jedi Academy

Jeffrey Brown, Star Wars: Jedi Academy. New York: Scholastic, Inc., 2013. ISBN: 9780545505178.

Genre: Star Wars

Subgenre: children and young adult

Format: hardcover

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library

 

Since I read and enjoyed Brown's previous books, Darth Vader and Son and Vader's Little Princess (link to my reviews), I figured I would try the first volume in this series. I checked, and there are nine books so far in the series; Brown writes the first three. I will list the titles at the end of the review for reference. 

In this story, Roan Novachez dreams of becoming a pilot. When he is rejected for Pilot Academy, it seems he is destined for a farmer school. However, at the last minute he gets a letter inviting him to the Jedi Academy, so he leaves his family and home on Tatooine for Coruscant. This book tells the story of Roan's first year at Jedi Academy.

Roan tells his story through journal entries and drawings. We also get comic strips and other art to tell the story. Roan makes friends, tries to steer clear of the bullies, and does his best. He is a bit concerned he does not seem strong in the Force initially, but Master Yoda keeps encouraging him to do his best. 

This is basically a middle school story with a Star Wars coating. Roan goes through the travails of a middle schooler in a new school such as classes, making friends, the cafeteria food, and dealing with bullies. The book does have some light humor and is overall positive in tone. It puts the Star Wars universe in a lighter tone for children of all ages. If you like Star Wars, you will probably enjoy this. It does take a few liberties with "continuity," so it may bother some "purists." Ignore the purists and read it anyhow. It is a nice, fun, and easy read for the rest of us. 

The art is very nice and keeps the essence of Star Wars. The characters are amusing, specially some of the teachers. Art is black and white. It would be nicer if it was in color like the book cover. 

Overall, I really liked this one. It was a cute and amusing Star Wars story with warmth and humor. I am willing to read the next one in the series to see how Roan's story progresses. It's a new story that maintains the familiar Star Wars elements. This is a good one for middle school level readers and Star Wars fans of all ages. 

4 out of 5 stars. 

List of books (so far) in the Jedi Academy series: 

1. Star Wars: Jedi Academy.
2. Return of the Padawan.
3. The Phantom Bully.
   
4. A New Class.
5. The Force Oversleeps.
6. The Principal Strikes Back.
7. Revenge of the Sis.
8. Attack of the Furball.
9. At last, Jedi. 

 

 

Book Review: LEGO Star Wars Ideas Book

Hannah Dolan, et.al., LEGO Star Wars Ideas Book. New York, NY: DK Publishing, 2018. ISBN: 9781465467058.

 

Genre: art and photography

Subgenre: Star Wars, LEGO, children and YA

Format: coffee table book

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library

This big coffee table book features "more than 200 games, activities, and building ideas." One of the features are ideas to reuse or create new things with specific LEGO sets (assuming you might want to take apart that one nice set you put together). 

The book is arranged as follows: 

• Recreate. Recreate moments from Star Wars. 
• Expand. Expand and reimagine scenes and situations in Star Wars. 
• Challenge. Games you can create with LEGOs.
• Use it. Create some practical things like a piggy bank or a vase. 

A strength of the book is the photography. Even if you are not a builder, this book is a pleasure to view. The photos are in full color, and we get a lot of creativity on display. 

The text is easy to read. However, we do not get detailed instructions for the items. Some illustrations show parts of the process, but for the most part builders need ability to figure out how things fit together based on a photo. Some better instructions could have made this book a lot more than a nice art book. 

Overall, I really liked this book. I loved the photos. This can be a good book for children, though they may need some adult help with some of the project, or the adults may need the kid's help. If you are a fan of Star Wars and/or LEGO, you will enjoy this book. 

4 out of 5 stars.  

Note: DK Publishing is an imprint of Penguin Random House, one of the four publishers that I am boycotting due to their lawsuit against Internet Archive. However, I was reading this book prior to March 27, 2023 when my boycott went in effect. I am posting the review, but I am not actively sharing it on social media.

Top Graphic Novels, Comics, and Manga I Read in 2022

These are my top reads in graphic novels, comics, and manga for 2022. These are titles that I rated at four or five stars. The list is in no particular order, and if I have a review done by now, I am including a link. 

Usagi Yojimbo: Bunraku and Other Stories.

Bomb Run and Other Stories.

Star Wars Age of Rebellion: Villains.

From the review: "I personally liked the Tarkin story, which shows how ruthless he can be. The Jabba the Hutt tale was pretty good too with a bit of a twist revealing that the gangster can also be practical."

Shadowman, Book One.

From my review: "For starters, the art in this book is very good. Early on Shadowman and Baron Samedi look very good. I particularly liked the sort of dark and fun portrayal of Baron Samedi. The art overall is colorful and can be a bit evocative."

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 1.

From my review: "Story combines good action with a bit of the grittiness Batman comics are known for, and it also maintains the humor that distinguishes TMNT comics."

Deadpool Samurai, Volume 1.

From my review: "Deadpool's humor is spot on in this series. His fourth wall breaks are great, and he aims his humor at everyone up to and including his publishers-- Marvel and Shonen Jump. "

Deadpool Samurai, Volume 2.

From my review: "The Merc With the Mouth is back and still doing all sorts of hijinks in Tokyo as part of the newly formed team Samurai Squad."

Space Pirate Captain Harlock.

From my review: "Author Alquié takes Matsumoto's story and art in a new direction that is a sequel to the 1970s original series.  If you watched and enjoyed the original series, you'll probably enjoy this one as well."

Lady Mechanika, Volume 6: Sangre.

From my review: "This is a solid selection for libraries with graphic novel collections. I'd buy it for our library."

The Art of Sushi.

 

From my review: "The author travels from France to Japan to learn all he can about sushi. Along the way not only do we learn about sushi, but we also learn about elements of sushi such as the fish and the rice as well as those who make it and even related topics like sake and soy sauce."

Book Review: Star Wars Age of Rebellion: Villains

Greg Pak, et.al., Star Wars Age of Rebellion: Villains. New York: Marvel Worldwide, 2019. ISBN: 9781302917289.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: Star Wars, science fiction

Format: trade paperback

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library 

 

This is another sample from the Age of Rebellion series. This volume features the villains of the series. Villains featured are Grand Moff Tarkin, Boba Fett, Jabba the Hutt, Darth Vader, plus one more Age of Rebellion special issue with a couple of additional villains. 

Overall, the stories are very good. Fans of the classic Star Wars will probably like this volume. I personally liked the Tarkin story, which shows how ruthless he can be. The Jabba the Hutt tale was pretty good too with a bit of a twist revealing that the gangster can also be practical. The art is also very good in this series. 

I like this volume a bit more than the heroes series (link to my review), but they are both worth reading. In this volume you get good stories and good art. In addition, you also get commentary essays on each villain and a covers gallery. I really liked it. It was a nice and easy read, and I do recommend it. 

4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Star Wars Age of Rebellion: Heroes

Greg Pak, et.al., Star Wars Age of Rebellion: Heroes. New York: Marvel, 2019.  ISBN: 9781302917081.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: science fiction, space opera, Star Wars

Format: trade paperback

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library 

 

This volume is basically a sampler of first issues from the Age of Rebellion series featuring the heroes: Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, and Lando Calrissian. It also has two short comics from the Age of Rebellion Special: one about Yoda and one on two other rebel pilots. 

As in many anthologies, the quality of the stories varies, and some are better than others. These stories mostly fill small gaps in the classic Star Wars continuity. For example, the Yoda story takes place right before he meets Luke Skywalker in The Empire Strikes Back. The Leia story tells how she became Boushh the Bounty Hunter as part of the plan to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt. 

The stories blend action and adventure. They don't depart much from the classic continuity. In other words, the stories are nice but not really essential. The volume is a nice and easy read. The stories have a relatively fast pace, and they wrap up at the end, setting up events to come. The art in the series is very good. The covers are particularly well made. In addition, between the comics, there is an essay on each character featured. 

Overall, I liked this one, but it is not a big deal. Star Wars fans will likely enjoy it as it can add details to certain classic story elements. For libraries, if you already collect Star Wars comics,  you may want to add this one too. 

3 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Star Wars Year By Year: A Visual History

Various authors, Star Wars Year By Year: A Visual History. New York: Dorling Kindersley (DK)  Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9780744028645.

 

Genre: nonfiction, photography, coffee table books, art

Subgenre: Star Wars, history, pop culture

Format: Hardcover, coffee table

Source: Berea branch, Madison County (KY) Public Library

 

 

 

This is another excellent coffee table book from DK Publishing.  The book looks at the history of Star Wars from it development in the 1960s to The Mandalorian. It covers from 1914-1972, before Star Wars, to 2021. 

The book starts looking at the early influences that would lead to Star Wars. From there, the book goes by decade then by year in every decade. The book not only looks at Star Wars. It also looks at historical events, pop culture moments, news of the time, and other events going on at the time. We get big events as well as small happenings all going on as Star Wars grew and developed. 

For fans like me who have been with Star Wars from the beginning, this book brings back a lot of memories. We see the films, the toys, the collectibles, and many other items of interest. For new folks, this is a great book to see where and how it developed to grow into the juggernaut it is now. Text is nice and concise. 

 

A strength of the book is in the photography. The book is laid out a bit like a photo album or a scrapbook, with photos in various sizes. This is a very visual book, one that lends itself to browsing at leisurely pace. 

Overall, this book is a must have for Star Wars fans and collectors. This is one I would definitely buy for my book collection. This is also a book I would recommend for libraries, especially for public libraries. The book is informative, visually appealing, and a work of art as well. 

5 out of 5 stars.

Short book review: Star Wars: a New Hope: Cinestory Comic

Star Wars: a New Hope: A Cinestory Comic. Toronto, ON: Joe Books, Ltd., 2017. ISBN: 9781772755213.

 

Genre: comics and graphic novels

Subgenre: film adaptation, Star Wars

Format: trade paperback

Source: Berea branch of the Madison County (KY) Public Library

 

 

This is part of the cinestory series of books where they take a movie or television series and make a comic out of it using photos from the movie or television show. In this case, they take the original Star Wars film and frame by frame turn it into a comic. It's basically like seeing the movie on the page. This is a very easy read that can appeal to long time fans and new readers as well. Note this is not the original theatrical release. This is the revised edition where George Lucas "tweaked" and added small extras. Still, it is a good read and a nice option if the film is not handy. I liked it. 

 

3 out of 5 stars. 

 

Book qualifies for this 2021 Reading Challenge: 

 

 

Short Book Review: Star Wars: Master and Apprentice

Claudia Gray, Star Wars: Master and Apprentice. New York: Del Rey, 2019.  9780525619376.

 

Genre: science fiction

Subgenre: Star Wars (Disney owned)

Format: Hardback book

Source: Berea branch of Madison County (KY) Public Library

 

I honestly do not get the gushing reviews I have seen for this book because it just is not that interesting overall. I wanted to like this book because of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan and their relationship, which we see some of it in the film The Phantom Menace. However, the book just did not do it for me, and I found it a bit of a drag to read, especially the first half of the book. The book has some pluses and minuses. 

On the plus side is the look at the relationship between the two Jedi. Obi-Wan is 17 years old now, and he has been training with Qui-Gon for 4 years. Obi-Wan has his insecurities, as any teen may have, and he fears disappointing his master. Qui-Gon on the other hand fears he may not be a worthy teacher to his padawan. When he gets offered a seat on the Jedi Council, he initially decides not to tell Obi-Wan so as not to add to the boy's worries since it would mean Obi-Wan would be assigned a new master if Qui-Gon takes the new job. Obi-Wan manages to find out anyhow, which does add to his worries. Overall, the interactions between them are interesting. Along with this we get flashback segments of Qui-Gon when he was being trained by Count Dooku, before Dooku turned to the Dark Side, and those offer an interesting contrast between Qui-Gon as a padawan and Obi-Wan as a padawan. The novel also introduces the Jedi Rael Averross, another former student of Dooku. Averross is sort of a disgraced Jedi who lost his padawan due to him being reckless basically and not following procedures. Though the Council cleared him of wrongdoing, it was sort of more everyone knows Rael was wrong but no one wanted to deal with it, so they exiled him to Pijal, where he is serving as regent of the planet while their princess comes of age. In that time, Rael has become a bit more feral would be a good way to describe it. 

On the minus side, there is not too much action or anything happening in the first part of the book. In Pijal, a terrorist group threatens the situation as the planet is about to sign a deal to set up a hyperspace lane that can mean more economic opportunities. This is pushed of course by a corporation that is making sure they get a lot of concessions that are detrimental to the planet but great for them. Rael asks for help from the Jedi, requesting Qui-Gon, and thus the two end up on their mission. As I said, this part of the story is just not as interesting. The pace picks up once the second part of the book becomes a whodunnit as they need to figure out who really is behind the terrorists. 

In addition, like a few other Star Wars novels of late (and let's be honest, the newer trilogy also does a lot of recycling, but I digress), they are recycling ideas. You get the young queen/monarch figure not quite of age ruling a world. She is surrounded by advisors that she may or not trust. There is a commercial interest basically invading the planet, or at least doing their best to exploit it no matter what the cost to the local population. Said corporation also uses slave labor, something officially banned by the Republic, but this outside of Republic jurisdiction (supposedly, since after all, the Jedi are sent there). And there may or not be a hidden actor manipulating events. At this point you may be hearing echoes of The Phantom Menace. 

For fans of these characters, this may be a book of interest. For more casual Star Wars readers, I'd say this is an optional book. I did not find that terribly engaging, and I did not find the Pijal story that interesting to be honest. For me, what does it is the character studies of Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and what little we get of Count Dooku, who if he does not have one, should get a decent book for his character, something similar maybe to the novels Tarkin or Darth Plagueis. For me, it was OK. 

2 out of 5 stars. 

Book qualifies for these 2021 Reading Challenges: 

Booknote: Tales from Vader's Castle

Various authors, Tales from Vader's Castle (Star Wars Adventures). San Diego, CA: IDW, 2019.  ISBN: 978-1-68405-407-7.

 

Genre: graphic novels and comics

Subgenre: Star Wars, juvenile and young adult

Format: paperback

Source: Berea branch of the Madison County (KY) Public Library

 

When Lina Graf and her Rebels team crash land on Mustafar, they need to figure out how to get out of the planet. This means trying to find and/or steal a ship. The only place that may have a ship is Darth Vader's heavily guarded fortress nearby. In order to distract themselves a bit and lower tension, they tell spooky stories. Stories feature characters like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo and Chewbacca, and others. 

This volume is basically a collection of light and fun spooky stories for young adult/juvenile readers. The volume features five stories that blend spooky with a sense of humor. If Star Wars characters sat around a camp fire to tell tales, they'd tell tales like this. The book is a light and easy read. The art varies as it is drawn by various artists; some stories look better than others. Stories are light and entertaining. While you can read this any time of the year, it makes for good Halloween season reading. It does have a nice cuteness element coated in Star Wars that works. Overall, I liked it. 

3 out of 5 stars. 

Miscellaneous short booknotes

These are some short quick reviews of items I've read recently, but that may not need a regular review, or I just do not have the time to write a long review or feel like writing one. Anyhow, here we go.

Kia Asamiya, Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace- Manga. Volumes 1 and 2. Milwaukie, OR: Dark Horse Comics, 1999.

This is the two-volumes manga adaptation of the film. Dark Horse basically
takes the Japanese manga adaptation and translates it into English. Overall, the manga looks good, and it is pretty faithful to the film. It's an easy and fun read overall, and I really liked them.

4 out of 5 stars.

ISBN (Vol. 1): 1-56971-483-5.
ISBN (vol. 2): 1-56971-484-3.


Randel Plowman, curator. Masters: Collage: Major Works by Leading Artists.. New York: Lark Books, 2010. ISBN: 978-1-60059-108-2.

Another volume in the Masters series of art books from Lark Books. This one looks at 40 artists who create collages in a broad range of forms from retro art to abstract art. The curator/editor picked these forty artists from a list of 200 plus artists to present "the work of some of the most exceptional collage artists working today" (7). Overall, it is a nice book to look over. Quality in the art can vary; I liked some of the pieces better than others, but your mileage can vary.

3 out of 5 stars.


Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman, Are We Out of the Driveway Yet? Zits Sketchbook 11. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel, 2006. ISBN: 978-0-7407-6199-7.

The 11th sketchbook collection in the popular series where the authors catch teenage character and
angst oh so well. Maybe a bit too well because I'll be honest, if I was Jeremy's parent, I might have smacked him once or twice for his misbehavior. The authors also catch well what it is like to be parents of a teenager. Highlights in this volume include Jeremy learning to drive, online package tracking, and other hijinks. Overall, I really liked it for a light and entertaining read.

4 out of 5 stars.


Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman, Dance Like Everybody's Watching. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel, 2018. ISBN: 978-1-4494-9511-4.

This collection is an oversized volume. If features weekly strips in black and white and full color for the Sunday strips. Highlights here include Jeremy working at the grocery store missing the plantains (believe me, for Puerto Ricans and other Latinos, that is funny), Jeremy losing his cell phone (how can you tell time without it?), and looking over DNA results. Again, if you enjoy this series, you'll like this one. It is fun, light, and humorous reading. I really liked it.

4 out of 5 stars.


Jim Davis, Garfield Slurps and Burps: His 67th Book. New York: Ballantine Books, 2019. ISBN: 9781984817730.

The series keeps on going. Strips in this volume start on Christmas season, which felt timely for me
as I read it around Thanksgiving at the time. There is not much really new here. These comics are basically comfort reading; by now you know what you are getting. A highlight in this volume is Jon not knowing what to do with the telephone land line he forgot he had.  Made me wonder if there are people like that out there. In the end, I liked it. It's cute, amusing, and a quick read.

3 out of 5 stars.


Christine Heap, Big Book of Trains. East Rutherford, NJ: DK Publishing, 1998.  ISBN: 978-0-7894-3436-4.

An oversize book from the National Railway Museum in York, England. It is a big picture book for
children, and it is pretty good. The book features some good photographs of historical and modern trains. In addition, the book offers a good amount of information and trivia on these trains. It may be written in simple language for children, but I found myself learning quite a bit from it. The book even features some pull out pages. Though geared for children, I think that children of all ages who like trains will enjoy this book, I really liked it.

4 out of 5 stars.

Jim Davis, Garfield Chickens Out: his 61st Book. New York: Ballantine, 2016. 

I thought I had read this before, but it turns out it was new to me when I picked it up at the public library. Another nice comfort read. If you are a fan, you'll like it, but this is just good overall for anyone looking for nice and light humor. 3 out of 5 stars.



Charles M. Schulz, Snoopy: What's Wrong With Dog Lips? A Peanuts Collection. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel, 2017.

This is a Peanuts collection with a bit more focus on Snoopy. In this series, Snoopy fractures a foot, gets a visit from his brother Spike, and travels to Wimbledon but ends up in Kansas City. It's a nice collection, and it is also in full color. It does have one or two fairly dark strips such as Charlie Brown wanting to be black topped on his pitcher's mound (hints suicide). Of course, Lucy remains the bully she always is but that is toned down a bit here. Otherwise, most of the comics are amusing. I liked it overall, and it was a nice light read. 3 out of 5 stars.