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‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ – Graphic Novel Review

The first comic book adaptation of Star Wars began BEFORE any film hit the theaters. Star Wars #1, published by Marvel Comics, introduced readers to Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, C-3PO, R2D2, and Darth Vader. By the time the movie storyline wrapped up with issue #6, the film was a runaway hit. The book was notable in a number of different ways: In the days before home media, it was one of the only ways anyone interested in the story could relive it once the film left theaters. The comic also helped Marvel to keep itself afloat during a precarious time in comics. Without Star Wars, the publisher would have been in deep financial problems. Thus, it’s important to look at the newly released comic book adaptation of Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, published by IDW Publishing, for its importance in the scope of the series and the industry. In many ways, this book is just as unique and important as its 1977 ancestor.

IDW’s adaptation of Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker is notable for a few different reasons. First, although Star Wars content continues to be released, this is truly the end of the original saga. Although the movie was released over a year ago, this is the sole comic book version of the story. Marvel’s planned publication, which was to be written by Jody Houser and drawn by Will Sliney, has been cancelled. For anyone interested in completion of the series, the IDW comic is the only way to go.

The story, written by Alessando Ferrari, stays faithful to the movie as released. The art by Matteo Piana and Igor Chimisso is somewhat cartoony, as the book is intended for a younger audience, just like IDW’s Star Wars Adventures comics.

Is is good? If you were happy with the movie, then you’ll be pleased with the writing in this adaptation. If you are looking for more backstory than was provided in the film, you may be disappointed. As for the art, that’s a little trickier. It’s hard to think about cartoony imagery for such an important story (as opposed to an Al Williamson-type photorealistic style). That being said, the art is solid. It’s fun to look at, and it’s perfect for the kids that it’s meant for.

Should you go out and buy this? If you enjoyed the sequel trilogy or are a Star Wars comics completionist, then YES! It’s the only game in town. If you don’t have this, you don’t have a comic book version of Episode 9 period. It is a piece of Star Wars history. The end of an era. And, it’s extra special because Marvel isn’t doing it. How can you possibly pass this up?

Highly recommended for any fan of Star Wars comics

Creative Team: Alessando Ferrari, Matteo Piana and Igor Chimisso
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Click here to purchase.

Scott Larson, Fanbase Press Contributor

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