We examine the penultimate issue in The Rise of Kylo Ren mini-series -- written by Charles Soule, illustrated by Will Sliney, colored by GURU-eFX and lettered by Travis J. Lanham -- as Ben Solo takes his first significant steps toward the Dark Side and into the sinister embrace of the Knights of Ren. It's a profoundly unsettling issue, but in all the right ways, as Soule and Sliney craft a compelling narrative of a young man enveloped by turmoil, regret, doubt, fear and determination. In news, w...
Feb 12, 2020•43 min
The third volume of Darth Vader debuts with an immense sense of longing and futility as readers see the Dark Lord of the Sith blaze a new trail of revenge that's lined with stinging regret culminating in an ending that left us open mouthed and gaping. If you're a fan of the Prequel Trilogy, then this story arc is likely up your alley; even more so if you read E.K. Johnston's "Queen's Shadow." New Star Wars comics out Feb. 12 include: _ The Rise of Kylo Ren #3 _ The Rise of Kylo Ren #2 (2nd Print...
Feb 05, 2020•56 min
After two weeks of no new Star Wars comics, we tackle Star Wars (Vol. 3) #2 and examine how the creative team is adding even more detail and context to Original Trilogy characters Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca, but even more so for Lando Calrissian. There are spoilers aplenty in this episode for the latest issue, so if you haven't read it yet, wait to listen. There's a lot to unpack as well as a nod to events yet to come that may have a particular resonance for the Sequel Trilogy. ...
Jan 29, 2020•53 min
Another week with no new comics but that's no barrier for us because we've got plenty to talk about, including the somewhat startlingly unexpected sales figures for December's Star Wars comics, not to mention our pie-in-the-sky wish list for Star Wars comics from Marvel and IDW in 2020. New Star Wars comics out Jan. 29, include: _ Star Wars (Vol. 3) #2 _ The Rise of Kylo Ren #1 (2nd Printing) _ Star Wars Adventures #30 _ The Star Wars Adventures Omnibus, collecting issues #0-8, 10, 11, the 2018 ...
Jan 22, 2020•29 min
There aren't any comics scheduled this week so Jeff and Matt talk comics as they relate to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and the just-concluded first season of The Mandalorian. More importantly, we've got a great interview with John Stratman, whose 16-bit recreation of the Vader Down story is a visionary achievement. New Star Wars comics out Jan. 22, including: _ The 154-page Star Wars Legends "Crimson Forever" trade collecting Star Wars (Vol. 1) issues #16, #27, #29, #50 and last year's #108...
Jan 15, 2020•53 min
*** SPOILERS ABOUND for The Rise of Kylo Ren #2 in this podcast *** Charles Soule, Will Sliney, GURU-eFX and Travis Lanham proffer a compelling, if not disturbing, examination of how Snoke pried his way into Ben Solo's life and mind, forever altering the course of the Skywalker Saga. Issue #2 is no sophomore slump for the creative team, building off the shocking events of the first issue in the four-issue mini-series and setting the stage for revelations that may be even more shocking than imagi...
Jan 09, 2020•37 min
The new year starts off right with a rapacious and satisfying Star Wars #1, swinging Marvel's Star Wars comics to just after the events seen in The Empire Strikes Back and setting the stage for a wide range of stories and more lore. We're also looking back at the IDW Publishing Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader's Castle mini series from October, discussing the concept and execution of its five issues with writer Cavan Scott. Similarly, this podcast begins its own new phase, becoming Star War...
Jan 02, 2020•1 hr 11 min
In the final episode of Comics With Kenobi, we're concluding the first phase of our Star Wars comics podcast with a look back at the series that ended in November and December, and how they're set up for the second phase, thanks to the four stories in the Star Wars: Empire Ascendant #1 one shot. Then it's on to the first issue of the four-issue The Rise of Kylo Ren, which at long last delves into how Ben Solo began his transformation into Kylo Ren. Neither issue disappoints, serving as more than...
Dec 24, 2019•57 min
The end is nigh for Chelli Aphra (well, for now, given she'll return in April in a new series), yet the creators behind Doctor Aphra #40 crafted a thought-provoking conclusion that favored rich storytelling in lieu of maudlin sentimentalism. In the final issue of Target Vader, more secrets were revealed about Beilert Valance, secrets and events that take on a new resonance now with news that the character will headline a new ongoing Star Wars comics series -- Bounty Hunters -- starting in March....
Dec 17, 2019•1 hr 4 min
Just a single issue for this week's episode yet Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order -- Dark Temple #5 drew decidedly different reactions from co-hosts Jeff McGee and Matt Moore. Why is that? Listen and learn why. In news, we take a quick look at the stupendous November for Star Wars graphic novel "sales," while examining how just three Star Wars comics made the top 100 list. (For a complete ranking of November "sales" for all Star Wars comics and graphic novels, check out our Facebook page and Twitter ...
Dec 10, 2019•49 min
Love is a many splendored, if not completely complicated morass, thing and Doctor Aphra #39, the series' penultimate issue, tackles it with the ferocity of a mudhorn. From feelings of resentment and revenge to an absolute supernova-style kiss to the warm afterglow of love's embrace, this issue was striking in its presentation, building to what is going to be an amazing conclusion. New Star Wars comics out Dec. 4 include: _ Jedi Fallen Order -- Dark Temple #5 (final issue) _ Star Wars Saga #1 (on...
Dec 03, 2019•31 min
This is the end. No, really. OK, not really. It's still the end though, at least for Star Wars Vol. 2 as 75 issues of Marvel's tales set between a New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back concludes after 75 issues, not to mention four annuals, a few crossovers and more. We're talking about the conclusion of the latest arc, what lies ahead and hearing from listeners of the show, too, sharing their high points of Marvel's flagship Star Wars comics series. We're eagerly awaiting Dec. 18's Star Wars -- ...
Nov 26, 2019•47 min
Ink acting, as coined by Jeff McGee, is the art of vividly illustrating a crush realization that what you knew was a lie. Phil Noto perfects this process in the pages of the rollicking and freewheeling Star Wars #74 that sees Greg Pak give new voice to the dedication and sacrifice of C-3PO setting readers up, if even by coincidence, for The Rise of Skywalker in December. In Jedi Fallen Order -- Dark Temple #4, Matthew Rosenberg gets Cere inside the mysterious temple but at what cost to the Jedi ...
Nov 19, 2019•1 hr 6 min
With Doctor Aphra careening toward it's end in December, we discuss #38 and realize that Simon Spurrier, Caspar Wijngaard, Lee Loughridge and Joe Caramagna are holding nothing back, ensuring that the first volume of the series is going to end in a dynamic manner. As for news, Star Wars -- Allegiance returns Star Wars comics to the top 30 and IDW's Return to Vader's Castle does a solidly brisk business, too. Star Wars comics out this week, Nov. 13, including: _ Target Vader #5 _ Star Wars #74 _ J...
Nov 12, 2019•34 min
It's an origin story enveloped within a love story that's cradled in a revenge story. Such is Doctor Aphra Annual #3, a gem of a book that gives a bit more detail about Nokk, Winloss and Aphra's newfound ... respectability? We're also bidding farewell to the weekly series Star Wars -- Allegiance and Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader's Castle, as both conclude their ... dare we say it? ... epic runs. The former formed a solid foundation of backstory ahead of December's release of The Rise of ...
Nov 05, 2019•1 hr 7 min
Rey out-Lukes Luke in terms of impatience. Jabba has the last laugh. Leia comes clean. Last week's Star Wars comics -- Star Wars #73, Star Wars Adventures -- Return to Vader's Castle #4 and Star Wars -- Allegiance #3 -- provided readers with decidedly different stories with overarching characters whose influence runs deep. We break down what worked, what didn't and why each issue was worth the time and money. As for news, Doctor Aphra is going to return with Alyssa Wong and Marika Cresta launchi...
Oct 29, 2019•55 min
Plenty of camp and chills and thrills and spills and lots of water in this episode, thanks to Marvel's Star Wars: Journey to the Rise of Skywalker: Star Wars -- Allegiance #2 and IDW Publishing's Star Wars Adventures -- Return to Vader's Castle #3. In Allegiance, we find that while old ties are to be cherished, they're not necessarily steadfast, and in Vader's Castle, Asajj Ventress finds out firsthand how invasive predators can wreck a world. There's also news and more views, too. New Star Wars...
Oct 22, 2019•51 min
The schedules aligned, the clouds parted and the ... well, you get the idea. After a far too long gap, the Young Padawans -- Emily and Micah -- and Amy and Matt gathered to dive deep into the stories presented in IDW Publishing's Star Wars Adventures #22, 23 and 24. The themes of each of the six stories were varied, yet all the Padawans found much to focus and learn from. We're hoping you do, too. The next issue of Star Wars Adventures, #26, is set for release Oct. 23...
Oct 17, 2019•1 hr 12 min
It's a return to the days of Comics With Kenobi yore with FOUR, yes four Star Wars comics to dive into for this episode. Still, it's not a bad job, if you can get it, right? And seeing as how those issues include the launch of Journey to the Rise of Skywalker: Star Wars Allegiance #1, Target Vader #4, Jedi Fallen Order: Dark Temple #3 and Return to Vader's Castle #2, well it's an enjoyable task, and one we're only happy to do. As for news, we give a hearty and hale thanks to listener Edmond Zipp...
Oct 15, 2019•1 hr 33 min
October's Star Wars comics started off strong with creepy suspense in the Return to Vader's Castle #1, the first of five weekly issues from IDW Publishing, while in Marvel's Star Wars #72, Luke Skywalker went full farm-boy rube, losing his lightsaber in the process. In Doctor Aphra #37, Chelli finds herself bound to Darth Vader as the new, and likely last, arc takes flight with new artist Caspar Wijngaard and the march toward The Empire Strikes Back increases its steady pace. As for news, we're ...
Oct 08, 2019•1 hr
The Age of Star Wars maxi series concludes with a stirring, if not brutal, conclusion as Kylo Ren proves he's better than Darth Vader, while Beilert Vance has Ben's grandaddy in his crosshairs in Target Vader #3. Jedi Fallen Order -- Dark Temple #2 sees an intriguing and decidedly nefarious plot get under way, with Cere Junda stepping up to take on the mantle of hero. Suffice it to say, Star Wars comics were quite edgy and actionable and we've got some opinions -- strong ones, too -- about what ...
Oct 01, 2019•1 hr 2 min
Chewbacca got his hug, Rey carried a new burden, Leia was stalwart, Rose and Paige found their purpose and Aphra found her secret weapon. The stories that unfolded in Age of Resistance -- Rey #1, Doctor Aphra #36 and Age of Resistance -- Rose Tico #1 were brimming with character development -- some multiple issues in the offing and others just waiting to be told -- that heralded next-level steps in Star Wars comics storytelling. As for news, we break down December's solicits and what the effecti...
Sep 24, 2019•1 hr 4 min
We got some answers, yet more questions, as readers learned about the tenuous and relationship between Snoke and Kylo Ren in the pages of Age of Resistance -- Supreme Leader Snoke #1. As for other Star Wars comics, we weigh in on what the two new series that are expected to start in December may encompass as we parse the August sales states that saw just one title in the top 50. This week’s Star Wars comics out Sept. 18 include: _ Doctor Aphra #36 _ Star Wars: Age of Resistance -- Rey #1 _ Star ...
Sep 17, 2019•30 min
Matthew Rosenberg provides readers with a steady stream of dialogue in the first of the five-issue Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order -- Dark Temple that pairs perfectly with Paolo Villanelli's art, Arif Prianto's colors and Joe Sabino's letters, yet we're wondering if it was too much for some readers to encompass. Regardless, the series is off to an intriguing start, sporting some nods to Star Wars literary efforts of late, as well as some, to our mind, of those in the past. In Star Wars #71, the "Re...
Sep 10, 2019•1 hr 2 min
Tom Taylor knows his audience, no one can dispute that, which is why his work on Age of Resistance -- General Hux struck a chord with fans of Kylo Ren and Brendol's prodigal son, Armitage. Then, in Age of Resistance -- Poe Dameron, he crafted a great story that tied into The Last Jedi in a near-seamless manner. As for Galaxy's Edge, the mini series that was ostensibly a tie-in to the Disney park, Ethan J. Sacks and Will Sliney took what could have been nothing more than an infomercial into a tru...
Sep 03, 2019•58 min
Doctor Aphra plays both sides in her bid for freedom in Doctor Aphra #35, pitting not just the Empire against the Rebellion but also the Empire against ... the Empire? In issue #5, the concluding issue of the TIE Fighter mini series, there's plenty of devastation to go around as readers are treated to an intense dogfight in space that proves all victory is fleeting when wider events are in play. There's also details about November's Star Wars comics from Marvel as well as a brief recap on the mo...
Aug 27, 2019•46 min
Marvel's November solicits for Star Wars comics stated, matter of factly, that issue #75 is "The Final Issue" for the flagship monthly series that debuted in 2015 and has been a consistently solid seller. While the publisher offered no explanation, it did tell us to "... stay tuned for more info to come next month!" This, seemingly, means a relaunch is likely but, as to whether it will focus on The Empire Strikes Back era, Sequel Trilogy or something else is, for now, a tightly held secret. Stil...
Aug 23, 2019•11 min
Ever wonder about the energy and vibe of Marvel’s 1977-86 run of Star Wars comics? Read Star Wars: Target Vader #2 and you’ll experience it without having to fork over wads of cash for the original back issues or the collected editions. We’re also tackling what we think is an amazing set of stories about Breha, Leia and Padme, as well as Jaxxon and Lando Calrissian in Star Wars Adventures Annual 2019, with Young Padawans co-host Amy Wishman Nalan joining Jeff and Matt to talk about the stellar s...
Aug 20, 2019•53 min
New character Warba Calip throws Luke Skywalker for a loop -- is she down with the ways of the Jedi or just a grifter looking for an easy fall guy? -- while Dar Champion, despite the rampant corruption on his planet, has a thought or two about Leia and Han's plans to rain the Empire's rage on his home. That's the gist of Star Wars #70, our lone Star Wars comic title that's discussed in depth on this week's episode, but it's not the only thing, either. We examine the July "sales" results for Star...
Aug 13, 2019•29 min
Readers were treated to three stories featuring three Sequel Trilogy-era characters -- Maz Kanata, Amilyn Holdo and BB-8 -- in the pages of Star Wars: Age of Resistance Special #1 that helped solidify our desire for a Kanata-driven Star Wars comics series. Doctor Aphra made her first -- and maybe not the last -- appearance on Batuu in the pages of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge #4, helping the mini series cement its status as a stand-alone story that doesn't even need the park that shares its name as ...
Aug 06, 2019•56 min
