Bounty Hunters #9 returns a character whose last outing wrought a public furor, while in Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler's Run #2, Han and Chewbacca make their mark with a lot of help from new friends. In news, we discuss the likelihood of The High Republic #1 debuting atop January's top-selling list, publishing pauses and tease an upcoming interview. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Feb. 3 _ Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #1 _ Star Wars #11 _ The High Republic #2 _ Star Wars Adventure...
Jan 27, 2021•50 min
Anytime a Star Wars comic pairs Doctor Aphra and Sana Starros you know it's going to be laden with action, verbal sparring and some simmering tension. Doctor Aphra #7 is no exception, with new artist Minkyu Jung's illustrations, inked by Victor Olazaba and colored by Rachelle Rosenberg, providing some fluid and intense detail. Coupled with Joe Caramagna's lettering that bring Alyssa Wong's script to life, and it's a rollicking story with a helluva cliffhanger. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: ...
Jan 20, 2021•31 min
In the pages of Darth Vader #9, Ochi of Bestoon tries to curtail Vader's credibility, but can the droid pirates he's enlisted help him finish the job? It's an issue filled with fisticuffs and more Sequel Trilogy era artifacts and planets. In news, The High Republic #1 is going to a third printing and demand for IDW's Feb. 3 release of The High Republic Adventures #1 is gaining steam, with readers and collectors eying the issue. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Jan. 20 _ Doctor Aphra #7 Jan. 27...
Jan 13, 2021•24 min
The High Republic arrives with a well-crafted, well-paced debut issue that opens the door to a new era of Star Wars storytelling. In Star Wars #10, old friends from the Poe Dameron and Princess Leia comics, the Rebels TV show and the Original Trilogy (Hi, Wedge!) find themselves alone in space, without backup or friends in a tightly-paced issue that had so much story we had to check that it was only 22 pages or so. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Jan. 13 _ Darth Vader #9 Jan. 20 _ Doctor Aphr...
Jan 06, 2021•49 min
We thought it apt for our final episode of 2020 to end the year by looking forward to 2021 and the upcoming Star Wars event, The High Republic, in a wide ranging yet remarkably spoiler-free interview with artist Harvey Tolibao (https://twitter.com/harveytolibao/), who's illustrating IDW's The High Republic Adventures. Tolibao talks about how he was tapped to illustrate the IDW series, his excitement and how he's adapting to being involved in this next major step for Star Wars. We also delve into...
Dec 30, 2020•55 min
Marvel's Bounty Hunters steps into a new story arc that, despite all odds, manages to draw in characters from The Mandalorian and The Force Awakens while calling back to prior events in the Han Solo: Imperial Cadet mini-series. The story, by Ethan J. Sacks, Paolo Villanelli, Arif Prianto and Travis Lanham doesn't skip a beat in what's proven to be Marvel's most kinetic Star Wars comics title. From IDW comes Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler's Run #1, the first of a two-part mini-series that adapts ...
Dec 23, 2020•49 min
Darth Vader goes David Lynch in the striking and nebulous #8 as Anakin Skywalker confronts his past failures while trying to shore up his future existence. Adding to the uncertainty are the Sequel Trilogy-introduced characters Ochi of Bestoon as well as Webbish Bog, who's all about questions and not answers. In news, more cover reveals for January's Star Wars: The High Republic, as advance reorders underly what's expected to be robust demand for Marvel's debut issue. Upcoming Star Wars comics in...
Dec 16, 2020•42 min
With the release of Marvel's Star Wars (Vol. 3) #9, the series begins a new three-issue arc dubbed "Operation Starlight." The Charles Soule-written, Jan Bazaldua-illustrated, Rachelle Rosenberg-colored and Clayton Cowles-lettered issue sets the stage for a desperate gambit by the Rebellion to preserve what's left of their codes and, in the process, restore a long-dead language back to the galaxy. It's evocative of not just World War II's Navajo codetalkers, but also shows how desperate times cal...
Dec 09, 2020•41 min
There's no new Star Wars comics from Marvel or DC yet there's still plenty to discuss. We're joined this episode by Jedi Geek Girl, whose "I, Rebel" podcast (https://irebeldestiny.com/) is great listening. Our topic? It's Billy's Comics' "Bootleg Special #1," a fan-made comic in progress that focuses on bounty hunter Boba Fett's struggles with the Predators. Yes, you read that right. We saw the four-page preview that Bill's been working on and were immediately intrigued. We think you will be, to...
Dec 02, 2020•41 min
Sam Maggs makes her Star Wars comics debut with a Kylo Ren feature in Star Wars Adventures #2 that had no business being as good as it was, while we see the start of a new arc in Doctor Aphra #6, along with new artists Ray-Anthony Height and Robert Gill. In news, it's all about plans for The High Republic Adventures debut in February, along with the decision to hold back Doctor Aphra and Bounty Hunters that month, though both are set for a return in March. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Dec....
Nov 25, 2020•58 min
Two new Star Wars comics are out today and we're reveling in the bounteous bounty of ... bounty hunters! Star Wars Adventures Annual 2020, often delayed, proved to be worth the wait, with a pair of edgier, slightly more mature stories that felt right at home in the Star Wars comics from '77-'86 -- there is no higher compliment, by the way -- while Bounty Hunters #7 proves that Bielert Valance is a much more complex character than we ever thought he could be. Hear why, the latest news and more on...
Nov 18, 2020•56 min
A single book this week, yet it's a doozy, with Marvel's Darth Vader (Vol. 3) #7 melding more about Darth Vader's past and present with a future he wasn't around to see yet helped to influence widely. We've also got news about Marvel's High Republic, more John Tyler Christopher action-figure variants and more. Come visit us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/swsplashpagepod or Facebook at www.facebook.com/swsplashpagepod. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Nov. 18 _ Bounty Hunters #7 _ Star Wars Adve...
Nov 11, 2020•35 min
Three new Star Wars comics out this week, including the latest foray into horror with IDW's Shadows of Vader's Castle one-shot and the second and final part of the Zahra story in Star Wars #8. All we can say, in the briefest way possible is this: Immensely good storytelling abounds in both with stories that thread the timeline and feature not just callbacks to events of previous issues, but oh so much more. Give them a read before listening and you'll see what we mean. Come visit us on Twitter a...
Nov 04, 2020•1 hr 3 min
There was a time when you'd open up the latest issue of Mad magazine and find a wickedly written and cleverly illustrated parody of big-time Hollywood blockbusters, including eight of the nine Skywalker Saga films. Alas the magazine has become a reprint vehicle nowadays, the victim of downsizing and budget cuts. Lost amid this change? Mad's adaptation and satirical take on "The Rise of Skywalker," leaving completists bereft of one final story. But not for long. Tom Richmond and Desmond Devlin, b...
Oct 29, 2020•36 min
A conclusion to the first arc that brings to mind the satisfying endings of 1980s Marvel comics brings the fifth issue of Doctor Aphra to its finish, with artist Marika Cresta set to depart and Ray-Anthony Height coming in for #6. In news, we parse news that The High Republic series from Marvel is a six-issue mini-series, per the solicitations in PreviewsWorld, though others say that it, along with IDW's title, are ongoings. There's also news about September "sales" stats, new printings and more...
Oct 28, 2020•38 min
Bounty Hunters returns with a new arc to start issue #6 in a setting that reminds us a classic 1970's film but also brings back a pair of classic bounty hunters, Zuckuss and 4-LOM. And despite what we say in the show, this IS episode #203 not 202. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Oct. 27 _ Leia, Princess of Alderaan, Vol. 1, Manga (Hope Yen Press) Oct. 28 _ Doctor Aphra #5 _ From the Journals of Obi-Wan Kenobi TPB Nov. 4 _ Star Wars #8 _ Shadow of Vader’s Castle One-Shot _ Star Wars Adventures...
Oct 21, 2020•38 min
We're joined by writer and artist Nick Brokenshire to talk about his work on Star Wars Adventures, past, present and future, as well as his other projects. We also delve into his band, Blues Harvest, and learn that David Prowse digs their music and Julian Glover thought it was too loud. It's an engaging interview that's sure to surprise you. Check out Nick's body of work by way of his web site (https://nickbrokenshire.co.uk/) as well as issues of IDW's Star Wars Adventures comics, including Volu...
Oct 16, 2020•33 min
Just one issue this episode, but Darth Vader #6 is an exercise in the use of force and dominance to bend one's will -- or, in this case, to rebend it. The start of a new arc, it's a fast-paced page-turner of an issue, focusing on the lengths that Emperor Palpatine is willing to go to ensure Darth Vader is brought to heel. The issue also delivers the promised Sequel Trilogy content, too, a surprise that was offset by last week's January solicits. In news, we look to January's Star Wars comics, up...
Oct 14, 2020•33 min
A new start for Star Wars Adventures and a new arc in Marvel's flagship Star Wars as we officially mark 200 episodes of talking about Star Wars comics week in and week out. (Is anybody out there?) Our discussion about the relaunch of Star Wars Adventures is an abbreviated one, given we'll have a full review with the Young Padawans in an episode to come shortly, but we like what we see, with the Sequel Trilogy-era getting the red-carpet treatment in a story featuring Rey, Finn and Poe. We're also...
Oct 07, 2020•43 min
The Clone Wars -- Battle Tales comes to its conclusion after five issues and we're hoping that the series ends up becoming a semi-regular offering, much like IDW did with Vader's Castle. Doctor Aphra reaches the penultimate issue of its first arc with issue #4 in a story that was brimming with excitement and engaging themes, leaving us eager for #5 as we await the conclusion. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Oct. 7 _ Star Wars Adventures (Vol. 2) #1 _ Star Wars #7 _ Leia, Princess of Alderaan,...
Sep 30, 2020•58 min
Today's episode centers on Marvel's Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #5, an action-oriented romp sure to appeal to fans of Boba Fett as the first arc of the series comes to a conclusion, albeit, in our minds, one issue too soon. While not as controversial as the preceding issue, this one's likely to cause some consternation. Yet the story does come full circle as the antagonist turned protagonist Nakano Lash lays bare why she turned the initial outing by herself, Valance, Boba Fett, Bossk and T'ongor i...
Sep 23, 2020•42 min
This week's episode brings us a pair of weighty issues as we conclude the first of Star Wars (Vol. 3) and Darth Vader (Vol. 3) with a pair of issues (#6 and #5, respectively) that meld both the traditional lore of the Star Wars Saga with callouts to 2021's The High Republic era as well and even the 2017 film, The Last Jedi. Each issue takes the fundamental basis of loss, regret and resentment and folds it into something bigger and wide, but without losing sight of the characters' development pro...
Sep 16, 2020•52 min
Chalk it up to the old chestnut of "Comics everybody!" We had hoped to be discussing the Star Wars Adventures Annual 2020 on this episode, given it was due out Sept. 9, but the release date has been pushed back. Instead we do a little housekeeping, put each other down and more. Upcoming Star Wars Comics include: Sept. 16: _ Darth Vader #5 _ Star Wars #6 _ Jedi: Fallen Order — Dark Temple TPB _ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: Empire, Vol. 6 TPB _ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 10: Driving Force TP...
Sep 09, 2020•11 min
No new Star Wars comics this week BUT we do have Chris and Dan from Broaxium joining us in an encore presentation of our Aug. 29 joint panel at ForceFest 2020: "How Star Wars Comics Build Upon, Maintain and Project Canon and Continuity." As for news, is there a glimmer of the still missing-in-action The Rise of Skywalker five-issue adaptation? Listen and find out. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Sept. 16: _ Darth Vader #5 _ Star Wars #6 _ Jedi: Fallen Order — Dark Temple TPB _ Star Wars Legen...
Sep 02, 2020•1 hr 8 min
It's a double-dose of storytelling as we parse the pages of Doctor Aphra #3 from Marvel and Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars -- Battles Tales #4 from IDW. The former drew us in with its creepy vibe and sudden twists and turns, while the latter offered readers a deeper dive into the notion of free will, independent choice and what it means to be part of a profound bond. In news, join us Saturday as part of the Aug. 28-30 ForceFest virtual convention. We, along with Chris and Dan from Broaxium...
Aug 26, 2020•59 min
Star Wars channels a Shakespeare-inspired story twist in the pages of Bounty Hunters #4 as Nakano Lash reveals why she came out of hiding, despite the enormous bounty on her head. For Valance, it's a chance to gain a deeper understanding of his mentor, though for others, it's an opportunity to score not just a major financial windfall, but galaxy-wide clout, too. In news, we, along with Broaxium, are hosting a panel at this month's ForceFest. Be sure to check out the organization's page (https:/...
Aug 19, 2020•35 min
Spoilers abound in this episode as we parse each page of Darth Vader #4 and try to glean how much of Anakin is left within Darth Vader and whether Padmé's grip on him can ever be relinquished. We also touch on John Tyler Christopher's new collection of his action-figure cover variants (and his plans for more), as well as touch on the news about new printings of Bounty Hunters #1 and Darth Vader #3 and some scheduling changes for IDW's Star Wars Adventures comics. Upcoming Star Wars comics, inclu...
Aug 12, 2020•37 min
The Young Padawans convene to peel back the underlying messages found in the pages of IDW's Star Wars Adventures #30, with the main story featuring Kylo Ren and Gen. Hux striving to find common ground and, perhaps, build a modicum of trust. In the second story, we begin the first of a three parter that's focused on Emil Graf and the search for hidden knowledge. Join Emily, Micah, Amy and Matt as they steadily advance to through the final issues of the first volume of this all-ages Star Wars comi...
Aug 09, 2020•33 min
We take a step back from our usual retinue of comic book-based discussion to examine the Randon House Audio original Doctor Aphra: An Audiobook Original, with Eric Lasko joining Matt to discuss the expansive scope that the Sarah Kuhn-written story encompasses and how it adds layer after layer to Chelli Aphra in ways that we're excited to see play out down the road.
Aug 07, 2020•49 min
Two new issues of Star Wars comics to delve into this episode, as Luke's destiny path resumes in the pages of Star Wars #5 while in Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars -- Battle Tales #3, readers are treated to an example of when personal loyalty and devotion overrides political duty and governmental obligation. In news, we cheer GLAAD's selection of Doctor Aphra as its outstanding comic of the year, note an interview (https://bit.ly/31yh2v9) with Charles Soule about the enduring appeal of Ben ...
Aug 05, 2020•55 min
