The first phase of The High Republic comes to a close in the page of The High Republic #15 and Eye of the Storm #2 (of 2), but is it the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? In Star Wars #21, Shara Bey returns to the fore a full 10 issues after she found herself trapped aboard the Tarkin's Will and working to feed new intel to the Rebel Alliance. What's she been doing? Where has she been hiding and why has no one noticed her creeping in the shadows Comics out today and broken down o...
Mar 02, 2022•1 hr 18 min
Endings and new beginnings poulate the final issue of IDW's Star Wars -- The High Republic Adventures #13 as Lula and Zeen take a big step together, yet separately, while a pair of padawans are elevated to knighthood. It's a sweet, but not cloying, conclusion to the series' run and IDW's stewardship of all-ages Star Wars comics. Comics out today and broken down on this week's episode: _ The High Republic Adventures #13 Star Wars Comics on Marvel Unlimited This Week: _ Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) #16 T...
Feb 23, 2022•38 min
Our shortest episode this year, given the lack of new comics out today. Still, there's news of omnibus collections and more. Comics out today, and broken down on this week's episode: _ Not a single one. Star Wars Comics on Marvel Unlimited This Week: _ The High Republic #11 The news? _ The War of the Bounty Hunters omnibus is coming in November _ Author Claudia Gray is writing a Star Wars -- The High Republic comic for Dark Horse _ We're expecting Marvel's May solicitations to drop this week Upc...
Feb 16, 2022•9 min
Rey uses the fine art of flattery, and a bit of moxie, to counter a fierce bounty hunter while Deva Lompop uses her unusual abilities to aid a young girl being bulled in the final issue of IDW's Star War Adventures (Vol. 2) #14. In Trail of Shadows #5, the end to the mini-series, Qort and Buckets of Blood are ready to lay down their lives while Sian and Emerick FINALLY solve a key mystery that's enveloped the entirety of The High Republic. In Darth Vader #20, Sabe is back, driven and determined ...
Feb 09, 2022•1 hr 8 min
Once Keeve Trennis was the learner, but in The High Republic #14 we find she's the master, even if she doesn't realize it. The Halcyon Legacy sets sail as the first of the five-issue mini-series launches. In Crimson Reign #2, readers learn more about Qi'ra and her philosophy. Comics out today, and broken down on this week's episode include: _ Halcyon Legacy #1 _ The High Republic #14 _ Crimson Reign #2 (of 5) The news? _ Speculators are pushing up the price for next week's Darth Vader (Vol. 3) #...
Feb 02, 2022•1 hr 8 min
In this episode, we sat down with journalist and comics writer Ethan Sacks to talk about his stories for Marvel's Star Wars comics, including the debut of this week's Halcyon Legacy mini-series, not to mention his stories from the Mace Windu tale in Age of Republic Special, Allegiance, Galaxy's Edge and, of course, the monthly Bounty Hunters. A journalist whose career included a lengthy stint at the New York Daily News, along with writing for NBC News now, he tells us how he got into writing com...
Feb 01, 2022•59 min
Who's lightsaber is that and why is that person carrying it? That's revealed in the pages of The High Republic -- Trail of Shadows #4 (of 5), an issue that also reminds readers that size matters not when it comes to heroism and villainy. Comics out today, and broken down on this week's episode include: _ The High Republic -- Trail of Shadows #4 (of 5) The news? The creative team behind Doctor Aphra gets a nomination for outstanding comic series in the 33rd annual GLAAD awards. Upcoming Star Wars...
Jan 26, 2022•29 min
The Dark Side looms in The High Republic; relationship problems arise in Doctor Aphra; and just who, exactly would win in the Galactic Bake-Off? Comics out today, and broken down on this week's episode include: _ The High Republic #13 _ Doctor Aphra #18 _ The High Republic Adventures Galactic Bake-Off Spectacular The news? We're expecting April's solicits from Marvel this week. Upcoming Star Wars comics: Jan. 25 | Ghosts of Vader’s Castle TPB (Collects #1-5) Jan. 26 | Trail of Shadows #4 (of 5) ...
Jan 19, 2022•49 min
With four issues out today, it's a longer-than-normal podcast, but the extra time is well spent, given the foundations laid in the pages of The High Republic -- Eye of the Storm #1 (of 2) that details how Marchion Ro became who he is and, along with him, the Nihil. In Bounty Hunters #20, it seems that Gands not only have a divine sense of awareness, but hearts that are easy to break. It's a well-crafted story that sees Zuckuss pining for his dearest friend, 4-LOM. Will he find him and can he sub...
Jan 12, 2022•1 hr 3 min
A solo issue this week, but Doctor Aphra #17 goes a long way in building up the mystery of the Ascendant as well as the mysterious allure of Crimson Reign's Archivist character. A new antagonist promises uncertainty and fear as Aphra and Sana strive to find some very expensive -- and very dangerous -- artifacts. In news, we discuss plans for The High Republic's second phase, including details about comics plans for Marvel and Dark Horse. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Jan. 5 | Doctor Aphra #...
Jan 05, 2022•27 min
Valance Beilert is razor-focused, not so much on serving Lord Vader, but keep Cadeliah safe while T'Onga and Losha's band of bounty hunters -- Zuckuss, Tasu Leech and Bossk -- are striving to make sense of a criminal underworld upended by the return of Crimson Dawn in a taught and action-intense Bounty Hunters #19. In Star Wars Adventures #13, the IDW series' penultimate issue, Rey, Finn, Chewbacca and BB-8 ferry a Resistance asset who's being pursued by a pernicious bounty hunter in the employ ...
Dec 29, 2021•46 min
This week's Star Wars comics are varied in tone and story yet encapsulate pretty much everything we enjoy about the medium. In The High Republic -- Trail of Shadows #3 (of 5), the mystery of what's killing the Jedi deepens as the need to find what IT is and counter it takes on an urgent priority. In Darth Vader #19, flashbacks abound as Vader takes Valance, Ochi and a band of freedom fighters and assassins in the hunt for Crimson Dawn infiltrators in the Empire. In news, there's March solicits, ...
Dec 22, 2021•58 min
This week's Star Wars comics are High Republic from start to finish and top to bottom. In Marvel's The High Republic #12, the darkness is spreading and it's not just from the Nihil, while in The High Republic Adventures Annual 2021, readers are treated to five stories by the five authors -- Cavan Scott, Jill Ireland, Claudia Gray, Daniel Jose Older and Charles Soule -- that have helped create this era of Star Wars. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Dec. 21 | Darth Vader (Vol. 2) Omnibus (Collec...
Dec 15, 2021•44 min
Crimson Dawn begins its gambit in a bid to not throw the galaxy into criminal chaos, but to deliver it from the clutches of Palpatine and Darth Vader as the five-issue Crimson Reign mini-series launches after a lengthy delay. In Star Wars (Vol. 3) #19, the emphasis switches to Luke Skywalker's vison quest as he rambles through the galaxy, searching high and low for any Jedi links that can help him advance his training. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Dec. 14 | Attack of the Clones Graphic Nov...
Dec 08, 2021•56 min
Cue up an Ennio Morricone soundtrack for today's Star Wars comics, with Darth Vader #18 and Bounty Hunters #18 emanating a decidedly spaghetti western vibe (in all the right ways), while The High Republic Adventures #11 features a palate cleanser of a story that, along with Nihil-focused side narrative, sets the stage for events in that saga's next phase. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Dec. 7 | The High Republic, Vol. 2, “The Heart of Drengir” TPB (Collects #6-10), War of the Bounty Hunters ...
Dec 01, 2021•56 min
It's a cornucopia of comics for Star Wars fans this week, with the releases of the Life Day one-shot and The High Republic -- Trail of Shadows #2 (of 5) from Marvel, while IDW releases Star Wars Adventures #12 and Star Wars Adventures Annual 2021. From the noir murder mystery in Trail of Shadows to the return of hoojibs to canon, there's an array of stories, including four in one in Life Day and a clever and cute Cloud City tale that evoked memories of the Goonies and the Kids on Bikes roleplayi...
Nov 24, 2021•1 hr 3 min
A concise yet informative episode about the decision to shift all-ages Star Wars comics publishing to Dark Horse Comics, which took over Star Wars comics after Marvel's 1977-86 run ended, and published them from 1991-2014 before the license was transferred back to Marvel. Dark Horse will start publishing later in 2022, with it's primary emphasis being on THe High Republic era. It plans to incorporate other stories, specials and one-shots from up and down the Saga timeline, much like IDW has done...
Nov 18, 2021•3 min
With the seeds from War of the Bounty Hunters planted, Doctor Aphra #16 sets course for some intense intrigue and drama, along with the return of a character that could upend everything for Chelli and Sana Starros. The Monster of Temple Peak concludes with #4, with an ending that came up short, we believe, yet with the mini-series done, we can sit back and reread it from start to finish, the way it was intended. The High Republic Adventures #10 brought not just a sense of earnestness and frankne...
Nov 17, 2021•51 min
A rare week with only one issue, yet The High Republic #11 brings us body horror, mystery and the Jedi at odds with a force they don't understand and, dare we say it, afraid of? Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Nov. 16 | The High Republic Adventures (Vol. 1) TPB (Collects #1-5), Star Wars Episodes IV-IX Adaptation Box Set (IDW) Nov. 17 | Doctor Aphra #16,, The High Republic Adventures #10, The Monster of Temple Peak #4 (of 4) Nov. 23 | War of the Bounty Hunters TPB (Collects Alpha #1, War of t...
Nov 10, 2021•24 min
Finally. After the buildup of the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event, Leia and Qi'ra meet face to face in Star Wars #18 over their shared love of Han Solo. It's an intriguing story that goes far in setting up the Crimson Reign mini-series, as well as the next arcs of Star Wars, Darth Vader, Bounty Hunters and Doctor Aphra, too. Bounty Hunters #17 delivers a deft punch to the gut as readers see Valance unleashed with a final page that had us agog. In news, we talk about the publishing dela...
Nov 03, 2021•47 min
A trio of Star Wars comics today, spanning from The High Republic into the Age of Rebellion and setting up the reign of Crimson Dawn, too. Darth Vader features revenge and betrayal while in the IG-88 one-shot, writer Rodney Barnes has scripted the perfect paen to perfection rendered irrelevant, for now. Cavan Scott and Rachael Stott continue their tail of deception and realization in the pages of The Temple of Monster Peak #3 (of 4). In news, we talk about the fluctuating publishing schedule and...
Oct 27, 2021•49 min
A stitched-together episode -- one that was almost lost to a temperamental computer and timing issues. Jeff and Matt examine the latest tale of Marvel's The High Republic #10, a quick-paced story that sees nods to characters and events from the era's books, while the Ghosts of Vader's Castle mini-series wraps up -- perhaps for good -- with issue #5 that sees an unlikely spectral savior. Star Wars Adventures #11 brings the first part of a two-part Rogue Squadron tale that had Matt far too excited...
Oct 20, 2021•47 min
War of the Bounty Hunters comes to its end and sets the stage for Crimson Reign and, further into 2022, The Hidden Empire, as Qi'ra lays out the chess board pieces and prepares for the long game. Daniel José Older and David Wachter strike the right tone in the first issue of The High Republic -- Trail of Shadows #1 as the crime noir-inspired mystery tale reveals even more questions than answers. In Ghosts of Vader's Castle #4 (of 5), Lina, Thom and more face down their starkest nightmares while ...
Oct 13, 2021•1 hr 28 min
Qort's backstory comes into focus in the pages of The High Republic Adventures #9, which concludes with a stirring cliffhanger, while in Ghosts of Vader's Castle #3, Thom Hudd recounts a tale featuring Luke Skywalker and why you should never go exploring a swamp. In news, we break down the August sales rankings, IDW's new online exclusive covers program and more. Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Oct. 13 | Star Wars #18, Doctor Aphra #15, Trail of Shadows #1 (of 5), War of the Bounty Hunters #5...
Oct 06, 2021•52 min
This week it's Jeff flying solo while Matt tends to Matt-type MATTers (See what we did there?). First up is Star Wars Adventures in which we get the thrilling conclusion of the saga of the ancient vengeful spirits....or are they? Following that is a backup involving bratty kids, oversized Jawas, a mysterious amulet, and Jeff's favorite: SPIDERS. Following that, Jeff takes a look at issue 2 of Ghosts of Vader's Castle and we find out just what happens when a 6-foot rabbit and a 7 1/2 foot Wookie ...
Sep 29, 2021•39 min
We're returning to Vader's castle on Mustafar for the fourth outing of IDW's spooky Star Wars stories, thanks to Cavan Scott, Francesco Francavilla, Megan Levens, Charlie Kirchoff and Shawn Lee, in a story that brings Milo and Lina Graf, along with Padme and Anakin. It's a genuinely creepy tale that combines The Thing with Dawn of the Dead and, frankly, we want more, more, more! (Thank goodness it's a weekly five-issue mini-series!) In Bounty Hunters #16, we see Valance and Dengar's efforts to d...
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 3 min
The backstory behind Boushh takes center stage in the pages of War of the Bounty Hunters -- Boushh #1, a one-shot tie-in to the crossover event that lays the foundation for a potential mini-series or, at the very least, more stories to come in the upcoming Crimson Reign five-issue mini. It's a deftly written, lushly illustrated story about Boushh and four more Ubese, as well as a deeper dive into Domina Tagge, too, a character whose manipulations have been threading through the second volume of ...
Sep 15, 2021•54 min
Mace Windu takes on the specter of mysticism during a Prequel-Trilogy era story in Star Wars Adventures #9 that features a backup story starring Han Solo and Chewbacca who find the game isn't as easy to play as they thought. In Doctor Aphra #14, Chelli and Sana Starros team up with Just Lucky and Ariole in an alliance of convenience as they strive to make their way up -- and out -- of the Vermillion without attracting the attention of Qi'ra, Crimson Dawn and Crae. War of the Bounty Hunters #4 is...
Sep 08, 2021•1 hr 3 min
A pair of stories from The High Republic era mark today's episodes as new story arcs in the Marvel and IDW series -- The High Republic #9 and The High Republic Adventures #8 -- take root, providing readers with an unsettling look at Krix's descent into oblivion and Keeve Trennis' increasing frustration with the Jedi Council. In news, we parse the July sales figures and what it augurs for Star Wars comics as a whole, while adding more detail on upcoming second printings due later this month. Upco...
Sep 01, 2021•58 min
Another test for Ochi of Bestoon in Darth Vader #15 while Doctor Aphra tries to escape from her past with little regard for Sana Starros' present or future in Doctor Aphra #13. There's also news about Crimson Reign, the second mini-series in Charles Soule's trilogy, and a breakdown of July's Star Wars comics rankings, Upcoming Star Wars comics include: Sept. 1 | The High Republic Adventures #8, The High Republic #9 Sept. 8 | The High Republic: Edge of Balance (Manga), War of the Bounty Hunters #...
Aug 25, 2021•39 min
