Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories - Tides of Terror #3 (DARK HORSE COMICS)

Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the 3rd issue of the Tides of Terror story in the Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories series from Dark Horse Comics!

Things are not looking good on the Axil Research Station! An underwater research facility, it's been under constant threat since the story started and it's been sinking ever deeper into the depths on the planet Tordus. So will our heroes be able to save it? Let's jump into it!

Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories - Tides of Terror #3 by George Mann (Writer), Luis Morocho (Pencils), Ramon Lopez Cabrera (Ink), Michael Atiyeh (Colors) is an action packed adventure from start to finish!

The Story

George Mann keeps the action up in this issue with a great story that left me on the edge of my seat right up to the very end. Kit Fisto & Nahdar are still on board the research station and trying to save as much as they can & escape safely.

Between the action & the mystery surrounding who (or what) is causing so many issues on the station, this issue really had a feel of a middle episode of an arc from season 3 or 4 of The Clone Wars when it was on TV. And the way the issue ends? Just a classic cliff hanger ending that makes me wish I had the next issue now!

The Artwork

Luis Morocho, Roman Lopez Cabrera & Michael Atiyeh are truly a team that might be one of the best art teams in all of comics right now. The artwork in each panel is so crisp & well drawn. They did a really good job with Fisto & Nahdar and bringing them to the 2D format, and I really liked the way color was used to give it a sense of impending doom.

FINAL POINT: George Mann is crafting an absolute masterpiece of a story that any fan of the Star Wars prequels should read. Together with artwork that is absolutely masterful, this is an issue that cannot be missed!

Overall Grade: 8.0/10

Thank you for checking out my review! Be sure to reach out to me on Twitter & let me know what you thought of the issue!

Star Wars: Han Solo - Hunt For the Falcon #3 (Marvel Comics)

Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm reviewing the third issue of Star Wars: Han Solo - Hunt For the Falcon #3 from Marvel Comics!

Han Solo has lost the Millenium Falcon and wants it back! Call it a midlife crisis, or call it wanting to relive the glory days but Han & Chewie are on the trail trying to track down the Millenium Falcon. Set between the events of Return of the Jedi & The Force Awakens it's filling in some holes we didn't know. So let's jump into it!

Star Wars: Han Solo - Hunt For the Falcon #3 by Rodney Barnes (Writer), Ramon Rosanas (Artist), Guru-eFX (Color Artist) & VC's Joe Caramagna (Letterer) is a great issue that peels back the mystery a little bit at what happened to some of our favorite heroes.

The Story

Rodney Barnes might've written my favorite Star Wars comic in the last couple of months, and I'm not joking! The issue features a number of flashbacks that start to uncover just what exactly happened between Han & Leia, while it also shows Han in a way we haven't seen him before.

I really liked the flashback sequences with Han, Leia & Ben. They're easily the standout portions of the issue, because if you remember we haven't seen what happened between Han & Leia between The Return of the Jedi & The Force Awakens. We saw them happily celebrating the Battle of Endor, and the next thing we knew they were avoiding each other & hadn't seen each other in some time.

I really like the story Rodney is telling with Han as well. So often we see Han in a light like he hasn't lost a step, and that he's still at the top of his game. We even saw that in the last couple of adult book series in the old Legends cannon. Does he still have it? Sure, and we see that in this issue. However we also see a vulnerable Han who is contemplating a lot and trying to find out where his place is in the galaxy. It's such a fascinating read from start to finish.

The Artwork

Ramon Rosanas & Guru-eFX both do a great job in this issue with the art. I love the way Ramon drew the characters' faces, because you really get a sense of the pain & hurt they're feeling in the issue. I also loved the color Guru-eFX did because it helped give such a sense of familiarity for the issue that helped enhance the reading experience.

FINAL POINT: This is an issue that you're not going to want to miss reading, because it starts to add some depth & explanation to one of the most famous romances in cinema history. Together with spectacular artwork, this is one of the best Star Wars comics in recent history.

Overall Grade: 8.5/10

Thank you for checking out my review! Be sure to reach out to me on Twitter & let me know what you thought of the issue!

STAR WARS #7 (MARVEL COMICS)

Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the 7th issue of the main line Star Wars comic from the folks over at Marvel!

It's a very tense point in time for the young New Republic so far. Yes, the Empire has been defeated at the Battle of Jakku but that doesn't mean it's all parties and fancy dinners! They've had to contend with several issues that threaten to push them to the brink! So just can they get through this? Let's jump into it!

Credit: Marvel Comics

Star Wars #7 by Alex Segura (Writer), Pete Woods (Artist) & VC's Clayton Cowles (Letterer) is a great entry into the series that adds a new wrinkle to things!

The Story

Alex Segura does a great job with the story that is tense & filled with plenty of plot twists from start to finish. From the moment our heroes touch down on the planet Kaltaris the battle is already in full swing.

The battle is great and reminded me of the battle between Luke, Leia, Lando & Chewie against the Empire on Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back which is always a great battle to emulate.

It doesn't last forever though, because diplomacy does win out in the end. It was great to see it play out in the issue because it reminded me of some of the great episodes of The Clone Wars. However there is a twist at the end, and a new wrinkle is introduced. And it's a wrinkle that's sure to throw a wrench into the New Republic's plans for peace. Just what will happen next is yet to be seen, but it's sure to be great to read.

The Artwork

Pete Woods does a great job with the artwork, as he puts his own spin on things but still maintains the look and feel you're used to with the main line Star Wars series. The way he structures the panels is fascinating because it really gives you that sense of urgency that the characters are feeling in the heat of battle. 

The battle sequences are also spectacular in this scope and just how much is going on in the panel. I'm fairly certain this is the first time I'm seeing Pete Woods work, and I'm very impressed with what I see. I would absolutely love to see Pete on more Star Wars projects.

FINAL POINT: Alex Segura is telling a great story that continues to intrigue and add mystery to the Star Wars mythos. That together with stellar artwork from Pete Woods make this an issue you're not going to want to miss!

Overall Grade: 8.0/10

Thanks for checking out my review! Be sure to reach out to me on Twitter & tell me what you thought of the issue!

STAR WARS: LEGACY OF VADER #10 (MARVEL COMICS)

Hello there! Padawan J here, the resident Star Wars expert from the ODPH! This week I'm going to be reviewing the 10th issue of Star Wars: Legacy of Vader from Marvel Comics!

CREDIT: MARVEL COMICS

Set between The Last Jedi & The Rise of Skywalker, Kylo Ren has been on a journey to learn more about his grandfather Darth Vader. Thus far his journey has brought him to Tatooine & Naboo, and working alongside the Resistance. So just what happens when Kylo Ren makes his way to Mustafar and Vader's Fortress? Let's jump into it!

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #10 by Charles Soule (Writer), Luke Ross (Artist), Nolan Woodard (Color Artist) & VC's Joe Caramagna (Letterer) is a tremendous addition to the series that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

The Story

As I said before, Ren's journey has taken him to Mustafar & Vader's Fortress. His journey has been going on for some time now & he's starting to have his doubts about how reliable Vanee really is. Kylo even goes so far as to say, "I weary of threatening you. Be of use to me or die."

The story really picks up when Kylo is brought to Vader's Vault, but things don't go as planned. It's fascinating to read, because we know how obsessed he is with all things Vader. I also really enjoyed how Charles is digging into Kylo's character in this issue. We really didn't get to see a whole lot of that in the film's, so to get that now is making me appreciate the films a little bit more.

The Artwork

Luke Ross & Nolan Woodard really did an amazing job with the art in this issue. They did a great job at capturing Adam Driver's likeness in a 2D format. The use of color in the issue was also fantastic and really gave it a dark and dreary look throughout the issue.

Overall Grade: 10/10

There's a lot to love in this issue for all Star Wars fans. There's some great character development with Kylo Ren, and the set up for the next issue is exciting! Charles Soule is doing his best work in this series!

Thanks for checking out my review on ODPHpodcast.com! Be sure to reach out to me on Twitter & let me know what you thought of the issue!

STAR WARS: VISIONS - PEACH MOMOKO #1 (MARVEL COMICS)

Welcome to an all new edition of Parlay points, the comic book review blog to the ODPH Podcast!

For this edition, we are checking out an imaginative tale told in a galaxy far, far away courtesy of Marvel Comics! Since its’ debut on Disney Plus in September of 2021, Star Wars: Visions has given fans new perspectives and creativity in storytelling. Allowing diverse creators to bring unique approaches to the mythos has been nothing but a success. With two critically praised series, it has breathed new life into an already successful franchise.

Along with the animated series, the brand has made the transition to comic form with Star Wars: Visions by Takashi Okazaki in 2022. The brand is now returning with an all new story with one of the biggest and innovative creators at the helm.

STAR WARS: VISIONS - PEACH MOMOKO #1 by the one and only PEACH MOMOKO (Ultimate X-Men, Demon Days) dives into the world of the Sith in an unforgettable story. Let’s not wait any longer and take a closer look.

STAR WARS: VISIONS - PEACH MOMOKO #1 by PEACH MOMOKO (Credit: Marvel entertainment)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

The issue begins with a great introduction page explaining the major players of Kako (a “rebel” to Ankok and Sith descendant), Popo (a resident in Ankok’s territory), Gel (Kako’s android partner) and Tata (An Ankok advocate).

In the wake of a Sith Lord’s demise, a cult has risen with hopes of a new era centered around Ankok. As the followers have grown, some question the true intentions of the powerful figure.

The story begins with mysterious followers draped in red walking towards a guarded compound. Inside a figure is sitting on a throne at the top of the altar of worship. Once the red sun aligns itself through the compound opening, it shifts colors to black. Readers see how this fuels the figure sitting on their throne. This figure is Ankok.

With Tata serving as a guide, Ankok’s influence generates into her followers. Two in the crowd look with disbelief as the rest of the crowd disperses. They are Kako and Gel. as they head into town, the pair comes across Popo. The interaction is brief but leads Popo to follow the pair. Once on the outskirts of town, readers see a moment with Kako that sets in motion a plan to expose Ankok’s truths once and for all.

How does the gamble pay off? The moments following show a test of will as Kako takes the plan right to Ankok’s altar. The action picks up as the struggle becomes overwhelming. The outcome is sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats. This all builds towards a final image that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

STAR WARS: VISIONS - PEACH MOMOKO #1 by PEACH MOMOKO (Credit: Marvel entertainment - cover: Stan Sakai)

Momoko brings a vivid and unforgettable tale to life within these pages. From the initial stages, Ankok is menacing and intimidating right from the full page panel.

The followers’ rection to seeing this “god” is frightening of the power she possesses on them. This plays in contrast to Kako, who’s ever defiant of believing in what she is claiming.

The turning point in the story is the quiet moment involving Kako. Momoko gives enough insight to the readers without fully tipping her hand to what’s next. The final confrontation is set up perfectly will well-set pacing.

The visuals are breathtaking as the journey into the truth takes flight. Never does any panel lack the tension and excitement of the moments unfolding. Its’ conclusion will leave readers with many emotions but all will leave readers very pleased for this experience.

STAR WARS: VISIONS - PEACH MOMOKO #1 by PEACH MOMOKO (Credit: Marvel entertainment - cover: Giuseppe Camuncoli)

FINAL GRADE: 9 OUT OF 10

Through the innovative eyes of Peach Momoko, the world of Star Wars is gifted a story of epic proportions. With mind-blowing visuals to lift Kako’s plan of discovering truth, This is one issue not to pass on for New Comic Book Day!

Hit me up on ODPH social media and let me know your thoughts of STAR WARS: VISIONS - PEACH MOMOKO #1. Thanks for reading!