Kanan: The Last Padawan #2
Writer: Greg Weisman
Artist: Pepe Larraz
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Release Date: May 6, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99
This comic, even only on its second issue, exemplifies everything that I was hoping for when Disney (and Marvel) acquired Star Wars: the freedom and willingness to experiment with new or relativley new characters and expand the boundries of this universe but in a way that remains consitent and of a higher standard than some of the Expanded Universe stuff was under Lucas.
There aren’t any rules: Here we have a character relatively new to us all. This book isn’t bound to the same adherence to story and character traits that even Marvel’s other Star Wars series are and, Weisman and Larraz are running with it.
Weisman’s writing, specifically Kanan’s narration, is a little too blunt for my taste but it works incredibly well in one segment here, following Order 66’s initiation, where he says: “These are my friends! And Master Billaba is killing them to stop them from killing us!” That one line encapsulates the true darkness of a brutal, pivotal moment in Star Wars’ history through the eyes of a young, scared Padawan in a way that rivals Revenge of the Sith’s darkness which is an impressive feat. Weisman, through Kanan, is exploring the darkest corners of Lucas’ universe and choosing when and where to land the punches in the best ways. Rebels is the end game of course but I’m glad Weisman is giving attention to the stuff in between even if it’s a little on-the-nose.
Larraz, too, is nothing to gawk at. I’ve always liked all of the Star Wars fan art that attempted to show the real grit and darkness that comes with a universe like this and, Order 66 specifically. However, I had to be aware that those images were just that, fan art. With Larraz they’re not, this is real stuff, lightsabers through chests, beheadings and all. I love it. The immediacy and personal feel that he brings to each page be it on the ground, in a city, in space or anywhere inbetween could keep me reading this comic to its end despite the shakiness of the narrative at times.
Sure, this comic is all the stronger if you’re familiar with Rebels but it’s a good read even if you’re not and, that’s an accomplishment worthy of note in and of itself.
Artist: Pepe Larraz
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Release Date: May 6, 2015
Cover Price: $3.99
This comic, even only on its second issue, exemplifies everything that I was hoping for when Disney (and Marvel) acquired Star Wars: the freedom and willingness to experiment with new or relativley new characters and expand the boundries of this universe but in a way that remains consitent and of a higher standard than some of the Expanded Universe stuff was under Lucas.
There aren’t any rules: Here we have a character relatively new to us all. This book isn’t bound to the same adherence to story and character traits that even Marvel’s other Star Wars series are and, Weisman and Larraz are running with it.
Weisman’s writing, specifically Kanan’s narration, is a little too blunt for my taste but it works incredibly well in one segment here, following Order 66’s initiation, where he says: “These are my friends! And Master Billaba is killing them to stop them from killing us!” That one line encapsulates the true darkness of a brutal, pivotal moment in Star Wars’ history through the eyes of a young, scared Padawan in a way that rivals Revenge of the Sith’s darkness which is an impressive feat. Weisman, through Kanan, is exploring the darkest corners of Lucas’ universe and choosing when and where to land the punches in the best ways. Rebels is the end game of course but I’m glad Weisman is giving attention to the stuff in between even if it’s a little on-the-nose.
Larraz, too, is nothing to gawk at. I’ve always liked all of the Star Wars fan art that attempted to show the real grit and darkness that comes with a universe like this and, Order 66 specifically. However, I had to be aware that those images were just that, fan art. With Larraz they’re not, this is real stuff, lightsabers through chests, beheadings and all. I love it. The immediacy and personal feel that he brings to each page be it on the ground, in a city, in space or anywhere inbetween could keep me reading this comic to its end despite the shakiness of the narrative at times.
Sure, this comic is all the stronger if you’re familiar with Rebels but it’s a good read even if you’re not and, that’s an accomplishment worthy of note in and of itself.
A Look Inside
