Star Wars Adventures #23 Review

Writers: Ian Flynn, Arie Kaplan

Artist: Tony Fleecs, Drew Moss

Letterer: Tom B. Long

Publisher: IDW

This month's issue of Star Wars Adventures in the final in a trilogy of stories focused on different characters in the Original Trilogy era. It features a primary story about Lando and Chewbacca on a mission for the Rebellion in the Millennium Falcon set just after Return of the Jedi as well as a backup story about Bib Fortuna and his role as majordomo for Jabba the Hutt. 

The solicitations advertised that the primary story would be set between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi as opposed to after the latter film and, like last month's issue, I was looking forward to seeing some of that era, so I was a bit disappointed when I started the issue and saw when it was set. That said, I did end up enjoying it once I focused on what it was on its own merits. 

It was a fun little adventure. Seeing Sebulba and getting a new variant of a podrace in space were both cool surprises, and I really enjoyed Shriv and Nien getting cameos. It also ties nicely into a story back during Flight of the Falcon where we saw also Lando and Nien with the ship just after Return of the Jedi, and this explains why they had it: Han and Leia are enjoying a honeymoon on Endor. The art was pretty solid too, I wouldn't mind seeing Kaplan on more in the future.

I didn't enjoy the backup story quite as much. It wasn't too bad and the art was cute but it was a bit jarring seeing characters like Bib and Jabba played off as harmless and comedic, including when they're feeding people aive to monsters on a whim. 

Even if the backup wasn't my favorite, I definitely enjoyed the issue enough overall. All three of the Original Trilogy issues have been fun and I'm looking forward to next month starting the trilogy of Sequel Trilogy stories with Poe and Rapier Squadron from Before the Awakening. Should be fun!