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 Customer Reviews
Awesome!, 29 Oct 2008
This comic is excellent, its a bit too short as i finished it in literally 5 to 10 minutes but its great fun, the prints are clear and imaginative, in the short space of reading it it really grips you and it finishes on a good note it links to the force unleashed video game very well except some of the minor perhaps less important parts from the game weren't seen in the comic and at times it can be a bit confusing but it's great fun and i think if you're a star wars fan or not you still enjoy it and if you played the video game or not you can still enjoy it. Probably if you haven't played the game it will be more enjoyable and entrancing. It's also just a great collectible and a great interpretation of a great saga and the chapter in Star wars!
Same story, new faces, impossible powers, 31 Aug 2008
The Force Unleashed is about a young man with Force powers so immense he can whip Vader and the Emperor simultaneously. Based on a video game in which you get to play this Force-wielding giant, the conceptual emphasis is on action and playability, rather than character or drama. Consequently the graphic novel reads like a series of set pieces, big fight scenes with a bit of exposition to tie them together. Ostensibly the plot concerns the inception of the Rebellion, but as with the beginnings of most things in the Star Wars universe, the origin of the Alliance is more than it seems.
Thematically, TFU cleaves closely to the SW universe formula - young man spends his life doing bad and redeems himself in the end with a tiny act of good. The orphaned Starkiller is raised as Darth Vader's secret apprentice, an amoral assassin who dispatches with equal skill characters on both sides of the war. Somewhere along the way he switches to being a good guy with a conscience and a love interest, though it's not really clear how either develops. Neither is why the leaders of the Rebellion trust anyone who shows up at their door expressing an interest in sacking the Empire.
The artwork is a mixed bag, with Brain Ching opening and closing the story with some finely illustrated chapters. Unfortunately, as with his stint on Knights of the Old Republic, he seems unable to work fast enough to complete an entire project - or takes assignments with impossible deadlines - and so we get a couple of less skilled artists working on the middle sections.
There is a novel of the same name covering the exact same story. I haven't yet read it, but given author Sean Williams' track record (as coauthor of one of the worst chapters of the New Jedi Order), and given that the graphic novel isn't anything worth bragging about, I'd wager the novel is as limp, or with more extraneous material, even limper. My suggestion would be to unleash your own force on the game. That is, if you have a console. PC users will have to settle for the graphic novel.
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Customer Reviews
Awesome!, 29 Oct 2008
This comic is excellent, its a bit too short as i finished it in literally 5 to 10 minutes but its great fun, the prints are clear and imaginative, in the short space of reading it it really grips you and it finishes on a good note it links to the force unleashed video game very well except some of the minor perhaps less important parts from the game weren't seen in the comic and at times it can be a bit confusing but it's great fun and i think if you're a star wars fan or not you still enjoy it and if you played the video game or not you can still enjoy it. Probably if you haven't played the game it will be more enjoyable and entrancing. It's also just a great collectible and a great interpretation of a great saga and the chapter in Star wars!
Same story, new faces, impossible powers, 31 Aug 2008
The Force Unleashed is about a young man with Force powers so immense he can whip Vader and the Emperor simultaneously. Based on a video game in which you get to play this Force-wielding giant, the conceptual emphasis is on action and playability, rather than character or drama. Consequently the graphic novel reads like a series of set pieces, big fight scenes with a bit of exposition to tie them together. Ostensibly the plot concerns the inception of the Rebellion, but as with the beginnings of most things in the Star Wars universe, the origin of the Alliance is more than it seems.
Thematically, TFU cleaves closely to the SW universe formula - young man spends his life doing bad and redeems himself in the end with a tiny act of good. The orphaned Starkiller is raised as Darth Vader's secret apprentice, an amoral assassin who dispatches with equal skill characters on both sides of the war. Somewhere along the way he switches to being a good guy with a conscience and a love interest, though it's not really clear how either develops. Neither is why the leaders of the Rebellion trust anyone who shows up at their door expressing an interest in sacking the Empire.
The artwork is a mixed bag, with Brain Ching opening and closing the story with some finely illustrated chapters. Unfortunately, as with his stint on Knights of the Old Republic, he seems unable to work fast enough to complete an entire project - or takes assignments with impossible deadlines - and so we get a couple of less skilled artists working on the middle sections.
There is a novel of the same name covering the exact same story. I haven't yet read it, but given author Sean Williams' track record (as coauthor of one of the worst chapters of the New Jedi Order), and given that the graphic novel isn't anything worth bragging about, I'd wager the novel is as limp, or with more extraneous material, even limper. My suggestion would be to unleash your own force on the game. That is, if you have a console. PC users will have to settle for the graphic novel.
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Novel of a game? Oh dear..., 09 Oct 2008
This is novel based on a game and it shows. The story moves along quite nicely however the book feels like a series of action scenes strung together. The brief interludes between the sadly rushed action scenes add new dimensions to the characters and reveal more of their motives etc. These are well written and the reason this book receives three stars. To fans of the Expanded Universe and the more dedicated fans this book will frustrate with its disregard to the saga's key story of the chosen one/Anakin being the strongest force user ever(especially when StarKiller displays his full power in the penultimate scene).Like the game this book is based on, it is a missed opportunity.
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Customer Reviews
Awesome!, 29 Oct 2008
This comic is excellent, its a bit too short as i finished it in literally 5 to 10 minutes but its great fun, the prints are clear and imaginative, in the short space of reading it it really grips you and it finishes on a good note it links to the force unleashed video game very well except some of the minor perhaps less important parts from the game weren't seen in the comic and at times it can be a bit confusing but it's great fun and i think if you're a star wars fan or not you still enjoy it and if you played the video game or not you can still enjoy it. Probably if you haven't played the game it will be more enjoyable and entrancing. It's also just a great collectible and a great interpretation of a great saga and the chapter in Star wars! Same story, new faces, impossible powers, 31 Aug 2008
The Force Unleashed is about a young man with Force powers so immense he can whip Vader and the Emperor simultaneously. Based on a video game in which you get to play this Force-wielding giant, the conceptual emphasis is on action and playability, rather than character or drama. Consequently the graphic novel reads like a series of set pieces, big fight scenes with a bit of exposition to tie them together. Ostensibly the plot concerns the inception of the Rebellion, but as with the beginnings of most things in the Star Wars universe, the origin of the Alliance is more than it seems.
Thematically, TFU cleaves closely to the SW universe formula - young man spends his life doing bad and redeems himself in the end with a tiny act of good. The orphaned Starkiller is raised as Darth Vader's secret apprentice, an amoral assassin who dispatches with equal skill characters on both sides of the war. Somewhere along the way he switches to being a good guy with a conscience and a love interest, though it's not really clear how either develops. Neither is why the leaders of the Rebellion trust anyone who shows up at their door expressing an interest in sacking the Empire.
The artwork is a mixed bag, with Brain Ching opening and closing the story with some finely illustrated chapters. Unfortunately, as with his stint on Knights of the Old Republic, he seems unable to work fast enough to complete an entire project - or takes assignments with impossible deadlines - and so we get a couple of less skilled artists working on the middle sections.
There is a novel of the same name covering the exact same story. I haven't yet read it, but given author Sean Williams' track record (as coauthor of one of the worst chapters of the New Jedi Order), and given that the graphic novel isn't anything worth bragging about, I'd wager the novel is as limp, or with more extraneous material, even limper. My suggestion would be to unleash your own force on the game. That is, if you have a console. PC users will have to settle for the graphic novel.
# Novel of a game? Oh dear..., 09 Oct 2008
This is novel based on a game and it shows. The story moves along quite nicely however the book feels like a series of action scenes strung together. The brief interludes between the sadly rushed action scenes add new dimensions to the characters and reveal more of their motives etc. These are well written and the reason this book receives three stars. To fans of the Expanded Universe and the more dedicated fans this book will frustrate with its disregard to the saga's key story of the chosen one/Anakin being the strongest force user ever(especially when StarKiller displays his full power in the penultimate scene).Like the game this book is based on, it is a missed opportunity. Agree with RC Searle, 31 Jul 2008
I have to agree with RC Searle - whilst the books (more like bound comics) are well drawn and nicely presented, they do not have much substance as they are effectively a comic strip.
My 9 year old read this book in one go, but does dip back to it now and again.
They are possibly geared more towards adult comic book fans of Star Wars based on the price. Great but not much for your money, 08 Jul 2007
These books are good but my 8 year old son had read 2 within an afternoon, so not much reading content. He liked them a lot but they are like a cartoon magazine expcept far smaller. If they did a box of 5 for about a fiver, that would be more reasonable. More Clone Wars fun., 23 Dec 2004
THE STORY: Three, in fact,(you lucky people!) set five months after 'Attack of the Clones'. The first 'Skywalkers' reveals exactly what event Obi-Wan (Alec Guiness) was thinking of when he refers to Anakin as the 'greatest star pilot in the galaxy'. 'Hide In Plain Sight' features Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee (Jedi from Episode II) as they confront the overwhelming forces of General Grievous. Finally, in 'Run Mace Run', Mace Windu must destroy a superweapon alone and unsupported. WHAT'S GOOD:
The Clone Wars comics in general are all trying hard to be gritty and mature, so it's nice to have one (two, if you include Vol.1) which is just a bit of classic Star Wars fun. Despite my preconceptions, I continue to love the 2D art style because of the more ingenuity used by the artists to provide perspective, movement and tone. People who buy this book will also be getting another sneaky-peek at General Grievous, the bionic baddie set to feature in the upcoming 'Revenge of the Sith'. WHAT'S BAD:
I wasn't entirely struck on the third story, 'Run Mace Run', mostly because it just consists of, rather shockingly, Mace running (although an appearance by Saruman - I mean Count Dooku - helps to offset that).
An enjoyable collection of short Star Wars stories., 02 Oct 2004
THE STORY:
Three in fact, set five months after the end of Episode II. In 'Blind Force' Anakin and Obi-Wan must locate Separatist weapons on the night-shrouded world of Nivek. 'Heavy Metal Jedi' features Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Saesee Tiin fighting a powerful new Battle Droid in the Battle of Iktotch. Finally, 'Fierce Currents' has Master Kit Fisto attempting to track down the Separatist leader on Mon Calamari. WHAT'S GOOD:
Despite my expectations, the art featured in this graphic novel is really good, managing to convey emotion, combat and movement with equal excellence. The stories, although short, are also very good and I particularly like the bit in 'Blind Force' where Obi-Wan first comes up with the idea of using blindfolds and tells young Skywalker to "stretch out with your feelings" (sound familiar?). The mix of action and humour in the second story makes it great entertainment and the surprising turn of events in the third story is good reading too. There's also a brief appearance by everyone's favourite stumpy big-eared green Muppet too. WHAT'S BAD:
The only major fault with this book is that, in realistic terms, you don't get very much for your money.
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Customer Reviews
Awesome!, 29 Oct 2008
This comic is excellent, its a bit too short as i finished it in literally 5 to 10 minutes but its great fun, the prints are clear and imaginative, in the short space of reading it it really grips you and it finishes on a good note it links to the force unleashed video game very well except some of the minor perhaps less important parts from the game weren't seen in the comic and at times it can be a bit confusing but it's great fun and i think if you're a star wars fan or not you still enjoy it and if you played the video game or not you can still enjoy it. Probably if you haven't played the game it will be more enjoyable and entrancing. It's also just a great collectible and a great interpretation of a great saga and the chapter in Star wars! Same story, new faces, impossible powers, 31 Aug 2008
The Force Unleashed is about a young man with Force powers so immense he can whip Vader and the Emperor simultaneously. Based on a video game in which you get to play this Force-wielding giant, the conceptual emphasis is on action and playability, rather than character or drama. Consequently the graphic novel reads like a series of set pieces, big fight scenes with a bit of exposition to tie them together. Ostensibly the plot concerns the inception of the Rebellion, but as with the beginnings of most things in the Star Wars universe, the origin of the Alliance is more than it seems.
Thematically, TFU cleaves closely to the SW universe formula - young man spends his life doing bad and redeems himself in the end with a tiny act of good. The orphaned Starkiller is raised as Darth Vader's secret apprentice, an amoral assassin who dispatches with equal skill characters on both sides of the war. Somewhere along the way he switches to being a good guy with a conscience and a love interest, though it's not really clear how either develops. Neither is why the leaders of the Rebellion trust anyone who shows up at their door expressing an interest in sacking the Empire.
The artwork is a mixed bag, with Brain Ching opening and closing the story with some finely illustrated chapters. Unfortunately, as with his stint on Knights of the Old Republic, he seems unable to work fast enough to complete an entire project - or takes assignments with impossible deadlines - and so we get a couple of less skilled artists working on the middle sections.
There is a novel of the same name covering the exact same story. I haven't yet read it, but given author Sean Williams' track record (as coauthor of one of the worst chapters of the New Jedi Order), and given that the graphic novel isn't anything worth bragging about, I'd wager the novel is as limp, or with more extraneous material, even limper. My suggestion would be to unleash your own force on the game. That is, if you have a console. PC users will have to settle for the graphic novel.
# Novel of a game? Oh dear..., 09 Oct 2008
This is novel based on a game and it shows. The story moves along quite nicely however the book feels like a series of action scenes strung together. The brief interludes between the sadly rushed action scenes add new dimensions to the characters and reveal more of their motives etc. These are well written and the reason this book receives three stars. To fans of the Expanded Universe and the more dedicated fans this book will frustrate with its disregard to the saga's key story of the chosen one/Anakin being the strongest force user ever(especially when StarKiller displays his full power in the penultimate scene).Like the game this book is based on, it is a missed opportunity. Agree with RC Searle, 31 Jul 2008
I have to agree with RC Searle - whilst the books (more like bound comics) are well drawn and nicely presented, they do not have much substance as they are effectively a comic strip.
My 9 year old read this book in one go, but does dip back to it now and again.
They are possibly geared more towards adult comic book fans of Star Wars based on the price. Great but not much for your money, 08 Jul 2007
These books are good but my 8 year old son had read 2 within an afternoon, so not much reading content. He liked them a lot but they are like a cartoon magazine expcept far smaller. If they did a box of 5 for about a fiver, that would be more reasonable. More Clone Wars fun., 23 Dec 2004
THE STORY: Three, in fact,(you lucky people!) set five months after 'Attack of the Clones'. The first 'Skywalkers' reveals exactly what event Obi-Wan (Alec Guiness) was thinking of when he refers to Anakin as the 'greatest star pilot in the galaxy'. 'Hide In Plain Sight' features Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee (Jedi from Episode II) as they confront the overwhelming forces of General Grievous. Finally, in 'Run Mace Run', Mace Windu must destroy a superweapon alone and unsupported. WHAT'S GOOD:
The Clone Wars comics in general are all trying hard to be gritty and mature, so it's nice to have one (two, if you include Vol.1) which is just a bit of classic Star Wars fun. Despite my preconceptions, I continue to love the 2D art style because of the more ingenuity used by the artists to provide perspective, movement and tone. People who buy this book will also be getting another sneaky-peek at General Grievous, the bionic baddie set to feature in the upcoming 'Revenge of the Sith'. WHAT'S BAD:
I wasn't entirely struck on the third story, 'Run Mace Run', mostly because it just consists of, rather shockingly, Mace running (although an appearance by Saruman - I mean Count Dooku - helps to offset that).
An enjoyable collection of short Star Wars stories., 02 Oct 2004
THE STORY:
Three in fact, set five months after the end of Episode II. In 'Blind Force' Anakin and Obi-Wan must locate Separatist weapons on the night-shrouded world of Nivek. 'Heavy Metal Jedi' features Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Saesee Tiin fighting a powerful new Battle Droid in the Battle of Iktotch. Finally, 'Fierce Currents' has Master Kit Fisto attempting to track down the Separatist leader on Mon Calamari. WHAT'S GOOD:
Despite my expectations, the art featured in this graphic novel is really good, managing to convey emotion, combat and movement with equal excellence. The stories, although short, are also very good and I particularly like the bit in 'Blind Force' where Obi-Wan first comes up with the idea of using blindfolds and tells young Skywalker to "stretch out with your feelings" (sound familiar?). The mix of action and humour in the second story makes it great entertainment and the surprising turn of events in the third story is good reading too. There's also a brief appearance by everyone's favourite stumpy big-eared green Muppet too. WHAT'S BAD:
The only major fault with this book is that, in realistic terms, you don't get very much for your money.
star wars adventures v.8, 19 Sep 2008
This is an action packed adventure book.It's set out like a comic.It's the best book ever.I would recemend this to people of all ages.I also think it's exellent because it's four stories in one book.It's a fantastic sci-fi book.It's a five star book.I loved the bit When someone took three monsters with nothing no wepons or jedi powers it was amazing
By Danny in pheonixes class (year six)
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Customer Reviews
Awesome!, 29 Oct 2008
This comic is excellent, its a bit too short as i finished it in literally 5 to 10 minutes but its great fun, the prints are clear and imaginative, in the short space of reading it it really grips you and it finishes on a good note it links to the force unleashed video game very well except some of the minor perhaps less important parts from the game weren't seen in the comic and at times it can be a bit confusing but it's great fun and i think if you're a star wars fan or not you still enjoy it and if you played the video game or not you can still enjoy it. Probably if you haven't played the game it will be more enjoyable and entrancing. It's also just a great collectible and a great interpretation of a great saga and the chapter in Star wars! Same story, new faces, impossible powers, 31 Aug 2008
The Force Unleashed is about a young man with Force powers so immense he can whip Vader and the Emperor simultaneously. Based on a video game in which you get to play this Force-wielding giant, the conceptual emphasis is on action and playability, rather than character or drama. Consequently the graphic novel reads like a series of set pieces, big fight scenes with a bit of exposition to tie them together. Ostensibly the plot concerns the inception of the Rebellion, but as with the beginnings of most things in the Star Wars universe, the origin of the Alliance is more than it seems.
Thematically, TFU cleaves closely to the SW universe formula - young man spends his life doing bad and redeems himself in the end with a tiny act of good. The orphaned Starkiller is raised as Darth Vader's secret apprentice, an amoral assassin who dispatches with equal skill characters on both sides of the war. Somewhere along the way he switches to being a good guy with a conscience and a love interest, though it's not really clear how either develops. Neither is why the leaders of the Rebellion trust anyone who shows up at their door expressing an interest in sacking the Empire.
The artwork is a mixed bag, with Brain Ching opening and closing the story with some finely illustrated chapters. Unfortunately, as with his stint on Knights of the Old Republic, he seems unable to work fast enough to complete an entire project - or takes assignments with impossible deadlines - and so we get a couple of less skilled artists working on the middle sections.
There is a novel of the same name covering the exact same story. I haven't yet read it, but given author Sean Williams' track record (as coauthor of one of the worst chapters of the New Jedi Order), and given that the graphic novel isn't anything worth bragging about, I'd wager the novel is as limp, or with more extraneous material, even limper. My suggestion would be to unleash your own force on the game. That is, if you have a console. PC users will have to settle for the graphic novel.
# Novel of a game? Oh dear..., 09 Oct 2008
This is novel based on a game and it shows. The story moves along quite nicely however the book feels like a series of action scenes strung together. The brief interludes between the sadly rushed action scenes add new dimensions to the characters and reveal more of their motives etc. These are well written and the reason this book receives three stars. To fans of the Expanded Universe and the more dedicated fans this book will frustrate with its disregard to the saga's key story of the chosen one/Anakin being the strongest force user ever(especially when StarKiller displays his full power in the penultimate scene).Like the game this book is based on, it is a missed opportunity. Agree with RC Searle, 31 Jul 2008
I have to agree with RC Searle - whilst the books (more like bound comics) are well drawn and nicely presented, they do not have much substance as they are effectively a comic strip.
My 9 year old read this book in one go, but does dip back to it now and again.
They are possibly geared more towards adult comic book fans of Star Wars based on the price. Great but not much for your money, 08 Jul 2007
These books are good but my 8 year old son had read 2 within an afternoon, so not much reading content. He liked them a lot but they are like a cartoon magazine expcept far smaller. If they did a box of 5 for about a fiver, that would be more reasonable. More Clone Wars fun., 23 Dec 2004
THE STORY: Three, in fact,(you lucky people!) set five months after 'Attack of the Clones'. The first 'Skywalkers' reveals exactly what event Obi-Wan (Alec Guiness) was thinking of when he refers to Anakin as the 'greatest star pilot in the galaxy'. 'Hide In Plain Sight' features Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee (Jedi from Episode II) as they confront the overwhelming forces of General Grievous. Finally, in 'Run Mace Run', Mace Windu must destroy a superweapon alone and unsupported. WHAT'S GOOD:
The Clone Wars comics in general are all trying hard to be gritty and mature, so it's nice to have one (two, if you include Vol.1) which is just a bit of classic Star Wars fun. Despite my preconceptions, I continue to love the 2D art style because of the more ingenuity used by the artists to provide perspective, movement and tone. People who buy this book will also be getting another sneaky-peek at General Grievous, the bionic baddie set to feature in the upcoming 'Revenge of the Sith'. WHAT'S BAD:
I wasn't entirely struck on the third story, 'Run Mace Run', mostly because it just consists of, rather shockingly, Mace running (although an appearance by Saruman - I mean Count Dooku - helps to offset that).
An enjoyable collection of short Star Wars stories., 02 Oct 2004
THE STORY:
Three in fact, set five months after the end of Episode II. In 'Blind Force' Anakin and Obi-Wan must locate Separatist weapons on the night-shrouded world of Nivek. 'Heavy Metal Jedi' features Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Saesee Tiin fighting a powerful new Battle Droid in the Battle of Iktotch. Finally, 'Fierce Currents' has Master Kit Fisto attempting to track down the Separatist leader on Mon Calamari. WHAT'S GOOD:
Despite my expectations, the art featured in this graphic novel is really good, managing to convey emotion, combat and movement with equal excellence. The stories, although short, are also very good and I particularly like the bit in 'Blind Force' where Obi-Wan first comes up with the idea of using blindfolds and tells young Skywalker to "stretch out with your feelings" (sound familiar?). The mix of action and humour in the second story makes it great entertainment and the surprising turn of events in the third story is good reading too. There's also a brief appearance by everyone's favourite stumpy big-eared green Muppet too. WHAT'S BAD:
The only major fault with this book is that, in realistic terms, you don't get very much for your money.
star wars adventures v.8, 19 Sep 2008
This is an action packed adventure book.It's set out like a comic.It's the best book ever.I would recemend this to people of all ages.I also think it's exellent because it's four stories in one book.It's a fantastic sci-fi book.It's a five star book.I loved the bit When someone took three monsters with nothing no wepons or jedi powers it was amazing
By Danny in pheonixes class (year six)
Best of the Best, 28 Jan 2007
The first in a line of omnibus collections of the X-Wing Graphic Novels. This is a really fine book that can help put some of the earlyer post Endor adventures into perspective as they build a lot of the back story for the X-Wing series of novels. The time frame for these stories is approximatly 1 week to 1 year after the battle of Endor. The series shows how many later charecters came to be in thier various situations. Each book in the series contains three indevidual stoies. The good thing about this is that in this book the first two stories were never bublished as indeviuals at least in the UK (to the best of my knowlage), so for people who missed some of the sories this is a wonderfull chance to collect them all.
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Customer Reviews
Awesome!, 29 Oct 2008
This comic is excellent, its a bit too short as i finished it in literally 5 to 10 minutes but its great fun, the prints are clear and imaginative, in the short space of reading it it really grips you and it finishes on a good note it links to the force unleashed video game very well except some of the minor perhaps less important parts from the game weren't seen in the comic and at times it can be a bit confusing but it's great fun and i think if you're a star wars fan or not you still enjoy it and if you played the video game or not you can still enjoy it. Probably if you haven't played the game it will be more enjoyable and entrancing. It's also just a great collectible and a great interpretation of a great saga and the chapter in Star wars! Same story, new faces, impossible powers, 31 Aug 2008
The Force Unleashed is about a young man with Force powers so immense he can whip Vader and the Emperor simultaneously. Based on a video game in which you get to play this Force-wielding giant, the conceptual emphasis is on action and playability, rather than character or drama. Consequently the graphic novel reads like a series of set pieces, big fight scenes with a bit of exposition to tie them together. Ostensibly the plot concerns the inception of the Rebellion, but as with the beginnings of most things in the Star Wars universe, the origin of the Alliance is more than it seems.
Thematically, TFU cleaves closely to the SW universe formula - young man spends his life doing bad and redeems himself in the end with a tiny act of good. The orphaned Starkiller is raised as Darth Vader's secret apprentice, an amoral assassin who dispatches with equal skill characters on both sides of the war. Somewhere along the way he switches to being a good guy with a conscience and a love interest, though it's not really clear how either develops. Neither is why the leaders of the Rebellion trust anyone who shows up at their door expressing an interest in sacking the Empire.
The artwork is a mixed bag, with Brain Ching opening and closing the story with some finely illustrated chapters. Unfortunately, as with his stint on Knights of the Old Republic, he seems unable to work fast enough to complete an entire project - or takes assignments with impossible deadlines - and so we get a couple of less skilled artists working on the middle sections.
There is a novel of the same name covering the exact same story. I haven't yet read it, but given author Sean Williams' track record (as coauthor of one of the worst chapters of the New Jedi Order), and given that the graphic novel isn't anything worth bragging about, I'd wager the novel is as limp, or with more extraneous material, even limper. My suggestion would be to unleash your own force on the game. That is, if you have a console. PC users will have to settle for the graphic novel.
# Novel of a game? Oh dear..., 09 Oct 2008
This is novel based on a game and it shows. The story moves along quite nicely however the book feels like a series of action scenes strung together. The brief interludes between the sadly rushed action scenes add new dimensions to the characters and reveal more of their motives etc. These are well written and the reason this book receives three stars. To fans of the Expanded Universe and the more dedicated fans this book will frustrate with its disregard to the saga's key story of the chosen one/Anakin being the strongest force user ever(especially when StarKiller displays his full power in the penultimate scene).Like the game this book is based on, it is a missed opportunity. Agree with RC Searle, 31 Jul 2008
I have to agree with RC Searle - whilst the books (more like bound comics) are well drawn and nicely presented, they do not have much substance as they are effectively a comic strip.
My 9 year old read this book in one go, but does dip back to it now and again.
They are possibly geared more towards adult comic book fans of Star Wars based on the price. Great but not much for your money, 08 Jul 2007
These books are good but my 8 year old son had read 2 within an afternoon, so not much reading content. He liked them a lot but they are like a cartoon magazine expcept far smaller. If they did a box of 5 for about a fiver, that would be more reasonable. More Clone Wars fun., 23 Dec 2004
THE STORY: Three, in fact,(you lucky people!) set five months after 'Attack of the Clones'. The first 'Skywalkers' reveals exactly what event Obi-Wan (Alec Guiness) was thinking of when he refers to Anakin as the 'greatest star pilot in the galaxy'. 'Hide In Plain Sight' features Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee (Jedi from Episode II) as they confront the overwhelming forces of General Grievous. Finally, in 'Run Mace Run', Mace Windu must destroy a superweapon alone and unsupported. WHAT'S GOOD:
The Clone Wars comics in general are all trying hard to be gritty and mature, so it's nice to have one (two, if you include Vol.1) which is just a bit of classic Star Wars fun. Despite my preconceptions, I continue to love the 2D art style because of the more ingenuity used by the artists to provide perspective, movement and tone. People who buy this book will also be getting another sneaky-peek at General Grievous, the bionic baddie set to feature in the upcoming 'Revenge of the Sith'. WHAT'S BAD:
I wasn't entirely struck on the third story, 'Run Mace Run', mostly because it just consists of, rather shockingly, Mace running (although an appearance by Saruman - I mean Count Dooku - helps to offset that).
An enjoyable collection of short Star Wars stories., 02 Oct 2004
THE STORY:
Three in fact, set five months after the end of Episode II. In 'Blind Force' Anakin and Obi-Wan must locate Separatist weapons on the night-shrouded world of Nivek. 'Heavy Metal Jedi' features Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Saesee Tiin fighting a powerful new Battle Droid in the Battle of Iktotch. Finally, 'Fierce Currents' has Master Kit Fisto attempting to track down the Separatist leader on Mon Calamari. WHAT'S GOOD:
Despite my expectations, the art featured in this graphic novel is really good, managing to convey emotion, combat and movement with equal excellence. The stories, although short, are also very good and I particularly like the bit in 'Blind Force' where Obi-Wan first comes up with the idea of using blindfolds and tells young Skywalker to "stretch out with your feelings" (sound familiar?). The mix of action and humour in the second story makes it great entertainment and the surprising turn of events in the third story is good reading too. There's also a brief appearance by everyone's favourite stumpy big-eared green Muppet too. WHAT'S BAD:
The only major fault with this book is that, in realistic terms, you don't get very much for your money.
star wars adventures v.8, 19 Sep 2008
This is an action packed adventure book.It's set out like a comic.It's the best book ever.I would recemend this to people of all ages.I also think it's exellent because it's four stories in one book.It's a fantastic sci-fi book.It's a five star book.I loved the bit When someone took three monsters with nothing no wepons or jedi powers it was amazing
By Danny in pheonixes class (year six)
Best of the Best, 28 Jan 2007
The first in a line of omnibus collections of the X-Wing Graphic Novels. This is a really fine book that can help put some of the earlyer post Endor adventures into perspective as they build a lot of the back story for the X-Wing series of novels. The time frame for these stories is approximatly 1 week to 1 year after the battle of Endor. The series shows how many later charecters came to be in thier various situations. Each book in the series contains three indevidual stoies. The good thing about this is that in this book the first two stories were never bublished as indeviuals at least in the UK (to the best of my knowlage), so for people who missed some of the sories this is a wonderfull chance to collect them all.
Best of the Best, 28 Jan 2007
The first in a line of omnibus collections of the X-Wing Graphic Novels. This is a really fine book that can help put some of the earlyer post Endor adventures into perspective as they build a lot of the back story for the X-Wing series of novels. The time frame for these stories is approximatly 1 week to 1 year after the battle of Endor. The series shows how many later charecters came to be in thier various situations. Each book in the series contains three indevidual stoies. The good thing about this is that in this book the first two stories were never bublished as indeviuals at least in the UK (to the best of my knowlage), so for people who missed some of the sories this is a wonderfull chance to collect them all.
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Customer Reviews
Awesome!, 29 Oct 2008
This comic is excellent, its a bit too short as i finished it in literally 5 to 10 minutes but its great fun, the prints are clear and imaginative, in the short space of reading it it really grips you and it finishes on a good note it links to the force unleashed video game very well except some of the minor perhaps less important parts from the game weren't seen in the comic and at times it can be a bit confusing but it's great fun and i think if you're a star wars fan or not you still enjoy it and if you played the video game or not you can still enjoy it. Probably if you haven't played the game it will be more enjoyable and entrancing. It's also just a great collectible and a great interpretation of a great saga and the chapter in Star wars! Same story, new faces, impossible powers, 31 Aug 2008
The Force Unleashed is about a young man with Force powers so immense he can whip Vader and the Emperor simultaneously. Based on a video game in which you get to play this Force-wielding giant, the conceptual emphasis is on action and playability, rather than character or drama. Consequently the graphic novel reads like a series of set pieces, big fight scenes with a bit of exposition to tie them together. Ostensibly the plot concerns the inception of the Rebellion, but as with the beginnings of most things in the Star Wars universe, the origin of the Alliance is more than it seems.
Thematically, TFU cleaves closely to the SW universe formula - young man spends his life doing bad and redeems himself in the end with a tiny act of good. The orphaned Starkiller is raised as Darth Vader's secret apprentice, an amoral assassin who dispatches with equal skill characters on both sides of the war. Somewhere along the way he switches to being a good guy with a conscience and a love interest, though it's not really clear how either develops. Neither is why the leaders of the Rebellion trust anyone who shows up at their door expressing an interest in sacking the Empire.
The artwork is a mixed bag, with Brain Ching opening and closing the story with some finely illustrated chapters. Unfortunately, as with his stint on Knights of the Old Republic, he seems unable to work fast enough to complete an entire project - or takes assignments with impossible deadlines - and so we get a couple of less skilled artists working on the middle sections.
There is a novel of the same name covering the exact same story. I haven't yet read it, but given author Sean Williams' track record (as coauthor of one of the worst chapters of the New Jedi Order), and given that the graphic novel isn't anything worth bragging about, I'd wager the novel is as limp, or with more extraneous material, even limper. My suggestion would be to unleash your own force on the game. That is, if you have a console. PC users will have to settle for the graphic novel.
# Novel of a game? Oh dear..., 09 Oct 2008
This is novel based on a game and it shows. The story moves along quite nicely however the book feels like a series of action scenes strung together. The brief interludes between the sadly rushed action scenes add new dimensions to the characters and reveal more of their motives etc. These are well written and the reason this book receives three stars. To fans of the Expanded Universe and the more dedicated fans this book will frustrate with its disregard to the saga's key story of the chosen one/Anakin being the strongest force user ever(especially when StarKiller displays his full power in the penultimate scene).Like the game this book is based on, it is a missed opportunity. Agree with RC Searle, 31 Jul 2008
I have to agree with RC Searle - whilst the books (more like bound comics) are well drawn and nicely presented, they do not have much substance as they are effectively a comic strip.
My 9 year old read this book in one go, but does dip back to it now and again.
They are possibly geared more towards adult comic book fans of Star Wars based on the price. Great but not much for your money, 08 Jul 2007
These books are good but my 8 year old son had read 2 within an afternoon, so not much reading content. He liked them a lot but they are like a cartoon magazine expcept far smaller. If they did a box of 5 for about a fiver, that would be more reasonable. More Clone Wars fun., 23 Dec 2004
THE STORY: Three, in fact,(you lucky people!) set five months after 'Attack of the Clones'. The first 'Skywalkers' reveals exactly what event Obi-Wan (Alec Guiness) was thinking of when he refers to Anakin as the 'greatest star pilot in the galaxy'. 'Hide In Plain Sight' features Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee (Jedi from Episode II) as they confront the overwhelming forces of General Grievous. Finally, in 'Run Mace Run', Mace Windu must destroy a superweapon alone and unsupported. WHAT'S GOOD:
The Clone Wars comics in general are all trying hard to be gritty and mature, so it's nice to have one (two, if you include Vol.1) which is just a bit of classic Star Wars fun. Despite my preconceptions, I continue to love the 2D art style because of the more ingenuity used by the artists to provide perspective, movement and tone. People who buy this book will also be getting another sneaky-peek at General Grievous, the bionic baddie set to feature in the upcoming 'Revenge of the Sith'. WHAT'S BAD:
I wasn't entirely struck on the third story, 'Run Mace Run', mostly because it just consists of, rather shockingly, Mace running (although an appearance by Saruman - I mean Count Dooku - helps to offset that).
An enjoyable collection of short Star Wars stories., 02 Oct 2004
THE STORY:
Three in fact, set five months after the end of Episode II. In 'Blind Force' Anakin and Obi-Wan must locate Separatist weapons on the night-shrouded world of Nivek. 'Heavy Metal Jedi' features Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Saesee Tiin fighting a powerful new Battle Droid in the Battle of Iktotch. Finally, 'Fierce Currents' has Master Kit Fisto attempting to track down the Separatist leader on Mon Calamari. WHAT'S GOOD:
Despite my expectations, the art featured in this graphic novel is really good, managing to convey emotion, combat and movement with equal excellence. The stories, although short, are also very good and I particularly like the bit in 'Blind Force' where Obi-Wan first comes up with the idea of using blindfolds and tells young Skywalker to "stretch out with your feelings" (sound familiar?). The mix of action and humour in the second story makes it great entertainment and the surprising turn of events in the third story is good reading too. There's also a brief appearance by everyone's favourite stumpy big-eared green Muppet too. WHAT'S BAD:
The only major fault with this book is that, in realistic terms, you don't get very much for your money.
star wars adventures v.8, 19 Sep 2008
This is an action packed adventure book.It's set out like a comic.It's the best book ever.I would recemend this to people of all ages.I also think it's exellent because it's four stories in one book.It's a fantastic sci-fi book.It's a five star book.I loved the bit When someone took three monsters with nothing no wepons or jedi powers it was amazing
By Danny in pheonixes class (year six)
Best of the Best, 28 Jan 2007
The first in a line of omnibus collections of the X-Wing Graphic Novels. This is a really fine book that can help put some of the earlyer post Endor adventures into perspective as they build a lot of the back story for the X-Wing series of novels. The time frame for these stories is approximatly 1 week to 1 year after the battle of Endor. The series shows how many later charecters came to be in thier various situations. Each book in the series contains three indevidual stoies. The good thing about this is that in this book the first two stories were never bublished as indeviuals at least in the UK (to the best of my knowlage), so for people who missed some of the sories this is a wonderfull chance to collect them all.
Best of the Best, 28 Jan 2007
The first in a line of omnibus collections of the X-Wing Graphic Novels. This is a really fine book that can help put some of the earlyer post Endor adventures into perspective as they build a lot of the back story for the X-Wing series of novels. The time frame for these stories is approximatly 1 week to 1 year after the battle of Endor. The series shows how many later charecters came to be in thier various situations. Each book in the series contains three indevidual stoies. The good thing about this is that in this book the first two stories were never bublished as indeviuals at least in the UK (to the best of my knowlage), so for people who missed some of the sories this is a wonderfull chance to collect them all.
Volume 2 in the superb Legacy series, 29 Mar 2008
This is the second trade paperback of the amazing Star Wars: Legacy series. It takes place primarily around 137 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin) with a notable exception of the first story that takes place at 130 ABY. It features the mighty John Ostander and Jan Duursema team as well as other great artwork by Adam DeKraker, Travel Foreman and Colin Wilson.
While Star Wars Legacy: Broken threw us in at the deep end with an extract from Darth Krayt's Holocron and a flashback showing the fall of the Jedi Academy on Ossus, Shards begins by reviewing the climactic events of 130 ABY from a different perspective. We get an insight into how the Sith-Imperial War that tore asunder the Galactic Alliance was orchestrated by the Moff Council and the Sith. A fact I found interesting was that the Galactic Alliance by 130 ABY had evolved from having a single person in the position of Chief of State to having a Triumvirate. We also see the events that led to Emperor Roan Fel fleeing for his life as the Sith make plans to usurp his Empire after the conclusion of the war. This I found was a pivotal story as it showed that while Roan Fel has a great deal of responsibility for the dark state of the galaxy it also showed that he was not aware of the full picture until the war was over. This was valuable to me to make Roan Fel more of a sympathetic character.
The rest of the plot takes place seven years later and helps to give a more rounded view of the galaxy at this time while also pushing the plot forward in ways that will payoff down the line. For instance the introduction of the Galactic Alliance remnant fleet and its brilliant leader Admiral Gar Stazi. They are both introduced in an attempt to secure an alliance with the Imperial forces loyal to Roan Fel. This tale is full of intrigue, betrayal and shocks that have implications in the most unexpected ways. Then towards the end of the volume we return to the primary plot line as we catch up with Cade Skywalker as he journeys to the ruins of the Jedi Academy on Ossus. Where he has to try to come to terms with his past. The art of this section was outstanding and brought back some great characters from the Star Wars Republic comics and also from the New Jedi Oder series of books that will be a real treat for those fans who are familiar with them.
Like the first trade paperback this is THE must read Star Wars comic series out there. It really builds upon the plot of Broken but takes time to put more flesh on the bones in terms of back story and the broader galactic situation. It has it all great story, great characters and great art and I can't recommend it highly enough.
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Star Wars: Legacy: 1 (Star Wars)
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John Ostrander; Jan Duursema; Dan Parsons;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £7.73
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Customer Reviews
Awesome!, 29 Oct 2008
This comic is excellent, its a bit too short as i finished it in literally 5 to 10 minutes but its great fun, the prints are clear and imaginative, in the short space of reading it it really grips you and it finishes on a good note it links to the force unleashed video game very well except some of the minor perhaps less important parts from the game weren't seen in the comic and at times it can be a bit confusing but it's great fun and i think if you're a star wars fan or not you still enjoy it and if you played the video game or not you can still enjoy it. Probably if you haven't played the game it will be more enjoyable and entrancing. It's also just a great collectible and a great interpretation of a great saga and the chapter in Star wars! Same story, new faces, impossible powers, 31 Aug 2008
The Force Unleashed is about a young man with Force powers so immense he can whip Vader and the Emperor simultaneously. Based on a video game in which you get to play this Force-wielding giant, the conceptual emphasis is on action and playability, rather than character or drama. Consequently the graphic novel reads like a series of set pieces, big fight scenes with a bit of exposition to tie them together. Ostensibly the plot concerns the inception of the Rebellion, but as with the beginnings of most things in the Star Wars universe, the origin of the Alliance is more than it seems.
Thematically, TFU cleaves closely to the SW universe formula - young man spends his life doing bad and redeems himself in the end with a tiny act of good. The orphaned Starkiller is raised as Darth Vader's secret apprentice, an amoral assassin who dispatches with equal skill characters on both sides of the war. Somewhere along the way he switches to being a good guy with a conscience and a love interest, though it's not really clear how either develops. Neither is why the leaders of the Rebellion trust anyone who shows up at their door expressing an interest in sacking the Empire.
The artwork is a mixed bag, with Brain Ching opening and closing the story with some finely illustrated chapters. Unfortunately, as with his stint on Knights of the Old Republic, he seems unable to work fast enough to complete an entire project - or takes assignments with impossible deadlines - and so we get a couple of less skilled artists working on the middle sections.
There is a novel of the same name covering the exact same story. I haven't yet read it, but given author Sean Williams' track record (as coauthor of one of the worst chapters of the New Jedi Order), and given that the graphic novel isn't anything worth bragging about, I'd wager the novel is as limp, or with more extraneous material, even limper. My suggestion would be to unleash your own force on the game. That is, if you have a console. PC users will have to settle for the graphic novel.
# Novel of a game? Oh dear..., 09 Oct 2008
This is novel based on a game and it shows. The story moves along quite nicely however the book feels like a series of action scenes strung together. The brief interludes between the sadly rushed action scenes add new dimensions to the characters and reveal more of their motives etc. These are well written and the reason this book receives three stars. To fans of the Expanded Universe and the more dedicated fans this book will frustrate with its disregard to the saga's key story of the chosen one/Anakin being the strongest force user ever(especially when StarKiller displays his full power in the penultimate scene).Like the game this book is based on, it is a missed opportunity. Agree with RC Searle, 31 Jul 2008
I have to agree with RC Searle - whilst the books (more like bound comics) are well drawn and nicely presented, they do not have much substance as they are effectively a comic strip.
My 9 year old read this book in one go, but does dip back to it now and again.
They are possibly geared more towards adult comic book fans of Star Wars based on the price. Great but not much for your money, 08 Jul 2007
These books are good but my 8 year old son had read 2 within an afternoon, so not much reading content. He liked them a lot but they are like a cartoon magazine expcept far smaller. If they did a box of 5 for about a fiver, that would be more reasonable. More Clone Wars fun., 23 Dec 2004
THE STORY: Three, in fact,(you lucky people!) set five months after 'Attack of the Clones'. The first 'Skywalkers' reveals exactly what event Obi-Wan (Alec Guiness) was thinking of when he refers to Anakin as the 'greatest star pilot in the galaxy'. 'Hide In Plain Sight' features Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee (Jedi from Episode II) as they confront the overwhelming forces of General Grievous. Finally, in 'Run Mace Run', Mace Windu must destroy a superweapon alone and unsupported. WHAT'S GOOD:
The Clone Wars comics in general are all trying hard to be gritty and mature, so it's nice to have one (two, if you include Vol.1) which is just a bit of classic Star Wars fun. Despite my preconceptions, I continue to love the 2D art style because of the more ingenuity used by the artists to provide perspective, movement and tone. People who buy this book will also be getting another sneaky-peek at General Grievous, the bionic baddie set to feature in the upcoming 'Revenge of the Sith'. WHAT'S BAD:
I wasn't entirely struck on the third story, 'Run Mace Run', mostly because it just consists of, rather shockingly, Mace running (although an appearance by Saruman - I mean Count Dooku - helps to offset that).
An enjoyable collection of short Star Wars stories., 02 Oct 2004
THE STORY:
Three in fact, set five months after the end of Episode II. In 'Blind Force' Anakin and Obi-Wan must locate Separatist weapons on the night-shrouded world of Nivek. 'Heavy Metal Jedi' features Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Saesee Tiin fighting a powerful new Battle Droid in the Battle of Iktotch. Finally, 'Fierce Currents' has Master Kit Fisto attempting to track down the Separatist leader on Mon Calamari. WHAT'S GOOD:
Despite my expectations, the art featured in this graphic novel is really good, managing to convey emotion, combat and movement with equal excellence. The stories, although short, are also very good and I particularly like the bit in 'Blind Force' where Obi-Wan first comes up with the idea of using blindfolds and tells young Skywalker to "stretch out with your feelings" (sound familiar?). The mix of action and humour in the second story makes it great entertainment and the surprising turn of events in the third story is good reading too. There's also a brief appearance by everyone's favourite stumpy big-eared green Muppet too. WHAT'S BAD:
The only major fault with this book is that, in realistic terms, you don't get very much for your money.
star wars adventures v.8, 19 Sep 2008
This is an action packed adventure book.It's set out like a comic.It's the best book ever.I would recemend this to people of all ages.I also think it's exellent because it's four stories in one book.It's a fantastic sci-fi book.It's a five star book.I loved the bit When someone took three monsters with nothing no wepons or jedi powers it was amazing
By Danny in pheonixes class (year six)
Best of the Best, 28 Jan 2007
The first in a line of omnibus collections of the X-Wing Graphic Novels. This is a really fine book that can help put some of the earlyer post Endor adventures into perspective as they build a lot of the back story for the X-Wing series of novels. The time frame for these stories is approximatly 1 week to 1 year after the battle of Endor. The series shows how many later charecters came to be in thier various situations. Each book in the series contains three indevidual stoies. The good thing about this is that in this book the first two stories were never bublished as indeviuals at least in the UK (to the best of my knowlage), so for people who missed some of the sories this is a wonderfull chance to collect them all.
Best of the Best, 28 Jan 2007
The first in a line of omnibus collections of the X-Wing Graphic Novels. This is a really fine book that can help put some of the earlyer post Endor adventures into perspective as they build a lot of the back story for the X-Wing series of novels. The time frame for these stories is approximatly 1 week to 1 year after the battle of Endor. The series shows how many later charecters came to be in thier various situations. Each book in the series contains three indevidual stoies. The good thing about this is that in this book the first two stories were never bublished as indeviuals at least in the UK (to the best of my knowlage), so for people who missed some of the sories this is a wonderfull chance to collect them all.
Volume 2 in the superb Legacy series, 29 Mar 2008
This is the second trade paperback of the amazing Star Wars: Legacy series. It takes place primarily around 137 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin) with a notable exception of the first story that takes place at 130 ABY. It features the mighty John Ostander and Jan Duursema team as well as other great artwork by Adam DeKraker, Travel Foreman and Colin Wilson.
While Star Wars Legacy: Broken threw us in at the deep end with an extract from Darth Krayt's Holocron and a flashback showing the fall of the Jedi Academy on Ossus, Shards begins by reviewing the climactic events of 130 ABY from a different perspective. We get an insight into how the Sith-Imperial War that tore asunder the Galactic Alliance was orchestrated by the Moff Council and the Sith. A fact I found interesting was that the Galactic Alliance by 130 ABY had evolved from having a single person in the position of Chief of State to having a Triumvirate. We also see the events that led to Emperor Roan Fel fleeing for his life as the Sith make plans to usurp his Empire after the conclusion of the war. This I found was a pivotal story as it showed that while Roan Fel has a great deal of responsibility for the dark state of the galaxy it also showed that he was not aware of the full picture until the war was over. This was valuable to me to make Roan Fel more of a sympathetic character.
The rest of the plot takes place seven years later and helps to give a more rounded view of the galaxy at this time while also pushing the plot forward in ways that will payoff down the line. For instance the introduction of the Galactic Alliance remnant fleet and its brilliant leader Admiral Gar Stazi. They are both introduced in an attempt to secure an alliance with the Imperial forces loyal to Roan Fel. This tale is full of intrigue, betrayal and shocks that have implications in the most unexpected ways. Then towards the end of the volume we return to the primary plot line as we catch up with Cade Skywalker as he journeys to the ruins of the Jedi Academy on Ossus. Where he has to try to come to terms with his past. The art of this section was outstanding and brought back some great characters from the Star Wars Republic comics and also from the New Jedi Oder series of books that will be a real treat for those fans who are familiar with them.
Like the first trade paperback this is THE must read Star Wars comic series out there. It really builds upon the plot of Broken but takes time to put more flesh on the bones in terms of back story and the broader galactic situation. It has it all great story, great characters and great art and I can't recommend it highly enough.
One hundred years after the Yuuzhan Vong War and then beyond., 01 Aug 2007
This trade paperback contains the first major story arc of the Star Wars Legacy comic series by John Ostrander and Jan Duursema. It takes place in the Legacy era of the Star Wars timeline which begins 40 years After the Battle of Yavin (ABY) and extends from that point onwards with no end year yet stated. The vast majority of the series takes place 137 ABY but the first part of the story takes place during 130 ABY to set the scene for the flash forward of seven years.
We are quickly brought up to speed on the state of the galaxy with an excerpt from Darth Krayts Holocron at the beginning of the book. The Galactic Alliance (a galactic republic) has endured from 29 ABY at the end of the Vong war to 130 ABY. However due to Darth Krayt and his Sith hordes sabotage of a beneficial Jedi Order/Galactic Alliance/Yuuzhan Vong terraforming project and their alliance with the restored (but different) Empire the Galactic Alliance has just surrendered after a three year conflict. The Sith then turn their attention to the Jedi Academy on Ossus. This is where the Broken storyline begins and it takes the reader on a journey that spans the Star Wars galaxy and deals with the search for the last Skywalker and what it means for someone to have such a massive legacy to live up to.
This arc sets the scene for the series and although some may be skeptical of the return of the Sith and the Empire the original and compelling way they are handled will soon show you that the all star team of Ostrander and Durrsema have not lost their magic. The Empire for example has its roots in the Imperial Remnant which last we knew was a member state of the Galactic Alliance in the Legacy of the Force books (40 ABY). Now we see at some point during the ninety year gap they decided to call themselves an empire again and have a dynasty of Emperors with the last name Fel. This Emperor is more benevolent and shares power with a Moff Council. The Sith are now legion again and their thinking behind this change in doctrine and the question of their legitimacy is addressed during this story arc making for one of the books best sections. Where Darth Krayt must explain his choices to Dark Lords of different eras. This makes for a truly unique plot that uses the typical iconic Star Wars elements but with a worthwhile twist on them.
A fine cast of characters is established in Broken including Kol and Cade Skywalker, Wolf Sazen, Shado Vao representing the Jedi Order. Roan Fel, Anatres Draco, Ganner Krieg and Astraal Vao from the Imperial camp. Not to mention all the Sith and underworld characters introduced. These characters are all superbly designed and instantly feel part of the Star Wars universe.
The great thought and care that has gone into the creation of this series storyline combined with Jan Duursemas sublime art makes for one of the finest Star Wars comic series ever. This is the perfect jumping on point for a series that is really going places.
Star Wars:Legacy:broken v.1, 31 Jul 2007
Beware Star Wars readers. This is a comic and nothing like the Star Wars books. Amazon should make this clearer in their advert !!!
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Customer Reviews
Awesome!, 29 Oct 2008
This comic is excellent, its a bit too short as i finished it in literally 5 to 10 minutes but its great fun, the prints are clear and imaginative, in the short space of reading it it really grips you and it finishes on a good note it links to the force unleashed video game very well except some of the minor perhaps less important parts from the game weren't seen in the comic and at times it can be a bit confusing but it's great fun and i think if you're a star wars fan or not you still enjoy it and if you played the video game or not you can still enjoy it. Probably if you haven't played the game it will be more enjoyable and entrancing. It's also just a great collectible and a great interpretation of a great saga and the chapter in Star wars! Same story, new faces, impossible powers, 31 Aug 2008
The Force Unleashed is about a young man with Force powers so immense he can whip Vader and the Emperor simultaneously. Based on a video game in which you get to play this Force-wielding giant, the conceptual emphasis is on action and playability, rather than character or drama. Consequently the graphic novel reads like a series of set pieces, big fight scenes with a bit of exposition to tie them together. Ostensibly the plot concerns the inception of the Rebellion, but as with the beginnings of most things in the Star Wars universe, the origin of the Alliance is more than it seems.
Thematically, TFU cleaves closely to the SW universe formula - young man spends his life doing bad and redeems himself in the end with a tiny act of good. The orphaned Starkiller is raised as Darth Vader's secret apprentice, an amoral assassin who dispatches with equal skill characters on both sides of the war. Somewhere along the way he switches to being a good guy with a conscience and a love interest, though it's not really clear how either develops. Neither is why the leaders of the Rebellion trust anyone who shows up at their door expressing an interest in sacking the Empire.
The artwork is a mixed bag, with Brain Ching opening and closing the story with some finely illustrated chapters. Unfortunately, as with his stint on Knights of the Old Republic, he seems unable to work fast enough to complete an entire project - or takes assignments with impossible deadlines - and so we get a couple of less skilled artists working on the middle sections.
There is a novel of the same name covering the exact same story. I haven't yet read it, but given author Sean Williams' track record (as coauthor of one of the worst chapters of the New Jedi Order), and given that the graphic novel isn't anything worth bragging about, I'd wager the novel is as limp, or with more extraneous material, even limper. My suggestion would be to unleash your own force on the game. That is, if you have a console. PC users will have to settle for the graphic novel.
# Novel of a game? Oh dear..., 09 Oct 2008
This is novel based on a game and it shows. The story moves along quite nicely however the book feels like a series of action scenes strung together. The brief interludes between the sadly rushed action scenes add new dimensions to the characters and reveal more of their motives etc. These are well written and the reason this book receives three stars. To fans of the Expanded Universe and the more dedicated fans this book will frustrate with its disregard to the saga's key story of the chosen one/Anakin being the strongest force user ever(especially when StarKiller displays his full power in the penultimate scene).Like the game this book is based on, it is a missed opportunity. Agree with RC Searle, 31 Jul 2008
I have to agree with RC Searle - whilst the books (more like bound comics) are well drawn and nicely presented, they do not have much substance as they are effectively a comic strip.
My 9 year old read this book in one go, but does dip back to it now and again.
They are possibly geared more towards adult comic book fans of Star Wars based on the price. Great but not much for your money, 08 Jul 2007
These books are good but my 8 year old son had read 2 within an afternoon, so not much reading content. He liked them a lot but they are like a cartoon magazine expcept far smaller. If they did a box of 5 for about a fiver, that would be more reasonable. More Clone Wars fun., 23 Dec 2004
THE STORY: Three, in fact,(you lucky people!) set five months after 'Attack of the Clones'. The first 'Skywalkers' reveals exactly what event Obi-Wan (Alec Guiness) was thinking of when he refers to Anakin as the 'greatest star pilot in the galaxy'. 'Hide In Plain Sight' features Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee (Jedi from Episode II) as they confront the overwhelming forces of General Grievous. Finally, in 'Run Mace Run', Mace Windu must destroy a superweapon alone and unsupported. WHAT'S GOOD:
The Clone Wars comics in general are all trying hard to be gritty and mature, so it's nice to have one (two, if you include Vol.1) which is just a bit of classic Star Wars fun. Despite my preconceptions, I continue to love the 2D art style because of the more ingenuity used by the artists to provide perspective, movement and tone. People who buy this book will also be getting another sneaky-peek at General Grievous, the bionic baddie set to feature in the upcoming 'Revenge of the Sith'. WHAT'S BAD:
I wasn't entirely struck on the third story, 'Run Mace Run', mostly because it just consists of, rather shockingly, Mace running (although an appearance by Saruman - I mean Count Dooku - helps to offset that).
An enjoyable collection of short Star Wars stories., 02 Oct 2004
THE STORY:
Three in fact, set five months after the end of Episode II. In 'Blind Force' Anakin and Obi-Wan must locate Separatist weapons on the night-shrouded world of Nivek. 'Heavy Metal Jedi' features Jedi Masters Mace Windu and Saesee Tiin fighting a powerful new Battle Droid in the Battle of Iktotch. Finally, 'Fierce Currents' has Master Kit Fisto attempting to track down the Separatist leader on Mon Calamari. WHAT'S GOOD:
Despite my expectations, the art featured in this graphic novel is really good, managing to convey emotion, combat and movement with equal excellence. The stories, although short, are also very good and I particularly like the bit in 'Blind Force' where Obi-Wan first comes up with the idea of using blindfolds and tells young Skywalker to "stretch out with your feelings" (sound familiar?). The mix of action and humour in the second story makes it great entertainment and the surprising turn of events in the third story is good reading too. There's also a brief appearance by everyone's favourite stumpy big-eared green Muppet too. WHAT'S BAD:
The only major fault with this book is that, in realistic terms, you don't get very much for your money.
star wars adventures v.8, 19 Sep 2008
This is an action packed adventure book.It's set out like a comic.It's the best book ever.I would recemend this to people of all ages.I also think it's exellent because it's four stories in one book.It's a fantastic sci-fi book.It's a five star book.I loved the bit When someone took three monsters with nothing no wepons or jedi powers it was amazing
By Danny in pheonixes class (year six)
Best of the Best, 28 Jan 2007
The first in a line of omnibus collections of the X-Wing Graphic Novels. This is a really fine book that can help put some of the earlyer post Endor adventures into perspective as they build a lot of the back story for the X-Wing series of novels. The time frame for these stories is approximatly 1 week to 1 year after the battle of Endor. The series shows how many later charecters came to be in thier various situations. Each book in the series contains three indevidual stoies. The good thing about this is that in this book the first two stories were never bublished as indeviuals at least in the UK (to the best of my knowlage), so for people who missed some of the sories this is a wonderfull chance to collect them all.
Best of the Best, 28 Jan 2007
The first in a line of omnibus collections of the X-Wing Graphic Novels. This is a really fine book that can help put some of the earlyer post Endor adventures into perspective as they build a lot of the back story for the X-Wing series of novels. The time frame for these stories is approximatly 1 week to 1 year after the battle of Endor. The series shows how many later charecters came to be in thier various situations. Each book in the series contains three indevidual stoies. The good thing about this is that in this book the first two stories were never bublished as indeviuals at least in the UK (to the best of my knowlage), so for people who missed some of the sories this is a wonderfull chance to collect them all.
Volume 2 in the superb Legacy series, 29 Mar 2008
This is the second trade paperback of the amazing Star Wars: Legacy series. It takes place primarily around 137 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin) with a notable exception of the first story that takes place at 130 ABY. It features the mighty John Ostander and Jan Duursema team as well as other great artwork by Adam DeKraker, Travel Foreman and Colin Wilson.
While Star Wars Legacy: Broken threw us in at the deep end with an extract from Darth Krayt's Holocron and a flashback showing the fall of the Jedi Academy on Ossus, Shards begins by reviewing the climactic events of 130 ABY from a different perspective. We get an insight into how the Sith-Imperial War that tore asunder the Galactic Alliance was orchestrated by the Moff Council and the Sith. A fact I found interesting was that the Galactic Alliance by 130 ABY had evolved from having a single person in the position of Chief of State to having a Triumvirate. We also see the events that led to Emperor Roan Fel fleeing for his life as the Sith make plans to usurp his Empire after the conclusion of the war. This I found was a pivotal story as it showed that while Roan Fel has a great deal of responsibility for the dark state of the galaxy it also showed that he was not aware of the full picture until the war was over. This was valuable to me to make Roan Fel more of a sympathetic character.
The rest of the plot takes place seven years later and helps to give a more rounded view of the galaxy at this time while also pushing the plot forward in ways that will payoff down the line. For instance the introduction of the Galactic Alliance remnant fleet and its brilliant leader Admiral Gar Stazi. They are both introduced in an attempt to secure an alliance with the Imperial forces loyal to Roan Fel. This tale is full of intrigue, betrayal and shocks that have implications in the most unexpected ways. Then towards the end of the volume we return to the primary plot line as we catch up with Cade Skywalker as he journeys to the ruins of the Jedi Academy on Ossus. Where he has to try to come to terms with his past. The art of this section was outstanding and brought back some great characters from the Star Wars Republic comics and also from the New Jedi Oder series of books that will be a real treat for those fans who are familiar with them.
Like the first trade paperback this is THE must read Star Wars comic series out there. It really builds upon the plot of Broken but takes time to put more flesh on the bones in terms of back story and the broader galactic situation. It has it all great story, great characters and great art and I can't recommend it highly enough.
One hundred years after the Yuuzhan Vong War and then beyond., 01 Aug 2007
This trade paperback contains the first major story arc of the Star Wars Legacy comic series by John Ostrander and Jan Duursema. It takes place in the Legacy era of the Star Wars timeline which begins 40 years After the Battle of Yavin (ABY) and extends from that point onwards with no end year yet stated. The vast majority of the series takes place 137 ABY but the first part of the story takes place during 130 ABY to set the scene for the flash forward of seven years.
We are quickly brought up to speed on the state of the galaxy with an excerpt from Darth Krayts Holocron at the beginning of the book. The Galactic Alliance (a galactic republic) has endured from 29 ABY at the end of the Vong war to 130 ABY. However due to Darth Krayt and his Sith hordes sabotage of a beneficial Jedi Order/Galactic Alliance/Yuuzhan Vong terraforming project and their alliance with the restored (but different) Empire the Galactic Alliance has just surrendered after a three year conflict. The Sith then turn their attention to the Jedi Academy on Ossus. This is where the Broken storyline begins and it takes the reader on a journey that spans the Star Wars galaxy and deals with the search for the last Skywalker and what it means for someone to have such a massive legacy to live up to.
This arc sets the scene for the series and although some may be skeptical of the return of the Sith and the Empire the original and compelling way they are handled will soon show you that the all star team of Ostrander and Durrsema have not lost their magic. The Empire for example has its roots in the Imperial Remnant which last we knew was a member state of the Galactic Alliance in the Legacy of the Force books (40 ABY). Now we see at some point during the ninety year gap they decided to call themselves an empire again and have a dynasty of Emperors with the last name Fel. This Emperor is more benevolent and shares power with a Moff Council. The Sith are now legion again and their thinking behind this change in doctrine and the question of their legitimacy is addressed during this story arc making for one of the books best sections. Where Darth Krayt must explain his choices to Dark Lords of different eras. This makes for a truly unique plot that uses the typical iconic Star Wars elements but with a worthwhile twist on them.
A fine cast of characters is established in Broken including Kol and Cade Skywalker, Wolf Sazen, Shado Vao representing the Jedi Order. Roan Fel, Anatres Draco, Ganner Krieg and Astraal Vao from the Imperial camp. Not to mention all the Sith and underworld characters introduced. These characters are all superbly designed and instantly feel part of the Star Wars universe.
The great thought and care that has gone into the creation of this series storyline combined with Jan Duursemas sublime art makes for one of the finest Star Wars comic series ever. This is the perfect jumping on point for a series that is really going places.
Star Wars:Legacy:broken v.1, 31 Jul 2007
Beware Star Wars readers. This is a comic and nothing like the Star Wars books. Amazon should make this clearer in their advert !!!
A dark journey within the Sith Temple for Cade Skywalker, 28 Sep 2008
Here we are the third trade paperback for the Star Wars: Legacy comic series. This volume takes place 137 years ABY and is full to the brim with flashbacks from all over the Star Wars timeline. The art is handled purely by Jan Duursema in this volume and is written by John Ostrander.
Claws of the Dragon picks up straight after the end of the previous volume Shards. Cade Skywalker at the end of that volume accepted some very brief refresher training in the Jedi arts from his old master, however his previous bad deeds have now driven him to Coruscant to try and resuce the Jedi Healer Hosk Trey'lis from Sith captivity. He is driven by guilt as he and his crew of bounty hunters are the ones who turned the Jedi over to the Sith. His journey will lead to the Sith Temple and the dangerous game that many a Jedi has played; trying to go undercover as a Sith/Darksider. Cade gets in way over his head and by doing so learns the startling truth behind the Sith Emperor Darth Krayt and the reason why he needs Cade Skywalker so badly.
We get a much more detailed look at Coruscant in the Legacy era and Jan Duursema does not disappoint. We get amazing cityscapes as Cade makes his dangerous approach to Coruscant being chased by Sith Empire Predator fighters, the dark underbelly of Coruscant with the victims of the Siths sabotage of the Ossus Project and the results of the remaking of the Jedi Temple into the Sith Temple. There is also the introduction of a character last seen at the end of Jan Duursema and John Ostranders Clone Wars run in Star Wars: Republic which is a cool kick for those who have read it.
This is an essential storyline in the ongoing Legacy series. It gives us an in depth look into the new Sith Order and is full of shock revelations both into the identity of Darth Krayt but also in regards to Cade Skywalkers past. The art is top notch as usual and Johm Ostrander is brilliant at weaving a compelling tale intercut with relevant and fascinating flashbacks. It also ties in very nicely with the recently finished storyline within the Legacy of the Force novels that are set at the very start of the Legacy era (40 ABY). Claws of the Dragon is a must read.
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