Star Wars: Tales from the Far, Far Away Vol. 1

By Tim Daniel, Kendall Goode, Matt Battaglia, Adam Wollett, Michael Moreci, Morgan Luthi, Jordan Boyd, Dee Cunniffee and Jim Campbell

In 2015 a Star Wars comic book passion project was launched “by fans for fans”, and it has proven to be a huge success. Not only is it a must read for Star Wars fans, but it’s also an amazing achievement in comics making. It’s free and we’ve got the link!

Leave it to the fans to do right by Star Wars and to create some of the finest unofficial extended universe comic stories you can come by. In the first volume of Star Wars: Tales from Far, Far, Away readers are treated to two high quality short stories that are as clever as they are entertaining. Both fill in gaps from the movies, which works incredibly well despite taking liberties. These aren’t fanboys with a chip on their shoulders taking it upon themselves to rewrite what they may consider less than perfect plot lines from the movies. This isn’t the sort of fan fiction that merely pays tribute to the beloved franchise either. No, what we have here in this collection is the work of expert comics creators who have developed considered storylines that enrich what we already love about Star Wars.

“Beyond the Dune Sea” is a sort of forgotten history piece that takes place immediately following Episode III, as if it were always a part of the overall story. It doesn’t connect episodes, but it does support the lore while adding to it with a nice self-contained moment. A small moment, told in a way that doesn’t ignore the greater impact on the galaxy by the newly formed Empire. It’s a story that doesn’t have to exist, but be glad it does, if only for the manner in which it was executed. With a distinctly considered approach, this story may be the result of equal amounts of research and genuine fan knowledge alike. Writer Tim Daniel tells the tale of Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi’s arrival on Tatooine, but it takes an unexpected turn that is as imaginative as it is realistic. What’s more, it leaves us wondering what other stories Daniel may have up his sleeve, whether they’re about Kenobi or not. Artist Kendall Goode and Colorist Matt Battaglia craft a look that is mildly, if not appropriately, reminiscent of Genndy Tartakovsy’s Clone Wars cartoon series, without sacrificing their own style. The line work is loose, whimsical even, but detailed and full of dynamism. The colors are both soothing and intense, conveying the correct emotion at the correct time. There is a grit and texture to the art that makes it feel like a story that takes place on a desert planet, even if we didn’t already know better. With professional lettering by Adam Wollett the comic is as entertaining as it is legible. Consider this first installment the perfect introduction to an acclaim-worthy and original take on the universe we know so well.

“The Hunter’s Bounty” takes place during more than one film from the original trilogy, using the bounty hunter Boba Fett as a vehicle. And although it may put a slightly more outlandish spin on a very well-known Star Wars scene, it’s so well done, not to mention downright fun, that you’ll be hard pressed to find fault. With all of the mainstream Star Wars comics already in print, it’s fascinating that a story can come along so late in the game with such an impact. Michael Moreci writes a terrific script with a twist that will put a smile on your face. The story is well thought out and clearly written by a fan with other fans in mind. Star Wars is as know for its main characters as it is for is supporting cast. It’s one thing to do Fett justice, but to bring the best out of an even lesser explored character is very impressive.

Drawn and colored with a professional touch, there’s as much to admire in this final segment’s illustrations as there is in its story. Artist Morgan Luthi is able to create a sense of newness while taking purists right back to memorable scenes and locations without skipping a beat. Colorists Jordan Boyd and Dee Cunniffee give us a perfectly saturated comic book with all the intensity and emotion regular collectors expect, while keeping it rooted in the Star Wars universe. With so much familiarity it would be a sin to stray too far. Although Luthi, Boyd and Cunniffe absolutely manage to tap into our sense memory and give us good old-fashioned Star Wars, they also remind us it’s still a comic with interesting visuals and bright, intense palettes. Letterer Jim Campbell likewise does his part in the storytelling process to create a rhythm that keeps us engage instead of distracted, and allows the entire piece to work in harmony.

Want to read some great Star Wars comics? Tales from Far, Far Away is for you. Want to read some Star Wars stories that fill in the gaps from the movies and then some? Just hit the link below and find out what you may have missed. A hearty “well done”! to the team involved, each of which deserve our thanks as Star Wars and comic book fans alike.

Find it here and enjoy: https://app.box.com/s/2aom7tt9yig4ennj6i301jvp56wfqvrx