– Spoiler Review –
Cavan Scott returns to Star Wars Adventures in Vol. 2’s issue #11 with a tale about the hotshot pilot joining Rogue Squadron’s latest missions, the backup tale by Anne Toole and Nick Brokenshire will make you want to take a shower afterwards!
“Squad Goals – Part 1″ Written by Cavan Scott, Art by Manuel Bracchi, Colors by Bracardi Curry, Lettering throughout by Johanna Nattalie
In Cavan Scott’s “Squad Goals – Part 1,” Rogue Squadron runs backup on the fabled B-wing squad, Blade Squadron, and while the mission is a success, it’s not without its troubles. The most important one being Rogue Squad’s newest recruit, not some enemy pilot, as hotshot recruit Ibti Myrak has a lot of troubles following orders, almost disappointed the fabled legend of Luke as a hotshot himself is far from the truth as he barks orders at her. The rest of the team isn’t happy with Ibti either and after she abandons the formation during a pirate attack, Luke grounds her. Besides seeing Poe Dameron grounded for not following orders in The Last Jedi, I feel like it’s very rare we get to see a pilot actually reprimanded for their disobedience and it’s good to show that every once in awhile. Not all antics should be rewarded, even if they help complete a mission, as leaders are picked for a reason and they might not see something someone like Ibti can’t. And since she’s flying under Luke Skywalker’s command, of course the Force can help him see more than she can imagine. There’s an early hint someone is feeding the Empire information and the culprit looks to make themselves known when they send off a mysterious and garbled transmission. With Ibti grounded, will the rest of the Rogue Squadron be enough when they’re ambushed by a Star Destroyer or do they need their hotshot after all? And will she learn how to work with the team to save the day? We’ll find out next issue.
Manuel Bracchi’s art has a great sense of speed and action to it, as Ibti’s X-wing blasts around the engagement zone to cause havoc, he matches with strong visuals that pop, be it the elongated lines to convey her speed or blaring ion-tails. The laser blasts traded between fighters are voluminous and weighty, with explosions similarly feeling like they pack a bunch. It’s Bracardi Curry’s colors which add great flavor to these moments, form the red, orange, yellow of the explosions making them feel warm, even in space, while the pilots really stick out from their outfits and the background of their cockpits due to the darker colors used. Johanna Nattalie’s lettering SFX also add speed to the dogfights, a deafening sound to the explosions, and her words bubbles keep the action in focus and draw you onto the next thrilling panel.
Bonus Thoughts:
- The Draedan were first brought into canon back in 2015’s Leia novel, Moving Target.
- The Valo System, and Lonisa City, the Capital of Valo, factor heavily into the events of Scott’s The High Republic – The Rising Storm, as it’s where the Republic Fair is held, which the Nihil attack.
- The Taris system should be familiar to Knights of the Old Republic fans, who have a snazzy new remaster coming their way in the next few years!
- And the Cilpar System first appeared in the original Rogue Squadron comics, so plenty of great references from Scott, per usual!
- This is one of THREE comics written by Scott releasing on 10/20/21: there’s also the grand finale to Ghosts of Vader’s Castle and the latest The High Republic issue!
Tales of Villainy: “Done Dirty” Written by Anne Toole, Art by Nick Brokenshire
When one of Jabba’s favorite pets goes missing, Ree-Yees saves his life by promising to clean the Sail Barge and find Buboicullaar aka Bubo. What follows is a disgustingly fun tour of the Jabba’s Sail Barge, where we find out there’s what looks to be a baby krayt dragon in its lower levels and all other sorts of shady aspects. It might be lite on plot, but Anne Toole’s writing keeps it lite and funny, and appropriate for all-ages even when there’s a panel of the torture/jail room.
What really makes this story shine, after Ree-Yees finishes cleaning of course, is Nick Brokenshire’s art. This tour relies a lot of his work and as usual he delivers, with a bright palette that helps keep the tone jovial, be it the shackles in the room where those who donate are put or the slobbery, gooey, sickly brown mess Ree-Yees tumbles through thinking Bubo has been evacuated from the Barge. It also gives the short story the feeling of something the Marx Brothers or the Three Stooges would get up to, but if on a solo adventure, and it’ll provide lots of “ewws” and laughter for all readers.
Star Wars Adventures #11 (Vol. 2) starts with a strong Rogue Squadron tale and includes a gooey, funny mess of a backup tale.
+ Rogue Fun
+ Gross journey through the Barge
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website on Twitter @MynockManor and Instagram @mynockmanor.
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