– Spoiler Review –
Begun, The Clone Wars – Battles Tales, have! Originally scheduled as a weekly series in April, and since delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, IDW’s latest miniseries might now be monthly, but if issue #1 is a sign of the quality and fun to come, it’ll be worth the wait!
The Clone Wars – Battle Tales is much like the Tales from/Return to Vader’s Castle miniseries: there’s a framing story, which advances each issue, and little contained stories in each issue spun by the characters within. Whereas those series focused on horror and frights, Battle Tales captures the fun, adventure, heart, and humor of The Clone Wars animated series, especially its earlier episodes. It makes for a fun, quick read in the first Battle Tales, as the framing story has a compelling through-line while the story told by Captain Rex both packs a message and entertainment, and it shows how easily writer Michael Moreci has a handle on what makes both Star Wars and TCW so special to fans and the Saga overall. His characterizations, while brief for a few of the principal players, makes Battle Tales exude the full spirit of the animated show and honestly felt like it could’ve been one of its many episodes; I have a good feeling the entire miniseries will be much the same, and those looking for a new TCW fix after its epic finale won’t be disappointed.
Set prior to the Battle of Christophsis, seen in TCW film, the framing story sees Captain Rex, with Commanders Wolfee and Cody, protecting the citizens of Hisseen while Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Plo Koon deal with the combined threat of Count Dooku and Asajj Ventress. While the clones are holding their own, a distorted message from Plo Koon sounds like they need urgent help, and how the clones manage to help the Jedi and protect the citizens should be a compelling story to watch unfold, and already distinctly captures the spirit of the show. As for the “battle tale” itself, Rex assures his fellow clones the Jedi won’t leave them behind by regaling them of a tale where Anakin did everything he could to save one of the clones, saying he’d never leave a man behind. There’s some good humor in the framing story, but Moreci’s Anakin really shines in the “tale,” as his banter with the monster while trying to defeat it provides plenty of laughs exacerbated by the art, while his empathy and attachment to his troops imparts the issue’s message of caring for others.
On the art side, both stories have different teams: for the framing story, Derek Charm is on art with Luis Antonio Delgado on colors; for Rex’s story, Arianna Florean & Mario Del Pennino provide art duties with Valentina Taddeo on colors; Both stories feature great lettering from Jake M Wood! Charm’s art has always hued more cartoon-style so he’s the perfect fit for the framing story, as not only does the story feel like it’s from TCW, his art makes it look like an episode of show, capturing the earlier designs of the characters, while Delgado’s colors pop, with clones easily distinct and the battle scenes bright and vibrant. For Rex’s story, Florean and Del Pennino offer up exaggerated, slight goofy, facial expressions, but they work so well it only adds to the humor of the story; I particularly liked the look of the salamander-like creature and Anakin’s little battle with it. Taddeo’s colors are a little darker than the framing story, playing up the frightening aspect of the monster encounter, and fit in the jungle-like setting. Both teams shined here and I hope this quality will continue in the next 4 issues.
Here are a few other things:
- Before the original release of this series, I was honored to have the chance to interview writer Michael Moreci! Check it out now for teases of a new clone, Heater, and some of the art he’s excited for us to see.
- The next issue won’t be out until June 24.
- You can check out our reviews of the final season of The Clone Wars, discussing the epic, somber conclusion with the Siege of Mandalore storyline.
- There is still more TCW to come, beyond more issues of this miniseries: Stories of Light and Dark, a middle-grade novel, will retell classic episodes from different POVs, as well as include a brand-new story about the Nightsisters. Be sure to head back to the Manor on August 25, when it releases, to read our review!
Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales is off to an adventurous, entertaining start with writing and art capturing the best of the animated series while still offering and adding its own distinct, rollicking adventures to the lore of the show.
+ Feels like an episode of the show
+ Characterizations and story delight
+ Art is fantastic in both stories
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.
THE CLONE WARS – BATTLE TALES
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