Review: Star Wars Hyperspace Stories Vol 1 TPB

OK, Let me start with a story from not so long ago, in galaxy from my old couch (sofa). One particular Sunday I was scrolling through Twitter and came upon a shed load of hate towards the newest Star Wars trilogy aka Episodes 7 through 9. Now, I love Star Wars, being there right at the start back in 1977 and was happy to defend the “greatest space opera of all time” by stating it has always been and always will be a kids movie. For those that complain about it now, they are looking at he franchise with their older eye and finding it wanting, because their tastes and expectations had changed not Star Wars. Thankfully I deleted the tweet before it consumed my weekend much like the Death Star consumed Alderaan! Why is this story relevant?

Dark Horse have recently returned to Star Wars, delivering a different type of book then the House of Mouse’s in-house studio AKA Marvel Comics. In doing so they have unintentionally proven my point for all age book that welcomes every version of Star Wars movies, with a character that has seen it all; no I am not talking about R2-D2!

Star Wars Hyperspace stories carries a theme through the prequel, the original trilogy and a couple of stops in the most modern of movies, with a kind of over reaching arc.

I have to applaud the writers, Amanda Diebert and Cecil Castellucci who provide two stories each, with both writers work hard to show the type of story and dialogue that matches their respective era’s. For my money, Diebert is the better of the two, serving as a kind of bookend to the trade. Diebert covers the Clone Wars along with a Rey and Chewbacca story; it has to be said that Chewbacca is my second favourite character to Han Solo in the whole thing. I am not saying that Castelucci’s writing i bad, but I get enough of Luke and Leia in the main marvel book and by now, I have lost interest in the Poe and Finn.

The art is provided by Lucas Marangon, Megan Huang and Andy Duggan. Each employ a cartoony style which I found an odd choice. Sure, The Clone Wars should have a cartoon feel, but that period between A New Hope and Empire? With that question in mind, It should come as now surprise that I found Marangon’s work in the book ends the most satisfying. It is true that comics work best as a collaborative endeavour. Colors are consistent throughout the book, thanks to the work of Michael Atiyeh and Dan Jackson, whose work doesn’t have the same homage elements as the respective writings. Finally, letterers Comicraft’s Tyler Smith and Jimmy Betancourt do a grand job, given the different amount and stylings of the dialogue.

For me, this is the best sort of book to read with your younger kids. The over-reaching plot works well, though for older kids there may be more questions than answer.s. That said, there is enough interest generated in the book to help the moms and dads reconnect with the magic of that very special galaxy from a long time ago, that lies far far away!

Writing – 4 Stars
Art – 3.5 Stars
Colors – 3.5 Stars

Overall – 3.5 Stars

Written by; Amanda Diebert & Cecil Catelucci
Art by;Lucas Marangan, Megan Huang & Andy Duggan
Colors by; Michael Atiyeh & Dan Jackson
Letters by; Comiccraft’s Tyler Smith & Jimmy Betancourt
Published by; Dark Horse Comics

Author Profile

Johnny "The Machine" Hughes

I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow

Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network