Review: Star Wars The Mandalorian #8

As much as we need original Mandalorian content in the comics, the current Mandalorian series is a fantastic adaptation of the first season. Issue 8 caps off the season with an adaptation of the finale including IG-11’s tragic fate.

The art by George Jeanty here is much more polished than in a few prior issues and it serves the book wonderfully. Every character and moment is given the depth and expressiveness of the series. The drawback of this book remains the rushed feeling of compressing an entire episode into one issue.

Even at a larger issue size, action scenes feel rushed. We also just don’t get enough Grogu. One would imagine kids would love to have this book so it makes no sense to isolate Grogu to just a scattering of panels. Every story beat with the character should be fleshed out to not only attract a young audience but also adequately convey the character’s charm. Thankfully we are still given strong character moments for the rest of the cast throughout the issue.

The issue begins with Storm Troopers who have taken down Kuiil and captured The Child. The creators do a good job of highlighting Grogu’s mistreatment at the hands of his captors. IG-11 arrives in nursemaid mode with his mission to protect Grogu at all costs. He makes quick work of the captors and a host of other troopers as he travels to deliver Grogu back to Mando. Mando, Cara Dune and Greef Karga are cornered by Moff Gideon.

Gideon’s threats inspire Din Djarin to recall his own origins as a foundling adopted into the Mandalorian ways. The trio break loose and take down Gideon’s forces before being reunited with Grogu and IG-11. Mando is injured and is forced to show his face to IG-11, who assured him this is fine as he is not alive, in order to survive.

The depth of IG-11 is well conveyed throughout the issue. From his deep caring for our heroes to his dismissal of his own humanity and his final sacrifice to allow the escape of the team. The team runs into the Armorer who’s epic battle is cut way too short in comic form. The issue ends with Din taking down Moff Gideon’s TIE fighter allowing Mando and Grogu to leave in search of the Jedi Order.

This issue is a solid adaptation filled with great character moments, action and all the heart you would want from The Mandalorian. A bit more room across multiple issues for each episode to unfold would serve this book well as it enters into season 2.

Writing: 4.3 of 5 stars
Art: 4.6 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.5 of 5 stars

Overall:
4.5 of 5 stars

Writer: Rodney Barnes
Art: George Jeanty
Inks: Karl Story, Wayne Faucher, Dexter Vines
Colors: Rachelle Rosenberg
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.