Star Wars Splash Page

Chewbacca got his hug, Rey carried a new burden, Leia was stalwart, Rose and Paige found their purpose and Aphra found her secret weapon.

The stories that unfolded in Age of Resistance -- Rey #1, Doctor Aphra #36 and Age of Resistance -- Rose Tico #1 were brimming with character development -- some multiple issues in the offing and others just waiting to be told -- that heralded next-level steps in Star Wars comics storytelling.

As for news, we break down December's solicits and what the effective end of Star Wars comics' first phase portends for 2020, marvel at the animation by John Stratman in his 16-bit adaptation of the Vader Down one-shot and discuss Will Sliney's selection as artist for the upcoming The Rise of Kylo Ren mini series.

This week’s Star Wars comics out Sept. 25 include:
_ Target Vader #3
_ Star Wars: Age of Resistance -- Kylo Ren #1
_ Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order -- Dark Temple #2
_ Star Wars Adventures #26

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Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

We got some answers, yet more questions, as readers learned about the tenuous and relationship between Snoke and Kylo Ren in the pages of Age of Resistance -- Supreme Leader Snoke #1.

As for other Star Wars comics, we weigh in on what the two new series that are expected to start in December may encompass as we parse the August sales states that saw just one title in the top 50.

This week’s Star Wars comics out Sept. 18 include:
_ Doctor Aphra #36
_ Star Wars: Age of Resistance -- Rey #1
_ Star Wars: Age of Resistance -- Rose Tico #1
_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Menace Revealed, Vol. 2 (Reprints Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars #19-35, along with material from Dark Horse Extra #35-37, Star Wars Tales #13 and Dark Horse Presents Annual 2000)

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Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

Matthew Rosenberg provides readers with a steady stream of dialogue in the first of the five-issue Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order -- Dark Temple that pairs perfectly with Paolo Villanelli's art, Arif Prianto's colors and Joe Sabino's letters, yet we're wondering if it was too much for some readers to encompass. Regardless, the series is off to an intriguing start, sporting some nods to Star Wars literary efforts of late, as well as some, to our mind, of those in the past.

In Star Wars #71, the "Rebels and Rogues" arc continues to blaze forward with three separate, yet distinctly related storylines that has Greg Pak and Phil Noto and Clayton Cowles ensuring the series' final issues are rife with intrigue, mystery and exclamations of surprise out loud.

This week’s Star Wars comics out Sept. 11 include:

_ Star Wars Adventures #25
_ Star Wars: Age of Resistance -- Supreme Leader Snoke #1

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Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

Tom Taylor knows his audience, no one can dispute that, which is why his work on Age of Resistance -- General Hux struck a chord with fans of Kylo Ren and Brendol's prodigal son, Armitage. Then, in Age of Resistance -- Poe Dameron, he crafted a great story that tied into The Last Jedi in a near-seamless manner.

As for Galaxy's Edge, the mini series that was ostensibly a tie-in to the Disney park, Ethan J. Sacks and Will Sliney took what could have been nothing more than an infomercial into a truly great stand-alone five-issue story that is likely to resonate down the Star Wars Saga timeline.

Meanwhile, Charles Soule, along with Terry and Rachel Dodson, showed that a riveting story need not be lengthy, with their one-page Darth Vader appearance in Marvel #1000 capturing Darth Vader in all the right ways. Plus, it left us wanting to know more about Micha, aka Red Four!

Be sure to check out artist Nick Brokenshire's works in progress for Return to Vader's Castle #3 due out in October, too.

This week’s Star Wars comics out Sept. 4 include:

_ Star Wars #71
_ Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order -- The Dark Temple #1
_ Galaxy's Edge #4 (2nd Printing)

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Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

Doctor Aphra plays both sides in her bid for freedom in Doctor Aphra #35, pitting not just the Empire against the Rebellion but also the Empire against ... the Empire?

In issue #5, the concluding issue of the TIE Fighter mini series, there's plenty of devastation to go around as readers are treated to an intense dogfight in space that proves all victory is fleeting when wider events are in play.

There's also details about November's Star Wars comics from Marvel as well as a brief recap on the move by Marvel to bring the flagship Star Wars comic title to an end with issue #75.

This week’s Star Wars comics out this week, Aug. 28:
_ Age of Resistance -- General Hux #1
_ Galaxy's Edge #5
_ Age of Resistance -- Poe Dameron #1
_ Marvel Comics #1000 (featuring a one-page story by Charles Soule and Terry and Rachel Dodson)

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Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

Marvel's November solicits for Star Wars comics stated, matter of factly, that issue #75 is "The Final Issue" for the flagship monthly series that debuted in 2015 and has been a consistently solid seller.

While the publisher offered no explanation, it did tell us to "... stay tuned for more info to come next month!" This, seemingly, means a relaunch is likely but, as to whether it will focus on The Empire Strikes Back era, Sequel Trilogy or something else is, for now, a tightly held secret.

Still, we've got some thoughts about what this portends, when a relaunch could begin and what it may mean for readers and collectors.

We also look at the trajectory for Doctor Aphra that was set forth in the same solicits and ponder that monthly title's fate, too.

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Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

Ever wonder about the energy and vibe of Marvel’s 1977-86 run of Star Wars comics? Read Star Wars: Target Vader #2 and you’ll experience it without having to fork over wads of cash for the original back issues or the collected editions.

We’re also tackling what we think is an amazing set of stories about Breha, Leia and Padme, as well as Jaxxon and Lando Calrissian in Star Wars Adventures Annual 2019, with Young Padawans co-host Amy Wishman Nalan joining Jeff and Matt to talk about the stellar story that Pierrick Colinet, Elsa Charretier and Margaux Saltel have created.

As for news, if you’re headed to Keystone Comic Con in Philadelphia this weekend, be sure to attend the Broaxium panel on Star Wars Comics and the Star Wars Rebels panel hosted by Star Wars Geek Girl. Both events are on Friday afternoon.

This week’s Star Wars comics out this week, Aug. 21:

_ Doctor Aphra #35
_ Star Wars Adventures #24
_ TIE Fighter #5
_ Star Wars: Age of Rebellion — Villains collecting the Boba Fett, Darth Vader, Jabba the Hutt and Grand Moff Tarkin (Buff Tarkin!) one shots, along with material the Special
_ Star Wars Vol. 11, collecting Star Wars #62-67, the “Scourging of Shu-Torun” Arc

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Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

New character Warba Calip throws Luke Skywalker for a loop -- is she down with the ways of the Jedi or just a grifter looking for an easy fall guy? -- while Dar Champion, despite the rampant corruption on his planet, has a thought or two about Leia and Han's plans to rain the Empire's rage on his home.

That's the gist of Star Wars #70, our lone Star Wars comic title that's discussed in depth on this week's episode, but it's not the only thing, either.

We examine the July "sales" results for Star Wars comics, discuss this week's Star Wars Adventures annual and its stories and welcome a new and unofficial Star Wars canon tracker app, HoloCanon.

This week's Star Wars comics out this week, Aug. 13:
_ Star Wars: Target Vader #2
_ Star Wars Adventures Annual 2019

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Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

Readers were treated to three stories featuring three Sequel Trilogy-era characters -- Maz Kanata, Amilyn Holdo and BB-8 -- in the pages of Star Wars: Age of Resistance Special #1 that helped solidify our desire for a Kanata-driven Star Wars comics series.

Doctor Aphra made her first -- and maybe not the last -- appearance on Batuu in the pages of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge #4, helping the mini series cement its status as a stand-alone story that doesn't even need the park that shares its name as bulwark.

We've also got the latest Star Wars comics news and views, including details about Star Wars Adventures upcoming 2019 annual and so much more.

This week's Star Wars comics out this week, Aug. 7:
_ Star Wars #70
_ Star Wars: Age of Rebellion -- Heroes Trade Paperback (Collecting the Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia one shots, along with stories from the Special)
_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection The Original Marvel Years, Vol. 4 (collecting Star Wars Vol. 1 #56-73 and Annual #2)
_ Walter Simonson Star Wars Artists Edition Hardcover

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Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.

Just one comic to talk about this episode, but it hit all the right points at all the right times, which is why we think Star Wars #69 is setting the stage for a Saturday-afternoon serial through this entire arc.

Then there's the news about October's Star Wars comics, including the release dates for the weekly Star Wars: Allegiance and Return to Vader's Castle mini series, not to mention a third Doctor Aphra annual.

This week's Star Wars comics out this week, July 31:

_ Star Wars: Age of Resistance -- Special #1
_ Galaxy's Edge #4
_ Galaxy's Edge #1 (3rd Printing)
_ Galaxy's Edge #2 (2nd Printing)
_ Galaxy's Edge #3 (2nd Printing)

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Star Wars Splash Page is a weekly podcast dedicated solely to contemporary Star Wars comics published by Marvel, Dark Horse and previously IDW, featuring views about the current week's comics, interviews with the writers, artists, colorists, letterers and editors who create them, as well as the latest details on publishing schedules, upcoming series and mini-series, so that you, the listener have more detail and context about the comics that are a vital part of Star Wars canon, lore and legends.