STAR WARS TALES #1 64-page Anthology Editor: Peet Janes Cover Artist: Igor Kordey Review by Chad Clark Published 10/21/99

Dark Horse is bringing fans this new series anthology of short comic stories. The tales will span the timeline from the prequel era, up through the classic trilogy, and into the Expanded Universe. Creators aren't hampered by continuity, if they choose to ignore it. This will provide opportunities for them to explore "what if" scenarios. Others may write strictly for comedy, twisting and turning events in implausible ways for the sake of entertainment. The shorter format of this series will allow for creators without the time to devote to longer story arcs to try their hands at crafting a Star Wars tale. This first issue promises a strong, talented legacy for the future of this series. Read on as I break down the four stories presented in Issue Number One

The first word that comes to mind is "beautiful." The visuals are just stunning and I would have enjoyed this story even if there had been no written dialogue, maybe more so. More on that in a minute. Qui-Gon Jinn is teaching his young Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi more about the mysteries of the Force. How it calls upon a Jedi to follow certain paths, not always knowing where those paths lead. In this story their paths lead them to face three different menaces; one thrust upon them, another they brought upon themselves and the last was one they sought out. And all the while Qui-Gon spouts the teachings of the Jedi and how to listen to the Force and follow the path it leads them on. And they should follow that path, trusting the Force because it is something "much greater and much better than you can imagine." It was the last line that really bothered me. I hate to say it but the first thing that popped in my head was of Nazi Germany and how they were only following orders. Well sometimes you need to question orders, sometimes you need to defy orders because you know its wrong. Sure, this is simply a Sci-Fi story in a comic book about characters from Star Wars, and an interesting story at that, but writers have to be careful of the message they deliver to their readers. And I'm pretty sure this isn't what George Lucas was shooting for when he created the Jedi.

This tale starring Mara Jade, arguably the most popular character to emerge from the novels, continues the story from her comic mini-series, "By the Emperor's Hand." She is on the run from Ysanne Isard's agents but continuing to do her master's bidding, even though Palpatine is now dead. She crosses paths with Rebel General Crix Madine on the world of Kintoni and writer Tim Zahn delivers an interesting twist when the two face off against each other. I don't want to reveal too much but suffice it to say that the Imperial Governor isn't too happy with what Jade and Madine come up with. Artist Igor Kordey does an outstanding job conveying the shadows and wetness of the environment. His characters are all unique and expressive, maybe a little light on backgrounds but hey, it works! I'm sure this is the story with the most draw for Star Wars fans and they should be quite surprised with Tim Zahn. He shows much more capability in transferring his tales to comic format here than in his three issues of the first Mara Jade Mini-series. Fans won't be disappointed this time around.

If the Mara Jade tale is the one fans will pick this comic up for, this is the story they will all be talking about the next day. The story is fairly straightforward: The Emperor summons Darth Vader. Mara Jade has found a surviving Jedi. Vader is sent to destroy the Jedi. Continued next issue. And while Ron Marz's plot may not "wow" the fans, artist Claudio Castellini will blow them away with his renditions of the ravishing Mara Jade and the dreaded Dark Lord of the Sith. Literal works of art on every page conveying the story with a minimum of panels. Every piece looks like it should be framed and hung on a wall, if not in a museum then at the very least on fans’ walls everywhere. Claudio and every single page are just that good. Highly, highly recommended... even for the illiterate. So tell your friends.

The Star Wars brand of humor has never translated well to comics, not in Marvel's series or in Dark Horse's two "Droids" mini-series. I won't even mention the ghastly "Jabba Tape" one-shot from DHC. But here we begin to see some rudimentary success. Maybe that's because the story originally appeared in writer Peter David's opinion column "But I Digress" in the Comics Buyers Guide. No editors to interfere in the creative process and ruin all the jokes. Here, the whole story is a joke. Martin Egeland, who worked with David on the Episode 1: Obi-Wan one-shot, has provided the visuals. His very comic book, almost cartoonish style is perfect for providing comical renderings of our favorite characters (Princess Leia with actual cinnamon buns on her head) as we learn the fate of the galaxy rested in the tiny transistors of Skippy, probably better know as the little red droid, R5-D4. Laughing already? Then you'll enjoy this obviously non-canon farce set in the Star Wars galaxy. A cute, funny little tale to end a terrific first issue of "Star Wars Tales."

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This reviewer loved reading and seeing the work of these highly regarded professionals from the comic field and hopes Dark Horse hasn't set the standard too high with their first issue. If they can maintain this level of talent, then "Dark Horse Tales" should have a lengthy and highly enjoyable run. A+

Order Star Wars comics now from Things From Another World, the only official online Dark Horse comic distributor.

(Chad Clark is an aspiring actor and fanatic devotee of Rogue Squadron. When he isn't practicing his heart-melting smile, he writes reviews of the comics he reads while basking in the California sunshine. His agent answers his fan mail at chad@echostation.com)

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