Review by C.J. Bunce
It’s the nature of the new Star Wars brand to bounce back and forth in the galaxy stories–a lot. Where the idea of looking back in 2021 to Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens may not sound like an obvious choice, once you realize the context, the characters, and the setting, anyone can get onboard the new two-part Star Wars Adventures tale Smuggler’s Run. If you don’t know Star Wars Adventures, it’s the cartoonier side of Star Wars in the pages of Marvel Comics, targeted at kids. So you can always rely on some good fun in an issue of the series. This tale spins out of the monthly series with a story about Han Solo and Chewie after the destruction of the first Death Star, and their plan to spend their reward money.
The story is based on a novel by Greg Rucka. Adapted by Alec Worley with artwork by Ingo Römling, readers will find themselves in a more realistic appearing setting than the typical Star Wars Adventures story. Römling is best at his familiar ship renderings and his visual effects, and his characters and action will be fun for all ages to enjoy. The content is straight out of the original 1970s Marvel Comics–again focused on the maverick duo of Han and Chewie getting into trouble in their old familiar territory of cantinas and outback locations. The look and feel nicely meshes Solo: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: A New Hope.
We meet Commander Beck, a new cyborg Imperial officer, and Captain Delia Leighton, an old friend of Han. But is that a good or bad thing? Here’s a preview of the first issue of the Star Wars Adventures tale Smuggler’s Run:
Since this is Star Wars, that means the story is canon, and part of the greater timeline/storyline of the movies and TV shows. So you won’t want to miss this connecting story that tells us what happened to Han, Chewie, and Leia, immediately after the end of the 1977 movie. Add the Star Wars Adventures tale Smuggler’s Run from IDW Publishing to your comic shop pull list now at Elite Comics or your local store. And don’t miss Greg Rucka’s original novel that inspired the comic, available here.
