I didn’t go into Vader vol. 9 with very high hopes. The previous collection, about dark droids and Vader harnessing their power, was so terrible that I didn’t go into Vader vol. 9 with very high hopes. The previous collection, about dark droids and Vader harnessing their power, was so terrible that I just skipped that segment of the story completely. So needless to say, trying to start up the next successive batch of Vader related stories wasn’t something I was super excited about. But since, for whatever reason, I’m a completist and figured I’ve made it this far…might as well keep going. And honestly, I’m glad I did.
“The Schism Imperial” is easily the best Vader storyline in a long time. There’s a lot of head scratching moments that feel super cheesy and actually pretty dumb, but those aren’t even that big of deal because what Pak is doing here is finally starting to make sense…at least in terms of what he’s trying to do with the titular character. The imperials having their own brand of rebels feels realistic and having them team up with Vader in his own battle against Palpatine is a new thing I’m liking. Vader is also back to his own evil, badass ways as, thankfully, he isn’t here sniveling over Padme yet again. Instead he’s putting on his big boy pants and taking the fight back against the emperor with his won team. Palpatine constantly trying to take his won apprentice down is getting old, especially in the context of the entire Star Wars franchise, though here that idea is at least shelved and replaced with Vader’s quest to get back to his fighting form. I also like that Pak finally dumped a lot of the stupid dark droids crossover story (something that is getting increasingly annoying throughout the entire comic industry) and getting this series to be relatively more stand alone.
I don’t know if the 10th volume will continue this upward trajectory but at least this is a bright spot for a while. ...more
For awhile, Charles Soule seemed to be the savior of Star Wars comics. His Poe Dameron stories were a lot of fun, and his turn writing Darth Vader proFor awhile, Charles Soule seemed to be the savior of Star Wars comics. His Poe Dameron stories were a lot of fun, and his turn writing Darth Vader produced some of the best comics in years about the titular dark lord of the Sith. Even his first few main title Star Wars issues were decent and at least kept things moderately consistent across the multiple arcs he was juggling.
Now though? Well, you’d be hard pressed to find the enjoyment that was once had from previous issues.
“The Sith and the Skywalker” isn’t truly ever “bad”…instead it’s incredibly boring as many of the new Star Wars comics are turning out to be. One half of this 8th volume is a massively confusing and convoluted tale of Luke trying to “cure” a kyber crystal. What transpires is a mess, leaving readers totally lost. It’s also a weird turn of events that feels completely different from the Dark Droids storyline of the previous volume.
The 2nd half involves the trail of Lando, which while at least follows the same threads from volume 7, is an example in mediocrity and repetitiveness. There is so little story here that Soule is left having to retell the entire Cloud City story from Empire Strikes Back. He attempts to liven this story up with a kidnapping that has huge implications for everyone involved but honestly, I don’t really care.
This collection only contains 4 issues so Marvel decided to take on “Star Wars Revelations” and the Free Comic Book day issue, and, as has been par the coarse, these additions are also incredibly boring. Revelations at least attempts to tie a bunch of related Star Wars comics together, so I will give it a bit of credit there, however nothing presented in it does anything revolutionary or shocking.
I know Soule has his fans, and that’s fine, but after 46 issues (soon to be 50 something once his run is done) I think it is time for him to move on to something else. It’s time for another author to try their hand at this series….though, based on experience, I’m not holding my breath. ...more
Nothing much to say about Mace Windu: The Twilight Run because there isn’t anything worth talking about.
Boring, basic, with a lame storyline about soNothing much to say about Mace Windu: The Twilight Run because there isn’t anything worth talking about.
Boring, basic, with a lame storyline about some rare coaxoim variant that goes absolutely nowhere and does nothing for adding any depth to Mace’s character, coupled with pretty unoriginal artwork leads to a serous dud that is so perpetually bland and uninteresting that it’s almost insulting.
Other Star Wars comics that have sucked at least have something there to make me really dislike them, but here, there is literally nothing. Just 113 pages of “meh”. I wasn’t expecting much so this isn’t surprising, however I would have wished that there was something here to comment on (whether good or bad). I would have taken something controversial or even a terrible retcon. But nope. Zero. Zilch. Nada....more
This final volume in the arc of Old Man Logan was everything I wanted. Brisson may have dropped the ball a few ti4.5 stars
Welcome back Logan, indeed.
This final volume in the arc of Old Man Logan was everything I wanted. Brisson may have dropped the ball a few times after he took over for Lemire, but here he fixes everything and totally redeems himself, leading to the best publication of this entire IP since Millar’s first iteration in 2015.
“Welcome Back, Logan” throws the titular character back into his own timeline and throws one final curveball his way on his quest to make it home and die by his dead family member’s side. And, in all seriousness, these 6 issues are very nearly perfect in their pacing, their writing, their illustrations by Mike Henderson, and full of emotion that I didn’t expect. Watching Logan, kick ass hero of the X-Men, finally succumb to old age and the ravages of Regenix on his healing factor was far more poignant than I thought possible, as was the moment he (and all of us) get a conclusion that is both satisfying and sentimental without being ridiculously over the top.
After so many hits and misses, I’m actually surprised at how great this 2nd volume of Dead Man Logan ended up being, and how bittersweet it was at the final panel. I had fears this entire run would end with a fizzling story but hats off to Brisson for making it work and giving us a fitting send off to one of Marvel’s most famous anti-heroes. ...more
We already know Logan is dying (we’ve known for a long time and it’s been made more and more clear with each issue), but there’s no question about it We already know Logan is dying (we’ve known for a long time and it’s been made more and more clear with each issue), but there’s no question about it now. The death of his healing factor and the abuse of the Regenix drug has shortened his exceptionally long life down to something like 6 months. And with such a limited amount of time left, it’s up to Logan to do everything in his power to make it back to the wastelands and enjoy his last days in the place he truly belongs.
Of course this is all contingent on him finding the time machine that Maestro used to follow him into this new timeline, and making sure Mysterio doesn’t eff up this timeline either. Obviously that’s a problem since Neo hydra had already captured Mysterio and using him to wreak their own havoc…and it’s gonna take Logan, his team of cast off X-Men, and one last shot to make things right.
Did we really need ANOTHER set of Old Man Logan collections in order to finish this story after a previous 50 issues? Eh…not really. But I do have to give credit where credit is due and commend Brisson for righting a lot of the wrongs from the slow decay that was Old Man Logan, and writing a logical and even emotional Duology to finally, finally, close out this saga.
After reading “Sins of the Father”, it’s weird to think I just wanted to hurry up and end this long run of issues, however with a measly 6 issues left, I’m gonna be a little sad it’s all over. ...more
So what was supposed to be the end is not really the end and we have to read another 2 collections in the subsequent “Dead Man Logan” series2.5 stars
So what was supposed to be the end is not really the end and we have to read another 2 collections in the subsequent “Dead Man Logan” series…With that kind of conclusion to a 10 part series, you can’t help but feel led on and strung along forever with hope of closure and then not really getting one. So with that being said, “End of the World” did exactly what I was afraid it was going to do…and that’s let Old Man Logan fade into obscurity with barely a whimper. Neither of the 2 storylines did much to make this feel like a decent finale. Fighting plants and then returning to fight Maestro to get his time machine…yeah, can’t say either really did much for me or the series in general. Even the “Old Man Logan” annual, in which Frank Castle is miraculously still alive in the wastelands, was a swing and a miss.
Unfortunately, since I have dedicated all this time and effort in completing this once great series, I now have to read ANOTHER 2 collections to get the real closure I should have received on finishing the last panel of “End of the World”. *sigh*...more
I have become increasingly more and more frustrated with each successive volume of the Old Man Logan comic series. Lemire leaving and Brisson3.5 stars
I have become increasingly more and more frustrated with each successive volume of the Old Man Logan comic series. Lemire leaving and Brisson taking over left this original IP trending in a downward direction.
The Hunter and Hunter thankfully keeps Old Man Logan from going down any further and actually starts to spin things back in a positive way. The first 2 issues (41 and 42) are more of a throwaway mini arc as they see Logan fighting Kraven. Nothing terrible but also incredibly forgettable since nothing of any true importance happens.
Issues 43-45, however, are where it’s at this time. Brisson brings back Bullseye to settle a score from previous issues and while Bullseye is the cliched over the top antagonist, the story itself is fairly pedestrian, lacking many of the things that made this series so much to begin with, the action and pacing is great, leading to some of the most fun we have seen since the first couple of issues way back at the beginning of this entire series. Juan Ferreyra’s art in issues 43-45 finally feels like someone who actually cares about making this look good.
We only have one more collection until this iteration ends so I’m crossing my fingers it ends on a relatively high note…though I wouldn’t be surprised if it kind of limps to a mediocre finale. ...more
Once upon a time, the Old Man Logan comic used to be fun and unique. Marvel knew they had a hit in their hands and led Eric Lemire go crazy with the cOnce upon a time, the Old Man Logan comic used to be fun and unique. Marvel knew they had a hit in their hands and led Eric Lemire go crazy with the concept of an aged Logan, lost in a wasteland controlled by the mutant offspring of Bruce Banner. It pushed the envelope and did things differently, leading to one of the most popular and well read comics.
But, true to form, this series quickly lost its way with subpar plots, worse and worst art, and an overall lack of creativity. Brisson came in to replace Lemire but his work grew stale as well, hitting a peak in the previous Scarlet Samurai storyline.
To Kill For is a very mild improvement, however it perfectly demonstrates just how far this once stellar series has fallen. Nothing in this newest collection is fun. Nothing in this newest collection is unique. Oh sure, Logan aging and losing his healing factor more and more each day is kind of cool, but it’s sandwiched between incredibly pedestrian plots and lackluster artwork.
The first part of To Kill For finds Logan randomly in NY, run by Kingpin who is now mayor. What follows is so basic and unoriginal, this found have been any Avengers annual. The second part, in which Logan associates with Z-grade mutants and the purifiers is about as bad, full of terrible cliches and another weak plot, however it is saved slightly by Roberson’s artwork…which actually looks like someone who tries.
I’m becoming more and more disappointed with this series as time goes on and to be honest, I’m just powering through to be done with the damn thing. ...more
It’s come to the point where the authors attached to the Old Man Logan series have no idea what to do with the titular character.
As a “Legacy” line, It’s come to the point where the authors attached to the Old Man Logan series have no idea what to do with the titular character.
As a “Legacy” line, Scarlet Samurai should have been a kick ass entry, throwing Logan back into his past lives in Japan. Instead, this is just 5 issues of Logan walking around Madripor with nothing to do except somehow stumble into a turf war between 2 competing factions.
Even this could have been ok, but Brisson drops the ball multiple times, relying on dumb cliches and the resurrection of Logan’s lost love who just happens to be brought back by the Hand at the exact same time he’s there. Lazy and contrived.
I might have been ok with it since this is just a comic afterall, but nope. Once again Brisson is backed into a corner creatively and has to pull out another half assed attempt of explanation by having the whole thing center on Regenix, a drug that is basically another form of Logan’s healing factor…which…surprise…he ends up needing after trying to wipe it off the street.
To say this one was disappointing would be a major understatement. It seems that nearly every great Marvel IP ends up fizzling after only a few collections because either all ideas are played out or the writers are just making a quick paycheck. I’m too far into this series to stop now but my hopes of this being amazing from beginning to end have basically been shattered. ...more
I guess bringing Brisson on ended up being the right idea because Days of Anger feels like we are getting back to the things that made “Old Man Logan”I guess bringing Brisson on ended up being the right idea because Days of Anger feels like we are getting back to the things that made “Old Man Logan” so fun.
Like the first 2 collections from Jeff Lemire, this 6th volume is violent, action packed, and gets things back on track when the mutant Hulk offspring of Bruce Banner find a way to follow Logan to his alternate timeline and decide to rain destruction down on the human race. What ensues is destruction and surprisingly bloody mayhem to friend and foe alike.
Using the grandchildren of Bruce Banner as antagonists seemed kind of out of place back in Mark Millar’s seminal run, but here they make perfect bad guys, equal to Logan’s adamantium claws and healing factor. I
n this batch of issues, the underwhelming Andrade is finally kicked to the curb in favor of Mike Deodato, who’s work with The Avengers and Star Wars easily prove his artwork is a much better fit for this series, and, obviously makes this a much more enjoyable experience to read and look at.
I’m still waiting for the high of the first few issues of “Old Man Logan” but I think there is potential here for a return to greatness....more
If anything, Old Man Logan reminds me of Marvel Zombies a previous Marvel IP that started amazing and then began to fizzle. While “OML” is nowhere neaIf anything, Old Man Logan reminds me of Marvel Zombies a previous Marvel IP that started amazing and then began to fizzle. While “OML” is nowhere near the fall off that “Zombies” encountered, this series is slowly beginning to lose its edge and everything it had going for it.
Somewhere after Shogun Lemire seems to have lost his spark and is phoning it in, and nowhere is that more clear than Past Lives. While I probably liked this collection a bit more than most other readers seem to, I can’t deny argue that this 5th volume felt weak and lackluster, with Lemire going the simple route of using yet another time manipulation storyline that inevitably goes awry when Logan decides to use Asmodeus as a vessel for returning, once again, to the wastelands. Instead of something fully original, it’s just the titular character revisiting past lives and stories that have already been told.
I guess Lemire tries to put a bit of an original spin on it as none of the jumps are Logan’s fault or intention, but even then, it really feels kind of lazy and a failed “last hurrah” of sorts since Ed Brisson was tapped to take over stating with issue 25. This collection also suffers at the hands of Andrade’s art, which, true to form, is incredibly basic and elementary. No characters have any distinguishing details. I don’t know why it seems so difficult to keep original artists with the original series the whole way through because replacing Sarrentino only managed to make an already weak storyline look even worse with such “meh” artwork.
I hear Brisson’s takeover gets the series back on track so we shall see if things can be salvaged. ...more
4 volumes into one of Marvel’s better ideas and, well, the cracks are beginning to show. Should have know you CAN have too much of a good thing. Don’t4 volumes into one of Marvel’s better ideas and, well, the cracks are beginning to show. Should have know you CAN have too much of a good thing. Don’t misunderstand me, “Old Monsters” (at least the last 4 issues, anyways) is a fine collection and tells a decent story, it’s just that when compared to the first 2 volumes, you can tell Lemire is slowly running out of ideas. The first 2 issues in this collection are a mess as Logan randomly has to find Jubilee who is somehow in Dracula’s castle. Wouldn’t be the worst thing, but it’s so randomly placed in this particular arc of Old Man Logan and so abrupt that it feels pointless. Andrade’s artwork here is godawful and you can’t tell who anyone is. This leads back to the main Logan plot, but it’s confusing, smashing 2 timelines together in a way that makes little sense. I enjoyed part of this taking place in space against the Brood, yet there is so much jumping around, it’s incredibly hard to follow. Plus, the timeline involving future events can’t work in regards to the past and leaves a massive plot hole that I can’t see really being able to be explained…even if this is, in essence, a Marvel superhero comic. That being said, Sorrentino’s art is still gorgeous and creative as ever and truly captures the essence of the mind scratching plot....more
Just when this series had really picked up some steam and started to distinguish itself as something totally awesome and unique, Lemire drops “Shogun”Just when this series had really picked up some steam and started to distinguish itself as something totally awesome and unique, Lemire drops “Shogun”, which, while still decent and far better than a lot of other Marvel IPs, still feels lackluster in comparison to the first 2 volumes. There is just something kind of “meh” about Logan taking on yet anohter slew of bad guys and not really caring since he’s basically immortal and you know he’s invariably going to win, even when the sitaution looks dire. I also found the whole “silent monk” idea played out. Yeah there are a few cool ideas and Sorrentino’s artwork is still top notch, however the whole plot never really reached the apex that the first 2 volumes presented. That being said, this is still a really great series that almost univeral acclaim it tends to reviece. ...more
I loved the first volume of Lemire’s Old Man Logan and I am happy to say I love the 2nd volume just as much…if not more. Continuing right were “BerzerI loved the first volume of Lemire’s Old Man Logan and I am happy to say I love the 2nd volume just as much…if not more. Continuing right were “Berzerker” left off, “Bordertown” sees Logan continue to question his ace in an alternate timeline, but not being afraid to use his claws and healing factor to right the wrongs he didn’t (or couldn’t) accomplish in his own timeline. As usual, the story is awesome, running 2 parallel stories nearly seamlessly. It’s also brutal, violent, and well illustrated and the Reavers, the antagonists in this particular part of the story, are creative (I mean you got one of the bad guys who half torso, half tank treads!). I don’t have a single complaint about this volume and the series in general. Can only hope this stays consistent. ...more
Serving as a sort of sequel to the Millar’s fantastic “Wolverine: Old Man Logan”, Jeff Lemire’s “Old Man Logan” picks up right after the events of “Se Serving as a sort of sequel to the Millar’s fantastic “Wolverine: Old Man Logan”, Jeff Lemire’s “Old Man Logan” picks up right after the events of “Secret Wars” and finds our titular character transported to a variant Earth where he has a second chance to avenge his lack of action in the Wastelands…and just like Millar’s work, Lemire doesn’t mess around or waste his opportunities writing this follow up. “Old Man Logan” is worthy of all 5 stars as Lemire is damn near perfect capturing the essence of an incredibly pissed off and confused ex-Avenger with nothing to lose. The story works and so does the pacing. Never once is this series bogged down by pointless backstory or lame shoehorned characters. IT’s pretty obvious Lemire knew his X-Men lore (or at least the Marvel editors did and didn’t drop the ball for once). The overall execution and panel placement is awesome as is the artwork by Andrea Sorrentino. It’s incredibly brutal and captures emotions unlike a lot of other half-assed Marvel IPs of the time. While I still think “Wolverine: Old Man Logan” may edge this one out just slightly, the fact remains that this series starts with a bang and has little signs to show it won’t continue in a positive direction.
In an alternate dystopian future, there are no avengers, defenders, or fantastic four. For once, the bad guys prevail and Wolverine is the last protagIn an alternate dystopian future, there are no avengers, defenders, or fantastic four. For once, the bad guys prevail and Wolverine is the last protagonist left, though he’s a shell of his former self, and due to past transgressions refuses to use his deadly adamantium claws or even attempt any kind of hero activities but when things take a turn and he has nothing left, well, you can pretty much guess where this one leads.
Man, this was great. From cover to cover, Millar delivers one of the best Marvel comic arcs I have ever read. It’s dark, brutal, and an entirely different take on the famous villains and superheroes of Marvel’s various storylines. Watching the good guys lose and the antagonists take over makes for a compelling story. Millar’s use of the plethora of Marvel’s characters is the best I’ve seen since Bendis’s work with The Avengers. And I would be remiss if I didn’t talk about Steve McNiven’s illustrations which are gorgeous, rivaling Jan Duursema and Mike Deodato. I don’t think I’ve seen so much perfectly illustrated blood in a Marvel release.
There is a reason this particular take on Logan is so famous and it’s pretty easy to see why it is so highly regarded. ...more
It isn’t that I totally hated this collection. It’s more that it was just sort of lame and actually kind of stupid.
While the main Star Wars crossoverIt isn’t that I totally hated this collection. It’s more that it was just sort of lame and actually kind of stupid.
While the main Star Wars crossover with the Dark Droids storyline wasn’t bad, this 4 part spin-off/mini series was dumb from the get go. Call me a gate keeper or a stick in the mud or whatever but to me, the idea of droids banding together to take out sentient AI feels juvenile.
Then again I already hate the assassin droids Triple Zero and BT from the equally hated Dr. Aphra comics so with those 2 being included, I was already going to go into this one with a negative viewpoint. And I did try to keep an open mind, since this was a slightly different arc for the series, and since Star Wars has been stagnating for like 5 years, just going around and around in repetitive story arcs…but really, this one never once grabbed my interest or kept me hooked. Instead I found myself slogging through and hoping each page would be the last.
Like Yoda and the main comic, it seems like lately Marvel and Disney have finally toned down on some of the absolutely pointless (and obviously shoehorned) political correctness, and that’s apparent here as there was hardly any kind of that going on. So that’s a plus at least.
Another new Star Wars comic collection that wasn’t half bad? To say im surprised would be an understatement.
Granted, this 7th collection of the titulAnother new Star Wars comic collection that wasn’t half bad? To say im surprised would be an understatement.
Granted, this 7th collection of the titular Star Wars line isn’t amazing, but it is a far cry from the dumpster fire this series has become as of late. Who would have known that skipping pointless SJW politics and other crap that few want to be forced to read and instead focus on what makes Star Wars fun would actually lead to a fairly decent and enjoyable entry? Shocker, right? (Insert obvious sarcasm here).
Soule (whose work with Star Wars has been pretty mediocre as of late) actually manages to deliver on the promise of evil droids against the heroes of the rebel alliance. Using Lando and LoBot as the main characters, instead of Luke or Han, brings a newish feel to the series and the artwork is good as well (something we haven’t seen in like 10 issues).
While I don’t know if this story arc will do much to further the plot of upcoming Star Wars comics, at least I cackled happily say I didn’t waste my time with this particular release. ...more
If you’re looking for amazing artwork, sleek panels, original direction, and exciting new worlds for Star Wars, this first collection of the original If you’re looking for amazing artwork, sleek panels, original direction, and exciting new worlds for Star Wars, this first collection of the original titular series probably isn’t for you.
However, if you’re a fan and if you want to see how far this series has come and, as a millennial, tap into the pop culture onslaught that was 1977 Star Wars mania that we missed by a few years, then you’re gonna want to pick this one up.
Look, By no means would I call anything collected here “good”. In fact, a lot of it is actually pretty bad, but it’s still undeniable fun to read these dated, badly colored, cheesy as hell issues and see where Star Wars started and where it could have gone, especially when nobody knew just what the second film would entail. To be honest, the first 6 issues, collecting the serialized story of “A New Hope” are easily the best as they tell the events of the film as we know them, but also with missing scenes or different dialogue.
Most of the stuff that comes after is incredibly hit or miss, but unlike the new batch of (mostly) steaming garbage that Disney consistently publishes these days, the story of Luke, Han, Leia, and the rest of the characters feels new and exciting and is easy to follow. The events that take place make sense and even across 25+ issues, the story is consistent, with each issue building off each other to tell a complete story.
There’s also no blatant pandering or political agenda crammed into the pages like we’ve come to expect in 2024. Yes, I know 1977 was a far different time and I’m probably comparing apples to oranges, but you get the idea. ...more
…made even more so by the fact that this is a Disney owned Star Wars comic from the tail end of 2023. Yoda isn’t perfect, but it is surprisingly good…
…made even more so by the fact that this is a Disney owned Star Wars comic from the tail end of 2023. And even more shocking that 1/3 of the better issues in this collection are penned by Jody Hauser, who I find to be the worst of the cabal of Marvel Star Wars authors.
In all seriousness though, Yoda is quite possibly the best Star Wars comic in at least the last few years. Combining 3 storylines from Yoda’s life by 3 separate authors who actually get their subject material (again, shockingly Hauser for once) Yoda is an example that when you focus on actual story, and not trying to retcon things, or cram SJW BS down readers’ throats, you can have a decent and enjoyable comic series.
Scott’s intro story was so-so however Hauser’s post high-republic storyline with Dooku, Guggenheim’s Clone Wars section, and then to conclusion by Scott, all work almost seamlessly together and tell a multi year arc of Yoda’s life. Not only does this make some of the EU stuff canon again (Bant and Yaddle? Say what?), but all the stories do a fantastic job of making the titular character far less infallible as we see some of his mistakes and the ever present hubris of the Jedi. Furthermore, all the authors succeeded in giving some much needed levity to Yoda, as readers get to see him crack jokes, be sarcastic, and have major attitude when Obi-wan’s force ghost shows up to pester him.
To be perfectly honest, I almost didn’t read this collection, but damn, I’m glad I did. I can’t believe that I ended up enjoying this as much as I did and that Marvel/Disney/Star Wars is still occasionally capable of producing great content....more
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