Comic Review: Star Wars Adventures #13

Star Wars Adventures #13

IDW Publishing

Writers: Elsa Charretier, Pierrick Colinet, and Hick Brokenshire

Artists: Elsa Charretier and Hick Brokenshire

IDW’s Star Wars Adventures is an all-ages comic in the vein of Dark Horse’s similar Clone Wars Adventures. Like its predecessor, the art and stories are far more simplistic than those presented in other pieces of Star Wars media. Thankfully, Star Wars Adventures #13 is still well executed enough to feel like it belongs in the universe. Like its Dark Horse counterpart, Star Wars Adventures deals with complex topics translated appropriately for a young-reader book. Star Wars Adventures #13 provides a good example of this, with two stories exploring the Star Wars universe.

The first half is the second part of last issue’s main story, titled Intermission. The writers are Elsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet, with art by the former. Set during the Clone Wars, Anakin and Padmé manage to sneak in a vacation between their respective duties. They visit the ship of Madam Synata, a famous actor and old rival of the senator. However, the pair quickly learns that Synata is more than just a talented diva. While the last part had more character driven moments, this one is almost entirely centered upon the action. It does find time to give a surprisingly curt message on propaganda while also providing Synata a strong motivation that’s consistent with her selfish personality.

Intermission is about as complex as you’d expect an all-ages comic to be. But that doesn’t stop it from feeling like a worthy addition to the universe. Anakin, Padmé and the other iconic characters that show up feel consistent with their depictions in the movies. The narrative might be relatively small stakes but it still has consequences, and its themes about truth and propaganda are relevant both in the galaxy far, far away and our world. Charrieter’s art is much softer and less engineered than what’s featured in the Marvel and Dark Horse comics. It’s still technically impressive in its own way and has some great compositions. It will occasionally contradict other Star Wars media, like the previously waist-high “bunny” droids now towering over C-3PO.

The second story is also enjoyable but doesn’t quite live up to the standards set by Intermission. Titled Tales from Wild Space: The Blue Brothers, the standalone story has Nick Brokenshire as the writer and artist. The elephantine blue musician Max Rebo enjoys a rare day off from performing in Jabba’s palace. Unfortunately, the scum and villainy of Tattooine mistake him for his scoundrel brother. While essentially just one long chase scene, the twists and the great sense of motion pull it off. Blue Brothers’ story is more childish than Intermission’s, but it’s strong enough to appeal to older Star Wars fans. Brokenshire’s art is considerably more detailed than Charrieteer’s work without being overwhelming; the tradeoff is that it’s more exaggerated and as a result lacks the other art’s subtleties.

Star Wars Adventures #13 prioritizes a younger audience but it still offers something to older fans. The book’s target audience doesn’t stop it from addressing complex issues or capturing the magic of the films. Even in a vacuum, the comic provides some fun, family-friendly stories that aren’t just mindless offshoots of the movies. Star Wars Adventures Issue #13 is worth the read for most fans, regardless of their age.