Comics With Kenobi

Jeff does his level-best Jackée Harry impression to the start the show and for that we beg your forgiveness. Thankfully, we make up for it -- we hope -- by breaking down the two stories in this week's Star Wars Adventures (Vol. 2) #4 as well as Doctor Aphra #8 that has us wondering if writer Alyssa Wong is a fan of Thomas Harris novels. In news, we break down June's solicits from Marvel and IDW, including our thoughts on whether War of the Bounty Hunters could extend into July's Star Wars comics, along with Marvel's plans for Pride variants on June's Star Wars comics issues.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:March 31
_ The High Republic #2 (3rd Printing)_ The High Republic #3 (2nd Printing)April 7_ The High Republic #4
_ The High Republic Adventures #3_ Star Wars (Vol. 3), Vol. 2, “Operation Starlight” TPB_ Doctor Aphra Audiodrama NovelApril 14
_ Bounty Hunters #11April 21_ Doctor Aphra #9April 28_ Darth Vader #11_ The Empire Strikes Back — The 40th Anniversary Covers by Chris Sprouse #1May 5
_ War of the Boun

Beilert Valance once questioned whether Han Solo could ever be dedicated to anything beyond himself. Now, he's experiencing that feeling firsthand and finding the answer is somewhat perplexing.Upcoming Star Wars comics:March 24
_ Doctor Aphra #8_ Star Wars Adventures #4March 31
_ The High Republic #2 (3rd Printing)_ The High Republic #3 (2nd Printing)April 7_ The High Republic #4
_ The High Republic Adventures #3_ Star Wars (Vol. 3), Vol. 2, “Operation Starlight” TPBApril 14
_ Bounty Hunters #11April 21_ Doctor Aphra #9_ Star Wars Adventures #5April 28_ Darth Vader #11_ The Empire Strikes Back — The 40th Anniversary Covers by Chris Sprouse #1May 5
_ War of the Bounty Hunters Alpha #1_ War of the Bounty Hunters Alpha #1 (Director’s Cut)
_ The High Republic Adventures #4_ Guardian of the Whills: The Manga
May 12
_ Star Wars #13_ The High Republic #5May 19_ Bounty Hunters #12_ Star Wars Adventures #6May 26
_ Darth Vader #12_ Doctor Aphra #10_ Star Wars Adventures: Weapon of a Jedi (1 of 2)_ Star Wars Legends Epi

It's a rare treat to get a one-and-done story in any comic these days, yet that's exactly what we have in the pages of Marvel's Star Wars (Vol. 3) #12, as Leia Organa and Kes Dameron recount to each other how they fell in love with Shara Bey and Han Solo.It's a well-paced issue that lets Charles Soule revisit, in a sense, the ties between Poe Dameron and Gen. Organa in his Poe Dameron series, while also adding more background to the relationship between Poe's parents. It concludes nicely, setting the stage for the next chapter in the "Operation Starlight Arc."In news, we discuss recently announced plans for omnibus collections featuring Darth Vader (Vol. 2) as well as the Legends-era Rise of the Sith that collects several mini-series and stories published by Dark Horse Comics.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:March 17_ Bounty Hunters #10_ Star Wars Adventures #4_ The High Republic #1 (4th Printing)March 24
_ Doctor Aphra #8March 31
_ Star Wars Adventures #5_ The High Republic #2 (3rd Printing)_ The High Repub

The High Republic stories in comics continue, drawing distinctly separate yet parallel events into focus as this latest era in Star Wars storytelling continues its brisk pace forward.This week's episode examines the loss of childhood friendship in The High Republic Adventures #2 from IDW as Marchion Ro's dominance takes root, while in Marvel's The High Republic #3, the Drengir's evil is unveiled and Master Sskeer slides deeper into darkness.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:March 10_ Star Wars #12_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: “The New Republic,” Vol. 5 TPB
_ Doctor Aphra Omnibus HCMarch 17_ Bounty Hunters #10_ Star Wars Adventures #4_ The High Republic #1 (4th Printing)March 24
_ Doctor Aphra #8March 31
_ Star Wars Adventures #5_ The High Republic #2 (3rd Printing)_ The High Republic #3 (2nd Printing)April 7_ The High Republic #4
_ The High Republic Adventures #3_ Star Wars (Vol. 3), Vol. 2, “Operation Starlight” TPBApril 14
_ Bounty Hunters #11April 21_ Doctor Aphra #9April 28_ Darth Vader #11_ The Em

No new Star Wars comics this week, save for the 2nd printing of Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) #7, but we're delving into the announced crossover event, War of the Bounty Hunters, that starts in May across all of Marvel's comics, save for The High Republic #5, and then sees a five-issue mini-series launching in June.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:March 3
_ The High Republic #3
_ The High Republic Adventures #2_ The High Republic #2 (2nd Printing)_ The Rise of Skywalker Graphic Novel Adaptation TPB (IDW)March 10_ Star Wars #12_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: “The New Republic,” Vol. 5 TPB
_ Doctor Aphra Omnibus HCMarch 17_ Bounty Hunters #10_ Star Wars Adventures #4_ The High Republic #1 (4th Printing)March 24
_ Doctor Aphra #8March 31
_ Star Wars Adventures #5April 7_ The High Republic #4
_ The High Republic Adventures #3_ Star Wars (Vol. 3), Vol. 2, “Operation Starlight” TPBApril 14
_ Bounty Hunters #11April 21_ Doctor Aphra #9April 28_ Darth Vader #11_ The Empire Strikes Back — The 40th Anniversary Covers by

Star Wars: The High Republic has made the leap from notional idea to actual concept, powered to life by a consortium of creatives worldwide in comics, books and so much more yet to come.Marvel's The High Republic series is drawing critical and consumer acclaim, with the first issue going to three printings (as of this podcast's release), no small feat. Part of that is due to Ario Anindito's fluid yet precise illustrations that soar to life with Mark Morales' inks and Annalisa Leoni's color artistry.Anindito joined us to talk about his comics-making history, love of Star Wars, what it meant to him when he was asked to take part in a new, secret Star Wars comic and what his plans are for The High Republic moving forward.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Feb. 24
_ Doctor Aphra #7 (2nd Printing)March 3
_ The High Republic #3
_ The High Republic Adventures #2_ The High Republic #2 (2nd Printing)_ The Rise of Skywalker Graphic Novel Adaptation TPB (IDW)March 10_ Star Wars #12_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: “Th

Despite no new comics this week, we sat down with Daniel José Older to talk about the launch of Star Wars: The High Republic Adventure series at IDW, the art of storytelling and so much more. The author of "Last Shot," the upcoming "Race to Crashpoint Tower," "Flood City," as well as the "Dactyl Hill Squad" and "Shadowshaper" series of books, Older is always an engaging conversationalist who melds his real-life experiences into a fictional tapestry of storytelling.(Photo by John Midgley)Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Feb. 24
_ Star Wars Adventures #4
_ Doctor Aphra #7 (2nd Printing)March 3
_ The High Republic #3
_ The High Republic Adventures #2_ The High Republic #2 (2nd Printing)_ The Rise of Skywalker Graphic Novel Adaptation TPB (IDW)March 10_ Star Wars #12_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: “The New Republic,” Vol. 5 TPB
_ Doctor Aphra Omnibus HCMarch 17_ Star Wars Adventures #5_ Bounty Hunters #10_ The High Republic #1 (4th Printing)March 24
_ Doctor Aphra #8March 31
_ Star Wars Adventures #6April 7

Beware Vader of the summa-verminoth. It's eye is all knowing and so is it's mind. Darth Vader #10 takes the Sith Lord well on his way toward Exegol and sets the stage for a melding of the Original and Sequel Trilogies lore in an issue hurtling to a nefarious finish.In news, the Doctor Aphra omnibus is pushed back, but only by a week, and even more store-exclusive variants for The High Republic series are in the offing.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Feb. 17
_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 2, “Unexpected Detours” TPB (New Printing)_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 4, “Smuggler’s Blues” TPB (New Printing)_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 6, “Flight of the Falcon” TPB (New Printing)Feb. 24
_ Star Wars Adventures #4
_ Doctor Aphra #7 (2nd Printing)March 3
_ The High Republic #3
_ The High Republic Adventures #2_ The High Republic #2 (2nd Printing)_ Doctor Aphra Omnibus HC_ The Rise of Skywalker Graphic Novel Adaptation TPB (IDW)_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: “The New Republic,” Vol. 5 TPBMarch 10_ Star Wars #12March 1

The High Republic takes center stage with not one but two issues based in that era, including the debut of IDW's The High Republic Adventures #1, a book that we believe is the perfect synthesis of writer, illustrator, colorist, letterer and editor that ushers in a new storytelling dynamic for the medium.In Marvel's The High Republic #2, there's an ominous undercurrent of dread from start to finish as readers delve delicately deeper into Sskeer's history while Keeve Trennis contends with her first mission as a Jedi Knight.Fans of the Prequel Trilogy era will be enamored of Star Wars Adventures (Vol. 2) #3, which features a pair of stories featuring Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi in a Life Day adventure, while the backup sees Maul build up his Crimson Dawn with the help of Savage Opress.Finally, in Star Wars (Vol. 3) #11, Starlight Squadron faces a critical decision while Lando and Lobot come to a startingly revelation.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Feb. 10
_ Darth Vader #10
_ The High Republic #1 (3rd Prin

Bounty Hunters #9 returns a character whose last outing wrought a public furor, while in Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler's Run #2, Han and Chewbacca make their mark with a lot of help from new friends.In news, we discuss the likelihood of The High Republic #1 debuting atop January's top-selling list, publishing pauses and tease an upcoming interview.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Feb. 3
_ Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #1_ Star Wars #11_ The High Republic #2_ Star Wars Adventures #3Feb. 10
_ Darth Vader #10
_ The High Republic #1 (3rd Printing)_ Star Wars Insider #200 (Peach Momoko Cover)_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 1, “Heroes of the Galaxy” TPB (New Printing)_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 3, “Endangered” TPB (New Printing)_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 5, “Mechanical Mayhem” TPB (New Printing)Feb. 17
_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 2, “Unexpected Detours” TPB (New Printing)_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 4, “Smuggler’s Blues” TPB (New Printing)_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 6, “Flight of the Falcon” TPB (New

Anytime a Star Wars comic pairs Doctor Aphra and Sana Starros you know it's going to be laden with action, verbal sparring and some simmering tension. Doctor Aphra #7 is no exception, with new artist Minkyu Jung's illustrations, inked by Victor Olazaba and colored by Rachelle Rosenberg, providing some fluid and intense detail. Coupled with Joe Caramagna's lettering that bring Alyssa Wong's script to life, and it's a rollicking story with a helluva cliffhanger.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Jan. 27
_ Bounty Hunters #9
_ Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler’s Run #2 (of 2)_ The High Republic #1 (2nd Printing)_ Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2), Vol. 1, “Fortune and Fate” TPB
_ Beware Vader’s Castle (Collects Tales From Vader’s Castle and Return to Vader’s Castle mini-series) HC
_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 11, “Rise of the Wookiees” TPB
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales TPBFeb. 3
_ Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #1_ Star Wars #11_ The High Republic #2_ Star Wars Adventures #3Feb. 10
_ Darth Vader

In the pages of Darth Vader #9, Ochi of Bestoon tries to curtail Vader's credibility, but can the droid pirates he's enlisted help him finish the job? It's an issue filled with fisticuffs and more Sequel Trilogy era artifacts and planets.In news, The High Republic #1 is going to a third printing and demand for IDW's Feb. 3 release of The High Republic Adventures #1 is gaining steam, with readers and collectors eying the issue.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Jan. 20
_ Doctor Aphra #7Jan. 27
_ Bounty Hunters #9
_ Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler’s Run #2 (of 2)_ The High Republic #1 (2nd Printing)_ Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2), Vol. 1, “Fortune and Fate” TPB
_ Beware Vader’s Castle (Collects Tales From Vader’s Castle and Return to Vader’s Castle mini-series) HC
_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 11, “Rise of the Wookiees” TPB
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales TPBFeb. 3
_ Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #1_ Star Wars #11_ The High Republic #2_ Star Wars Adventures #3_ Star Wars Adventures #4 (TBD)

The High Republic arrives with a well-crafted, well-paced debut issue that opens the door to a new era of Star Wars storytelling. In Star Wars #10, old friends from the Poe Dameron and Princess Leia comics, the Rebels TV show and the Original Trilogy (Hi, Wedge!) find themselves alone in space, without backup or friends in a tightly-paced issue that had so much story we had to check that it was only 22 pages or so.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Jan. 13
_ Darth Vader #9
Jan. 20
_ Doctor Aphra #7Jan. 27
_ Bounty Hunters #9
_ Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler’s Run #2 (of 2)_ The High Republic #1 (2nd Printing)_ Star Wars Adventures #3_ Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2), Vol. 1, “Fortune and Fate” TPB
_ Beware Vader’s Castle (Collects Tales From Vader’s Castle and Return to Vader’s Castle mini-series) HC
_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 11, “Rise of the Wookiees” TPB
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales TPBFeb. 3
_ The High Republic Adventures #1_ Star Wars #11_ The High Republic #2_ Star Wars Adventures #4
Feb

We thought it apt for our final episode of 2020 to end the year by looking forward to 2021 and the upcoming Star Wars event, The High Republic, in a wide ranging yet remarkably spoiler-free interview with artist Harvey Tolibao (https://twitter.com/harveytolibao/), who's illustrating IDW's The High Republic Adventures.Tolibao talks about how he was tapped to illustrate the IDW series, his excitement and how he's adapting to being involved in this next major step for Star Wars. We also delve into his comics history, efforts at education and outreach, his studio (www.behance.net/htmstudios) and the rich history of Filipino creatives and comics.It's no secret that Lucasfilm and Disney's High Republic Era is poised to launch a new epoch of Star Wars storytelling. The effort is taking root across books, short stories, novellas and of course comics, with two separate yet interlinked titles from Marvel (Star Wars: The High Republic starting Jan. 6) and IDW (Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures starting Feb. 3).Upc

Marvel's Bounty Hunters steps into a new story arc that, despite all odds, manages to draw in characters from The Mandalorian and The Force Awakens while calling back to prior events in the Han Solo: Imperial Cadet mini-series. The story, by Ethan J. Sacks, Paolo Villanelli, Arif Prianto and Travis Lanham doesn't skip a beat in what's proven to be Marvel's most kinetic Star Wars comics title.From IDW comes Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler's Run #1, the first of a two-part mini-series that adapts the Greg Rucka novella of the same name and is itself a reprint of the four-issue series that was published in Germany. Adapted by Alec Worley, illustrated by Ingo Römling, lettered by Amauri Osorio and translated by Edward Gauvin, it's a rousing story about Han Solo and Chewbacca on a mission to recover a Rebel asset at Princess Leia's behest. We loved the art and the exposition and are eager for issue #2.As for news, it's all The High Republic all the time, what with new covers, a 2nd printing for issue #1 announced b

Darth Vader goes David Lynch in the striking and nebulous #8 as Anakin Skywalker confronts his past failures while trying to shore up his future existence. Adding to the uncertainty are the Sequel Trilogy-introduced characters Ochi of Bestoon as well as Webbish Bog, who's all about questions and not answers.In news, more cover reveals for January's Star Wars: The High Republic, as advance reorders underly what's expected to be robust demand for Marvel's debut issue.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Dec. 23
_ Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler’s Run #1
_ Bounty Hunters #8Dec. 30
_ Star Wars Adventures #3
Jan. 6_ Star Wars #10_ Star Wars: The High Republic #1
_ Darth Vader #7 (2nd Printing)Jan. 13
_ Darth Vader #9_ Star Wars Adventures #4
_ Star Wars Adventures #5Jan. 20
_ Doctor Aphra #7Jan. 27
_ Bounty Hunters #9
_ Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler’s Run #2 (of 2)_ Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2), Vol. 1, “Fortune and Fate” TPB
_ Beware Vader’s Castle (Collects Tales From Vader’s Castle and Return to Vader’s Castle mini-serie

With the release of Marvel's Star Wars (Vol. 3) #9, the series begins a new three-issue arc dubbed "Operation Starlight." The Charles Soule-written, Jan Bazaldua-illustrated, Rachelle Rosenberg-colored and Clayton Cowles-lettered issue sets the stage for a desperate gambit by the Rebellion to preserve what's left of their codes and, in the process, restore a long-dead language back to the galaxy. It's evocative of not just World War II's Navajo codetalkers, but also shows how desperate times call for desperate measures.In news, we examine October's sales stats, new variants for January's launch of Marvel's Star Wars: The High Republic series and more.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Dec. 16
_ Darth Vader #8_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 1, “Heroes of the Galaxy” TPB_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 3, “Endangered” TPB_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 5, “Mechanical Mayhem” TPBDec. 23
_ Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler’s Run #1
_ Bounty Hunters #8Dec. 30
_ Star Wars Adventures #3
Jan. 6_ Star Wars #10_ Star Wars: The High

There's no new Star Wars comics from Marvel or DC yet there's still plenty to discuss. We're joined this episode by Jedi Geek Girl, whose "I, Rebel" podcast (https://irebeldestiny.com/) is great listening.Our topic? It's Billy's Comics' "Bootleg Special #1," a fan-made comic in progress that focuses on bounty hunter Boba Fett's struggles with the Predators. Yes, you read that right. We saw the four-page preview that Bill's been working on and were immediately intrigued. We think you will be, too.You can check out Bill's short preview of the planned one-shot here: https://bit.ly/36vB9h7, and peruse his full website at https://billyscomics.com/. Follow him on Instagram at https://bit.ly/2JsBoRk.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Dec. 9
_ Star Wars #9_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 2, “Unexpected Detour” TPB
_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 4, “Smuggler’s Blues” TPB
_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 6, “Flight of the Falcon” TPB
Dec. 16
_ Darth Vader #8_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 1, “Heroes of the Galaxy” TPB_ Star Wars Adv

Sam Maggs makes her Star Wars comics debut with a Kylo Ren feature in Star Wars Adventures #2 that had no business being as good as it was, while we see the start of a new arc in Doctor Aphra #6, along with new artists Ray-Anthony Height and Robert Gill.In news, it's all about plans for The High Republic Adventures debut in February, along with the decision to hold back Doctor Aphra and Bounty Hunters that month, though both are set for a return in March.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Dec. 2
_ Zero. Zip. Zilch. The big goose egg.Dec. 9
_ Star Wars #9_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 2, “Unexpected Detour”
 TPB_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 4, “Smuggler’s Blues”
 TPB_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 6, “Flight of the Falcon”
 TPBDec. 16
_ Darth Vader #8_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 1, “Heroes of the Galaxy” TPB_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 3, “Endangered” TPB_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 5, “Mechanical Mayhem” TPBDec. 23
_ Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler’s Run #1
_ Bounty Hunters #8Dec. 30
_ Star Wars Adventures #3
Jan. 6_

Two new Star Wars comics are out today and we're reveling in the bounteous bounty of ... bounty hunters! Star Wars Adventures Annual 2020, often delayed, proved to be worth the wait, with a pair of edgier, slightly more mature stories that felt right at home in the Star Wars comics from '77-'86 -- there is no higher compliment, by the way -- while Bounty Hunters #7 proves that Bielert Valance is a much more complex character than we ever thought he could be.Hear why, the latest news and more on this week's episode and then come visit us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/swsplashpagepod or Facebook at www.facebook.com/swsplashpagepod.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Nov. 25
_ Doctor Aphra #6
_ Bounty Hunters, Vol. 1: Galaxy’s Deadliest TPB
_ Darth Vader (Vol. 3), Vol. 1: Dark Heart of the Sith TPB
_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: Tales of the Jedi, Vol. 1 TPB
Dec. 2
_ TBDDec. 9
_ Star Wars #9
Dec. 16
_ Darth Vader #8
_ Star Wars Adventures #2 (Maybe, who knows really?)Dec. 23
_ Star Wars Adventures: Smuggler’