Star Wars Dark Droids: D-Squad

Title: Star Wars Dark Droids: D-Squad

ISBN: 9781302952082

Price: $17.99

Publisher/Year: Marvel, 2023

Artist:  Salva Espín

Writer: Marc Guggenheim

Rating: 3.5/5

For those who are only casual readers of the Star Wars comic line, the Dark Droids event is the current crossover connecting its various books, focused on a rebellion by sentient machines against their oppressive society. Droid domination hasn’t been a core focus of the Star Wars universe throughout its history, but recent writers (both in comics and novels, as well as film), have found ways to inject this obvious conflict into the larger galactic narrative. Star Wars: Dark Droids D-Squad looked to be a superfluous miniseries tacked on to the event yet turned out to be one of its gems. 

Written by Marc Guggenheim and illustrated by Salva Espín, this four-issue miniseries finds C-3PO and R2-D2 assembling a team of droids to confront the corruption machines are experiencing throughout the galaxy. Eventually, the ramshackle team finds their mission bringing them to Jabba’s palace. Numerous beloved droids make an appearance, including Chopper, IG-88, and QT-KT, with some “which droid would win in a fight” fanfare thrown in throughout the entire run. They even find a way to add a little romance into the droid escapades! 

Bing a droid fan, I was pleasantly surprised by this nominally noteworthy run, especially when R2-D2 was given a leading role. The Star Wars droids generally play a supporting role, and to see a whole book focus on their norms and teambuilding skills was entertaining. These short minis tacked on to larger crossovers have a real hit-or-miss quality, with some clearly being published just to entice completists into picking up another set of books. I can confidently say that even those unfamiliar with the larger event would likely enjoy this series, as it efficiently tells its succinct adventure. Salva Espín’s focused and careful line work perfectly complements Guggenheim’s plot direction; the book looks cartoony and fun without breaking out of Star Wars vibe or tone. My daughters, looking over my shoulder while reading this trade, quickly adopted it as their own and begin copying Espín’s great art. I might not be a blurb that makes its way onto the cover of future reprintings, but anytime comics excite the younger set should be seen as a high commendation. 

I'll be attending Rose City Comic Con 2025

SEPT. 05 -07, 2025

OREGON CONVENTION CENTER

777 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Portland, OR 97232

For the 10th year, I will be attending Rose City Comic Con as a member of the press. I am very grateful for not only being able to attend as a member of the press, but also to continue the tradition of attending this wonderful event since the beginning.

This year I have had business cards with a QR code for people to access The Nat 20. I'm planning on handing them out to people who we take photos of. I know that last year we were asked about contact information, and simply telling people the website name and address isn't as helpful as being able to put something into their hands.

You can take a look at my past experiences here.

I look forward to attending and am thankful to LeftField Media for again giving me this opportunity.

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 2: Doctor Aphra and The Enormous Profit

Title: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 2: Doctor Aphra and The Enormous Profit

ISBN: 9781302907631

Price: $17.99

Publisher/Year: Marvel, 2021

Artist: Marc Laming, Will Sliney, Kev Walker

Writer: Kieron Gillen

Rating: 3.5/5

I’ve always found Doctor Aphra to be a fun read – even back when she was only making appearances in Darth Vader’s series. She’s a bit of a gray scale character, which admittedly is one of my favorite character types, so I may be a bit biased in liking her. She’s funny, witty, and exceptionally talented at getting herself in over her head.

This volume contains two plots, one (issues 9-13) focuses on Aphra and all the insanity that girl can cause, and the other (Annual #1) is the backstory for Black Krrsantan, which was surprisingly fun to read.

I’ve always wondered what debt Aphra owed Krrsantan (other than money, because I have no doubt that she owes him plenty of credits on top of this mysterious debt), and this single issue story gives us a better idea of what is going on in his life. While I won’t say that I fully understand his motivations now, I do feel that I have a better grasp on them. I still don’t see how Aphra got pulled into the mix of things, but I can see her making the promise she did (because when it comes to saving her skin, she’ll make any promise she has to).

The other plot was a bit more fun, though things got pretty intense surprisingly quickly (well, I really shouldn’t be surprised, like I said Aphra has a talent for getting herself into messy situations). I love that she went all out for this auction, even to the point of dressing up and wearing a mask (which I loved her outfit, and I adore the concept of masquerades). Everything considered, Aphra actually did a pretty good job setting up the auction. And technically it wasn’t her fault that things went downhill as they did (though in retrospect she should have seen it coming, and she did leave that loophole…so…there’s that).

If I hadn’t seen a new issue on the stands this week, I would have been worried that the series was ending. So many things occurred that typically signal the end of a series, such as characters parting ways – perhaps in this case they’re looking for a chance to revamp the series? Triple Zero and Beetee have finally freed themselves from Aphra’s control, and man was that scene intense. I actually love that the droids choose not to kill Aphra, and that it had everything to do with the way she treated them (with respect and a healthy dose of fear). Likewise Black Krrsantan appears to have jumped ship (not literally…though close). This leaves Aphra on her own, which may or may not be safer for her (though my money is on less, since she lost three combat heavy backups).

Now that the dust has settled, I’ll admit I’m curious to see what happens next with Aphra. A lot has changed for her. She’s on her own, Vader may or may not be aware of her being alive (though I’m of the opinion that he always knew she didn’t die), and still appears to be stirring up trouble. Will her three companions (that isn’t quite the right term, but I’m sticking with it) join her again? Or will she be forming a new team?

Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 1: Aphra

Title: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra Vol. 1: Aphra

ISBN: 9781302906771

Price: $17.99

Publisher/Year: Marvel, 2021

Artist:  Kev Walker, Salvador Larroca

Writer: Kieron Gillen

Rating: 3.5/5

For someone who grew up with Star Wars, writing stories that become part of the official canon must be a dream come true. It’s a sure bet Kieron Gillen’s internal child is high-fiving his adult self.

Introduced during Gillen’s run on Darth Vader, rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra proved popular with readers. So much so she was given her own series when Darth Vader rain its course. After her narrow brush with death, Doctor Chille Lona Aphra has returned to archaeology. Or rather, the acquisition of rare items that can be sold for considerable profit, which with her qualifications and expertise, is lucrative. How she acquires them doesn’t bother her or the criminal organizations she owes credits to. Until she finds out the authenticity of her doctorate is being questioned and temporarily suspended. Aphra isn’t concerned about accusations of cheating. Of course, she did. What she wants to know is: who told them? This puts her in even more debt, her finds so much more difficult to sell. Aphra is livid, more so when she discovers it was dear old dad who leaked the info. He can get it reinstated off course. If she helps him find a place he has been searching for his whole life. A legend that consumed him and drove his family away. If she helps she gets her life back. With crime cartels, Imperial soldiers and dangerous uncharted space ahead, it’s likely she’ll be killed. Can she even trust her father? Fortunately, she has the dangerous wookie Black Krrsantan making sure she stays alive long enough to pay off her debt to him. And there’s also the two deadliest droids in the galaxy, Triple Zero, and BeeTee, tagging along. They come in handy for things like assassinations, explosions, and dismemberment. What could possibly go wrong?

On the face of it, Aphra shouldn’t work. Aphra herself is a female hybrid of Han Solo blended with Indiana Jones. Krrsantan is a far less honorable version of Chewbacca. Triple Zero and Beetee are both the psychopathic opposites of droids C3-P0 and R2-D2. Its so obvious the story is an inverse to the original Star Wars saga. Yet it does work, and rather well thanks to Gillen’s script and art from Kev Walker. Aphra is redolent of Indiana Jones – dark gritty themes balanced by humor and action. The plot’s familiar from other Star Wars formats, but with a high fun factor. Aphra is believable as a rebellious twenty-something with a chip on her shoulder, and the dialogue is witty, treacle black yet well timed.

Walker’s art lacks the glossy blockbuster style Marvel usually employs, with strong elements of his Judge Dredd work, more obvious in the gangsters and creatures. Walker uses digital overlays on his art, spectacularly detailed backgrounds contrasting the simple. Starships and droids look fantastic, the environment of cantinas and university convincing. Initially, human expressions are not clear but quickly improve. The plot falters in points, the dialogue disjointed by some of Gillen’s ideas. Yet whatever emotions the characters experience, you believe they are feeling them. The adventure is fast, the moods and tension just right. It’s good work from Walker, making the series more personable and enjoyable.

Deviating from the core content is a bold step forward for Marvel. It captures the adventurous spirit and imagination of the Dark Horse years that revived the franchise. Aphra is fun and entertaining, getting more right than wrong. Doctor Aphra returns to Star Wars in crossover event The Screaming Citadel, while Doctor Aphra and the Enormous Profit.

Chew Vol 10: Blood Puddin'

Title: Chew Vol 10: Blood Puddin'

ISBN: 9781632153968

Price: $14.99

Publisher/Year: Image, 2015

Artist: Rob Guillory

Writer: John Layman

Rating: 3.5/5

Since the earliest volumes Tony Chu has been plagued by the Collector, an uber-villain who by hook, but mostly crook, has been acquiring the food-related super powers of numerous others, using a network of spies to locate them. Chu knows the Collector is a formidably dangerous foe, and is also aware of the exact time he’ll be brought down. You’ll have to read Family Recipes to find out how. In the previous Chicken Tenders a group of off-duty FDA agents accompanied by Olive Chu, Tony’s teenage daughter, attempted to take the Collector down. With disastrous consequences.

Seeing as how John Colby was partly responsible, he and Chu have fallen out, which is why Chu is now partnered with temporary FDA agent D-Bear, chicken-eating fashion-plate. It’s a shame as Colby has come up with a viable way to aid the investigation, but can’t persuade Chu to give him the time of day. D-Bear proves more effective than might be imagined from his previous appearances. Still funny, though. Not as laugh out loud funny as the prosthetics supplied to some cast members, but pretty funny.

“It seems this Collector monster is out of control”, relates Agent Breadman, “It seems he’s declared war. Accelerating his collecting. Sending his servants to force everybody with food powers into his service, and killing anyone who resists.” That sums matters up pretty succinctly, as with only two further volumes to go, the end is nigh, and there are no more detours for John Layman’s plots. The cast are diminishing at quite the rate, and another one bites the dust here.

Layman’s concepts are marvelous. We have a thrilling and tense action-adventure story in which it’s not the slightest bit strange that a guy’s strength is increased tenfold by wearing spaghetti. He’s a pastavestavalescor in case you were wondering. Other hilarious and ludicrous elements abound, and if the surprises of the food-based powers have diminished through repetition, the plotting compensates and Rob Guillory’s art repays the purchase price tenfold. One would almost think he was wearing spaghetti on his head such is the joy of his cartooning.

MtG Decklist - Spice8Rack's Omo | Extra Turns #61

 

I just watched episode #61 of Extra Turns, and I absolutely loved this deck! When I originally started playing Magic the Gathering, I loved the artwork for Vesuvan Doppelganger by artist Quinton Hoover. In fact, I love all of Hoover's art. (I didn't realize until writing this that Hoover died in 2013.)

Above all the other cards, I appreciated the doppelganger's ability to shapeshift and I think that really drew me into enjoying Omo, Queen of Vesuva and the cards abilities.

As I watched the episode, I really got to see Omo work her magic. While Spice8Rack ultimately didn't win (sorry for the spoiler), I felt like the decks mechanics really matched the type of game I enjoy playing. I'm looking forward to building this deck and eventually playing with my friends. If you try this deck out, please let me know how you enjoyed it.

Chew Vol 9: Chicken Tenders

Title: Chew Vol 9: Chicken Tenders

ISBN: 9781632152893

Price: $14.99

Publisher/Year: Image, 2015

Artist: Rob Guillory

Writer: John Layman

Rating: 3.5/5

Just so we’re all on the same page, Chew features a number of people with strange, food-related super powers. Most prominent among them is Tony Chu, a detective for the US Food and Drugs Agency, who along with his food, or in fact anything he eats, ingests a whole lot of background information about its source. This doesn’t apply to beetroot, but, as unsavory as it may seem, it does apply to cannibalism. His partner John Colby has no food-related power, but instead has bionic implants following an accident in the first volume. Family Recipes detailed how they achieved the biggest bust in the FDA’s recent history, in the period since poultry was outlawed after 23 million Americans died in a bird flu epidemic. In that time Chu has discovered many things, not least that the world may end.

John Layman doesn’t want you concerning yourself with that, though. It’s nice outside, and who wants to be depressed? Wouldn’t a nice wedding cheer us all up? Of course it would, so that’s what we get as Chu and Amelia plight their troth in the Hunka-Hunka Burnin’ Love chapel in Las Vegas during the FDA convention. Unfortunately the honeymoon is cut short and the first chapter ends with… Well, actually, it’s been a running joke throughout the series to date that unexpected people end up in bed together, splendidly illustrated by Rob Guillory, and he ends the first chapter with a doozy.

Chu’s then dispatched to a top secret underwater research lab where he needs to discover who murdered Sammy the Navy Seal. It doesn’t matter, though, because in what’s typically hilarious Chew fashion, that’s irrelevant, and elsewhere a broad conspiracy is expanding. Super combat rooster Poyo’s not involved, despite his cover status, as he has a fairytale world to save from a groceryomancer who’s bringing killer vegetables to life. Elsewhere, among other matters, we learn of “the secret discipline where cooking and war intersect”.

Anyone unfamiliar with the lunacy that is Chew may be wondering what the hell they’re reading about here. Then again, they really should get with the program (or wake up and smell the coffee, whichever they prefer) and feast on Chew, the most consistently funny series of graphic novels being published today.