Mini-review of the Jedi Fallen Order (Vol 1) manga: spoilers below!
Obviously buy the book if you're able, whether locally (UK / JPN) or through an internationally seller (US / everywhere else). There's so little merch or side content outside of the Jedi games so I hope these sell really well!
Note: I don't have a great scanner so most of these pages will be cropped or angled, but works well enough for a review. I'm ordering the photos L -> R for my own sanity but read the actual pages R -> L.
Vol 1 follows Cal's journey from Bracca to the second Trilla fight on Zeffo. First few pages are full color, the rest B&W.
There's lots of references to the gameplay, including Cal's specific force powers (psychometry, Force slow and push) but also general traversal around the different planets (including wall running!)
A few changes help condense the story for its adaptation: Masana intervenes on Bracca and the first Trilla fight happens directly after Prauf's death (no train escape). We also briefly leave Cal's POV for a new conversation between Greez and Cere while he explores Bogano.
Greez' gambling / the Haxion Brood gets its own two-page spread, a nice way to set up the Ordo Eris detour in Vol 2.
Really love how Trilla is introduced, the art here is especially nice (bonus cantankerous Greez)
Speaking of our favorite Inquisitor, she's perfect. Continues to be the coolest person in every room.
I'll always recommend the game first, but recognize it isn't as accessible as the other Star Wars movies and shows. Youtube playthroughs or cutscene compilations can be helpful, but are still dependent on the original player and their hardware. To me, this manga hits a sweet spot of retelling the core narrative while still honoring its origins. So glad it exists, and hopefully some new fans get to meet Cal Kestis for the first time :)
