favorite non-superhero western comic, if any?
The KotOR comics from 2006-2010 are, bar none, my favorite chunk of the Expanded Universe, and one of my favorite comics period.
Why? Well, in addition to being a fun and compelling story in its own right, this book does about as good a job as could be done bridging the gap between Tales of the Jedi and KotOR proper, and it's basically the only really meaty look at the Mandalorian Wars and the kind of nasty shit the Mandos were getting up to that meant they absolutely had to be fought.
It also humanizes (for lack of a better term) the Jedi in a way that a lot of works don't quite manage, mostly by giving us so many Jedi who have gone off the rails in a manner that is equal parts sympathetic and unforgivable, thereby offering clear examples of what the others are trying to avoid becoming. They are still, in many ways, hidebound and disconnected and thoroughly imperfect, but they are trying.
But the main reason I love this book so much is the protagonist, Zayne:
I love Zayne Carrick more than some members of my actual family. If I had to compare him to anybody, it would be Mariner from Star Trek: Lower Decks, but less crass. He's essentially a comic relief character, the Jedi who just isn't any good at anything, who nobody has any real expectations for. He wants to good, always tries his best, but the Force itself has singled him out to step on every rake in the galaxy. Despite this, Zayne never really gets embittered by his misfortunes (contrasting dramatically with Cade from Legacy, which was running at the same time as Kotor), he's almost defiant in his commitment to compassion and good humor. His luck never really improves, but he does grow more competent as the series progresses, pulling of some genuinely impressive victories by weaponizing his status as the universe's favorite chew toy.
The supporting cast is delightful, the villains all have well-drawn (and sometimes painfully realistic in their pettiness) motivations, and the cameos from game characters are always fun, if occasionally Forrest Gump-esque. I honestly could talk about this series all day.
