#smart comic alert

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Here’s the full version of the panel that I use for the header of this blog! Clearly, it is one of my favorite panels. What is the purpose of Star Wars comics, if not to fill out emotional context and details, often from unusual perspectives?

“Marooned,” from “Star Wars Tales 22.” Dark Horse. February 23, 2005. Writer, Penciller, Inker, and Colorist: Lucas Marangon. Letterer: Michael Heisler.

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Such cute characterization for baby engineer Rose and her pilot sister Paige. But don’t trust Incom Corporation, a weapons manufacturer!

“Age of Resistance: Rose Tico.” Marvel. September 18, 2019. Writer: Tom Taylor. Penciller and Inker: Ramon Rosanas. Letterer: Travis Lanham. Colorist: Guru-eFX.

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Happy Clone Wars Friday!

They’re making a lot of shows about Mandos and clones nowadays and -- sorry to be a snob, but -- none of them are anywhere near as epic, interesting, or emotional as Hock Malsuum’s comic series is. As an artist and a thinker, it is definitely the most inspiring.

“Darth Vader and the Cry of Shadows,” issue 1. Dark Horse. December 18, 2013. Writer: Tim Siedell. Penciller: Gabriel Guzman. Letterer: Michael Heisler. Colorist: Michael Atiyeh.

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This week's theme: Droids!

Shoutout to Jedi Academy’s adorably cheerful knock-off 3POs, vastly out of touch with the priorities of middle-schoolers. I, for one, want to hear to the rest of the Mando poetry lesson.

“Jedi Academy: Return of the Padawan.” July 29. 2014. Writer and illustrator: Jeffrey Brown.

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🔥Reblog if you would take his hand!🔥

“Darth Vader and the Cry of Shadows,” Issue 5. Dark Horse. April 16, 2014. Writer: Tim Siedell. Penciller: Gabriel Guzman. Letterer: Michael Heisler. Colorist: Michael Atiyeh.

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This week's theme: Star Wars moms have it rough!

If you’re a real softie like me, you’ll also appreciate the Wall-to-Wall Mom Content in this comic. Adoptive Mom Breha Organa tells the story of Biological Mom Padme Amidala to our future Space Mom, Princess Leia. All three of these mothers experience much darkness and tragedy in their lives, but they also have inspirational inner strength. It is wonderful to see them respect and acknowledge each other. More of this please, Star Wars!!!

“Star Wars Adventures Annual 2019: So Much More.” Marvel. August 14, 2019. Writers: Elsa Charretier and Pierrick Colinet. Penciller, Inker, and Colorist: Margaux Saltel. Letter: Tom B. Long.

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It’s Lightsaber Week!

I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such a radiant effect on any other drawing of a lightsaber, with the lines crossing all the way across the picture. The shape does not actually emphasize the brightest part of the glowing blade, but instead the bottom of the hilt, which is the center of the panel and the point of conflict in this composition.

Star Wars Newspaper Comic Strip: “The Night Beast.” April 24, 1982. Writer: Archie Goodwin. Illustrator: Al Williamson.

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This week’s theme: drawing actors' faces!

Feast your eyes upon these gorgeous illustrations of Billy Dee Williams’ Lando, drawn by the talented Alex Maleev and sensitively colored by Paul Mounts. This comic from the early period of Marvel’s reacquisition of the Star Wars IP is, as far as I know, the most impressively drawn Lando in any Star Wars comic. His warm, gentle rendering perfectly matches his role in the story, in which he uses his charm and cleverness to solve problems, instead of the Star Wars norm of violence.

“Lando,” issues 1, 3, 4, and 5. Marvel. July 8, August 26, September 16, and October 7, 2015. Writer: Charles Soule. Penciller: Alex Maleev. Letterer: Joe Caramagna. Colorist: Paul Mounts.