Book Description

Ten years after the Sith War, the Dark Lord of the Sith`s chief lieutenant, Ulic Qel-Droma has been stripped of his Force powers and has isolated himself in a distant corner of the galaxy, trying to escape from a life he would rather forget. But his past is about to catch up with him as he is tracked down by Vima, the daughter of Nomi Sunrider, the woman who blinded Ulic to the Force. Vima seeks a teacher and Ulic sees in her a chance at redemption. Unfortunately, Vima`s disappearance draws attention, and the search party sent to look for her includes a vicious Jedi seeking revenge upon Ulic for killing her mate. Collecting the four-issue mini-series. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Redemption in the Star Wars universe
Although the universe of Star Wars novels are cluttered with terrible stories, one can always count the talented writers at Dark Horse comics to deliver a redeeming story for fans, and 'Redemption' is a good one.

A sequel to the 'Sith War' and possibly the last of the Tales of the Jedi books, 'Redemption' focuses on Ulic, a Jedi-gone-bad who seeks to find peace from his crimes. Of course, like in all melodrama, this can't be allowed, as the daughter of his former love comes looking for him. Of course, there are those who seek revenge as well, and come looking for it.

'Redemption' is a good story. Not great, but it definately has all the elements for a fun read. There's some action (although not as much as most other Star Wars stories) plenty of angst and drama, and just a touch of romance. A good story and strong characters make this one of the better Star Wars graphic novels out there, and an excellent finale to the 'Tales of the jedi' series.

The end of the Great Jedi - Sith Wars?
Redemption takes place 10 years after the Sith War, or on my Time Line, 3986 before NH. It is a TPB Comic collecting the issues 1 through 5 of STAR WARS: TALES OF THE JEDI REDEMPTION.

It is the continuing story of Ulic Qel-droma including Nomi Sunrider. Exar kun has been destroyed and Ulic stripped of his powers. This is his story of redemption, and his journey back to from the dark side. This is also supposed to be a story that is in the holocrons discovered 4000 years later.

We are still in the old republic Era but this comic released in July, 2001 presents Art and coloring that are a stunning improvement. Dark horse is on it way to arriving at the products that they finally start releasing in 2002.

On the SW timeline this is the first time we get to see the future of art, drawing and coloring that dark horse will be putting out in the future and it is spin chillingly great! Made in singapore, the binding is good and can stand the stess of someone actually opening the beook and reading it. After Dark Horse moves manufacture to China, the binding takes a sharp decline. Any attempt to actually open and read the comic can result in it falling apart in your hands.

This is written by Kevin j Anderson, so the continuity and foreshadowing are all here for those who are actively reading the SW offering of comic and Novels. I know Kevin gets his knocks, but I am a fan. He is one of the two authors I'd love to meet and talk to. Kevin, I hope you are alive and well! I also still argue that his JEDI ACADEMY trilogy is extremely important to the expanded universe.

The story at times appears to be a splice job, but that is not uncommon with dark horse. The cover is one of the worst ever produced, so turn the cover page out of site and enjoy.

Redemption is something Anderson will never find.
I am a person that loved the old Tales of the Jedi Saga. Originally Started by Tom Veitch, It was a Series ripe with Character, heart, action, and the certain charm that the jedi mythology is known for, all writtem magnificently well. In the Beginning tales of the Jedi was Dark Horses Flagship Star Wars Series. It was a Golden Age.

Then Tom Veitch made a horrible mistake. That mistake was Working with Kevin J Anderson, to create a Villan that would Appear in Andersons Novels, and in the TOTJ Series; Exar Kun. The Villan was one of the favorites in Star Wars expanded universe, but working with anderson meant that Veitch would have to allow Anderson to write the later half of the 12 issue series revolving around Exar Kuns rise to power from Jedi student to Sith Lord. From that Point onward, Thanks to Andersons horrid writing and complete dirth of talent, the TOTJ series started a downward spiral. Andersons Assault and the TOTJ series started with the Sith war, a lackluster story compared to the magnificent Dark Lord Of the Sith Prequal that set it up... Then Anderson Continued to obliterate this once grand series with Golden Age Of the Sith, and Fall Of The Sith Empire. This, was Andersons last chance to revive the series, why they didnt just ask Veitch to write it, I dont know. But this is the last TOTJ story that has been, and likely will ever be published. The Breathtaking and grand saga that Tom Veitch Began, was destroyed by a force darker then any Sith Lord or Dark Jedi; Kevin J Anderson has MUCH to answer for.

In all honesty, for most of this story, it seemed as though Anderson was on the right track. Ulic Found that during a near death experiance, in which he was welcoming death, he had a jedi vision from his dead master. Which should have been impossible, seeing as how his jedi powers were supposed to be sealed. This gave Ulic hope, and purpose to continue living, later... The daughter of the woman he once loved, Vima, showed up asking him to train her in the Jedi arts. Why him, well its a contrived plot point, but Nomi was supposedly too busy As a Jedi to train her daughter, and the other 5000 jedi that were around at the time were busy doing stuff to, or so would Anderson have you beleive. But despite the hideous amount of Plot Contrivance, including Andersons most hideous attempt at a romantic pairing yet, he did manage to create some decent story telling for once... Ulic finds peace with the force, forgive for his crimes, a place back amongst his former comrades, and potentially a way to feel the force once again... Until in the last pages he is shot in the back and killed by a smuggler wanting to be known as the man who killed Ulic Qel Droma, and runs back to the bar to tell his friends. *IM NOT KIDDING*

I dont know what Anderson was smoking at the time, but the thought that this is a suitable way to end Ulics tale of Redemption was just plain Idiocy. In the prior Stories, Ulic had been poisoned by Sith Chemicals, been driven mad by the murder of his master, Disowned the jedi and his lover in his madness, fought and murdered his own brother, and had his Jedi powers sealed by the very woman that once loved him. If he was meant to die, there could have been a thousand more suitable deaths then just to be shot in the back by a unnamed piece of Bar Trash. In the Ten years since he was punished by Nomi Sunrider, his life was one of isolation, and dedication. such a death, is as pointless and meaningless as it is contrived, and a slap in the face of the fans that were looking for The Tales of the Jedi Series to return to its former greatness.

Anderson I doubt will ever write for Star Wars Again, as it is a popular rumor that Lucas himself asked anderson not to write any further tales set in his Universe. Unforutnately the damage is done, and one of my favorite series, is no more. The Title of the story is named redemption, But in the eyes of lucas and casual Fans of the Expanded universe such as myself, Redemption is something Anderson has yet to find.

A fitting end to a series
Redemption is the last of the Tales of the Jedi comics, a series that recounted the events during the Great Sith War 4,000yrs ago. Redemption is better read after at least reading Dark Lord of the Sith and The Sith War. The conflicts here are on a personal and emotional level, not another interstellar battle.

A decade after the Jedi defeated the Sith reemergence, a fallen Jedi wonders the galaxy for solitude, blind to the Force and searching for absolution for past crimes. But when a young girl decides he's the ideal candidate to tutor the Force to her, and a bitter Jedi wants to hand justice to an unpunsihed war criminal, they find they all have much to learn from each other on a frozen world.

The quality of art is much better than the horrible fare Tales of the Jedi is renoun for. While the superb art and vibrant colours inherent in current Star Wars comcis was not available at the time of the TOTJ series, that Redemption was clearly better could have said more for its earlier siblings. Here, you won't find salivating mouths, half-rendered illustrations, or simplistic dialogue. The primary characters have defined roles, where age and events have changed appearances, and an ending that will touch your heart.

However, at times there are just too many single, even double, page shots. This flows the pages to the end way too fast. Some panels and scenes were a bit absurd, but the overall quality of this story balances things up. Qel-Droma genuinely looks grey, as though the price of his actions have drained all colour from his features; while young Vima is bright and chirpy, the vengeful Silvar predatory and relentless.

I'll never understand why Nomi is half bald for a human woman.

Overall, if you've suffered through the earlier comics, this one is a fitting end to the series. And even if further fault is found within, solace can be taken in the fact that we are shown places we rarely have seen, and not yet another Tatooine visit for the twentieth time.

Kevin Anderson WROTE a good story? Judgement day is here...
This takes place some 10 years after The Sith War. All the characters have changed, grown old, morphed (the tiger female looks way cooler) and grown up. Nomi Sunrider's daughter is a teenager now and wants to learn to be a Jedi. Ulic Qel-Droma is hiding on some ice world and wants to die. She seeks him out to learn the ways of the Jedi. The reason I took away a star was because how she found him. Some random guy (who looks exactly like the guys at the start of the original Star Wars) took Ulic to the snow planet and she just randomly picks a ship to stall on and guess who's ship it is? 10 billion people in the universe and she picks the guy who saw Ulic a day earlier. Wow, ironic, eh? There really is no bad guy in this story, it just shows Ulic teaching the girl. The closest thing to a bad guy has to be the good Jedi tiger girl, Silvar. Anyhoo its a good book to end the series with. ... Read more

Book Description

The Grumpy Old Troll was mean to his friend Mouse -- and now he needs help from Dora and Boots for Mouse to forgive him. But what should he say? Join Dora and Boots as they help the Troll, and learn about manners along the way! ... Read more

Book Description

General Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan Anakin Skywalker find themselves in command of a regiment of Clone Troopers on the muddy battlefields of the rain world of Jabiim. With their supply lines stretched thin and reinforcements unable to land due to the perpetual storms, the Jedi and their army have become easy targets for the rebel Alto Stratus and his elite Nimbus warriors. The situation goes from bad to worse when General Kenobi is listed missing in action, and Anakin is teamed with a group of other masterless young Jedi on a doomed mission to hold the last line in the Republic's defense! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Brutal war story
This trade paperback collects issues of Star Wars: Republic #54-59.

Republic #54-58 is the four-part "Battle of Jabiim" arc by Haden Blackman (writer) and Brian Ching (artist). This is a dark, drenched, brutal storyline about a Republic/Separatist battlefield on the planet Jabiim. Anakin is the main character, and fans of the darker side of SW will surely appreciate this. A version of the AT-AT makes its first appearance here. The drawings of the vehicles and ships are done in awesome detail.

Republic #59 is one-issue story written by John Ostrander and drawn by Jan Duursema. Again Anakin is the main character, and it focuses on his interaction with an older Republic character, A'Sharad Hett, who is a Tusken Raider. Certainly the events of Attack of the Clones lead to an interesting confrontation.

Another very good Clone Wars TPB by Dark Horse. ... Read more

Book Description

Revisit enchanted Neverland with
J. M. Barrie's timeless tale

Join Wendy, John, and Michael Darling as they follow Peter Pan, the boy who never grows up, to a world where fairies live and children can fly. But beware -- danger abounds in this magical land of mermaids, Indians, and fairy dust. Captain Hook and his pirate crew want all children to walk the plank, especially Peter Pan.

There is always an adventure to be had in Neverland. So come along with the Darling children as they soar into the night sky -- second to the right and straight on till morning!

Reviews (9)

Peter Pan Review
Peter Pan is the timeless classic everyone has grown up to. It has been passed down from generation to generation but it all started with one man, J. M. Barrie. When anyone tells the story of Peter Pan most adults don't think it is suitable for them. They think that it is simply a children's story and always will be. However, Barrie made sure that this story would be appropriate for all ages. Some of the language might be a bit difficult for the youngest range but the context helps to figure out a funny word or two. It appeals to the older range because of the layers it conceals. Behind each game they play is a message. Hidden under each smile Wendy gives to Peter is her hidden kiss. However, this story relates mostly to teenagers as they are going through the stage of growing up. Just days before I read Peter Pan I thought of how nice it would be to be free of homework and school. I thought how wonderful it would be to grow up and be independent. After reading this story, and seeing it exactly how Barrie told it, I don't want to grow up as much as Peter Pan and Wendy don't want to. I first heard the story, from seeing the movie, at a very young age, probably around the time I was 2 or 3. Disney tried hard to incorporate everything from the book but they didn't get every meaning or all the symbolism. For example, Mrs. Darling and Wendy Darling both have a hidden kiss. This kiss is hidden under the right hand corner of their mouths and only their true love can find it. Because Mr. Darling can't find Mrs. Darling's kiss, perhaps Barrie is trying to say that although she loves Mr. Darling dearly, he isn't her true love. Barrie fills his book with the perfect amount of detail and color. Children don't get bored because there is too much and adults don't need any more. At one point in the story, Barrie writes about the adventures at the lagoon. "If you shut your eyes and are a lucky one, you may see at times a shapeless pool of lovely pale colours suspended in the darkness; then if you squeeze your eyes tighter, the pool begins to take shape, and the colours become so vivid that with another squeeze they must go on fire." It is work like this that captures the reader and makes them never put the book down. The action and the drama are another reason such a wide age range is attached to this story. The lost boys go on countless raids and enticing adventures that children can only dream about. The love story between Peter and Wendy thickens throughout the entire book and we don't know till the end whether the Darlings will return home to England or stay in Neverland forever. Barrie does such an incredible job with the characters I felt I had met each one personally. John and Michael are as adorable as ever, Captain Hook as evil, Tinkerbell as envious, Peter as cocky and Wendy as in love. Though the title expresses that the story is about Peter Pan, I think one of Barrie's hidden messages was that it was really Wendy's story. Peter Pan can meet many more pirates and have many more adventures but Wendy only had that one time with him. She could only be his mother, or possibly his only love, once in her life. She was supposed to go back to Neverland every spring to do Peter's spring cleaning but he forgot almost every year. Barrie might have been trying to show how forgetful little boys are. He also might have been trying to show Peter's denial that Wendy might grow up. If Peter didn't go back then Wendy might not grow up. If he didn't go back he wouldn't be reminded that he lost the love of his life. Barrie did a phenomenal job with this story. His ideas make you wonder why we have to grow up and why none of us have ever been able to see Tink's glow, outside of our dreams. This book is suitable for all ages and the only thing that could make it even better were if we could be in the story ourselves.

Erin CMS
Anyone who hasn't read this yet is crazy, because it is an amazing book. It's one of those kinds where you can read it over and over again without getting tired of it. There is so much detail and imagination that you get sucked into the story, and in a short amount of time you feel like you are actually in the book. What I especially liked about this story is how it is suitable for both children and adults. Some children may find it a little confusing because of the old language but they will still enjoy it.
Everyone has a first impression of this story; it seems like it's only meant for kids. Except they don't understand that it really isn't. There are so many layers to the story and lessons/morals are hidden throughout the book. Peter Pan has different qualities to it also. There's drama, action, and adventure. I think that kids will especially like the action and adventure while the adults will enjoy the drama more. Even though the story has mainly child characters they act like adults sometimes. Especially Wendy.
I recommend this book for everyone, but mostly girls and boys who are going from the transition from child to adult. Even though everyone will like it anyways teenagers will really be able to relate the what's happening. I found myself relating to Wendy so much that sometimes I felt like I was her! So if you haven't read this book you really should...it will be a classic forever and you should experience the magic it has.

Peter Pan Review.....CMS
Anyone who hasn't read this yet is crazy, because it is an amazing book. It's one of those kinds where you can read it over and over again without getting tired of it. There is so much detail and imagination that you get sucked into the story, and in a short amount of time you feel like you are actually in the book. What I especially liked about this story is how it is suitable for both children and adults. Some children may find it a little confusing because of the old language but they will still enjoy it.
Everyone has a first impression of this story; it seems like it's only meant for kids. Except they don't understand that it really isn't. There are so many layers to the story and lessons/morals are hidden throughout the book. Peter Pan has different qualities to it also. There's drama, action, and adventure. I think that kids will especially like the action and adventure while the adults will enjoy the drama more. Even though the story has mainly child characters they act like adults sometimes. Especially Wendy.
I recommend this book for everyone, but mostly girls and boys who are going from the transition from child to adult. Even though everyone will like it anyways teenagers will really be able to relate the what's happening. I found myself relating to Wendy so much that sometimes I felt like I was her! So if you haven't read this book you really should...it will be a classic forever and you should experience the magic it has.

Peter Pan Review by Amanda Meade
(...)

In London lived The Darling Family. There was George Darling, Mrs. Darling, and their three children. They lived in a big house with fenced yard in the front. The children's names were Wendy, John and Michael. Their nurse Nana was strangely a dog. She gave them their daily medicine doses and she helped take care of them. But she was also a lovable companion. One night Peter Pan came through the nursery window. Mrs. Darling had heard of Peter Pan from when she a young child. But she faintly remembered him. The night that Peter came, he left something that was very important. It was his shadow. So the next night he came back for it. That night Mr. And Mrs. Darling were getting ready to go out for the evening. Peter expected that his shadow and him would join but they didn't so he tried to stick his shadow on by the sole of his shoe with soap. But his shadow did not stick. So he was crying by Wendy's bed on the floor of the nursery. This woke Wendy. She sat up in her bed and said, "Boy, why are you crying?" He lifted his head and drew away his tears with his finger and claimed he wasn't crying. Then she offered to sew his shadow to the sole of his foot. Then Peter asked Wendy if she would be his mother. Wendy said yes. But she wanted to bring Michael and John along with her. So they all flew away to Neverland.
In Neverland, the lost boys built a house for Wendy and themselves. Jas Hook was Peter's enemy. He fought Hook in Mermaid's Lagoon. Peter won of course, and he liked to brag when he did so. Hook knew that if he stole Wendy and the lost boys, Peter would fight him again. So that's what he did. This was the biggest fight Jas Hook and Peter had ever had. The lost boys succeeded in killing Hook's mates and Peter succeeded in killing Hook himself. Then Wendy and her brothers returned home. Mrs. Darling agreed to let Wendy go away with Peter every spring-cleaning to Neverland. But then Wendy grew and she had a daughter, who she named Jane. So Wendy agreed also, to let Jane go away every spring-cleaning with Peter. And so it was with Wendy's grandchildren. And this shall go on until children are no longer, "gay, and innocent and heartless."
I would recommend this book to people who like fantasies and have a sense of humor. Because this book is about a magical and Peter's personality is humorous.

The Boy Who Never Grew Up...
Peter Pan is probably the most famous and beloved boy in the world. Well, how could he not be?
I grew up with the Peter Pan story like may children. It is such a good ride for a book for children. This is before Harry Potter and all of the other phenomenal story children books of our era.
Peter Pan has exciting sward fighting scenes. Children who can fly and of course that little fairy.
I really do think that this is a good way to get children to start reading. A simply beautiful imaginative story. ... Read more

Book Description

Disney and Pixar’s most beloved characters come to life in this charming CD storybook!Your child will love hearing Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Sulley, Flik, and more in these fantastic stories and funny rhymes.The engaging set features four favorite stories, eight rhymes, character voices, and over an hour of listening enjoyment—all packaged together in one collectable edition.

Stories include:

- A Bug’s Life
- Monsters, Inc.
- Toy Story
- Toy Story 2

With full-color illustrations and an accompanying full-length CD, it’s a certain smash hit! ... Read more

Book Description

Darth Vader wants Luke Skywalker -- alive. Prince Xizor, the largest trader in the galaxy, wants Skywalker dead. And Skywalker, along with Leia, Chewbacca, and the droids, have a goal of their own: rescue Han Solo. But Solo has been encased in carbonite and taken by the most notorious mercenary in the galaxy, Boba Fett, who intends to deliver him to Jabba the Hutt. It's a clash of good against evil, of right against wrong, and it comes to a head in the Shadows of the Empire . . . Featuring all your favorite characters from the Star Wars motion picture trilogy and a score of new ones, Shadows of the Empire is everything a Star Wars fan could hope for. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Excellent novel. Definetly worthy of Star Wars universe
This book deals with all that happens between "Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi." One of the main charactures is Prince Xixor. He seems to be another of the Emperor's cronies. Like Darth Vader. Han Solo is frozen in carbonite. Leia and Luke are trying to find him and bring him back to "the land of the living." Anyone who enjoys watching the movies and reading the books should read this book without delay.

Many will read this and not put it down until they're done!
All right, Star Wars fans! You waited for the story of what REALLY happened between the Movies (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi) and now you got it! Wondering "How did Luke all of a sudden become a Jedi Knight in Return of the Jedi?"? Or maybe "When did the second Death Star start?"? Well, here it is! And if you liked the game... You'll LOVE the book! Han Solo is frozen in Carbonite... Luke Skywalker is becoming a Jedi... And the Empire has the alliance in their grasp! What will happen? The suspense is endless. The battles in this book go into so much detail, you'd swear you were actually there! Pick it up... YOU WON'T PUT IT DOWN! The best Star Wars book to date! Experience Shadows of the Empire!

Luke takes out Vader Enemy
This is a review of Shadow of the Empire which is available as a hard cover book of 340 (ISBN 0553574132) pages, a comic (isbn 1569711836), a novelization of 176 pages (isbn 044013036) and audio cassette (isbn 0553100890). This story tales places between ESB and ROTJ. I always felt it was one of the more important stories of the Expanded Universe given that Xizor became an action figure as did Dash Render and his ship (Outrider). The whole gang is in this one even Han, though is encased in carbonite. We get Vader, the emperor, Fett, Guri, Boosk, 4-Lom, Jabba, Zuckuss and Wedge along with the regular gang of heroes.

Apparently Dark horse did have available any pictures of Lando or Leia because the artists did a lousy job of drawing them. Most of the time Luke was OK, but sometimes he looked like Jessica Lynch. They did do a great job drawing Fett, Vader and dash however.

Everyone is searching for Han, but he has not be taken directly to Jabba. Xizor has risen to lead Black Sun which has thrived since Darth Maul wiped out the old leadership. His newest ambition is to replace Vader as #2 in the empire. Xizor orders Luke killed knowing that Vader wants him alive. Then Xizor captured Leia.

This is one of my favorite of all the EU stories. Steve Perry has created a new and exciting Journey. The novel is 4 stars and the comic is 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. Considering that Dark horse released this in 1997 before some of their awesome new production techniques, this is a very well done comic. The abridged audio cassette is good quality, but at on 2 ½ hours to much is cut.

Not too bad
As with so much of Star Wars, you pretty much have to read the book it ties into to get it all. The effort on LucasFilm's part was overall admirable, although the problem remains when you have large numbersof people who don't read both genres of comic book and novel.

The highlights here are the scenes with Boba Fett and the bounty hunters. The main character material seems almost as filler tie-ins and even the art seems to lax a bit in those categories.

The pencils are good for the most part, while the coloring tends to vary. I've not too fond of Cary Porter's coloring, as it tends to be unrealisting and not dramatic at times. Once again, these flaws tend to be more visible in the 'main-character' plotline.

Buy it if you want some nice Bounty Hunter interaction and the like.

Intersting filler-in for the novel
Whereas the Shadows of the Empire novel was focused on the normal character, the Rebels and Vader and the new Xizor, the comic's point of view is mainly that of the scum of the galaxy, the bounty hunters and Jabba and his goons. That is where it makes its biggest mistake -- it can't stand alone.

It's laudible that they tried to give an alternate perspective in the comic so fans wouldn't feel like they were just rereading the novel, but on the other hand it doesn't make sense unless you've read the book. Characters just show up and aren't explained, and events that are quite big in the story can't be emphasized enough in the comic due to space restraints. It would have been a much better idea to instead of paralleling the novel, to adapt it entirely to comic form, plus add the bounty hunter stuff.

The art was mixed. The droids, Fett, Vader and most of the bounty hunters looked good, but the more humaniform characters looked messed up and unrecognizable. Leia and Lando in particular looked bad, Dash was strange, and Xizor looked horrible; he wasn't even consistent from panel to panel.

Fortunately, the locations were pretty good, but where this comic shined were the spacefights, dogfights which would do a Rogue Squadron comic proud. There was some interesting use of tactics, all the ships were drawn very well, and the lighting effects and engine glow were very good.

Fett was another problem in this book. He talked too much. We already know he's one of those silent but deadly guys; why authors feel the need to have him give corny one-liners, talk to himself and gloat to his enemies is beyond me. The dialogue throughout the comic was decent, but there were quite a few corny or unecessary lines.

A last note -- this comic was released before it was quite established exactly what bothans looked like, so they are kind of messed up looking.

As a companion for the novel, this comic worked fine, but as a stand-alone piece, it is below par. If you like Star Wars, or if you're a big Shadows fan, then I recommend this one. If not, don't bother. ... Read more

Book Description

Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace is the seminal tale of the Star Wars mythos, unlocking the history and events that laid the foundation for the Rebel Alliance`s epic struggle against the Empire as chronicled in the original Star Wars film trilogy. Featuring familiar characters as never before seen and introducing new players destined to become Star Wars icons, Episode I is a must-see film experience, and this comics adaptation is a must-read for all Star Wars enthusiasts. Adapted by Henry Gilroy from the original screenplay by master filmmaker George Lucas and illustrated by Rodolfo Damaggio and comics legend Al Williamson. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Artful Jedi Knights
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace translates quite well, from feature film, to comic book. Despite the fact that, the movie had its share of problems, from a story standpoint. Not to mention, very static direction by George Lucas, the Dark Horse Graphic Novel still manages to come out on top.

THE STORY: Writer Henry Gilroy (who would also go on to adapt Attack Of The Clones) makes good use of a limited amount of space. He successfully takes the film's script, gives readers an edited version of it, without making it seem edited. It never seems rushed and none of the scope of the film is lost in the process. Adapting a film for the comics is never easy, but in Gilroy's hands it would seem that way.

THE ART: The team of Rodolfo Damaggio, and Star Wars Comics' veteran Al Williamsom are great together. Their work creates a visual feast, and is at times, stunning. It's very detailed, for the most part, with very few exceptions. The charcters and situations mirror their cinema counterparts to a tee. The artwork is a major reason to own this in first place--it's that good. My favorite artwork in the book is the depiction of the climactic lightsaber duel between Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Sith Darth Maul

As a bonus the 112 page book includes a cover gallery of the artwork of cover illustrator of Hugh Flemming, who worked on all four single issue covers, for the newstand version of the story. The graphic novel trade paperback is recommended

An excellant comic book- graphic novel fans should enjoy it
The graphic novelization of Episode I is very well done- the storyline is good, and the artwork is great. My only complaint is the change of artwork styles at the end. The lightsabers are writen very true-to-life during most of the comic book. During the final battle, however, the blades suddenly become rods of pure color. The white center to the lightsaber blade is gone. This gives the most exciting part of the movie a cheap look. Other than that, it's a good read.

Easy to read, beautifully illustrated comic
This is a review of Episode 1 TPM Dark horse comic. This comic can never replace the imagery created by the movie. Produced in may, 1999 this TPB comic uses reproduction techniques that create a visually beautiful comic.

The main reason I bought the comic version of a movie is that it gives me book with pictures to read with my children that tell a story that will hold their attention. This comic succeeds on that level. But the comic is an abridged version of the movie, and may not be your cup of tea.
The artwork is about average (3.5 stars of 5). The black page background provides richness to the look. Flemings cover art is 4 of 5.

The binding on THIS comic is superior. One of my frustrations with dark horse is the extremely poor quality of their new binding of TPB's. Dark Horse went to the bother of upgrading their artwork, pencils and inking, yet they are producing comics that fall apart in your hands! This comic was made in Canada. The new comics are now made in China. It is a darn shame because just as they start producing some truly awesome looking comics, they seriously diminish the quality of the binding.

Awesome Graphic Novel!
This book is the graphic novel (comic book) of The Phantom Menace. It's a great book and I've read it thousands of times. The illustrations are great and and no characters are out of place. I think that the authors did a great job with Qui-Gon Jinn especially. And all of the other characters were great. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Star Wars. This is definently a Star Wars book to add to your collection.

Pick up the novel instead...
First, let me say that I am not a comic book expert. I haven't read that many recently, so I don't have a wealth of knowledge to compare this graphic novel against

That being said, I still feel able to judge the Graphic Novel for Star Wars: Episode One against my general Star Wars knowledge. Jar Jar haters will be pleased that his role was reduced a little, and that he doesn't come off as goofy as he does in the movie.

This is graphic novel is fairly true to the spirit of the movie. In places, the dialogue has been shortened, or a scene shortened, but for the most part, the book covers the movie.

However, there are places that if you did not know the story from the movie, you might get a little lost. For instance, the battle between the Gungans and the Droid Army. All of a sudden, the droid infantry just shows up with no real explanation that they were deployed from the troop carriers.

In other places, the novel fails to capture the drama, adventure, or feel of the movie. This is most apparent during the Pod Race. None of the speed, danger, or implications of the race are apparent. If this weren't a novelization of a movie, one would have to wonder why it was even included.

Overall, it is still a fun read, and a nice visual reference to the movie. Some additional narrative comments between panels to direct the action would have made up for some of the deficiencies, and the art could have been more inspiring. It'll stay in my collection as a reference, but it probably won't be reread much. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Some 4,000 years before Leia bared her midriff in Jabba's palace, another Force-sensitive woman was doing the same for the good of the plot line: Jedi prodigy and lightsaber-wielding Nomi Sunrider, one of the featured Knights in this two-story collection from Dark Horse's quality Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi miniseries. Sunrider begins her training reluctantly, both to avenge the death of her Jedi hubby at the hands of Bogga the Hutt's minions and to realize her enormous potential in the art of "Jedi Battle Meditation." The other story in this volume also involves Battle Meditation, which Jedi Master Arca uses to save the hides of his young charges Ulic Qel-Droma and friends, who are sent to forge a peace between the beastmaster warlords and walled-city defenders on war-torn Onderon.

With plenty of twists, tons of action, and monsters and bad guys at every turn, these two stories are fully worth checking out, although purists be warned: the Ulic tale especially tends more toward the Jedi-as-superhero school of storytelling. It's saberin' time! --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (8)

SEEMS THERE ARE 3 COMICS USING THE SAME COVER
Anyone confused? Darkhorse has a comic called TALES OF THE JEDI THE COLLECTION that takes place 4,000 years before NH. The ISBN is 1569710203 published aug 1994. Dark horse does indicate that they published Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi - Knights of the Old Republic TPB on Oct 1994, but do not indicated an ISBN. I think that all 3 of these are the same comic. This comic is not to be found on amazon.

Then we have Knights of the Old Republic (Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, Volume One) by Tom Veitch, Chris Gossett, Janine Johnston (Illustrator), David Roach (Illustrator) ISBN 1569710201 RELEASED BY Dark Horse Oct, 1995 with the same cover.

They also have Star Wars - Tales of the Jedi: Knights of the Old Republic (Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi) by Tom Veitch, Chris Gosset, Dennis Rodier released by titan books May, 2000 with the same cover under ISBN 1840231726 It seems to be the same comic described by amazon here and called KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC, TALES OF THE JEDI 1 THRU 5 with the same cover art and a different ISBN.

I am reviewing a comic called Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi - The collection published by Dark Horse August, 1994 as a TPB compiliation, ISBN: 1569710201. These stories are revealed on Jedi Holocrons recovered by Luke Skywalker. Made in Canada the binding is excellent.
Story 1 - Ulic Qel-Droma and the Beast Wars of Onderon. 51 pages, OK story with some good fights, the artwork is the comic-strip quality used throughout most of the 80's and 90's.

Story 2 - The Saga of Nomi Sunrider. 69 pages, the story of Nomi and her daughter, artwork is cheesy and uninspired.
Either way, they are all probably the same, with a title change. Dark horse published this comic in aug 1994, 3 years before its two comics TPB's that take place 5,000 years before NH. I think you should Skip the first 2 on the Timeline and just start here. While the art work is a C the coloring is a C TO D and looks more like the early 80's art and coloring offerings, the 2 stories here is pretty good. The Stories of Ulic Qel-Droma and Nomi Sunrider are worth a read.

An engaging storyline, but not a visual delight
It rains, it snows, I still say Ulic Qel-Droma and Kir Kanos look the same. And looks belie Knights of the Old Republic, vanguard in the Tales of the Jedi series that it is. This is actually two different stories: the Onderon arc, and the Ambria part, starring bald-headed Nomi. Considering the next installment, the elusive to find Freedon Nadd Uprising continues the Onderon storyline, they should have included it as well.

This is a time when the Republic is still growing, still exploring the stars for new worlds, still ripe for adventure. When Onderon requests Jedi meditation to resolve its internal strife, acclaimed Jedi Master Arca Jeth dispatches his three apprentices to end the civil strife. What they find is dark side mayhem and a 400-year-old Sith spirit, dead but not quite digested.

The art quality is a sample of what you'll put up with in TOTJ: horrible. Comics now, dominated by the ever-popular Republic series, have never looked better; and despite how art technology back then isn't up to today's standards, console yourself that at least this is better than that dreadful so-called art of Dark Empire.

Illustrations aren't so bad. It's just that things look cluttered and messy. But that's the theme, what things were like four millenniums ago: patchy apparel, bizarre starships that look more Transformer toy than space vehicle, ancient-style architecture. Though why lightsabers of that era were drawn with a shimmer glow rather than simple straight lines is a mystery.

Dialogue is nothing to applaud. Reader beware---we're dumb, so we need to be reminded of every character's full name every second appearance. It's enough to put you off the entire series.

It was Jedi Master Jeth that hooked me in. I admit it, purchasing this vanguard of the series merely from an online preview I saw. The aging Arkanian just looked so haunting, so ominous, I knew it would be worth it.

And worth getting despite the awful art quality it is. The plot moves along swiftly, and readers will eventually get used to the fact that the Jedi of this era can talk to animals, perform unusual feats, and bumble around like all good Jedi. I say this because Jeth's fortuitous arrival is all that saves the day, who then reprimands them for not sensing the dark side around them. Which then looks odd for old Jeth, when the students counter he never taught them how to repel it.

More disturbing is Onderon's moon. If it orbits so close that their atmospheres periodically brush, allowing the moon's hostile fauna to migrate to Onderon, how doesn't it succumb to gravity and drop into the planet as well?

Well? That sure heck needed explaining. And if that doesn't raise the cynical brow, then the implausibility of a Jedi character affixing a droid arm in place of his severed limb no probs surely will.

Ah well. It gets worse with the second section, Nomi Sunrider---and so does the art. The art quality is so dirty, so filthy, it's simply shocking. WHY is Sunrider's head half-bald. It's unsightly, ugly, and yes, red-heads have less hair than all other colours, but this was bad!

Beast Jedi Master Thon is a curious fellow, and about all that makes this story more so some tasty features. Like the brief flash of Jedi history, showing the origin of the Sith; and bizarre starships, hollowed out of kilometre-long space insects. Otherwise, you'll be wondering why the art was so poor, why Sunrider is severely balding, or how her late husband can pop in as a Jedi spirit when only wimpy apprentice.

Overall, KOTOR introduces you to the main players and places of the series and is interesting and creative enough to well warrant a purchase.

Not bad. Not bad at all.
This graphic novel provides a decent way to kill an hour and a half or so, and for those interested in the Star Wars Mythos and universe this book has added value in expanding on earlier generations of jedi.

For those of you who have played the superb XBOX RPG - 'Knights of the Old Republic,' it is interesting to note similar story elements found in that game within this 1995 book. For example - Battle Meditation, construction of lightsabers with crystals, etc. The artwork is decent and the story flows at a nice pace. All together a snappy read but not quite a classic.

Feel, don't think. Use your instincts.
Unreal. Amazing. Jedi!!!
And so, with a few bucks to burn, I picked up this holy tome all those years ago. I was fascinated. Never before have I cared about a set of characters so much, save for Han and Chewie. This sets the stage for the next four volumes. The main characters here are Ulic Qel-Droma, Jedi Knight, and Nomi Sunrider, who inadvertently follows the path of the Jedi. Their paths interconnect eventually, and the story unfolds. This a rare set of comics that can actually be classified as a saga. Later volumes introduce Exar Kun, a name you may know from Kevin J. Anderson's Jedi Academy trilogy.

A good introduction
Knights of the Old Republic is the first story published in the Tales of the Jedi storyline. Written by Tom Veitch, the guy who also did the Dark Empire comics, the characters and situations herein are pretty much taken from the backstory he created for his prior Star Wars jaunt. Overall this is a pretty good comic, and it paves the path for what will be one of the most exciting epics in Dark Horse's Star Wars publishing run. Knights of the Old Republic is not one story, but two that will tie together in later Tales of the Jedi books. The art is a mixed bag (more on that later), but the stories told are vintage Star Wars.

The first chapter, 'Ulic Qel-Droma and the Beast Wars of Onderon,' tells the story of several young Jedi given their first task by their Master - a diplomatic/peacekeeping mission to a world that is petitioning to join the Republic. Ulic Qel-Droma is a rash, brash Jedi who despite his impulsiveness is a skilled Jedi and strong in the Force. His companions are his brother Cay and the Twi'lek Tott Doneeta, neither of whom are as good with a lightsaber as Ulic, but both of whom are more cautious. There are no real surprises in this story - there is of course the obligatory brush with the Dark Side and lots of fight scenes, but it does serve very well to introduce these characters, their skills and personalities. Chris Gossett's art is very good here, but the coloring seems somewhat dull.

The second chapter, 'The Saga of Nomi Sunrider,' is a much better story even if the art stinks. Nomi is a Force-sensitive woman who is too timid to be a Jedi, although her husband, Andur, has followed that path. While they are en route to deliver some adegan crystals to Andur's future master, some thugs who want the expensive crystals kill Andur. Nomi, without thinking, takes Andur's lightsaber, kills the thugs, and then proceeds to deliver the crystals to Master Thon. For months she is reluctant to learn the ways of the Force, and absolutely refuses to touch a lightsaber, but when the Hutt whose hoodlums she killed shows up looking for vengeance, she has no choice but to take up arms. This story was much more enjoyable than Ulic's, and all around much better. The art, however, is pretty weak and ugly.

While these stories are not terribly exciting as standalones, when looked at in the context of the rest of the series they are a worthy introductory chapter with lots of lightsaber fights, a few new Force techniques, brash students, wise masters, cruel enemies, and decent artwork. Recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Snow White, and more come to life in a delightful CD storybook from the one and only Disney!This engaging edition includes a-full length CD and eight fantastic, funny rhymes to correspond with four treasured Disney classics:

- The Little Mermaid
- Beauty and the Beast
- Cinderella
- Snow White

With over an hour of listening enjoyment and nearly 150 pages of vividly illustrated text, this wondrous storybook promises hours of Disney princess magic. ... Read more

Book Description

In the depths of galactic space, a foolish and arrogant young Jedi awakes an ancient, deadly power. This seductive evil will lead him down a path that will make him a Dark Lord of the Sith, and his darkling power will make the very galaxies tremble. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Electric, explosive, and definitly worthy of buying.
This comic is filled with exciting adventures, and action-packed scenes, this is a must reader in the star wars universe, and the scenes with Exar Kun, the evil Dark Lord of the Sith is great. I recommend this comic to all fans.

I THINK I CAN
I am reviewing Tales of the Jedi Dark Lords of the Sith, ISBN: 1569710953 A TPB comic published Feb 1996 covering individuals issues 1 through 6 of the Dark Horse comic series Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi - Dark Lords of the Sith written by Tom Veitch and KJA. It has the same Hugh Fleming cover as the comic shown in Amazon as Titan books ISBN 1840231297 published nov 1999.

The Art and coloring are still the older style and get about 2.5. the story, as Tom Veitch tells us is intended to reflect what was revealed in Holocrons that are discovered 1,000's of years later. In particular, they foreshadow what happens to Luke Skywalker in dark empire. This is an intense and serious contribution to the star wars Galaxy, and my version is over 100 pages. I think it is worthwhile, and I did like it better the second time I read it, especially if you later read the Jedi Academy Book Trilogy by Kevin J Anderson, I Jedi and Dark Empire by Dark Horse.

There is also an audio tape version of this comic that is a complete dramatization, rather than just a reading; I am reviewing Audio book ISBN: 1565111990 - In short, the dramatization format can be hard to follow at times, but I thought that overall they did a good job - 3 stars.

Greatest Star Wars comic ever...
Except issue 6. I think Kevin Anderson wrote this one, with the corny lines "HE HAS A SITH AMULET! THEY'RE DEADLY!" and "I wonder who that man is? I feel like I will learn much from him!" and "Dace is dead! I told him." The Jedi in the final issue seem to be Supermen, unfallable. The story shows a young Jedi turn to the Dark Side because of the death of his master and another Jedi, Exar Kun turn to the Dark Side because he was just plain dumb. No really, he was. His Jedi Master told him not to go looking into The Sith because he is too young. Maybe he should have listened to the crab Master, I mean he IS A MASTER right? The art is good, except for issue 6. I don't know what happened, but issue 6 can not be part of the series. It is just awful, awful writing and art. The lightsabers are blue sticks. Seriously, they put NO effect into them at all. The coloring is poor on everything too. When it shows lasers or effects, its just 2 colors and not a variety of colors.

Turn to the dark side!!
I like this book. I like the way the evil sith spreads across the galaxy and threatens the existance of the old republic. I like how John Sygan performs the voice of Ulic Qel-droma. I like how Exer-kun resurrects the dark lords of the sith. I love the dark side. Both in human nature and in Star Wars. This book is very cool. The audio drama is also cool. This book is highly recommended to all future Star Wars fans. This is Kevin J. Anderson at his best. Turn to the dark side.

Best of the Series
This is the Tales of the Jedi story arc at an early stage, and in my opinion its best. The writing, while not great, is steady and constant. The art by Chris Gosset also helped make the comic, and his prescence in the last issue is sorely missed. The story is pretty good, especially for one that mishmeshes as much as this does. They do form an interesting parallel nonetheless, one enhanced by Goesset's artwork.

As I said, this is probably the strongest of the TotJ series. Its storyline is the best defined by far, and Gosset's art is very effective. The follow-up is a bit dissapointing, as is the rest of the series in my opinion. Still ,its a nice history lesson and a view into the ancient Jedi. Reccomended. ... Read more

Book Description

Little girls love to play dress-up-and they love the Disney Princesses! Now they can help Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, and Snow White decide on the perfect outfit for any occasion. This charming interactive book includes more than 100 reusable vinyl stickers. Girls will have a ball creating royally beautiful outfits for their favorite princesses, complete with sparkling tiaras, billowing ball gowns, hats, gloves, jewelry-down to their dainty little slippers. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Excellent language practice
I'm an adult with a reasonable command of Spanish as a second language. I can read a newspaper fairly easily, and I can hold mutually interesting conversations with people, so long as their speech isn't too slangy, to regional, or too fast. I found Potter #5 in spanish translation to be an entertaining way to do some "continued reading". If you're an adult who feels sheepish about reading kid's books, trying to improve or maintain your command of Spanish, this will give you a good excuse.

There's nothing like reading a book like this to make you realize that there's many different kinds of vocabulary. Compared to say, magazines, newspapers, or more technical books, Potter #5 is chock-full of everyday dialogue, human relationships, colloquial expressions, and words having to do with emotional states, facial expressions, noises, and such. Not to mention the more specialized vocabulary, like, "spell", "dungeon", "sorting hat", or "dark arts". I certainly found a good dictionary to be useful.

Although this book is published by a press in Spain, the characters speak a Spanish closer to the Latin American than the iberian variety (e.g, the "y'all" second person plural verb inflection is not used, and "coger" is avoided). This is, I suppose, a reflection of the demographic weight of Latin America vis-a-vis Spain, and, for all I know, is standard practice in one-size-fits all translations. I suspect it is a careful translation, although my Spanish really isn't good enough to tell.

If you think that reading a translation from the English is a poor way to learn about hispanic culture, I would reply that 1) the Potter books are hugely popular in spain, 2) This is a european, not a north american book. whereas we have not a single authentic castle, Spain has hundreds of 'em. And 3) who cares, if it gets you reading spanish?

Absolutley Awesome
The Harry Potter books are so amazing even in Spanish. The translation is awesome and it's really nice for me too because i'm fluent in Spanish. It's really fun to read and i'm sure you'll enjoy it

harry potter 5
this book is 1 of the best books i have ever read. it's exciting and entertaining and it gets your imagination started. it's a great thing to read when you have nothingto do.

Absolutely Amazing and Compelling
Well when i buy the copy of the Order of the Phoenix in Spanish i was amaze about how good the translation was. This is indeed one of the best chapter of the Harry Potter saga, the story is great and the challenges, that are young Potter has to face are very compelling and indeed harsh reality that he has to fight,and i recomend this book to anyone you won't dissapointed.

Harry Potter in Spanish!
As soon as I got my copy of this book I was thrill.The translation is great and it retained the original enthuciams that the english version has.I recommed this book to anyone that knows spanish or is learning,this will be the ideal gift. ... Read more

Book Description

When the plan to rescue Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt falls apart, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, and Chewbacca embark on another rescue mission that puts them into direct conflict with Boba Fett. Meanwhile, Luke's late arrival on Dagobah ends with him being captured by Darth Vader and the Emperor, just as the second Death Star is about to go on-line! Will the return of the Jedi become the end of the Jedi? The surprising climax is as exciting as that of the film on which it is based, but different from anything Star Wars fans have seen before! ... Read more

Book Description

For 25 years, fans have wondered about the Clone Wars. With the release of Episode II, audiences witnessed the events that started that epic conflict. Starting this year, LucasBooks is chronicling these historic events through comics, adult novels, middle grade fiction, audio books, short stories, and more - revealing the all-important events that occur between Episodes II and III in preparation for the latter's release in 2005. This volume collects the first issues of Dark Horse's ongoing Star Wars: Republic comic book that chronicle the Clone Wars, starting with issue #50. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

5 Stories providing key details about the Clone Wars.
This is a review of Dark horse TPB Star wars Clone Wars Volume 1 The Defense of Kamino (CW-DOK) and other tales. It collects Republic series 49 and 50 plus Jedi Mace Windu. It takes place 1 TO 3 months after the battle of Geonosis but before the excellent novel SHATTERPOINT, year -21 BNH on the timeline.

It was amazing to read this comic jus a couple days after finishing Shatterpoint. The coordination between Dark horse and Del Rey is a thrilling thing. After the hideous results of NJO the whole Expanded universe prequel effort is spine chillingly amazing!

Story one Sacrific. This story takes place 1 month after the battle of Geonosis and is another glorious effort from the team of Ostrander and Duursema. This story includes Zenex, who is of the same race as Xizor, future head of black sun. We also see Aalya Secura as a jedi after her trials and tribulations earlier and her master Quinlan Vos, a favorite of my son and I. The story and artwork are superior. The decision as to coloring is puzzling, as it seems to mute and darken the whole visual effect. And why color the light sabers in predominant white with only a hue of color around the energy blade? Dooku and our buddy Sidious are of course in this story.

Story 2 The Defense of Kamino is broken up into 3 tales.

Tales A. Brothers in Arms. Good story with impressive artwork and awesome coloring. The coloring is still done as if in a dark atmosphere, but the inker Parsons was created a richer for satisfying visual look than we saw in story one. The pencil work by Duursema is awesome as usual, and the drawings of Ben and Anakin are perfect.

Tale B Jango's Legacy is very good, but I have one negative comment. Duursema must not have given Thompson the pictures of what Ben and Anakin look like because he didn't do a very good job. Stephen, you got to be more careful when drawing someone that everyone knows. Good job otherwise.

Tales C. No End in Sight. This has an awesome space battle that is a visual marvel on all levels.

Story 3. Schism. Features Windu and is another masterful job by Ostrander - Duursema and Parsons.

ONE OF MY PET PEEVES HAS BEEN THE BINDING PROBLEMS WITH THE COMICS MADE IN CHINA. THIS ONE HAS SEEN SOME ABUSE ALREADY AND IT IS NOT FALLING APART IN MY HANDS.

This story here ties into the movies and other comic so well and, with only minor complaints, is a visual marvel, is it OK to mention the enemy?, that I am awarding this comic SOMETHING I RARELY DO... 5 STARS.

Excellent artwork, good stories, definitely worth getting
I highly recommend this trade paperback collection. It contains some of the best Star Wars comics to come out in a long time.

As mentioned above, it contains Star Wars: Republic #49 and #50 (a double issue), as well as Jedi: Mace Windu (which was also a double issue). These were the first Clone Wars comics that Dark Horse published.

The artwork is really outstanding. Star Wars fans are really in for a treat thanks to Jan Duuresma, an exceptional artist who draws the characters really well, and also delivers exciting, dynamic action sequences. The coloring is also very good in these issues.

The stories are set after Attack of the Clones, which is great because we are seeing the Clone Wars unfold in real time. The consequences of the Battle of Geonosis are being seen throughout the galaxy. As Count Dooku said, "This battle is far from over. This is just the beginning."

The characters are handled well. Anakin and Obi-Wan make appearances, and Mace Windu gets the spotlight as he tries to deal with Jedi Knights who have had it with the Republic. In addition, the new female Dark Jedi, Asajj Ventress, appears in this collection. She will be appearing in the upcoming Clone Wars cartoon. You also get to see the first appearance of the ARC troopers, a new version of the clones.

This is a great beginning to the Clone Wars and I look forward to future installments. ... Read more

Book Description

Star Wars Tales Volume 5 features an astonishing variety of stories featuring Boba Fett, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Darth Maul, and more! This substantial volume includes a Chewbacca story gorgeously illustrated by Cary Nord (Conan), Haden Blackman's unbelievable Han Solo tale, Scott Kurtz's parody of The Breakfast Club, and the "all-indie issue" - featuring many of the best independent comics creators in the business! ... Read more

Book Description

In the weeks before the events in Star Wars: A New Hope, as the Death Star is readied for its fateful first mission, a power-hungry cabal of Grand Mofs and Imperial Officers embark on a dangerous plan to kill Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader and seize control of the Empire! When word that a "Jedi" has made an appearance on a backwater world lures Vader away from his master, the cabal makes its move. But even the galaxy isn't enough of a prize to sate the ambitions of some of the conspirators, and before long the would-be assassins are turning on one another. Their plans are further complicated by the actions of bounty hunter Boba Fett. And, of course, they may have fatally underestimated the cunning of their primary target: Emperor Palpatine! This is the first in a new line of graphic novels set during the early days of the Rebellion, when the Empire controlled the galaxy! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Stunningly Mediocre!
I have been singing the praises of dark horse for their run of excellently done Star wars based comics. That is why I was stunned at how poorly done this one was. The story is a mediocre telling rated at 2.5. Pencils are a 3, but coloring is just plain dull. There is not one page that makes you say WOW. I will certainly be more careful in my purchases of comics colored by Curtis Arnold and Dave Stewart in the future as they rate a 2.5 for this rush job. The best part of the comic is the pencil work of Ryan Benjamin, he gets a 4. Hopefully he gets teamed with a better group next time out.

Buy out of desperation, and for nothing less
Simple observation cannot deny the cold truth of Empire: Betrayal. This is mediocre meat, a comic so laudably bland as to be purchased only for the determined collector or just curious buyer. And with so many peculiarities and problems here, preferably not at all.

The art is a mixed meal that incites disappointment. You have page after page of lacklustre illustration and dull colouring, interspersed with these intermittent panels of admirable artwork. The Star Destroyer shot, a familiar and faithful rendition from a movie screenshot, is one that certainly stands out. Strangely, I thought background scenery was actually rendered better and with more creativity than the foreground activity that is the primary focus of a reader.

Apparently there was some difficulty drawing the Padme character. Her hairline was so far back from forehead it brought reminders of Nomi Sunrider, a character from another comic whose half-bald head was most prominent. We also get that blasted face again you'll recognise it from the Mara Jade comic and the Imperial officer's face used for most Imperial officer faces there. Character poses were too often puerile and didn't parallel that character's speech. Like Vader trying to explain something to his Emperor, reaching out to him with one had; like his combat posture that too often just depicts him awkwardly bent. And of course, the Jedi girl was boobed up big, rather conspicuous when the rest if her attire is very covered.

Adding itch to scratch was the dialogue. Just as bad as the lines from Tales of the Jedi, the depth of character dialogue can be summed up as food without flavour, not just flavour missing from food. So many one-sentence lines, so many simple worded conversations as to render speech bubbles a waste of time. The Emperor had some damn good lines in Dark Empire; here he was as stale as the storyline.

That is, if you desire to call a cadre of top Imperial execs plotting the coup of the Sith themselves, as though such reality was possible. This comic lacked a cast readers could identify with. No exploration of the Imperial schemers, no insight to cybernetic Trachta, who was on comradely terms to Palpatine for three decades. They are just there, double-dealing each other, unknown other than name.

Scenes apparently flow they swift here, and without starting them with a new page they can get a bit too fast. You'll be reading the schemers, then abruptly a Vader scene, which is repeated over. Boba Fett was thrown in at the end for no other reason than to have an excuse to feature him for a few pages. His exclusion would have made little difference. And why now, after a couple decades, would Vader ponder his loyalty to his master, that he should flashback to his apprentice childhood?

What is the master plan for ridding themselves of the galaxy's two deadliest individuals? Lure Vader away, as though a contingent of troopers and riffraff would actually succeed where countl