Comics With Kenobi

The third volume of Darth Vader debuts with an immense sense of longing and futility as readers see the Dark Lord of the Sith blaze a new trail of revenge that's lined with stinging regret culminating in an ending that left us open mouthed and gaping.If you're a fan of the Prequel Trilogy, then this story arc is likely up your alley; even more so if you read E.K. Johnston's "Queen's Shadow." New Star Wars comics out Feb. 12 include:_ The Rise of Kylo Ren #3_ The Rise of Kylo Ren #2 (2nd Printing)_ Star Wars Adventures Vol. 8: Defend the Republic! (Collects issues #18-20)_ Target Vader Trade (Collects issues #1-6)_ Doctor Aphra, Vol. 7, "A Rogue's End" (Collects issues 37-40, Annual #3 and material from Empire Ascendant #1)

After two weeks of no new Star Wars comics, we tackle Star Wars (Vol. 3) #2 and examine how the creative team is adding even more detail and context to Original Trilogy characters Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca, but even more so for Lando Calrissian.There are spoilers aplenty in this episode for the latest issue, so if you haven't read it yet, wait to listen. There's a lot to unpack as well as a nod to events yet to come that may have a particular resonance for the Sequel Trilogy.New Star Wars comics out Feb. 5, include:_ Darth Vader (Vol. 3) #1_ Star Wars: Age of Republic (collecting Anakin Skywalker #1, Count Dooku #1, Darth Maul #1, General Grievous #1, Jango Fett #1, Obi-Wan Kenobi #1, Padme Amidala #1Qui-Gon Jinn #1 and Special #1)

Another week with no new comics but that's no barrier for us because we've got plenty to talk about, including the somewhat startlingly unexpected sales figures for December's Star Wars comics, not to mention our pie-in-the-sky wish list for Star Wars comics from Marvel and IDW in 2020.New Star Wars comics out Jan. 29, include:_ Star Wars (Vol. 3) #2_ The Rise of Kylo Ren #1 (2nd Printing)_ Star Wars Adventures #30_ The Star Wars Adventures Omnibus, collecting issues #0-8, 10, 11, the 2018 Free Comic Book Day issue and the 2018 Annual

There aren't any comics scheduled this week so Jeff and Matt talk comics as they relate to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and the just-concluded first season of The Mandalorian.More importantly, we've got a great interview with John Stratman, whose 16-bit recreation of the Vader Down story is a visionary achievement.New Star Wars comics out Jan. 22, including:_ The 154-page Star Wars Legends "Crimson Forever" trade collecting Star Wars (Vol. 1) issues #16, #27, #29, #50 and last year's #108.

*** SPOILERS ABOUND for The Rise of Kylo Ren #2 in this podcast ***Charles Soule, Will Sliney, GURU-eFX and Travis Lanham proffer a compelling, if not disturbing, examination of how Snoke pried his way into Ben Solo's life and mind, forever altering the course of the Skywalker Saga.Issue #2 is no sophomore slump for the creative team, building off the shocking events of the first issue in the four-issue mini-series and setting the stage for revelations that may be even more shocking than imagined.Star Wars comics due out Jan. 15, include:_ Nothing, unless Star Wars #2 is moved up by Marvel from Jan. 29.

The new year starts off right with a rapacious and satisfying Star Wars #1, swinging Marvel's Star Wars comics to just after the events seen in The Empire Strikes Back and setting the stage for a wide range of stories and more lore.We're also looking back at the IDW Publishing Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader's Castle mini series from October, discussing the concept and execution of its five issues with writer Cavan Scott.Similarly, this podcast begins its own new phase, becoming Star Wars Splash Page: Comics in Review, but the name is pretty much all that's going to change, save for the frequency. Welcome to 2020 and beyond. It's going to be a helluva ride.New Star Wars comics out Jan. 8, include:_ Nothing.

In the final episode of Comics With Kenobi, we're concluding the first phase of our Star Wars comics podcast with a look back at the series that ended in November and December, and how they're set up for the second phase, thanks to the four stories in the Star Wars: Empire Ascendant #1 one shot.Then it's on to the first issue of the four-issue The Rise of Kylo Ren, which at long last delves into how Ben Solo began his transformation into Kylo Ren. Neither issue disappoints, serving as more than just a way station to 2020 Star Wars comics as well as The Rise of Skywalker film.Look for us next week under the Star Wars Splash Page imprimatur. You won't have to make any changes to your podcast feed or on Twitter or Facebook, either (look for us @SWSplashPod on both platforms).New Star Wars comics out Dec. 26:_ NoneNew Star Wars comics out Jan. 1:_ Star Wars (Vol. 3) #1

The end is nigh for Chelli Aphra (well, for now, given she'll return in April in a new series), yet the creators behind Doctor Aphra #40 crafted a thought-provoking conclusion that favored rich storytelling in lieu of maudlin sentimentalism. In the final issue of Target Vader, more secrets were revealed about Beilert Valance, secrets and events that take on a new resonance now with news that the character will headline a new ongoing Star Wars comics series -- Bounty Hunters -- starting in March.Join us as we say goodbye, albeit temporarily, to a pair of Marvel's finest Star Wars comics.New Star Wars comics out Dec. 18, include:_ The Rise of Kylo Ren #1 (four-issue mini series) _ Empire Ascendant #1 one-shot_ Star Wars Adventures #29_ Star Wars Adventures Greatest Hits #1 (Just $1!)

Just a single issue for this week's episode yet Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order -- Dark Temple #5 drew decidedly different reactions from co-hosts Jeff McGee and Matt Moore. Why is that? Listen and learn why.In news, we take a quick look at the stupendous November for Star Wars graphic novel "sales," while examining how just three Star Wars comics made the top 100 list. (For a complete ranking of November "sales" for all Star Wars comics and graphic novels, check out our Facebook page and Twitter feed.)New Star Wars comics out Dec. 11 include:_ Doctor Aphra #40 (the final issue of this series)_ Target Vader #6 (the last issue)_ Doctor Aphra, Vol. 6, trade collecting issues #32-36

Love is a many splendored, if not completely complicated morass, thing and Doctor Aphra #39, the series' penultimate issue, tackles it with the ferocity of a mudhorn.From feelings of resentment and revenge to an absolute supernova-style kiss to the warm afterglow of love's embrace, this issue was striking in its presentation, building to what is going to be an amazing conclusion.New Star Wars comics out Dec. 4 include:_ Jedi Fallen Order -- Dark Temple #5 (final issue)_ Star Wars Saga #1 (one shot)_ Star Wars (Vol. 1) #1 Facsimile Edition (Reprints 1977's Star Wars #1 in its entirety)_ True Believers: Star Wars (Vol. 1) #16_ True Believers: Droids #1_ True Believers: Star Wars (Vol. 1) #45_ True Believers: Star Wars (Vol. 1) #48 _ True Believers: Star Wars (Vol. 2) #35

This is the end. No, really. OK, not really. It's still the end though, at least for Star Wars Vol. 2 as 75 issues of Marvel's tales set between a New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back concludes after 75 issues, not to mention four annuals, a few crossovers and more.We're talking about the conclusion of the latest arc, what lies ahead and hearing from listeners of the show, too, sharing their high points of Marvel's flagship Star Wars comics series. We're eagerly awaiting Dec. 18's Star Wars -- Empire Ascendant one shot to see how it concludes and looking to Jan. 1 for Star Wars (Vol. 3) #1.Star Wars comics out Nov. 27 include:_ Doctor Aphra #39_ Star Wars Adventures #28

Ink acting, as coined by Jeff McGee, is the art of vividly illustrating a crush realization that what you knew was a lie. Phil Noto perfects this process in the pages of the rollicking and freewheeling Star Wars #74 that sees Greg Pak give new voice to the dedication and sacrifice of C-3PO setting readers up, if even by coincidence, for The Rise of Skywalker in December.In Jedi Fallen Order -- Dark Temple #4, Matthew Rosenberg gets Cere inside the mysterious temple but at what cost to the Jedi Code?Finally, in Target Vader #5, Robbie Thompson spun us around with a plot twist we didn't see coming in a book that featured three artists to maximum effect.As for news, the bounty of covers for next month's The Rise of Kylo Ren is plentiful, as are those for Empire Ascendant #1, the book end to Marvel's first phase of Star Wars comics.New Star Wars comics out this week:_ Star Wars #75 (the final issue of Vol. 2)_ Star Wars -- Allegiance (collects the 4-issue mini series)_ Age of Resistance -- Villains (collects Kylo

With Doctor Aphra careening toward it's end in December, we discuss #38 and realize that Simon Spurrier, Caspar Wijngaard, Lee Loughridge and Joe Caramagna are holding nothing back, ensuring that the first volume of the series is going to end in a dynamic manner.As for news, Star Wars -- Allegiance returns Star Wars comics to the top 30 and IDW's Return to Vader's Castle does a solidly brisk business, too.Star Wars comics out this week, Nov. 13, including:_ Target Vader #5_ Star Wars #74_ Jedi Fallen Order -- Dark Temple #4_ Age of Resistance -- Heroes Trade (collects Finn, Poe Dameron, Rey and Rose Tico, along with the Special)_ Star Wars Adventures -- Pomp and Circumstance (collects issues #14-17 and the 2018 Annual)

It's an origin story enveloped within a love story that's cradled in a revenge story. Such is Doctor Aphra Annual #3, a gem of a book that gives a bit more detail about Nokk, Winloss and Aphra's newfound ... respectability? We're also bidding farewell to the weekly series Star Wars -- Allegiance and Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader's Castle, as both conclude their ... dare we say it? ... epic runs.The former formed a solid foundation of backstory ahead of December's release of The Rise of Skywalker, while the latter satisfyingly and consistently delivered great stories that twisted suspense, intrigue and, yes, a dash of comedy, too.Star Wars comics out this week (Nov. 6), include:_ Doctor Aphra #38. (Yep, that's it.)

Rey out-Lukes Luke in terms of impatience.Jabba has the last laugh.Leia comes clean.Last week's Star Wars comics -- Star Wars #73, Star Wars Adventures -- Return to Vader's Castle #4 and Star Wars -- Allegiance #3 -- provided readers with decidedly different stories with overarching characters whose influence runs deep.We break down what worked, what didn't and why each issue was worth the time and money.As for news, Doctor Aphra is going to return with Alyssa Wong and Marika Cresta launching volume 2 of the adventures of our ambiguous space archeologist and walking disaster, bringing to three the number of monthly Star Wars comics that take flight in 2020, while everything you knew about Ben Solo/Kylo Ren's involvement with Luke Skywalker at his Jedi academy will be turned on its head in Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren #2.New Star Wars comics out Oct. 30 include:_ Star Wars -- Allegiance #4_ Star Wars Adventures #27_ Return to Vader's Castle #5_ Doctor Aphra Annual #3

Plenty of camp and chills and thrills and spills and lots of water in this episode, thanks to Marvel's Star Wars: Journey to the Rise of Skywalker: Star Wars -- Allegiance #2 and IDW Publishing's Star Wars Adventures -- Return to Vader's Castle #3.In Allegiance, we find that while old ties are to be cherished, they're not necessarily steadfast, and in Vader's Castle, Asajj Ventress finds out firsthand how invasive predators can wreck a world.There's also news and more views, too.New Star Wars comics out Oct. 23, include:_ Star Wars #73_ Star Wars -- Allegiance #3_ Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader's Castle #4_ Galaxy's Edge Trade Paperback (collecting issues #1-5)_ IDW's Return of the Jedi Graphic Novel Adaptation

The schedules aligned, the clouds parted and the ... well, you get the idea.After a far too long gap, the Young Padawans -- Emily and Micah -- and Amy and Matt gathered to dive deep into the stories presented in IDW Publishing's Star Wars Adventures #22, 23 and 24.The themes of each of the six stories were varied, yet all the Padawans found much to focus and learn from. We're hoping you do, too.The next issue of Star Wars Adventures, #26, is set for release Oct. 23

It's a return to the days of Comics With Kenobi yore with FOUR, yes four Star Wars comics to dive into for this episode.Still, it's not a bad job, if you can get it, right?And seeing as how those issues include the launch of Journey to the Rise of Skywalker: Star Wars Allegiance #1, Target Vader #4, Jedi Fallen Order: Dark Temple #3 and Return to Vader's Castle #2, well it's an enjoyable task, and one we're only happy to do.As for news, we give a hearty and hale thanks to listener Edmond Zippo and shine a spotlight on a new Star Wars comics-focused podcast, Star Wars Comics Daily. They've got a great set up and focus not just on new comics, but the classics from Marvel and Dark Horse, too.Star Wars comics out Oct. 16 include:_ Journey to the Rise of Skywalker: Star Wars -- Allegiance #2_ Star Wars Adventures: Return to Vader's Castle #3_ TIE Fighter Trade collecting issues #1-5

October's Star Wars comics started off strong with creepy suspense in the Return to Vader's Castle #1, the first of five weekly issues from IDW Publishing, while in Marvel's Star Wars #72, Luke Skywalker went full farm-boy rube, losing his lightsaber in the process. In Doctor Aphra #37, Chelli finds herself bound to Darth Vader as the new, and likely last, arc takes flight with new artist Caspar Wijngaard and the march toward The Empire Strikes Back increases its steady pace.As for news, we're breaking down Marvel's plans for the third volumes of Star Wars and Darth Vader, which are due for release in January and February, with stories set firmly between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi written by Charles Soule and Greg Pak and illustrated by Jesus Saiz and Rafaella Ienco. We're also hopeful about Doctor Aphra, too, given those at the Lucasfilm Publishing panel said she was very much returning in 2020, likely with bounty hunters being involved.Star Wars comics out Oct. 9 include:_ Journey to the

The Age of Star Wars maxi series concludes with a stirring, if not brutal, conclusion as Kylo Ren proves he's better than Darth Vader, while Beilert Vance has Ben's grandaddy in his crosshairs in Target Vader #3. Jedi Fallen Order -- Dark Temple #2 sees an intriguing and decidedly nefarious plot get under way, with Cere Junda stepping up to take on the mantle of hero.Suffice it to say, Star Wars comics were quite edgy and actionable and we've got some opinions -- strong ones, too -- about what they entailed.This week’s Star Wars comics out Oct. 2 include:_ Star Wars #72_ Doctor Aphra #37_ Return to Vader's Castle #1