Star Wars Adventures #11 Review

Who's Scruffy Lookin'

Written by: Cavan Scott/Elsa Charretier/Patrick Collinet
Art by: Derek Charm/Elsa Charretier
Colors by: Matt Herms/ Sarah Stern
Published by: IDW Publishing
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: June 6, 2018

Solo has unfortunately become a name which summons up real divisiveness in the Star Wars fanbase. I wish I could say it is a surprise to me, but it isn't. Everything seems to divide everyone these days as shades of gray gives way to absolute certainty. This book then (and the previous issue) had a tough gig, how to keep both parts of a divided fanbase happy? Did it succeed? Let's find out.


The answer is yes. If I was to describe the function of this book, it is perfect for mums and dads who are Star Wars fans, who want to engage their kid with the franchise, and who fancy a sneaky read at their kid's comics when they go to bed. Completists will buy this up as well, but the one cautionary note I would strike is that the stories are short, and for adult readers, I think it would be preferable to get the whole story in one chunk, rather than divide two stories up over two issues in two parts. A minor quibble, but it prevents the comic from feeling fully satisfying  - like eating two starters, instead of one main course. That said, both stories are light, fun and action-packed. very enjoyable.

Art-wise, this book may also attract fans who want to be some of the really great stylized art that is associated with this series. I really like the art of Elsa Charretier and would be buying these books up if I could ever find them in the comic book stores across the pond. Incidentally - they also aren't available on Comixology here, not sure what that's about either. Anyway, the point is the art is fantastic, both from Charm and Charretier. Charming one might say. Side note: the art for Han straddles the look of both Alden and Harrison - keeping both sides of the fan divide (or the few left who don't have a preference on the direction of Lucasfilm) happy. Charretier leans more towards the Billy Dee style of Lando, which is more than okay with this fan.

Bits and Pieces:

Like little short serialized movies these action-packed books are little treats, and as I mentioned above a guilty little pleasure if you can steal a copy off your kids after they go to sleep! Lighthearted, colorful and cheeky - a bit like Han himself! Extra point for one epic scene in the Falcon.

8/10