"Even though they already made Star Wars...:" the return of my nerd-life

Unless you’ve been living on a planet that’s fairly far from “the bright center of the universe,” you’ve probably noticed that we’re in the midst of a Star Wars revival… whether we wanted one or not. I’m inclined to side with RoyishGoodLooks in this hilarious video, but since the franchise is making money, it’s a good bet that we’re in for more yellow scroll-text, space battles, droids, and people having “a bad feeling” about something or another.

My obsession with Star Wars dates to eighth grade when I saw the original films for the first time, and did that thing that I do where I leave real life for a fantasy world that is way more fun. I had action figures, lightsabers, books, - you name it. I knew the trivia. I can still do a fairly decent Yoda impression when called on. 

The Han Solo I "wasn't" getting!

One of my favorite memories is my mom telling me that a giant Han Solo I had put on my Christmas list was a no go. Or, in her words: “You know that giant Han Solo you wanted? Not getting it!” She was lying, of course, just as she did the year I “wasn’t getting” a Sega Genesis. Parents. 

So, this idyll might have continued – me reading fan fiction and scribbling the Rebel Alliance logo on notebooks… but then the prequel films got released and Star Wars and I had to break up. 

The gang on movie nights!

I still hang out with Luke and the gang of course. We have movie nights and reminisce about the days when I counted all of the Tie fighters in the entire series to win a contest from InQuest. (I did win. UPS dropped off boxes and boxes of worthless Star Wars cards for some game that is now obsolete. The prize was never the point.) But I thought that was as far as it would go. I’d look back on those halcyon days, but I’d never venture back into full fandom.

The universe(s) lives to prove me wrong.

Star Wars returned with The Force Awakens and while I agree that they basically remade A New Hope (and don’t even get me started on what happened with Han), it had the feeling and the fun of the original films… which was quite enough to (re)trigger my obsession. 

Hmm, missing this Yoda I am, yes!

So, now there are tsum-tsum Han and Luke (in stormtrooper attire) in my office and I’ve completed the following Star Wars titles… doubtless with more to come.

 Dark Horse got to take it's rather limited shot at Star Wars comics before The Force Awakens and before Marvel stepped in to take its place. The artwork in this one is wonderful - very bright, as shown on the cover - and it held to narrative continuity while being creative. One thing that did jar was Luke's personality. It seemed harsher (more irritating?) than in the film version, but he's my favorite, so I may want to see him through rose-colored glasses. I'm into book two now, so I'm interested to see how personalities (hopefully continue to) develop!

This first trade deserves the praise it garnered from fans! The dialogue is snappy and spot on, the characters shine (Luke as he faces "the man who killed his father" and frees slaves, Han as he drives an armored imperial vehicle, Leia as she corrects Han's driving of said vehicle...) and although there are several plots being woven together, there seem to be clear instances of panning from place to place, almost as if the comic version took a tip from cinema. I'm uncertain about the "Han's wife" plot at this moment, but I'm into book two and I'll be sure to let you know what I decide!

Sunstein uses this slim volume to look at the issues that affect all of us (ethics, community, family) through the lens of Star Wars and it really is an entertaining - often surprisingly affecting! - read! And it gives to fans that recognition that so warms the soul, that sense that no matter how nerdy you are, you're part of the in crowd. My only critique would be that there are moments when the author's personality and preferences (like a love of Taylor Swift) intrude on the narrative proper, but very well done overall, and I think it would be a great title for a college class that dealt with popular culture!

And, naturally, I can only conclude by wishing that the Force is with you. If anyone figures out that Obi-Wan Kenobi trick in regard to paying for books, please let me know. "These are the free titles I was looking for. Move along." ;)