What I thought of...Princess Leia #3

Princess Leia #3: Leis and Evaan have landed on the planet of Sullust to pick up some survivors from their home planet of Alderaan. When they get there, well, let's just say there's some surprises waiting for them.
The Good: In short, the story and the art. Writer Mark Waid continues to deliver a great series with this issue. He's got Leia on the run, a spy, some surprising twists and turns, and to top all that off, there's some great snappy dialogue and lots of action. This issue is a real blast (no pun intended). It's classic Star Wars. Adventure and danger, but with some great humor thrown in were you're least expect it. Add to that, the gorgeous art by Terry and Rachel Dodson. It's their normal stellar quality work, but there's certain panels throughout the issue that felt like I was looking at a Marvel Star Wars comic from the late 70's/early 80's. I'm not sure if that was done on purpose, or if I'm just seeing things, but it made the book a lot more enjoyable.
The Bad: I'm really starting to wish that this was an ongoing series. While I'm glad that Marvel doesn't want to give Star Wars the "X-Men" or "Avengers" treatment, where there's 45 different ongoing titles in the "family", I think 3 ongoing monthly titles isn't too much. That's pretty much 1 a week every month, and I don't think that would lead to reader burnout. Especially if the books were done by the current creative teams.
The Verdict: Definately worth the money! It's got a nice recap page, so if you didn't buy the first two issues, or forgot what you read last month, you'll easily be refreshed or informed by it, and it'll lead to that much more enjoyment of this issue.

What I thought of...Star Wars: Princess Leia #2!

Star Wars: Princess Leia #2: Leia continues her hunt for the remaining survivors of her home planet of Alderaan, and this issue it takes her to some very strange and familiar places.
The Good: Writer Mark Waid sure knows how to take advantage of the Star Wars Universe. More So, I think, than the writers of the other two Star Wars comics, but don't tell them that I said that. This issue Waid takes us to a place that's very important in Star Wars history, and for the first time ever, he makes it REALLY COOL!! After all, what we see in the movies 'taren the only locations that exist on this planet. More important than that, is the actual story of this issue. Leia is gathering up these last remaining Alderaanians at all costs. This book is a fantastic story that focuses on Princess Leia the smart, sassy, woman who won't let anything stop her. Let's talk about the art for a second. Terry and Rachel Dodson everybody!!! It's oddly wonderful that they can make the Star Wars Universe, which is classically a dirty, worn, and run-down place, look so wonderful. Part of that magic is the planet that this book takes place on, but most of it is the work of this incredible art team.
The Bad: The thing that annoyed me the most about this issue was that some creatures from the Prequels showed up, and I really couldn't remember which movie or where they came from. I've watched the original trilogy countless times, but the prequel trilogy, well, let's just say that I've watched them less. So, when those creatures showed up, I had to hit Wookieepedia. Other than that, no real problems with this issue.
The Verdict: BUY IT!!!! Mark Waid, the Dodsons, Princess Leia. Yeah, you don't need me to tell you what to do.

What I thought of...Princess Leia #1!!!

Princess Leia #1: Picking up literally seconds after the end of Star Wars (the original movie, none of this "Episode" crap!) this book finds Leia trying to help the Rebellion get itself organize and moving, only to have her efforts cut down by the leaders of the Rebellion. Is she gonna stand for this? Of course not.
The Good: There's a lot. First off, the writing by Mark Waid. Just like Jason Aaron and Kieron Gillen, Waid totally gets these characters, and more importantly, again like the other two writers, he makes the dialogue sound like it's from the movies and the Star Wars universe. Now, this book, obviously focuses on Princess Leia, and Waid surprises me by introducing a fantastic supporting cast for Leia. Some we know, some we don't, but it all makes sense that these characters are in this book. What I admire about the writing and editing on all three of the Star Wars books, is that they all flow seamlessly when it comes to continuity. You don't have to worry about characters appearing or not appearing when and where they shouldn't. The art by Terry Dodson is simply gorgeous. He sticks to his own style, yet makes this book look like it's straight out of the Star Wars universe. I recommend going through the book a second time just to look at the art. I guarantee you'll find some things that you missed the first time you read it.
The Bad: Ummmmmmmmmmm. Yikes, this is harder than I thought. There's nothing that I can point to and call "bad" in this issue. Yeah, I got nothing.
The Verdict: Look, just face it. You're going to the comic store today, and you're going to buy this. Honestly, you don't really HAVE to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy this book, but if you are, you're going to enjoy it on totally different level.

What I thought of...Star Wars #2

Star Wars #2: The Empire has the Rebels trapped on the largest weapons factory in the whole galaxy! While Luke battles it out with Darth Vader, Han and Leia fight to get to Luke, and then get the heck off this planet!! If you thought "the gang" was in trouble before, you haven't seen anything yet!
The Good: Wow. This is a pretty monumental task. Trying to pack EVERYTHING good about this issue into this review. So, I'm going to take what I enjoyed the MOST and lay it out for you. First, Aarons descision to write the story of the MAIN Star Wars characters. A lot of times, authors who write Star Wars stories quickly abandon Luke, Han, Leia and the rest to make way for the characters that they created, and showing how the Star Wars movies where really about THEM, and the movie characters are just background noise. Not so, here. Jason Aaron keeps the story focused on the main characters, only adding additional characters when he absolutely has to. Second, the pacing of this comic is INSANE!!! I mean, we're talking wall to wall action!! It just never lets up, but along the way, a pretty great story is told.
The Bad: Gun to my head? I'd say that this issue artist John Cassaday misses the mark by a SMALL margin on the likenesses of the actors in this issue. Not even remotely enough to actually bother me, just enough to make me notice that a couple of panels looked a bit off..
The Verdict: Don't even ask. Just go buy this comic!!!!

What I thought of....Star Wars #3

Luke vs Leia! Han & Chewie!! Darth Vader!! All this in more in the latest issue of Dark Horse's Star Wars comic written by Brian Wood.
The Good: If you love the classic trilogy as much as I do, this book is for you!! The issue is PACKED with story. There's a Han Solo & Chewbacca vs the Empire story, a Luke Skywalker/Princess Leia story, a Darth Vader story, and the ongoing arc of the traitor within the Rebellion. Did I mention that it's all AWESOME? Brian Wood is KILLING it on this book!! Not to mention Carlos D'Anda's art really bringing this comic to life. This is a natural, believable, tale that would take place after Episode 4, and I love everything about this book.
The Bad: The names. I have a feeling that I should know some of the supporting characters, but I don't. I think POSSIBLY they're established characters in the Expanded Universe, but I'm not sure. If any of you EU fans are out there reading this and I'm wrong, please leave a comment or drop me a line. That's pretty much my only complaint, and it's a very small one.
The Verdict: Yup, this comic is worth the $2.99, so I suggest you buy it. This comic totally reminds me of the old "anything goes" Marvel Comics series that was published after the first movie. There's some interesting stuff that takes place between Luke & Leia, and yes, you'll snicker at it, but again remember, Wood is writing this book as if Episode 4 was the only Star Wars movie that's ever existed. And, sometimes, I wish that were true.