Go back to where it all began with this new take on the classic story. Faithfully bringing events from the film to the comics page, read along as Luke Skywalker embarks on his destiny. Princess Leia confronts Darth Vader, and the Rebellion fights for the fate of the galaxy! The saga that has mesmerized us for more than 40 years begins again, right here!
Capturing the galaxy-spanning action of A New Hope, experience Episode IV as a beautiful graphic novel combining the epic wonder of Star Wars with streamlined, young-reader friendly designs. This all-ages graphic novel is a must-read for longtime fans and a great introduction to newcomers!
Manuscript Adaptation: Alessandro Ferrari
Character Studies: Igor Chimisso
Layout & Cleanup: Matteo Piana
Paint (background & settings): Davide Turotti
Paint (characters): Kawaii Creative Studios
Cover: Eric Jones
Art: Ken Shue, Roberto Santillo, Marco Ghiglione, Manny Mederos, & Stefano Attardi
Publisher: IDW Publishing
Price: $9.99
Release Date: August 29, 2018
IDW Publishing co-released their adaptations for The Last Jedi and A New Hope for the same day in August. Sporting a Hildebrandt Brothers-like cover, A New Hope adheres to the 1977 theatrical version and retells our favorite story with crisp freshness in style and color. Another welcome addition to the growing series of graphic novels helmed by Alessandro Ferrari and crew.
As with the other adaptations, the brilliant coloring and art flow flame-by-flame like an animated film. The characters are recognizable and easily relatable to those we know from the big screen. The characters personalities are clearly represented. However, Luke tends to have a Rankin/Bass-Hobbit kind of look with wide and innocent eyes but it goes along as we follow his “first step into a larger world”.
The Battle of Yavin sequence stands apart with over 30 frames of space combat action. The reader experiences high-detailed spacecraft interplayed with a blur-like background making for seemingly fast-paced action. It feels like you are watching the battle rather than reading it on a page. The only element missing is John Williams.
I am finding the masterful rearrangement of content into a fresh perspective is a common thread among Mr. Ferrari’s adaptations. As die-hard fans we know the films scene-by-scene and easily recognize what is missing. A New Hope doesn’t lose or overuse imagery or dialogue that fans may expect to see but it is trimmed a bit. What is excised merely allows for a well-paced and focused story. This goes along with the creative team’s ability to make reading a graphic novel feel like you are watching an animated film.
In addition to picking up a copy, make sure to check out Disney’s Star Wars: Heroes Path mobile app by BKOM Studios (only on iTunes).
Lead the Rebel Alliance to victory! Guide Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, and Obi-Wan Kenobi through perilous puzzles where every character has their own special abilities, every environment its own challenges, and every move you make can trigger enemy reactions that will change the game and your strategy in an instant!
Although it was released in 2015, the puzzle game plays along with the narrative of A New Hope and the art found in the IDW adaptation. The game is rated for 6-8 year olds but that doesn’t mean it is not fun for all! I am still working my way through the Jundland Wastes at the time of this review and having a blast!
