When an emergency landing separates BB-8 from Poe Dameron, the astromech droid must make friends with the natives to repair their ship and return home to the Resistance.
Plus, an exciting new Flight of the Falcon story!
An Unlikely Friendship
Writer: James Gilarte
Artist: Mauricet
Colorist: Charlie Kirchoff
Letterer: Tom B. Long
Flight of the Falcon Part 2: “Planet of Misfit Droids”
Writer: Michael Moreci
Artist: Arianna Florean
Assistant Inker: Michele Pasta
Assistant Colorist: Adele Matera
Cover Artists Mauricet, Arianna Florean, & John Sommariva
Assistant Editor: Elizabeth Brei
Editors: Bobby Curnow & Denton J. Tipton
Publisher:Greg Goldstein
Release Date:October 31, 2018
Issue 15 opens up with a Poe Dameron and BB-8 finding themselves on a swampy planet and being pursued by its indigenous population. The duo is on the planet in search of Resistance contact and have been separated from their X-Wing. The pair encounter an unlikely ally and make their way across the treacherous landscape back to their ship.
Charlie Kirchoff’s coloring brilliantly brings Mauricet’s art to life, giving it the flash and crispness of an animation cell. James Gilarte’s story is simple and familiar with a pace that keeps it out the “quagmire”. It really came across well with my Padawan audience and is another fine addition to the IDW series. Each issue has been a delight to read and each issue offers a balance that appeals to the young reader and the seasoned Star Wars fan.
Flight of the Falcon is a series of comic and young adult books spanning multiple eras centered around the “Ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs”. Justin Ireland’s “Lando’s Luck”, Cavan Scott’s “Choose Your Destiny: A Luke & Leia Adventure”, and the “Millenium Falcon 3D Owner’s Guide” by Ryder Windham and Cole Horton are the currently available books. “Pirate’s Price” by Lou Anders is due out early next year.
Michael Moreci adds another chapter to the “Flight of the Falcon” story in the second half of the book. We continue following the bounty hunter Bazine Netal in her pursuit of the Millenium Falcon. This time the story picks up with two droids recollecting their encounter with the Millenium Falcon helmed by a post-Battle of Yavin Han Solo on a planet of junk. To Han’s chagrin, a sarcastic Princess Leia quickly points out it is a fitting home to the Falcon. The tale concludes with a frustrated Bazine finding herself no closer to the Falcon and decides to take matters into her own hands for the next chapter.
Michael Moreci maintains an evolving and entertaining story and any missing information pertinent to the plot is by design. I am very interested in the motivation behind Bazine’s obsession with capturing the Falcon. I am familiar with Mr. Moreci’s work and know I will not be disappointed when everything comes full circle. His storytelling is once again complemented by the artwork of Arianna Florean, Michele Pasta, Adele Matera, and Tom B. Long. Together they are one giant package of overwhelming talent.
I am particularly fond with the IDW’s approach to their Star Wars titles. For lack of a better description, it’s the whole “cartoonish-but not quite-cartoonish style” that I find appealing. Unlike other attempts in writing Star Wars comics geared to a younger audience, the coloring isn’t overly flamboyant, the character depictions are not outlandish, and the stories far from being vapid. IDW really sets the standard and I look forward to their releases each week not just to share with my family but to enjoy them on my own.
