Graphic Novel Review: Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Strange Allies
Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Strange Allies
Authors: Ryder Windham, Mae Hao, Ben Dewey, Michael Heisler and Stephane Roux
Genre(s): Sci-fi
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Availability: Available for Pre-Order
Description: With so many Jedi Generals occupied with the Clone Wars, assignments that would usually go to Knights or Masters are falling to Jedi in training–in this case, masterless Padawan Nuru Kungurama. Accompanied by his squad of clone troopers and a hulking swoop biker named Gizz, Nuru’s job begins as a routine protection detail but soon evolves to include a mystery massacre, the hijacking of a space freighter, and the kidnapping of a group of orphaned younglings! Ryder Windham’s Breakout Squad from the prose series The Clone Wars: Secret Missions come to comics!
The Clone Wars are here to stay. When Cartoon Network made the wise choice to air theClone Wars animated series I wasn’t sure how to feel. I’m a Star Wars fans so that made it worth at least checking out. The art style of the animated series kept me away until the second season then, as fate would have it, I found myself watching it late one night on a business trip and I was hooked. The story was excellent and the Clone Wars time period was intriguing. Now enter Dark Horse and their consistent coverage ofStar Wars in graphic format. Dark Horse was drawing Star Wars even when some would argue that Star Wars was dead.
With Strange Allies, Ryder Windham, Mae Hao, Ben Dewey, Michael Heisler and Stephane Roux have maintained the overall Clone Wars feel and done their part to advance some interesting characters in the process. I am always happy to see that Dark Horse understands just how many different time periods that Star Wars cannon covers and are kind enough to let the reader know upfront when a particular story is taking place. Strange Allies takes place 22 years before the battle of Yavin, during the rise of the Empire. I was happy that I didn’t need to spend the first few pages trying to figure out when this was all happening.
The story starts out with space a pirate – who doesn’t love a good pirates raid? Well, the people getting boarded and the people who own the cargo that is being transported might not like it, but I’m a fan. This book walks a fine line between having a compelling story while still being appropriate for younger readers as well. I would rate this one PG.
As the story progresses, we are introduced to Jedi Nuru Kungurama who goes through Jedi masters like most people change underwear. He is the leader of Breakout Squad. Yes it sounds like a ground version of Rogue Squadron but for this book it works. The writers did a great few page spread of Nurus’ past accomplishments. I liked getting a glimpse of Nurus’ past operations it gave the reader an idea of who he is and what Breakout squad has done in the past. I have to say that the Jedi need to weed out some of their rebels, wait I think Order 66 will take care of that.
Nuru and his squad are chosen to escort the next vital convey and hunt down the pirates. Nuru decides to enlist Gizz a huge not so smart creature who looks like the love child of Yoda and Hellboy. Predictably all Gizz wants to do is hurt pirates and everyone doubts the wisdom of bringing this guy along. Action ensues to create a fun and interesting story.
We learn that while not a Jedi Knight, Gizz has some chivalrous qualities, including helping maidens in distress, and a driving need to right wrongs. We are given a chance to re-learn that you can’t judge a book by its’ cover. This is great for the younger readers, but I could have done without it.
This is a good story, it walks that tightrope between acceptable for a younger audience while still being interested for those of us who saw Star Wars in theaters. The coloring of this book was interesting it seemed a bit darker than I’m accustomed to. Even the clone trooper armor looked more grey or sliver than white and I guess I like my Yoda more of a pea soup/baby poo green instead of dark green. Even with my personal hang-ups this book was well written, solidly drawn and well colored.
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