Comics With Kenobi

The Young Padawans convene to peel back the underlying messages found in the pages of IDW's Star Wars Adventures #30, with the main story featuring Kylo Ren and Gen. Hux striving to find common ground and, perhaps, build a modicum of trust. In the second story, we begin the first of a three parter that's focused on Emil Graf and the search for hidden knowledge.Join Emily, Micah, Amy and Matt as they steadily advance to through the final issues of the first volume of this all-ages Star Wars comic.

We take a step back from our usual retinue of comic book-based discussion to examine the Randon House Audio original Doctor Aphra: An Audiobook Original, with Eric Lasko joining Matt to discuss the expansive scope that the Sarah Kuhn-written story encompasses and how it adds layer after layer to Chelli Aphra in ways that we're excited to see play out down the road.

Two new issues of Star Wars comics to delve into this episode, as Luke's destiny path resumes in the pages of Star Wars #5 while in Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars -- Battle Tales #3, readers are treated to an example of when personal loyalty and devotion overrides political duty and governmental obligation.In news, we cheer GLAAD's selection of Doctor Aphra as its outstanding comic of the year, note an interview (https://bit.ly/31yh2v9) with Charles Soule about the enduring appeal of Ben Solo and note that 2015's Princess Leia five-issue mini-series is coming to Comixology Unlimited.Upcoming Star Wars comics, include:Aug. 12:
_ Darth Vader #4
_ The Action-Figure Variant Covers #1
_ Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith, Vol. 2
 (HC)Aug. 19:
_ Bounty Hunters #4
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #4
_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Rebellion, Vol. 4 TPBAug. 26:
_ Doctor Aphra #3
_ Star Wars Adventures Annual 2020
_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 10: Driving Force TPBSept. 9:
_ Age of R

The message of this week's show is important to our friends at MarvinDog Media, and we agree with the message, so we wanted to give our listeners a chance to hear it as well. Diversity is not a bad thing. Period. This month, the guys talk about a small line from the mid-80s that was born out of a mother's desire to give her son toys that looked like him and his friends. It was a terrific toy line, but very short-lived. Taylor has suggested that Mattel might take a page out of this toy line for their new Masters Of The Universe Origins line, and Jeff thinks it's a good idea! Listen and and find out just how cool these figures were, and why the guys think they deserve another lookClick to sign Taylor's petition: https://www.change.org/p/mattel-produce-sun-man-figures-with-masters-of-the-universe-origins-toys?utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=custom_url&recruited_by_id=1d44d680-c716-11ea-ba9f-773e838c27c6Don’t forget our Patreon page at https://www.patreon.com/marvindogmedia

It's been more than four months since we last left Darth Vader and Sabé and now we know where they've gone. For Prequel Trilogy fans, this issue is for you. For fans of E.K. Johnston's "Star Wars: Queen's Shadow" novel, this issue is for you. There are familiar faces we've not seen in a long, long time in a story that, despite the long gap in time, remains quite compelling.In news, we debate whether the five-issue adaptation of "The Rise of Skywalker" by Jody Houser and Will Sliney is actually canceled or merely delayed; exult in word that we're headed back to Vader's Castle in October (told you so); and reveal the details from SDCC at Home in relation to Star Wars comics.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:Aug. 5:
_ Star Wars #5
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #3
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #1 (2nd Printing)
_ Bounty Hunters #1 (2nd Printing)_ Darth Vader #2 (2nd Printing(Aug. 12:
_ Darth Vader #4
_ The Action-Figure Variant Covers #1
_ Darth Vader: Dark Lord of

The stars, and schedules, aligned so in the heat of the summer, the Young Padawans -- Emily and Micah -- along with Amy and Matt gathered to talk about Star Wars Adventures, with a look at issues #28 and #29, as they draw ever closer to completing the first volume of the series, which recently ended with issue #32.

It's a return to normality, at least in terms of weekly Star Wars comics, after the ups and downs of the pandemic-affected distribution. We're starting this "new normal" with the decidedly not at all normal at all return of Doctor Aphra in issue #2 of the series' second volume.Also out today? The Rise of Kylo Ren #1 (4th Printing)
 and Star Wars #3 (2nd Printing)As for news, here's the details on the Star Wars-related SDCC at Home Panels on the Doctor Aphra Audio Drama, which was released July 21, (https://bit.ly/38O4gLW) and the Lucasfilm Publishing: Stories From a Galaxy Far, Far Away panel (https://bit.ly/2Znfwfg) on Friday, July 24.To submit a panel idea to organizers of the Aug. 28-30 ForceFest, click here: https://bit.ly/2OvPhNH.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:July 29:
_ Darth Vader #3

_ Darth Vader #2 (2nd Printing)
_ The Rise of Kylo Ren TradeAug. 5:
_ Star Wars #5
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #3
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #1 (2nd Printing)_ Bount

No news is good news, the saying goes, but we don't agree, which is why we have an all-news episode for you this week. Why no Star Wars Adventures #32 review and discussion? That's because the Young Padawans are gearing up to complete their run on the IDW series and we're saving the finale for Amy, Emily and Micah.As for news, here's the details on the Star Wars-related SDCC at Home Panels on the Doctor Aphra Audio Drama (https://bit.ly/38O4gLW) and the Lucasfilm Publishing: Stories From a Galaxy Far, Far Away panel (https://bit.ly/2Znfwfg).To submit a panel idea to organizers of the Aug. 28-30 ForceFest, click here: https://bit.ly/2OvPhNH.Finally, the ICv2/Comichron 2019 comics publishing report can be found here: https://bit.ly/32hQU9s.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:July 21:
_ Doctor Aphra Audio Drama by Sarah Kuhn
July 22:
_ Doctor Aphra #2
_ The Rise of Kylo Ren #1 (4th Printing)
_ Star Wars #3 (2nd Printing)July 29:
_ Darth Vader #3

_ Darth Vader #2 (2nd Printing)
_ The Rise of Kylo Ren TradeAug. 5:


No new comics this week to discuss, but it's a splendid opportunity to dim the lights, pour a glass of wine and ponder some artwork from a bygone era: The Dark Horse Comics 18-issue adaptation of Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy (Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising and The Last Command).If you've read neither the trilogy or the three mini-series, there are spoilers, so consider yourself warned.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:July 15:
_ Star Wars Adventures #32
July 21:
_ Doctor Aphra Audio Drama by Sarah Kuhn
July 22:
_ Doctor Aphra #2
_ The Rise of Kylo Ren #1 (4th Printing)
_ Star Wars #3 (2nd Printing)July 29:
_ Darth Vader #3
_ The Action-Figure Variant Covers #1_ Bounty Hunters #1 (2nd Printing)
_ Darth Vader #2 (2nd Printing)
_ The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #1 (2nd Printing)
_ The Rise of Kylo Ren TradeAug. 5:
_ Star Wars #5
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #3Aug. 12:
_ Darth Vader #4
Aug. 19:
_ Bounty Hunters #4
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #4
_ Star Wars

Despite the two-month gap from issue #2 and #3, Star Wars: Bounty Hunters retains its crown as the only book that's pure adrenaline from start to finish and, at this rate, future issues are liable to combust on the shelf, that's how much power they pack.Here why in our discussion of the latest issue and why it's going to be so hard to wait another two months for #4.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:July 8:
_ Star Wars Adventures #32
_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: Legacy, Vol. 3 TradeJuly 15:
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #3
July 22:
_ Doctor Aphra #2July 29:
_ Darth Vader #3
_ The Action-Figure Variant Covers #1_ Bounty Hunters #1 (2nd Printing)
_ Darth Vader #2 (2nd Printing)
_ The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #1 (2nd Printing)
_ The Rise of Kylo Ren SCAug. 5:
_ Star Wars #5Aug. 12:
_ Darth Vader #4
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #4Aug. 19:
_ Bounty Hunters #4
_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: The Rebellion, Vol. 4 SCAug. 26:
_ Doctor Aphra #3
_ Star Wars

Two new issues of Star Wars comics out June 24, though we're focusing solely on IDW Publishing's Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars -- Battle Tales #2 by Michael Moreci, Derek Charm, Megan Levens, Luis Antonio Delgado, Charlie Kirchoff, Jake M. Wood, Elizabeth Brei and Denton J. Tipton.We'll dive deep into Marvel's Bounty Hunters #3 on episode #183 on July 1, given there aren't any new comics that day.In news, we're still trying to figure out when the fifth and final issue of Battle Tales is going to be scheduled, ascertain the fate of the several new printings of Darth Vader, Bounty Hunters and the Rise of Kylo Ren, as well as ponder when the six-issue The Rise of Skywalker adaptation mini-series will start publishing.The release schedule for upcoming Star Wars comics includes:July 8:
_ Star Wars Adventures #32
_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: Legacy, Vol. 3 TradeJuly 15:
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #3
July 22:
_ Doctor Aphra #2July 29:
_ Darth Vader #3
_ The Action-Figure Var

This week's episode is a behind-the-scenes discussion with writer, editor and translator Ricardo Cachoua Jr. (https://twitter.com/RiCachoua_Vader), who works with Panini Comics Mexico to translate Marvel Star Wars comics into Spanish for the Latin American market.It's a fascinating look into how comics are made, what the process entails and what goes into ensuring that the story is not only true to the English-language version, but done so that the nature of not just the tale, but Star Wars itself, isn't lost in the process.Cachoua is the author of "The Cosmic Traveler's Clandestine Guide to the Star Wars Universes," an unofficial guide to the Saga.Upcoming Star Wars comics include:June 24:
_ Bounty Hunters #3
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #2July 8:
_ Star Wars Adventures #32
_ Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: Legacy, Vol. 3 TradeJuly 15:
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #3
_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 9: Fight the Empire! SCJuly 22:
_ Doctor Aphra #2July 29:
_ D

Our interview subject had to cancel, there weren't any new Star Wars comics and we didn't read enough of the classics or Dark Horse to do a specialty episode. What did we do? What we always do: Talked.It's not as boring as it sounds, we swear. You'll laugh a bit, groan but you won't cringe. We promise.Upcoming Star Wars comics:June 17:_ 
Age of Rebellion Hardcover

June 24:_ 
Bounty Hunters #3
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #2July 1:_ 
Star Wars Adventures #32 (IDW says it's this date, PreviewsWorld says "naw.")
July 8:_ Star Wars Adventures #32 (See July 1)_ 
Star Wars Legends Epic Collection: Legacy, Vol. 3 TradeJuly 15:_ 
Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #3
_ Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 9: Fight the Empire! TradeJuly 22:_ 
Doctor Aphra #2July 29:_ 
Darth Vader #3
_ The Action-Figure Variant Covers #1
_ The Rise of Kylo Ren TradeAug. 5:
_ Star Wars #5Aug. 12:_ 
Darth Vader #4
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #4Aug. 19:
_ Bounty Hunters #4Aug. 26:

This week's episode features an in-depth interview with illustrator and concept designer Roberto Venegas, whose Star Wars illustrations may be quite familiar to you. Venegas joined us to talk about the genesis of his first-ever comic, "Dyad," a tenderly written and lushly illustrated story that serves as a seamless postscript to 2019's "The Rise of Skywalker" film with its emphasis on the complex yet unsurprising relationship between Rey and Ben Solo. (There are spoilers for the comic, which you can read at https://bit.ly/2TZoDzN, and the film.)It's an intriguing conversation about the love for Star Wars, its characters and concepts and the power of storytelling.You can find out more about Venegas' work at his website (https://bit.ly/309I9x8), on Twitter (https://twitter.com/Roberto_Draws) and support him through Ko-Fi (https://bit.ly/3eHLA2j).UPCOMING STAR WARS COMICSJune 10:_ NoneJune 17
_ Age of Rebellion Hardcover

June 24:
_ Bounty Hunters #3
_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars — Battle Tales #2July 1

In a titanic pairing of Star Wars comics-focused podcasts, Matt Wood and Brian Keohan of the Star Wars Comics Daily join forces with us to put Eric Lasko through the wringer.No, wait, that's not right. It's Eric who put US through the wringer as we discussed Star Wars comics, podcasting and the Saga, along with life, cons and so much more.This episode was done jointly by both podcasts to support Creators4Comics and wouldn't have been possible without Eric's participation.We had fun and we think you will, too.

Denton Tipton is a long-time comics pro who worked for IDW Publishing from 2008-2020, becoming managing editor. He helped shepherd not just 32 issues of Star Wars Adventures and Forces of Destiny, but the recently-begun The Clone Wars -- Battle Tales miniseries, Tales From Vader's Castle, Return to Vader's Castle and Destroyer Down, among others.He joined us to talk about what it was like to create Star Wars comics for an all-ages audiences, the talented creatives hired to write, illustrate, color, letter and edit them and so much more.It's an informative discussion with a lot of behind-the-scenes detail and color.If you're looking for our discussion on Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) #1, be sure to download episode #174 (Listen, the Snow is Falling) or listen at https://bit.ly/2A7ZcFd.New Star Wars comics out June 3:_ None

IDW is back on comic-store shelves with debut of Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars -- Battle Tales #1, the first of five-issue mini-series that was to have been released weekly during April until the coronavirus pandemic knocked such plans askew.Still, the wait was worth it, with the debut issue by series writer Michael Moreci, intro and outro artist Derek Charm, interior artists Arianna Florean and Mario Del Pennino, colorists Luis Antonio Delgdo and Valentina Taddeo, letterer and designer Jake M. Wood, along with editors Elizabeth Brei and Denton J. Tipton, providing as solid start to the title.We're looking forward to the rest of this series, given it's emphasis on the Clones and their relationship with the Jedi. Look for issue #2 on June 24.In news, we've got Marvel's release slate through the end of July, though we're still lacking detail as to when Star Wars #5 will come out, as well as the launch of The Rise of Skywalker adaptation.Star Wars comics out May 27, include:_ Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) #1 (the

This week's episode sees us going through Dark Horse Comics' penultimate Star Wars comics title: Rebel Heist. Some six years after it's debut, there's a lot to love about this four-issue mini-series that, at the time, augured some elements that we've seen since Marvel resumed publishing the property in 2015.As for news, there's a summary of Marvel's decision to do away with its web-based comic store and the latest updates on Marvel and IDW shipping plans as we edge closer to the return of Star Wars comics.Star Wars Comics out May 20 include:_ Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars -- Battle Tales #1 (as of May 12)

In a surprise move, Marvel released Doctor Aphra (Vol. 2) #1 digitally on May 4 as part of Star Wars Day, more than three weeks before the book goes on sale in comic shops on May 27.That means we're back in business, at least when it comes to a new Star Wars comics, and the first issue by creative team Alyssa Wong (script), Marika Cresta (art), Rachelle Rosenberg (color artist), VC's Joe Caramagna (letters) and editors Thomas Groneman and Mark Paniccia, has delivered an entertaining and balanced start that packs plenty of promise and potential.As for news, we lay out Marvel's publish plans from May 27 to the first week of July, gush about The Clone Wars finale and more.Star Wars comics out May 13:_ None

The Young Padawans reconvene to discuss the now-on hiatus Star Wars Adventures, with a look at issues #26 and #27.Emily, Micah, Amy and Matt breakdown the four stories that feature a bevy of characters, new and old, as they learn to trust themselves, work with others and absorb some life lessons.A note to listeners, there are some audio issues here and there, but it shouldn't detract from your listening enjoyment or the wider discussion.