I finished Visions: Tsukumo by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi
▲ 52 r/StarWarsVisions+1 crossposts

I finished Visions: Tsukumo by Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi

We need more Star Wars stories in manga format. This was a truly delightful experience!

The story leverages the specific setting of the Dark Times to explore not only the final days of a surviving Jedi but also how his ideas manage to make an impact even on his enemies. The dilemma it presents regarding artificial intelligence—its potential as a sentient being and the capacity to become more than the sum of its parts—is fascinating (it reminded me a bit of Thia from Predator Badlands). In that regard, Master Nagi stands out immediately as a Jedi who empathizes with the species the galaxy takes most for granted: the droids. It is a highly original way to craft a story set in such a turbulent, ever-changing era. I also found the artwork beautiful throughout.

Personally, I would have liked it to be a bit longer—to spend even more time with the antagonist, the "Jedi Killer" (and I wish he had given himself a name)—but overall, I am satisfied.

All in all, an unconventional yet really cool story set during the Dark Times.

I've read Cataclysm by Lydia Kang

I have to admit I didn't quite know what to expect from this novel. Aside from whether its nature as a prequel would have an impact, I was actually more skeptical given that it followed a major event like the Battle of Jedha. Fortunately, I’m happy to say that this book perfectly accomplished everything it set out to do.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. I wasn't familiar with Lydia Kang’s work, and I loved how easily she steps into the story of established characters, giving them a plausible and interesting continuation—surpassing Convergence in my opinion.

Speaking of characters, I have to admit she really resolved the issue I had with Axel Greylark. I wasn't the biggest fan of the character; he struck me as insufferable and hypocritical (and a bit cringey, too) most of the time. It was a real pleasure to see his development here, delving into a person trapped by a childhood trauma and isolated from family ties. This leads him to be both self-destructive and childish, yet deep down he seeks redemption—a journey that is very satisfying to follow. The fact that what finally ended his indecision was having to kill with his own hands speaks a lot about him; he is far from being an irredeemable monster, being more like an "edgy" teenager. Much of this is complemented by the presence of Gella Natai—an incredible character. Her bond with Axel was great and fun to read, even making me think in a romance story. I hope they return in the future.

I also liked the role played by Kyong Greylark, who chooses to be a good mother above all else, rather than a politician. It’s nice to see a dysfunctional family relationship where both parties are willing to make a change.

Of course, the story wouldn't be complete without the antagonists, and the Path of the Open Hand/Closed Fist really managed to step up their game for me. It was great to see how they planned their next attack, playing under their own conditions. The way Elecia found the perfect purpose on the resentment already brewing within her cult—making the formation of a subgroup feel natural—was an unexpected strategy; this group not only did the dirty work but also took the fall for the escalating actions against force-users. In that regard, Binnot can also be see as a tragic figure: desperate to prove himself, disillusioned, and seeking control, yet manipulated by the very person he thought he was breaking free from.

Perhaps my only criticisms of the novel concern are Xiri and Phan-tu; despite playing important roles—and having their own personal conflicts—they faded into the background as the story progressed. Since it was a story involving Eiram and E'ronoh, I would have liked to see them more involved. In the same way, I wasn't exactly a fan of Cippa; while I appreciate having another recognizable Jedi present and seeing how it is illustrated the training of a new initiate, I found her slightly annoying for much of the time.

In short, it was an excellent novel in every respect, featuring both thrilling action sequences and deeply emotional moments. I am excited to see what unfolds in Path of Vengeance.

u/Significant-Town-817 — 4 days ago

I finished Legacy of Vader: The Reign of Kylo Ren, Vol. 2 by Charles Soule , Luke Ross and Stefano Raffaele

It’s interesting how, setting aside the Star Wars elements, this is simply the story of an old man obsessed with reliving his past through someone else's future.

That was a spectacular conclusion! I love how Soule handles the concept of a trip down memory lane and turns it into an analysis of a man who can't help but hate the past just as much as he is compelled to drink from it. If Rise gave us the reason why an indecisive young man went down the wrong path, this series complements and continues his journey, showing how that insecurity remains—a void he cannot fill, despite now possessing his abuser's power. This is best illustrated by his reunion with Luke; having accepted his own mistakes, he steps back from Ben's conflict. Ben is no longer a child; only he can decide whether to stop burning himself and ask for help, or to burn to death. It actually makes me a little angry when I think about the absurd decision regarding his death in Episode 9. Redemption isn't just achieved through sacrifice; it’s earned every day you choose to be a different person!

Also, I really enjoyed learning more about the Knights of Ren—what happened after Rise, the explanation for why they weren't in the first 2 movies, and their impending return (Tava, picking the guy with psychological issues isn't exactly a great idea). I like how they effectively embody the aimless path that awaited Ben. Vaneé was great, too; he helped me better define the message of Legacy and the constant burden of being a slave to your past.

As a side note, what a great character Grandea was! A single issue was enough to show her creativity—exploiting what many Jedi consider a mere trick to escape and live a quiet life. That is how you write a Jedi survivor of the Dark Times!

No issues here—a spectacular series. I can't wait to read what comes next!

u/Significant-Town-817 — 6 days ago
▲ 21 r/starfox

This is how it feels play Assault to me:

I've only played 3 missions so far and I'm loving it!! The music, the team, the new threat, the designs, Star Fox at its peak!! It's exactly what I wanted!!

Give me more!!

u/Significant-Town-817 — 7 days ago
▲ 47 r/starfox

I finally finished Starfox Adventures

I have rarely played a game that actively becomes more frustrating as you approach the end. Someone here once described it as a game that seems to want to end, but which gameplay seems to want the opposite.

I won't lie, I enjoyed the story and I still think several parts exploring Sauria are genuinely good (I wasn't against the idea of leaving the airwing and walk), Tricky is fine (I guess) as well as the lore of the other tribes; also, putting aside the nonsense of Andross appearing out of nowhere, the final fight and the flying sections are entertaining, but yeah, the rush to release the game is noticeable. It's a shame, because there was a story with a lot of potential inside.

I hope they bring Krystal back someday. She deserves more than being a damsel in distress.

u/Significant-Town-817 — 8 days ago

My keyring broke and it seems I've been fooled for years. This clearly shows that the saucer section, when separated, includes the neck!

They should be ashamed!

u/Significant-Town-817 — 9 days ago

I finished Tale's From Vader's Castle by Cavan Scott

Skritt is like very cool!

I really enjoyed reading this collection of stories. Horror is one of my favorite genres, and I love how—much like the Death Star Tales—most of the stories here are approached in a dynamic and interesting way. I loved the unique art style in every one, the way each moment was used to build highly creative, half-term plotlines that culminated satisfyingly, using every story to convey a message of strength to Skritt. God, I enjoyed reading that little shrimp! He’s very charismatic, and I appreciate the simplicity of his character development—much like Lina’s (it’s great to see a member of the Graf family who isn’t a jerk). Personally, I might not believe Vader’s ultimate intention was exactly what the story describes, but I certainly felt a great sense of satisfaction upon finishing this comic.

Finally, a few random thoughts on each story:

- The Haunting of the Ghost. They got rid of the ghost (the real one) too quickly. It’s hard to feel scared when you have holocron tech right at hand.

- Count Dooku: Prince of Darkness. A great homage to Sir Christopher Lee’s other iconic role (and to Man-Bat, I think).

- The Briar Witch. Zella was really justified in her actions; it was her sister who acted in bad faith. Also, that title made me think about how cool a SW project in a found footage format would be.

- Night of the Gorax. I hadn't read anything about Ewoks before, and I’m glad this was my first experience. They’re beings closer to the Na'vi than to the Care Bears.

- The Terror of Darth Vader. Damnnn, those lava troopers are absolutely stunning!

u/Significant-Town-817 — 10 days ago

I finished The Rise of Kylo Ren by Charles Soule and Will Sliney

Reading this was a mix of sadness and brilliance.

I decided to check out this comic—largely on the recommendation that it complements the second part of Legacy (thanks u/Zebweasel)—and it truly succeeds in delivering a compelling origin story for Kylo Ren.

It is so fascinating to see the immediate aftermath of the Jedi Temple's destruction. It reveals that, contrary to the impression given by the films, the transformation was quite gradual. It's always heartbreaking to start a story with someone already embracing the worst in themselves and spiraling further downward from there; in this case, that dynamic hinges heavily on the relationship between Kylo and Snoke. While Snoke may have lost some of his impact by being reduced to a "failed Palpatine clone," I love how he is portrayed here: he displays a truly repulsive, predatory nature, manipulating and grooming Ben from a young age, presenting himself as a kind, comforting figure whenever Ben disagrees with the adults in charge. That grooming process is sickening to read, yet it effectively explains the void the character feels—leading him to believe he can find his path through destruction and chaos. Retroactively, this also makes Snoke’s death in Ep 8 more satisfying and nuanced, framing it as a victim’s revenge—a moment where the former victim finally becomes the one searching control.

I also enjoyed the presence of the Knights of Ren. The comic doesn't reveal many details about their origins, showing just enough to make them interesting—like a wild space biker gang. I’d love to see more of them in the future. It was also great to get a glimpse of Luke’s academy and the roles played by Voe, Hennix, and Tai in Ben’s fall. Luke truly failed everyone at that temple; he was too busy hunting for Jedi trinkets to notice that his home was already burning down long before the actual fire started.

Perhaps my only criticism of the comic is that the artwork is sometimes unintentionally funny. I don't know if there was any concern that the young Ben didn't look enough like a young Adam Driver, but he ended up looking... Weird in some panels.

In conclusion, a brutal, heart-wrenching and very concrete origin story of the person who would become Kylo Ren.

u/Significant-Town-817 — 13 days ago

I finished Life Day #1 by Cavan Scott, Justina Ireland, Jody Houser and Steve Orlando

That was quite a fun adventure!

I liked that it was a small anthology, with each story having its own distinct art style, all connected in one way or another by Han's day and Chewie. None of them feel too short, and they all contribute their own little piece of entertainment and lore. I particularly enjoyed the glimpse into the High Republic, C-3PO's mission, and the surprise of seeing a Drengir survivor. It's a bit messed up that Kudos uses child soldiers, but I suppose those were more complicated times morally speaking.

In conclusion, a special Christmas thanks for being indirectly responsible for the existence of this comic!

u/Significant-Town-817 — 14 days ago

I finished Legacy of Vader: The Reign of Kylo Ren, Vol. 1 by Charles Soule, Luke Ross and Stefano Raffaele

Kylo Ren was already one of the most interesting parts of the sequel trilogy for me, so it’s a real joy to delve into his psyche.

Clinging to a childlike view of the past while trying to understand his future, he spirals into memories and visions of his grandfather’s life. This journey takes him across the galaxy as he searches for the missing piece of himself.

I loved how every new planet presents a physical and mental test for the character—a sort of "villain’s journey" that is as self-destructive as it is fascinating to watch. It really helps define how Ben, having been so deeply influenced by the dark side, compels himself to stay on that path, at times even yearning for his own destruction. It’s a great way to establish the inner conflict that would eventually lead to his change in Episode IX (I think this is one of the few times I've retroactively praised that film).

It’s also great to see more of the First Order’s machinations. The fallout from losing their headquarters and their recent "defeat" on Crait is clearly depicted here. I love how this highlights the dynamic between Kylo and Hux—a fascist who is as committed to his mission as he is frustrated by having to be second in command. I can genuinely believe that a man like that, constantly under such immense stress, would eventually betray everything he believes in just to spite the person causing his misery.

Overall, I really enjoyed this first part. It’s fantastic to see a continued effort to bring such personal stories to the sequel era, and it’s a delight that Charles Soule is the one writing it. Highly recommended!

u/Significant-Town-817 — 15 days ago

I finished Mace Windu: Jedi of the Republic by Matt Owens, Denys Cowan and Roberto Poggi

Absolutely peak!

I'll be honest, Windu was never exactly my favorite Jedi. At best, I was indifferent to him, and at worst, I found him irritating. I wasn't exactly in the best disposition to read something with him as the protagonist (it was a friend's recommendation). The result: a total comic delight.

Under the premise of a recognition mission behind the enemy lines, this story delves into and explores Mace's motivations. I love how his dilemma regarding the war is presented, making me empathize with him. He was never a malicious person; in fact, he believes in the peace mission of his kind and even displays daring traits in his youth. His real tragedy lies in the rigidity with which he approaches his beliefs about good and evil, preventing him from seeing that the institution he protects is no longer aligned with the Force. It's a nuanced portrayal of someone who thinks in black and white and I love that.

Similarly, I appreciated how the other characters were handled, offering different perspectives on the same problem. Kit Fisto having the same determination and desire to do good, but also sharing a pragmatism that, while understandable, demonstrates the Jedi's limited control over their future. Prossset seeing the inconsistency into which the order has fallen, but being limited with his own ego, attacking only his own kind, without understanding the root of the problem. Rissa, in her inexperience, is able to directly witness the order's decline, but is at the mercy of a council that can only hasten its ruin. Finally, AD-W4, the comic's villain, is not only a great dark counterpart to Windu (hehe), but also a very charismatic egomaniac. He takes every scene he's in.

Although I mostly have praise for this story, unfortunately, not everything was perfect, as I found the artwork quite irregular. From certain panels, it's too simplistic, with barely any detail on the characters, and their faces are poorly proportioned, which makes some scenes unintentionally funny.

Overall, it was a comic I really enjoyed. Mace may have been blind, but his story is great. Definitely a Jedi of the Republic.

u/Significant-Town-817 — 18 days ago

I finished Tales From The Death Star by Cavan Scott

That was absolute peak!

I've always been a huge fan of short story collections. They're a dynamic way to tell stories about the same place or theme, offering different perspectives and making the final result more unique. And this one certainly doesn't disappoint!

Most of these tales are entertaining to read, quickly putting you in the middle of things and making the most of their time so that the ending is satisfying. The artwork also contributes a lot to this, with a creepy atmosphere that you can't help but stop and admire; each story has such a unique style.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with this one. An incredible horror comic collection that you can finish in one sitting. Finally, some random thoughts on each story:

- Nightmares Long Remembered. It works to tie the other stories together, and I liked the twist of who's telling the stories, but it seemed the simplest of the five.

- The Creature From the Trash Compactor. The ending made me angry, until I saw the insects at the very end. Justice!!

- The Wild Squadron. I don't know if this is the first time Life Day has been mentioned in canon media, but it was funny. I felt kind of sorry for Gatt. She was just there, chilling.

- "We Shall Double Our Efforts." It's funny to think there was a zombie outbreak during episode 6.

- The Haunting of Grand Moff Tarkin. Simply sublime. How damned do you have to be for God to take the time to torture you?

u/Significant-Town-817 — 20 days ago
▲ 100 r/trekbooks+1 crossposts

I've read Avatar: Book One of Two by S.D. Perry

How wonderful it is to finish a novel that feels so close to the characters you know!

I'm no stranger to relaunch novels. Having read the Voyager relaunch (quite good!), I became obsessed with this version of the characters and the story created around them. This enormous odyssey, known as "Post-Nemesis," is a challenge, but one I'm eager to explore in depth, given the limited amount of audiovisual content promised in the coming years. What better way to begin this journey than with what I consider my favorite Trek series?

That said, this story truly captivated me from the very start! This was a first part tale focused on the almost immediate aftermath of the war, a fascinating period to explore, both for its political repercussions and for our protagonists, who manage to make the different nuances of a fragile peace feel real. Kira's work addiction, Ro's emotional turmoil, or Jake's blind hope of seeing his father again. The author truly nails these characters, not only creating a compelling conflict for them that we want to follow, but also giving convincing interpretations to the more secondary ones. Similarly, the new characters don't disappoint. Elias Vaughn, previously introduced in the Battle of Betazed, stands out among them, providing a very interesting outsider's perspective on the station, one that will likely connect with them eventually.

Speaking of the writing, S.D. Perry also delivers a unique analysis of religion as part of society. It's true that DS9 generally portrayed religion in a positive light (with only a few notable exceptions), however, the novel raises coherent questions about atheism, those that will inevitably arise in a society where faith is so important and fanaticism is not uncommon. It's not as prominent as I would have liked, but it's subtle enough to be engaging.

Perhaps my only comments about the novel would be its slow beginning, preferring to take its time introducing new elements before advancing the story. Similarly, the sections focused on the Enterprise-E can feel a bit repetitive, since, with the exception of Elias, none of them have much to do (besides, I absolutely don't buy the excuse they use to justify being on their own). Finally, although I enjoyed seeing more of Ezri and Julian, I felt their romantic conflict was somewhat contrived, mainly because Julian behaves a bit out of character to make it work. I just simply didn't believe he would act that way.

Overall, this is a novel that, as a first installment, succeeded in piquing my interest in its premise, generating more questions than answers, which I'm eager to see resolved!

u/Significant-Town-817 — 22 days ago

I'm stuck in Starfox Adventures

So I was playing with my brother. We freed the leader of the Cloudrunners tribe and agreed to meet at her fortress. I returned to my Arwing, but when I reached the atmosphere, only the ice fortress was unlocked (the one where we previously got the first spellstone); I can't travel anywhere else. I looked into it, and what's shown in the image is what should appear after I complete the mission at Cape Claw.

At first, I thought it was because I didn't have enough fuel, but in the videos I've seen, most people have 37 units at the end of the mission. I have 47, and for some reason, it won't let me travel there.

We've already went back to Cape Claw several times, and it's frustrating not finding an answer. Any suggestions?

u/Significant-Town-817 — 23 days ago

I finished Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir by Jeremy Barlow and Juan Frigeri

That was awesome!!

This is a curious story, because just a few months ago I had no idea this comic existed, which made the character's story in The CW quite funny from my perspective (Sidious just going to Mandalore, teaching Maul a lesson, and leaving). Now, with the full picture, I can say it was an excellent story!!

I admit I don't particularly remember some moments from The CW, so it was a nice surprise to see the emotional bond between Tazlin's mother and Maul, specifically because of the revelation, giving a much more tragic weight to the latter's subsequent revenge. Not only did Sidious discard him, but he's also responsible for the death of the only family he had.

Similarly, considering how angry he was in Shadow Lord, I find it curious that the "betrayal" of the Black Sun and the Pikes has a certain justification when I see it. More than a backstab, it's a product of the secrecy surrounding his own planes, withholding information from his allies, which leaves them vulnerable when the ambush arrives, forcing them to fend for themselves. When money is the only thing at stake, there are hardly any soldiers who will die for you. Maul learned that the hard way. It's also funny to think how embarrassed Dooku and Grievous probably were when this renegade had them on their knees.

Perhaps all it needed was a flashback of Savage as the cherry on top, but honestly, this was an excellent complement story!

u/Significant-Town-817 — 25 days ago