u/Significant-Town-817

This can be summed up like: it looks like the con artist got conned!

Much like other elements of the franchise, everything related to Batuu and Black Spire has really grown on me. Regardless of whether I want to visit the actual theme park attractions (not yet), I’m interested in the characters who cross paths there and how their stories unfold.

It was a very entertaining miniseries. Kendoh’s crew, even if they aren't particularly unique on their own, are compelling enough to keep you interested in following them and seeing how their heist plays out (I’m also curious to learn more about her and her Serenno ancestry). Dok-Ondar is fantastic; he has enough nuance to be more than just a run-of-the-mill swindler, he’s a charismatic master of deception who knows exactly how far to stretch a story to ensure the outcome is always the same: he wins. On top of that, the series features a collection of short stories that more than serve their purpose, taking you across the timeline with familiar characters in wild situations (I think I get it now: Doctor Aphra is like River Song, but with far fewer morals). Not every story works perfectly, but they are all entertaining.

Beyond the heist and the individual tales, I also enjoyed seeing the First Order get involved and the heavy-handed control they try to exert over the galaxy´s edge (hehe). I would have loved one more issue to see them, and the Resistance, in greater detail, but I’m satisfied with the final result.

Overall, the Black Spire Outpost has never felt more alive, and that’s thanks to a thoroughly enjoyable story. Highly recommended.

They say you always return to where you were happy, and oh man, I loved coming back to this group of pilots!

I thought it was great the team dynamic; every character, whether their role in the stories is major or minor, feels so alive, with little touches that make them instantly charismatic and memorable (Dllr and Plourr are my favorites). A special shout-out to Elscor, whose development I’m really looking forward to following (RIP Groznik). At first, I wondered why the stories weren't set during the Galactic Civil War, but looking back, I’m actually grateful for that choice; the setting allows Luke to hand over command of the squad to Wedge. Wedge steps up as leader, earning his place as a man who is committed, brave, and pragmatic, yet "normal" enough that the madness surrounding him remains fascinating.

Speaking of the setting, I like how it allows the collection's stories to explore the fight against the Empire from outside perspectives, whether it’s an aggressive cell refusing to align with either side (Cilpar) or an examination of the naivety of tolerating intolerance (Mrlsst). Both storylines deliver very satisfying conclusions, painting a slightly more optimistic picture of the galaxy, perhaps ready for the change the New Republic can bring, and leaving you eager to see what happens next.

The villains might not offer much variety, but they still stand out, whether through their design (Hask) or their cruelty (Weir), enough to make watching their defeat entertaining. Plus, it’s always a treat to get little glimpses into the Imperial ranks.

I had reservations about the art back in the day, but this time around, I absolutely loved it from start to finish. I love the classic style of The Rebel Opposition, as well as the "atypical" one of The Phantom Affair (I still don't know quite how to describe it, but I love it). Space battles have never looked better.

Overall, an incredibly solid, fun, and exciting start with very charismatic characters. Highly recommended!

As a political drama filled with intrigue, corruption, and space battles, it works ok; as a sequel to Crimson Empire, however, it's kinda meh.

I have mixed feelings about this story. I was somewhat interested in a continuation of the previous comic, which had set up an intriguing scenario centered on a personal vendetta. The result is a comic that doesn't seem to know quite what to do with its established characters; it places them in a separate adventure while a political plot regarding control of the Empire (post-Palpatine) unfolds, often carrying more weight, with only fleeting moments connecting the two storylines. I don't have a major issue with this, as I've always appreciated a good political drama within the sag and this one is genuinely interesting to read, with personal interests taking center stage alongside external factors like the Black Sun. However, it feels slightly constrained whenever the author remembers the comic's nature as a sequel, integrating Kanos and Mirith into the plot in a somewhat lazy fashion.

That said, there is one element I genuinely disliked: the romance. It feels gratuitous, with little development to justify the two characters ending up together; it comes across almost like a cliché that had to be checked off simply because one is a man and the other a woman and why wouldn't they end up together? Also, the way they assassinated (in both ways) Massimo's character was truly awful.

While I have my reservations about the protagonists, I must admit that the sequences where they act as bounty hunters were entertaining, offering an interesting glimpse into the underworld during the New Republic era. Once again, I appreciate that the story stays within its own corner of the galaxy, introducing new characters and delivering a conclusion to the Imperial storyline that is, all things considered, solid. Xandel works well as a surprise antagonist, being as despicable as he is pathetic, and I particularly enjoyed watching everything go wrong for him right up to his final defeat. Also, I loved the Zanibar. They look like malnourished Muuns, but they are as deadly as a Mandalorian.

In conclusion, it’s rather an irregular story, one that could have been split into two stories: the Imperial political drama and Mirith’s quest for revenge, yet I enjoyed the final result at times. Who the hell is Nom Anor?

If the first book was tasked with establishing the characters and conflicts in this new post-war galaxy, the second part delves deeper into their dilemmas and resolves them with incredible elegance.

I really loved this novel in many ways. First, in the way it continues to reinforce Kira’s indomitable spirit and her resilience in the face of adversity, no matter what problems arise at the station (she's definitely my favorite character in all ST). But it doesn´t stop there, as it also makes a grat work with almost all the main characters. Vaught does a fantastic job of bringing his experiences on DS9 full circle—seeking a fresh start and successfully joining the cast (though perhaps it would have been better to ask Kira first before making the whole move, hehe). The arc involving Ezri and Julian—which hadn't been entirely clear to me before—is now fully understood, presenting a particularly interesting scenario that I hope to see developed in the future. I also appreciate the closure given to Ro’s character; she becomes more comfortable with her position and resolves her differences with Kira (that meeting with Picard was quite moving). The supporting cast is also compelling, leaving me eager to see more of Shar (and his anger issues), Nog, Kasidy, and Quark down the line.

In my previous review, I mentioned wanting to see more of the religious conflict and the questions raised by the book of prophecies; I found a great answer in how faith is portrayed—not as something serving institutions, but the people. They are the ones who truly make faith thrive, and with them lies the decision of free choice. I was really happy to read how the story tackles blind devotion—which, however well-intentioned, can only lead to fanatisim, another face of evil.

One aspect I particularly enjoyed in both books is the political side. The fear that a new war might erupt is palpable—a constant dread lurking within the station, with everyone fully aware of how imperative it is to prevent it. I admit I wasn't entirely convinced by the Dominion's apparent actions in the first part, but once the issue is addressed head-on, S.D. Perry makes it work in a plausible and compelling way, creating a resolution that is as satisfying for me as it is for the characters. I didn't see the twist involving Taran'atar coming, and although I would have liked to see him play a larger role in the story, it certainly piqued my curiosity about the future of the Jem'Hadar and the Gamma Quadrant.

Unfortunately, Jake's journey is the only storyline that doesn't feel properly resolved. At the start, it seems we’ll get answers regarding his connection to the prophecy, but since he only appears in the prologue and epilogue, his arc remains unfinished. I imagine this is an issue the sequels will address, but looking back, it is nonetheless disappointing. Also, it's a bit odd how the first cover seems to suggest that this is a crossover with TNG as well, but it doesn't really feel that way, as the TNG cast, with a few exceptions, barely do something.

In conclusion, I found this to be a solid follow-up to the first part and, overall, a step in the right direction for the DS9 novel relaunch—and, of course, for the post-Nemesis era.

I can't stop thinking about how awkward it would have been if someone at the Rebel base had told Kanos that the person directly responsible for Palpatine’s (second) death was working alongside them...

Returning to the EU, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this story, but I’m happy to say I was largely satisfied with what I read. It’s a classic tale of brotherhood, betrayal, and revenge, paced just right to let the comic’s greatest strength—the action—unfold in all its glory... and it is truly spectacular. It might be more style than substance at times, but that’s hardly an issue when it succeeds so well at what it sets out to do (at least for me).

Speaking of action, I enjoyed the background details on the Royal Guard. I’ve always been intrigued by their enigmatic nature and cool design; their training is truly brutal, transforming the bond of brotherhood among members into a liability once they are indoctrinated to believe they are merely tools serving the Emperor.

As for the characters, Kir Kanos makes for a fascinating protagonist. While his quest might seem noble—and align with the New Republic’s goals at the moment—he remains an aggressive fanatic, so devoted to his master that he continues to serve him even after death. He isn't a traditional "hero," and while that puts him at odds with some within the Rebellion, it also serves as a catalyst for the development of Mirith Sinn, a rebel on Phaeda, who learns the hard way that not every "enemy of my enemy" is a potential friend. Sadeet and Massimo are great supporting characters, as are some of the Imperials—who are so amusingly incompetent that their stories almost become tragic (except for Tem; he got exactly what he deserved).

Personally, I would have liked to see a bit more of Carnor Jax. We know enough about his backstory and his relationship with Kanos for it to work, but there’s little exploration of his role as a potential successor to Palpatine or his dealings with other Imperial factions (apart from the mention of a council). I love that it’s a standalone story set in its own corner of the galaxy, though it wouldn’t have hurt to get a glimpse of the galactic landscape following the Emperor’s (second) death.

In general, it’s a highly entertaining story with great artwork—a solid start to a trilogy. The Lusankya looks fucking beautiful.

The premature cancellation of Academy left me wishing in more stories about this team in other media, so this comic immediately caught my eye.

I think this was quite good. The plot is straightforward: an exploration mission in hostile territory. It might seem simple, but the execution is engaging enough to make the issues fly by, feeling very much like an extra special episode.

As a Genesis fan, I appreciated the deeper look into her desire to lead and the doubts that brings up (I assume that was the original reason she wanted to alter her record at Ko'Zeine?). The rest of the team handles adversity well, working together in front of adversity; most get a chance to shine, demonstrating just how well-prepared they are as Starfleet officers. Special mention goes to Sam, who solves the communication issue with the native species, and Jay-Den, who steps up with surprising yet welcome leadership.

Also, it’s always a pleasure to see more of the dynamic between Ake and Kelrec; it highlights how well they complement each other in their work (although perhaps that is not their intention haha).

My only comments are that I would have liked to see a bit more of Tarima and Kyle in action, as they feel like very minor players despite being part of the mission. Also, the art is... odd. It works most of the time, but occasionally feels out of proportion and lacking definition, as if it needed a final polish (plus, I find the natives' design ugly; they look stiff and seem to have only one expression).

In conclusion, a welcome addition to the Academy story. I hope ST takes advantage of the possibilities offered by this format—or a novel—to keep telling stories about them in the future. I really want to see more of the gang.

Having enjoyed the previous book, Hidden City, I won't deny I was curious about the next young-reader Jedi installment. These books don't always advance the overarching plot of the current phase, but they almost always offer a light, entertaining adventure. This book largely fulfilled that promise.

It was good, for the most part. I got a vibe similar to A Test of Courage—an adventure where the journey matters more than the destination, and the interactions and bonds between characters are the spotlight. Since one of my issues with Hidden City was how quickly Rooper and Dass formed a strong friendship despite limited interaction, I appreciated seeing their relationship develop further here; they share a lovely sibling-like dynamic that accentuate Rooper’s overprotective (and perhaps slightly bossy) nature, contrasting with Dass’s more adventurous, daring attitude. The addition of a new team member, Sky Graf, helps tie the storylines together through the search for their father. I like how the journey serves as a massive therapy session for both, teaching them lessons about the pain of loss and the long road of grief—showing that grief isn't something you simply get over, but something you share.

As for the antagonists, it was great to see the perspective of an ordinary follower of the Path—to see how the sect's ideas can mold anyone, slowly drawing them into the ideology under the guise of doing the "right thing". I would have liked a few more interactions between Fel Ix and the main trio to make his redemption feel more organic (perhaps having him face the group he originally led for the Path).

On the downside, while the plot does its job—complementing the events of Cataclysm and Path of Vengeance well—it feels very simple at times. Not much happens, and the events that do occur tend to be a little superficial to be truly engaging. I know I’m not the target audience, but I think Quest had a better balance between young middle age drama and an adventure that appeals to both children and adults.

In conclusion, the quest might not have ended with the desired results, but narratively, it feels satisfying. Someone really needs to make an animated series about a Pathfinder team!

I really enjoyed this anthology. Much like the previous comic, it retains the same strengths in how each story unfolds, while adding the unique set up of having Vaneé acting as the executioner for Hudd—the previously captured rebel—filling him with dread with every tale as he slowly edges him closer to death. With the exception of the first one, they all succeed in being unsettling or disturbing in just the right measure, while simultaneously drawing you in with their ingenious concepts. I would love for Cavan Scott to write a similar collection with a darker tone someday, because he certainly doesn't lack ideas.

In general, I had a great time with this comic (I could even say bigger than the one I had with the first one). Finally, a few thoughts on each story:

- The Horned Devil. It started well but lost steam the moment they showed Maul without any kind of shadow to make him more menacing.

- The Curse of Tarkin. Tarkin is a fool; he senselessly killed quite a few loyal officers and radicalized the survivors. At least the creature turned out better than its father.

- Bop Sh-Bop, Little Sarlacc Horror. A great Ventress story. It’s curious that Vaneé considers her a Sith, given that she was more neutral at the time.

- Vault of the Living Brains. Surprisingly disturbing, considering the cartoonish style. At least now I know what those brain-spiders are.

- Night of the Lava Zombies. I think this is the fifth time zombies (of various origins) have appeared in the canon. They really ought to make a horror movie out of that by now.

Insurrection isn't even close to being my favorite movie, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I thought of that line while watching the episode.

Specifically regarding TMP, I'd like to see a glimpse of the Epsilon IX crew during the V'ger crisis and before their destruction; the thoughts of the Vulcan elders after Spock's rejection of the kolinahr; the activities of an ensign or guard on the Enterprise during the voyage.

We could also see a glimpse of things not directly shown in the film, such as the meeting between Admiral Nogura and Kirk and how the latter convinced the former to return him the Enterprise; how the engineers at the drydock manage to accelerate the completion of the ship's restoration processes in less time; and perhaps the approach the Federation would have to take in the face of the impending disaster.

Happy (belated) 60th anniversary, Star Trek!

Given how deeply immersed I currently am in the franchise's novels, it’s curious that I haven’t really turned to the comics—especially considering the vast number of stories available. What better time to return to this medium?

I really enjoyed this comic! Having developed a greater appreciation for TMP, it was great to read a story that stays close to the film, featuring references and elements that have really grown on me (I admit it: I actually like those uniforms now!). The story fits quite naturally into the parallel-universe narrative by introducing an alternate Uhura, launching into an action-packed adventure that rarely slows down, taking us for a travel to some different places in the galaxy; it has a dynamic pace and is a very quick, engaging read. The crew maintains excellent chemistry and natural interaction—perhaps feeling slightly more like the SNW or Kelvin timeline versions than the original movie cast—yet they remain charismatic and exude that familiar rapport. Likewise, the broader glimpses of the Federation—and how they and Starfleet must diplomatically manage Kirk’s actions in the face of potential war—were fantastic; I would have loved to see a bit more of that. The artwork is also very good for the most part. I don’t mind that the characters don’t always look exactly like the actors; since it’s a different medium, I appreciate it when the creators get inventive with the designs.

That said, I did have a few issues with the story. There is a constant focus on the alternate Uhura—her perspective and thoughts—but unfortunately, that same depth isn't applied to the villain. We never really get to know Akris, his motivations, or his methods (especially the "how," given that the weapon he uses has a potentially interesting backstory that is never fully utilized), leaving him feeling like a somewhat generic bad guy. Similarly, some plot threads seem significant at the start—Starfleet wanting Kirk to resume his role as admiral, McCoy wavering on whether to return to retirement, or Chekov confronting his fears—yet they are never resolved. Ultimately, my main problem with the story is that the alternate Uhura doesn't seem to learn anything from her journey. She is taught about audacity and mercy, and is chastised when she endangers others in pursuit of revenge, yet this counts for little since she achieves her goal without facing any repercussions.

Overall, it is an entertaining story—flawed, certainly, but fun as a standalone Enterprise adventure and, for me, a welcome return to ST comics.

I’ll put it simply: I f*cking loved this novel from start to finish.

Convergence and Cataclysm gave me a bigger picture of the events of this era, but the one thing I was really eager to return to was the perspective of the Path of the Open Hand—specifically the musings and plans of the Mother, Marda, and Werth to liberate the Force.

Path of Vengeance delivers something really beautiful—not just as a sequel and a complement piece to the attack on Dalna, but by doing something unexpected yet deeply appreciated: following up on the 2023 comics! I loved revisiting Matty—a character filled with as much self-doubt as the mystery looming over her—acting with the best of intentions; I really enjoyed her solo journey (although, the limited time her parents, Vildar and Tey, appear is really an absolute crime!). While I wasn't quite as excited about her initial appearance, I really liked seeing more of Oliviah—her inner demons and her quest for answers—and watching her develop a relationship with Matty that was both entertaining and emotional.

On the antagonist side, Yana was a character I really enjoyed. I initially thought she would go down a purely villainous path, so I was pleasantly surprised to find her much more level-headed than her cousin, who seizes every moment to validate her own harmful beliefs and ideas. The dynamic between the Ro cousins ​​is fascinating; the visions of the dead that both experience throughout the novel illustrate the paths they choose to take: an invitation to sink deeper into chaos, intolerance, and aggression, or a warning call to step away from a cycle of violence perpetrated by egomaniacs. And speaking of egomaniacs—Werth Plouth was a fantastic villain! He constantly shifts his alliances and loyalties based on what suits him best, caring little for those closest to him. I finally found the backstory I wanted for Elecia—a fascinating tale of resentment and jealousy—resulting in a pair of villains who are easy to hate right to the very end.

As for the story itself, I loved how it complemented the Battle of Dalna; while I enjoyed Cataclysm, there were moments where I felt a piece of context regarding the Nameless's attacks and the background battles was missing. This book takes the opportunity to further develop the villains' perspective, offering deeper insight into the sect and just how despicable—and reactionary—they can be. It provides the full picture of an event that, in my opinion, is just as spectacular as the Battle of Jedha.

I also really enjoyed the touches of horror scattered throughout—elements that were surprisingly intense at times. As a horror fan, I greatly appreciated them.

I don't have many complaints about the novel; perhaps the resolution of the conflict between Marda and Yana didn't quite convince me over, but otherwise, I’m satisfied.

In short, it’s a highly entertaining book that offers a great explanation of the Nihil's backstory. You’re going down, Marchion Ro, Marda's Rotten Legacy!

That was pretty epic!

Having this "Maul fever" for a few days, I discovered one of his missions in Legends, and what a delight it was.

I really enjoyed reading this comic; it was an action-packed and fast-paced adventure. It features Ep I Maul in all his glory: a cold, efficient assassin. The story centers on a character so unstoppable that—lacking clearly defined personality traits (at that moment)— it also relies heavily on the mission's objective: the Black Sun. It was great to get a glimpse of the organization, how it operates, and its leaders. The artwork is also excellent, managing to convey violence without being overly graphic.

Perhaps my only issue is that I would have liked to see a bit more of it's leader, Alexi, his past as frustrated Jedi hopeful and force user—as well as Mighella, his personal assassin. The concept of a criminal syndicate actively employing Force-sensitive individuals (and wielding lightsabers) is too good a premise to be relegated to just background details.

Overall, I’m satisfied with what I read. A compelling hunt featuring Maul.

A midlife crisis had never spanned so much of the galaxy before!

I was curious to see Han before Ep VII and I really liked the aspects they established. I appreciate that Han just didn't walk away from Leia (and his son) to return to his old life (as I initially thought watching the movie) and that he is shown living a relatively "quiet" life before the hunt for the Falcon begins. It makes the whole situation feel less tragic and more natural.

Speaking of Han, I like the approach taken with his character. Now flooded with nostalgia and remorse, he can't help but retrace his steps into the past, desperate to reclaim what he lost. In some ways, his journey reminded me of his son's: justifying bad decisions by seeking something intangible within the tangible. That said, I like how the comic emphasizes that the Falcon was once the only thing he called home—a constant amidst a sea of change—making it easy to empathize with his desire to see the ship again.

I also enjoyed seeing Chewie by his side. He serves as a constant reminder of the present life Han is putting at risk and needs to appreciate more. Speaking of the present, the glimpses into the galaxy's underworld were fun to see; Ducain struck me as a pretty decent villain—alongside Unkar—successfully adding excitement to this "treasure hunt."

That said, I do see an issue with the story's conclusion. It doesn't tie into Ep VII as closely as it seemed it would; by leaving a gap—albeit a narratively satisfying one where Han realizes he is hurting his loved ones and chooses to abandon the hunt—the entire search becomes slightly redundant (not to mention the questions raised by the fact that he knew where the Falcon was, yet didn't know in the movie). Perhaps it was just a way to end the story on a more positive note.

In conclusion, an entertaining read featuring Han and Chewie. In my headcanon, Corellians develop senile dementia faster, which is why Han doesn't remember some things.

Then I discovered that, apparently, he is "alive," according to a Command path.

Like, why? I don't know if anyone at Nintendo regretted something during the production of the game, but at no point did I think Andrew had a chance of surviving the Aparoid attack.

Good show

Initially, I was always slightly more drawn to Boba Fett than to Maul—whom I once dismissed as little more than a henchman, as hollow on the inside as he was striking in design. Thanks to works like Shadow Lord, Son of Dathomir and this comic, I can say my interest in him has grown immensely!

I loved most of the stories told here. The first half focuses on pushing an expert assassin to his limits, getting creative with horror elements that permeate both tales—shifting from a lovecraftian horror regarding the antagonists to a kind of slasher movie vibe, where the protagonist himself becomes the villain. Knowing that none of the other characters can truly stand up to him—only slow him down—adds a tragic dimension to the spectacular action. It’s a potent mix of suffering and tension, leaving me with only a slight wish that I had gotten to know the victims a bit better.

The second half takes the opportunity to explore Maul’s psyche, keeping in high his ferocity as an assassin while also detailing the faint uncertainty lurking within him. He cannot help but doubt whether he is doing what is best for his master; his need for approval drives him to want to know more about the plans and question his missions—traits that are unacceptable to someone who views him merely as a tool expected to act with cold precision. I also appreciate how the story handles Sidious’s management of the dynamic and how he keeps Maul "under control," allowing for a measure of controlled chaos—after all, his apprentice is still a psychopath which only knows the pain and hatred as his only tools.

I must also highlight the exquisite artwork and coloring throughout the comic; the dominant scarlet hues make every page a visual delight that I found myself pausing to admire again and again.

In conclusion, this is an excellent analysis of Darth Maul—both his inner and outer self—and I look forward to seeing more of his adventures (in addition to following his animated future). One line stands out to me: "In a battle where darkness always wins, victory is measured by whatever light escapes."

I recently read I, Robot and loved it, but I was a little disappointed by how little to the story and topics the movie adaptation was, so I'd like to know if anyone knows of any closer to the Asimov's work.