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SPOILER SWNN Review: Marvel's Poe Dameron #1

Discussion in 'Star Wars: Books & Comics + Legends' started by Hard Case, Apr 6, 2016.

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  1. Hard Case

    Hard Case Porg Whisperer
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    [​IMG]​

    After a year of Star Wars comics that were primarily set in the timeline of the original trilogy, Poe Dameron brings a welcome change to Marvel’s Star Wars lineup, being the first series so far set in the timeline of the sequel trilogy. Charles Soule’s Poe Dameron takes its place alongside Jason Aaron’s Star Wars and Kieron Gillen’s Darth Vader as the third ongoing Star Wars series from Marvel. Read on for the full review of the first issue. Spoilers ahead… upload_2016-4-6_10-31-20.gif


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    The premiere issue of this brand new series finds its titular character, Resistance pilot Poe Dameron, on his first mission with the newly formed Black Squadron alongside his trusty droid BB-8. The series (at least the first arc) seems to be a direct prelude to The Force Awakens as Poe and his team set off to find the explorer Lor San Tekka (Max Von Sydow’s character in TFA), who may have information on the whereabouts of the General’s missing brother, the famed Jedi Luke Skywalker.

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    Along with Leia Organa and BB-8, a few minor characters from the film also make an appearance, like the human X-wing pilots Snap Wexley and Jess Pava, as well as Duro A-wing pilot L’ulo – a Galactic Civil War veteran who fought alongside Poe’s mother at Endor (Shattered Empire) – as members of Poe’s Black Squadron. Karé Kun, a female human pilot who first appeared in the Before the Awakening junior novel, also joins Poe’s team, along with newcomer Oddy Muva, an Abednedo technician.

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    The squadron’s first mission takes them to an unnamed location in search for the whereabouts of Lor San Tekka. Upon his arrival, Poe happens upon a group of religious acolytes known as the Crèche, who have been charged with protecting a mysterious egg that they believe holds the “Savior Unborn” who will eventually emerge from the egg to bring salvation to the Crèche or their descendants. In return, they are content to bathe in its radiance as its presence guides their daily lives.

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    Apparently, Lor San Tekka had spent quite a bit of time with the Crèche in the past, but although they have information about the man, they are very wary of Poe and are unwilling to trust him with their secrets. Unable to make any progress whatsoever with the Crèche, in a twist of fate, Poe finds a tracker on his ship that could only have been put there by the First Order, the sworn enemies of the Republic and its unsanctioned band of Resistance fighters.

    [​IMG]​

    Poe tries to convince the Crèche that he is not the bad guy, and he regretfully informs them that the real villains, the type that would boil their sacred egg and eat it for breakfast, are on their way to their location. He then resigns to attempt to earn the trust of the Crèche by defending them from the impending First Order assault. Regretfully, Poe’s team informs him over the comm that the First Order is not on their way – they’re already there.

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    I have really enjoyed Soule’s contributions to Marvel’s Star Wars comics so far with the Lando and Obi-Wan & Anakin mini-series, and Phil Noto’s art on Chewbacca may have been one of its very few redeeming qualities. That being said, the pair seem to make a pretty good team and I am very much looking forward to seeing where this series goes in the issues ahead.

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    Although not groundbreaking by any means, this introduction to Poe Dameron was nicely done and bodes well for the rest of the series. Noto has his own unique art style with his bold lines and vibrant colors, while remaining true to the classic Star Wars feel and faithfully representing the characters from the film. Likewise, Soule succeeds in writing Poe’s character, bringing the character’s strongest attributes to the forefront, namely, his bold arrogance and his undying loyalty to the mission and his love for his friends. Poe’s dialogue is especially well-written and fits in perfectly with his portrayal in the film by Oscar Isaac.

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    As an introduction to a brand new series that has yet to firmly establish its footing in the Star Wars universe, it’s hard to find anything overtly negative about its first issue. My opinion on the series will be further formed as it progresses in the issues to come, but so far, I like what I am seeing. The series does run the risk of being limited in its storytelling as it takes place so close to the sequel trilogy, but whether or not this will be a problem moving forward remains to be seen.

    [​IMG]​

    Even though this first storyline seems to lead right into the events of The Force Awakens, who says that the next chapter will not take us back in time to explore Poe’s childhood much like Weisman did with the Kanan series? There are so many different directions this story could take moving forward, and the next couple of issues should help solidify its significance. It’s definitely worth checking out though, especially if you are a fan of Poe or, like me, are experiencing some fatigue with the OT timeline.

    [​IMG]​

    There is also a bonus mini-comic included in the issue where BB-8 plays matchmaker for a couple of Resistance soldiers at the base on D’Qar. This lighthearted comic was actually a fun read, and although I don’t think I’d invest in a series like this, it works great as a bonus feature in the back pages of an ongoing series like Poe Dameron. We need more stuff like this.

    As always, don’t forget to support your local comic shops and stay tuned to SWNN for news on Star Wars comics, books, and more!

    [​IMG]​
     
    #1 Hard Case, Apr 6, 2016
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  2. LadyMusashi

    LadyMusashi Archwizard Woo-Woo-in-Chief
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    Well done, @Hard Case ! I admit, the first thing I did this morning was picking up this comic. :)

    I liked the scene between Poe and Leia. He might be an awesome pilot, but experience is on Leia's side. I really liked Black Squadron and the way it connects the canon. Good to know Snap will be fighting on Jaku in the final Wendig's book. I especially liked that L'ulo was there and that there are two ladies in the squadron.

    I liked the banter between the pilots, Poe's relationship with BB-8 and his lines - they were pretty spot on.

    You are right, this isn't a world shattering comic, but it's a good hook for those who aren't usually reading the comics. They connect it to TFA immediately and hook the readers. They could go back and forth through time and cover different time in Poe's Resistance service. We'll see, for the first issue, it was well done.

    BB-8, the matchmaker! That was really cute. They even managed to capture his exasperation and sadness. I hope they do more of these little BB-8's adventures.
     
    #2 LadyMusashi, Apr 6, 2016
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  3. AlienofDoom

    AlienofDoom Rebel General

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    @Hard Case Thanks for the great review! I think you captured most of my emotions I had about this issue (aka 'Yay!'), but I figure I can be egotistical and force you all to hear my thoughts regardless.
    I was really looking forward to this and I have to say it didn't dissapoint... I agree that it wasn't spectacular, but for an issue #1 it did a very admirable job of setting everything up.
    My couple of notes:
    1) I like that all of the pilots Poe chose are already characters we have some interaction with (though I have to say L'ulo was a bit of a surprise).
    2) The art was really good most of the time, but there were a couple of panels where characters looked a bit off. Poe every once in a while, and Leia fairly often.
    3) The BB-8 mini wasn't really my thing. It was a bit *too* cute and fluffy I think as a pairing with the more grounded Poe story, but it didn't take anything away for me.
    4) I'm glad to see more about Lor San Tekka. I have a feeling that we'll be getting a fair bit more of him in the years to come.
    5) Soole did a really good job with Poe's dialogue, I could practically hear Oscar Isaac saying the lines.

    So, in short. I'm really happy to ride this series and see where we end up going!

    edit: Whoops, didn't mean to quote you there LadyMusashi, sorry about that.
     
    #3 AlienofDoom, Apr 6, 2016
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  4. FN-3263827

    FN-3263827 First Order CPS
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    what's with the floating stormtroopers at the end ~ are they jumping? parachuting? weird panels.

    this was fun ~ nothing crazy great for an opener, but i'm interested enough to pick up the next one.

    and i agree, Poe really seems to be in character, which is awesome.
     
    #4 FN-3263827, Apr 6, 2016
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  5. Kyle

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    Great review, @Hard Case ! I've been looking forward to it all day!

    Loved this issue. I hope it will help fill in a few of the unknown details about the New Republic, Resistance, and overall state of the galaxy. Marvel made a great choice in giving Phil Noto the reigns here. Love the artwork. Charles Soule also did a nice job of setting up the series. I agree with you 100% that Poe's dialogue was perfect and I felt like this story was right in line with the feel of TFA.

    Leia telling Poe everything he knew about the evil of the Empire was "secondhand", and how most of the Resistance fighters only have an idea about what is at stake. I hope we get more of her and other OT characters as Poe continues his search.

    I'm also excited to find out who the guy on the cover of the next issue is.
     
    #5 Kyle, Apr 7, 2016
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  6. AstromechRecords

    AstromechRecords Jedi General

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    I wonder who the guy in black is in that last picture...cool write up.
     
    #6 AstromechRecords, Apr 7, 2016
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  7. Boushhdisguise

    Boushhdisguise Jedi General

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    Great review. Loved it, and it was nice to get to know the squad a bit better. The bonus comic was cute.
     
    #7 Boushhdisguise, Apr 7, 2016
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  8. Darth Daigo

    Darth Daigo Rebel Official

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    His name is Captain Terrex. He will be the story's main antagonist.
     
    #8 Darth Daigo, Apr 7, 2016
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  9. PrincessLeiaCB3

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    Great review @Hard Case ! I just read this issue. As you mention, it is sort of refreshing to get something near TFA from the comics. Though I'd lie if I said I don't enjoy jumping in the timeline with all the movies/comics/shows etc.

    You just read my mind. I was wondering if the storyline wouldn't be a little bit too tight since he is looking for Lor San Tekka but then thought of the Kanan comic and how he went back in time to show his story as the last surviving padawan from Order 66.

    I really enjoy these two interacting - on and off screen - and I like how this comic issue keeps the same feeling.

    Same here. I was reading the comic and could hear him too in my head lol.

    And about Lor San Tekka, I'm really intrigued about him. Hope the new material for the Star Wars comics or the books cover more about him.

    Lol read "floating stormtrooper" and thought about the adventures of the levitating Stormtrooper TK-2008 from Blue Milk Special:

    ROTJ-196.jpg

    I liked how her stoic expression in the comic matched totally that line. Agree, hope they are included too.
     
    #9 PrincessLeiaCB3, Apr 7, 2016
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  10. FN-3263827

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    that's hilarious!

    i'm looking forward to more Lor San Tekka too! not sure we'll get it here since Poe's just chasing him without catching, but i'm really counting on the new EU to tell us more about him. maybe in the comic we'll get to see some flashbacks or holovids or something where he can actually do stuff.
     
    #10 FN-3263827, Apr 7, 2016
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  11. Snap Wexley

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    This was the first comic book I've bought since I was a kid. Going to the local comic shop to pick this up was a fun experience. They gave me a Poe pin and lithograph with my purchase which was cool.

    image.jpeg

    Poe Dameron has become one of my favorite Star Wars characters and I'm so glad he has his own comic book series. I loved this first issue, the artwork was well done and the writer really captured Poe's character. I don't have much to compare it to (since I don't really read comics) but it's definitely worth the read. I can't wait for issue #2.

    Go Black Squadron!
     
    #11 Snap Wexley, Apr 8, 2016
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  12. Hard Case

    Hard Case Porg Whisperer
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    Welcome to the Cantina Snap! Nice pic. :) Ya know, it's funny - I actually read way more comics now than I ever did as a kid. One reason for this I think is that comics are now being marketed to people who read comics as a kid. As a result, the majority of them (even in the classic Marvel and DC lineups) are written to be age appropriate for teens and adults.

    The access is also now much easier than it was when I was a kid when you had to beg your parents to take you to a comic shop. Now I have instant access to thousands of comics digitally and can drive myself down to the shop. I had been out of the comics game for a long time and last year's Star Wars #1 in January got me back in. Now, I would say that the comic book medium is my primary form of entertainment. I read comics and graphic novels more than I watch TV or Netflix.

    BTW - since you are such a big Poe fan, I recommend you pick up the Shattered Empire trade paperback. Poe is not in it as it takes place immediately after ROTJ, but his parents are in it, as well as the Black Squadron pilot L'ulo. There's some nice connective tissue there.
     
    #12 Hard Case, Apr 8, 2016
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  13. ZebroGodilla

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    Great review, @Hard Case! I honestly like the minimal effect these comics have overall to the movies. They build up, are important, but never contradict or are even bigger than the movies. Vader Down was big, but still played as being as smaller than the actual OT movies. Same here, and I appreciate that. I dig seeing Snap Wexley, also known as Temmin Wexley from Aftermath, continue to get expanded on, and of course hearing about Jakku get's me excited to hear even more about the battle. Lost Stars gave me a craving for it haha! And L'ulo! He worked with Shara as her commander, and look at Poe, he commands him! That's just really nice for the fans. I also like the mixed gender-group, that's always a must. The humor was spot on Poe, and I full out love Oscar Isaac. Maybe one day he'll be even cooler than Biggs Darklighter for me! The whole egg cult was interesting, got some serious Geonosian vibes. The little BB-8 comic was adorable. Pretty excited for the main villain to come in!
     
    #13 ZebroGodilla, Apr 14, 2016
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  14. Darby

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    I knew nothing about this series before reading, so I was stoked to see it was set during Poe's mission to find LST (however long before TFA it is.) He could've been looking for quite some time, so this series could run for a bit. Hopefully we find out more about LST and the Church of the Force, most likely through second hand info Poe receives while on his quest.
    Things of note: not sure how Poe's X-Wing got a FO tracker on it. Has some time gone by since Leia sent him on this mission and Poe got tagged somewhere along the way, or is there a FO spy on D'Quar? If it's the latter, then why did the FO have to track Resistance scouts to find D'Qar in TFA?
    At some point Poe has to bring his black X-Wing back to D'qar and fly a blue one before reaching Jakku.
    BB-8 keeping the Trandoshan at bay with his little zapper was a nice touch.

    Looks like Soule is on deck for another home run. I give it an 8.0
     
    #14 Darby, Apr 21, 2016
  15. 77th

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    "Poe 01" is a great comic, loved it, are the classic "Rogue Squadron" adventures back in comics? But i already missed "Kanan" because it was my favorite Marvel Star Wars comics.

    One question arises my mind when archiving this comic, witch SW Era it belongs, definitely a new Era but what would be it's designation? we have:

    Old Republic Era (ancient tales)
    Rise of the Empire Era (SW Prequels and Clone Wars times)
    Empire Era (original SW and rebellium adventures)
    New Republic (Post Empire Era, Luke's New Jedi Order)
    Legacy Era (guess this one is no more, post post Luke era)

    @Hard Case could be cool to promote a contest over the SW Era naming and placing amoung us, personally i would go with "First Order Era" wich replaced the "New Republic Era" in the time continum.
     
    #15 77th, Apr 29, 2016
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