Star Wars: The Classic Newspaper Comics Vol. 2 (Star Wars Newspaper Comics) Hardcover – March 13, 2018

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..."As the year 1980 gave dawn to 1981, the phenomenon that was George Lucas' "Star Wars" Saga continued to grow and enthrall audiences around the world. "The Empire Strikes Back," the cinematic sequel to the blockbuster film "Star Wars," premiered in May of 1980 and enraptured moviegoers just like its predecessor. Toys, books and a variety of other merchandise were released for fans eager to further embrace the joy the film series created. A particular aspect of the "Star Wars" experience during this time was a newspaper comic strip published seven days a week, featuring full color Sunday strips and black and white daily strips, distributed through the Los Angeles Times Syndicate. These continuing "adventures of Luke Skywalker" are showcased in IDW's "Star Wars: The Classic Newspaper Comics Volume 2," the middle book in a three part hardcover collection. This second volume reprints the series of comic tales first published in newspapers across the United States from 1980 through 1982 and features the remarkable work of writer Archie Goodwin and artist Al Williamson, as well as respected comic illustrator Alfredo Alcala. For fans of "Star Wars" who are unfamiliar with this unique interpretation of George Lucas' cosmic chronicle of good versus evil, they should prepare themselves to experience some of the most beautifully realized comic versions of the tales of Luke Skywalker and his fellow Star Warriors ever made!Below is a list of the titles and short synopses of the stories included in this collection:"Han Solo at Star's End." October 6, 1980 - February 8, 1981.Written by Archie Goodwin; drawn by Alfredo Alcala.The opening adventure in this special volume is an adaptation of an early "Star Wars" novel first published in 1979, written by Brian Daley. The novel was the first in a trilogy of tales by the author, which included "Han Solo's Revenge," also released in 1979, and "Han Solo and the Lost Legacy," originally published in 1980. These exploits of the reckless smuggler captain of the Millennium Falcon and his mighty Wookiee co-pilot Chewbacca, take place before the epic events of "Star Wars."Seeking the where-abouts of Doc, a criminal compatriot, Han Solo and Chewbacca run afoul of the Corporate Sector Authority, a totalitarian governmental body that controls a portion of the galaxy. When Chewie is captured by corporate forces, Han must concoct a plan to rescue his Wookiee partner as well as his other missing friend from the impregnable prison called Star's End.While it was intriguing to read about the adventures of Han Solo and Chewbacca before their fateful meeting with Luke Skywalker, the comic strip translation of the Brian Daley novel seemed interminable in its 4 month long length. It was also hampered by the artwork of Alfredo Alcala, whose illustrations appeared to be inspired more by the 1930s "Buck Rogers" newspaper strip by Philip Nowlan and Dick Calkins than George Lucas' futuristic vision for "Star Wars.""The Bounty Hunter of Ord Mantell." February 9 - April 19, 1981.Princess Leia Organa: "Han!"Han Solo: "Yes, Your Highnessness?"Leia: "I thought you had decided to stay."Han: "That bounty hunter we ran into on Ord Mantell changed my mind."(Dialog from "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back")Beginning their creative run on the newspaper strip, Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson take inspiration for their first story from a brief dialog exchange between Princess Leia and Han Solo (featured above) from the second "Star Wars" film. Travelling to the planet Ord Mantell, the Star Warriors encounter the bounty hunter Skorr, seeking the huge reward placed on Han Solo by the galactic gangster Jabba the Hutt!"Darth Vader Strikes." April 20 - July 26, 1981.With the secret aid of an Imperial admiral, Luke Skywalker and his droids, C-3PO and R2-D2, infiltrate the shipyards of Fondor to gain intelligence on the construction of a stupendous super star destroyer, built under the supervision of the Dark Lord of the Sith himself, Darth Vader!"The Serpent Masters." July 27 - November 1, 1981.Barely escaping the clutches of Darth Vader and the Empire with the help of a new friend, Tanith Shire, Luke Skywalker and his droid companions face the prospect of lifelong servitude on the desolate world of the merciless Serpent Masters!"Deadly Reunion." November 2, 1981 - January 3, 1982.In flight from relentless Imperial forces, our heroes are reunited aboard the Millennium Falcon, only to find themselves trapped in the gravitational pull of a collapsing dwarf star and the vengeful plans of a dying Imperial scientist, Doctor Arakkus!"Traitor's Gambit." January 4 - March 7, 1982.Beneath the waters of the ocean world of Aquaris, Luke, Leia, Han, and company seek refuge with new members of the Rebel Alliance, which include Silver Fyre, a beautiful former adversary of Han Solo, and the danger of a betrayer in their midst!"The Night Beast." March 8 - May 16, 1982.Deep beneath the ancient ruins of Massasi Temple of Yavin IV, the base of the Rebel Alliance, a monstrous menace awakens, threatening everyone in the makeshift headquarters of the Star Warriors!"The Return of Ben Kenobi." May 17 - July 25, 1982.When a rebel agent arrives at the Yavin IV Rebel base after barely escaping an Imperial attack, he relates a story about his rescuer, which compels Luke Skywalker to embark on a mission to learn the truth about the possible return of his legendary Jedi mentor!As readers of this 295 page hardcover will quickly realize, the magic of "Star Wars" is richly re-imagined in these tales of stellar adventure. In story after story, fans of this cherished mythology, along with fans of great comics will be entranced by this collection featuring the iconic characters of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca, R2-D2, C-3PO, and Darth Vader in tales nearly as thrilling as the immortal movies that inspired them. When Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson began work on the "Star Wars" newspaper strip, the two talented comic creators had already established themselves as a veteran team. The duo had produced a truly memorable 13 year run on the adventure strip series, "Secret Agent Corrigan" (  X-9: Secret Agent Corrigan Volume 1X-9: Secret Agent Corrigan Volume 1 , part of a 5 book reprint series by IDW Publishing), from 1967-1980. They also produced what this reviewer feels is a "Star Wars" comic masterpiece for Marvel Comics; the 6 part adaptation of "Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back," in issues #39-44 of the company's monthly comic series during the fall and winter of 1980 and 1981. It was republished in 2015 in the  Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back  hardcover by Marvel. The gifted gentlemen also wrote and illustrated Marvel's comic version of the "Star Wars: Return of the Jedi," movie, which was originally released as a 4 issue limited-series as well as well as a special magazine in 1983 and 1984. A remastered hardcover of the adaptation,  Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (Star Wars Return of the Jedi)Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (Star Wars Return of the Jedi) , was also published in 2015.Mr. Goodwin and Mr. Williamson brought a mastery of storytelling and sequential art that was ideal for the "Star Wars" saga. Mr. Goodwin had already proven himself a great interpreter of George Lucas' grand space fantasy films as a writer on 26 issues of the "Star Wars" comic title even before contributing the script to "The Empire Strikes Back" adaptation. As for Mr. Williamson, George Lucas himself long hoped to have the artist draw a comic version of his film series. When he finally took pencil and pen to paper, his work proved to be a stunning revelation to many fans of the Saga, especially the young enthusiasts who had never been exposed to his amazing artistry. His detailed, almost photo-like illustrations beautifully recreated the likenesses of the beloved characters of the movies and the "used universe" look of the "galaxy far, far away." He seemed born to draw "Star Wars!" A tantalizing early example of this is reprinted in the opening section of the book, which features Mr. Williamson producing a partial comic strip retelling of the "Star Wars" film, drawn as a proposal for the creation of the newspaper strip, which would ultimately be first realized by another comic master, Russ Manning, showcased in the first volume of this archival series. An important editorial decision was also made at the start of Mr. Goodwin and Mr. Williamson's tenure on the strip: the choice to continue the newspaper comic's continuity during the time before the events of "The Empire Strikes Back," so the writer and artist could still showcase the full cast of "Star Wars" characters, specifically Han Solo. This was despite the fact that their time on strip took place after the charming "scoundrel" was dramatically forced into carbon freezing as featured in "Episode V" of George Lucas' cosmic film saga. Additionally, as the Goodwin/Williamson team progressed on the strip, a story chronology was established, linking their adventures and characters to an ongoing narrative distinctive to the newspaper comic. This strengthened the enjoyment of the strip for followers of this daily and Sunday serial adventure.Similar to the first book in this series, the black and white daily strips are reproduced 3 to a page while the color Sunday strips are showcased on their own individual pages. The one disappointing flaw this reviewer found with this otherwise great collection is the reprinting of the Sunday strips. I think IDW could have done a better job of drawing out the color of these strips. On the other hand, Al Williamson's black and white illustrations are clearly and beautifully displayed in this thick volume.The work collected in this book represent comics at their best and as comic fans and "Star Wars" fans will discover, they are in for entertainment worthy of the cherished saga that is "Star Wars!" It comes with my highest recommendation!May the Force be with you, always!

This is the second of three volumes. The first I gave five stars for nostalgia value and the fact that it was part of the beginning of expanding the Star Wars tableau -- plus, of course, Russ Manning's terrific artwork.For health reasons Manning had to drop the strip and there were two fill-in stories with art by Alfredo Alcala. I have nothing good to say about either of them, and why the editors saved the latter of those to open this volume mystifies me.And then came the team of Archie Goodwin writing (and I have to admit that he did script the second Alcala story) and Al Williamson on artwork. And Star Wars was never the same.Williamson has a fluidity to his artwork that continues to captivate this fan who's only nine years older than the movie itself. IMHO he perfectly captures the look and feel of that galaxy far, far away.And with the fantastic images came the decision to, after The Empire Strikes Back, retroactively set the stories between the two films. Unlike Manning, who told a scattering of mostly-unrelated stories with no idea of what a sequel could hold, Goodwin crafted a linear path from Star Wars to Empire; the first half is in this book, the second in the next and final volume.Are there weaknesses? Some would say yes, and that's their right. But I'd rather get lost in the wonder and beauty than seek them out. There are some fans who have zealoualy held onto a previous black-and-white slipcased edition of all (but only) the Goodwin / Williamson material. I'm one of them. But the chance to experience the Sunday strips in their original colour means that these volumes will sit alongside that other set in already overfull bookshelves.Recommended highly.

I love these collections of the old comic strips from the newspaper. It shows how good the story and art are, held over time!

My brother is a hardcore star wars fan and he loved this, he collected these when they were in the paper, but those have long since become hard to read and this brings it all back to life for him. Speedy delivery and arrived in wonderful condition.

Gave as a gift to my son, he liked it.

Gift

Excellent condition of the book

Looking great

Brings back great memories reading some of these stories in the newspapers back in '83. Gorgeous art from Al Williamson who I reckon is one of the best illustrators.

Classic Newspaper stories.

Todo bien

wieder gelungen ist dieser 2.Band mit hervorragenden Nachdrucken des Zeitungscomics. Ergänzend sind die Seiten von Al Williamson zum 1.Film ... A NEW HOPE.Schön seitendfüllend gedruckt. Alle Sonntagsseiten sind vollständig in Farbe enthalten. Sie sind nicht nur wiederholend, sondern können passend ergänzend sein. Nach R.Manning ist nun Alfredo Alcala dran. Geschmacksache ist sein Zeichenstil. Mit BOUNTY HUNTER OF ORD MANTELL beginnen die Seiten von Al Williamson, was wieder ein Genuss ist.Inhalt:- HAN SOLO AT STAR'S END 6.101980 - 8.2.1981 AlcalaAl Williamson - THE BOUNTY HUNTER OF ORD MANTELL 9.2. . 19.4.1981- DARTH VADER STRIKES 20.4. - 26.7.1981- THE SERPENT MASTERS 27.7. - 1.11. 1981- DEADLY REUNION 2.11.1981 - 3.1.1982- TRAITOR'S GAMBIT 4.1. - 7.3.1982- THE NIGHT BEAST 8.3. - 16.5.1982- THE RETURN OF BEN KENOBI 17.5. - 25.7.1982Man kann gespannt sein auf den letzten Band.