Synopsis:
Rather than follow the path of video game antagonist Starkiller, The Force Unleashed graphic novel instead chronicles the events of a not-yet famous Boba Fett. Interrupted while spending an evening with Xasha, the closest thing he might ever have to a girlfriend, Fett is contacted by none other than Darth Vader. Addressing the bounty hunter by name (suggesting familiarity) Vader informs Fett of his latest assignment, offering to pay three times his regular rate in exchange for the termination of a "Jedi of sorts." Having learned to despise the Jedi at a young age and being enthralled by the money, Fett sets out immediately to Cato Neimoidia, a rigid mountain planet and former battle spot of the Clone Wars. Upon arriving at the planet with Xasha in tow, it becomes instantly apparent that the Jedi he's after is no ordinary force wielder, but something far beyond. Through following the wake of destruction and eventually coming face to face with original characters from TFU, Fett is determined to complete his mission and secure his place as prominent bounty hunter in the galaxy.
No stranger to the Star Wars galaxy, author Haden Blackman (writer of the original game and its sequel) teams up with Black Horse Comics one more time to bring readers yet another story of intrigue, betrayal and loss; recurring themes that seem to plague our favorite force sensitives and those around them. By following the path of Boba Fett, who apparently makes only brief appearance in the game, TFU2 graphic novel offers fans a different point of view: enough to show prospective players what sort of challenges they'll have to face without blatantly showing how or why. Blackman also succeeds in humanizing Boba Fett quite a bit, a move that will cause fans to either laminate the novel and cherish it forever, or burn it in a bonfire along with all things Jar Jar Binks. From showing Fett's softer side with would-be girlfriend Xasha, to his internal struggle with coming face-to-face with a tampered version of his father's clones, Fett is given heart, depth, and shown as more than just a gun slinging bounty hunter with a fancy for carbonite freezing.
Despite how the story is told, its a gutsy move for Lucas Arts to bring Starkiller back, and TFU2 shows just how close they are to ruining universe continuity. While they may walk a fine line that is sure to ruin most fan fiction, they do it like pros with a short and sweet graphic novel that grows on readers over time.
Appearance:
Artists Omar Francia and Manuel Silva are also seasoned veterans when it comes to the world of Star Wars comic books, and its apparent with their depictions of an armored Fett, fully decked out Xasha, and some of the vehicles and weapons shown throughout the comic book. However, while their strong suit is definitely well-executed Star Wars throwbacks, faces of our beloved characters from both TFU and the original Star Wars universe are often hard to decipher without first glancing at the clothes they're wearing. It could be argued that the drawing duo never once looked at Starkiller's face, and that their idea of Juno Eclipse is just any lady with long blonde hair.
Another grievance with the artwork are the battle scenes. Often times its rather unclear as to what exactly the artists are trying to convey, especially in panels with no dialog boxes. Most of what's occurring is left to the reader's imagination: "is Starkiller using a force dash or is he deflecting the laser blast with his mind?"
Ultimately, the animation in the graphic novel is far from laughable, but might give fans who are already disgruntled with the return of a dead man just one more reason to complain.
Don't Change a Thing:
By following the tale of Fett, rather than Starkiller himself, Dark Horse has given readers a temporary TFU fix without giving away every part of the game -- a grievance with the first graphic novel that was discovered all too late. Its unclear if the ending of the comic book is the same ending point for the game, so those not wanting to risk any major spoilers had best wait to play the game before reading the graphic novel. By featuring planets not normally mentioned in Star Wars pop culture, fans will delight in the opportunity to get a glimpse at other planets that are normally overlooked, though only for a page or two.
Overall TFU2 is an easy read filled with action and "Holy crap!" moments that fans of just the series, comic book junkies, or newbies to both are going to get a kick out of.
Should Have Spent More Time On:
Despite its overall enjoyment, artists could have spent more time on actually making sure the characters look like they do in the game. Just because he wear the same clothes, has short dark hair and answers to the name of Starkiller doesn't mean he's the same hero that we love to watch shock the bejesus out of stormtroopers.
Just How Homo:
While Boba Fett has never been one to get most hot and bothered, gaymers will appreciate the first couple pages in which Fett walks around in little more than a tank top and cargo shorts. In addition to humanizing the ruthless killer, it seems creators of the graphic novel also wanted to remind readers that underneath the armor Fett has a body as good as any object of nerd affection.
Own it or Rent it:
Due to its cost, the high probability that readers will scan the pages over and over, and the fact that its a decent story line, buying this little nugget of nerdiness is the best bet for any fan of comic books or the Star Wars series. Priced at roughly $12.00 brand new, its well worth the money. Given the ending of the novel, it would come as a surprise if Dark Horse didn't plan on releasing yet another chapter in the story, making this one a must-have for any geeks hoping to be up-to-date on their Star Wars knowledge.
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