As long as I can remember Star Wars has always been part of my life. As I can remember one of my uncles remarking about the first time he met me and my cousins, and we were all decked out in the franchise’s pajamas. So because I was born in the 70s, I have had to endure the lifelong pain of wanting more from that universe, and it only being satiated in the last 20 years. As I was one of the many fans that came out when Episode I: The Phantom Menace came out in theaters back in 1999 and hold a mostly positive opinion on Lucas’s completion of his story.
As what he sought to give fans, was context, one that would give fans the necessary information to truly feel for Anakin. What came out of this new trilogy was that and much more, elevating the story everyone thought they knew from the Lucasfilm books into something even more extraordinary. It gave even more characters to root for like Mace Windu and Qui-Gon Jinn. In Alessandro Ferrari’s graphic novel Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Graphic Novel, we revisit this much disputed modern-day classic.
We pick up the story where that has been chaos throughout the Galactic Republic, leading to some trouble on the surrounding planets. We meet a young Obi-Wan with his master, Qui Gon Jinn, who has been tasked to investigate what the Trade Federation is up to, which has been engineered by Lord Sidious. As Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon arrive on Naboo, where they save a local Gungan, Jar Jar Binks, who takes them to his ruling class and who the Jedi try to warn of the oncoming invasion by the Trade Federation. Meanwhile, the Jedi take Queen Amadala, the ruler of Naboo to the senate to plea for help for her people, but take a quick detour to a desert planet, called Tatooine, where they meet a young promising child, named Anakin, who they soon realize is more special than he first appears to be. By the book’s end, a battle has been won, a protagonist falls, hidden evil surfaces and the possible fulfillment of a prophecy through a child emerges.
Overall, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Graphic Novel is a respectable adaptation of the continuation of the world’s most celebrated modern mythology. The story by Lucas is a master class in character development and world-building. The adaptation by Ferrari makes the story a fun ride for younger readers. The art by the creative team is gorgeous. Altogether, a retelling that I enjoyed, and one that serves as a fine introduction to younger audiences.
Story: George Lucas Adaptation: Alessandro Ferrari
Art: Igor Chimisso, Matteo Piana, Andrea Parisi, Davide Turotti, Kawaii Creative Studio, Ken Shue, Roberto Santillo, Marco Ghiglione, Stefano Attardi, Olivia Ciancarelli, Clyde Grapa, and Enrico Soave
Story: 9.0 Adaptation: 9.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 9.0 Recommendation: Buy
IDW Publishing provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review
Purchase: comiXology – Amazon – Kindle – Zeus Comics – TFAW – Bookshop
