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Star Wars Adventures (2017)
Star Wars Adventures, Vol. 5: Mechanical Mayhem
These ARE the droids you're looking for! Your favorite dysfunctional droid team, R2-D2 and C-3PO, bumbles through the Star Wars universe in these kid-friendly tales.
First, R2-D2 tries to stop an Imperial spy from revealing a Rebel secret. But will C-3PO help, or just get in the way? Then, in a story set in the time of the Clone Wars, Anakin and Padme are desperate to get away from the endless fights, both on the battlefield and the floor of the Senate. But when their vacation goes haywire, will R2-D2 and 3PO be able to set things right? Plus, stories featuring IG-88, Mace Windu, and Max Rebo!
Continuing the family-friendly stories Star Wars Adventures is known for, Volume 5 collects issues #9, #12, and #13. From creators John Barber, Chad Thomas, Elsa Charretier, Pierrick Colinet, Nick Brokenshire, Scott Peterson, and Mauricet.
First, R2-D2 tries to stop an Imperial spy from revealing a Rebel secret. But will C-3PO help, or just get in the way? Then, in a story set in the time of the Clone Wars, Anakin and Padme are desperate to get away from the endless fights, both on the battlefield and the floor of the Senate. But when their vacation goes haywire, will R2-D2 and 3PO be able to set things right? Plus, stories featuring IG-88, Mace Windu, and Max Rebo!
Continuing the family-friendly stories Star Wars Adventures is known for, Volume 5 collects issues #9, #12, and #13. From creators John Barber, Chad Thomas, Elsa Charretier, Pierrick Colinet, Nick Brokenshire, Scott Peterson, and Mauricet.
80 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 18, 2019
An ok collection of stories. This volume contains 5 stories. 4 short and 1 main story.
The first is a story of R2 and C3PO. R2 discovers a droid behaving strangely, C3PO making his usual fuss.
The main story stars Anakin and Padme. On vacation the secret couple discover not all battles are fought in the battlefield, and politics is everywhere.
The next 3 stories are what brought the rating down for me. I grew in the 80s when cartoon show would give you a bit of a moral message in the last 5 minutes. The Wild Space Tales seem to want to do the same sort of thing. Aside from the first one I really go not understand what there message is. Yes it is nice to see cameos of Star Wars characters, but if there is no point in the story it does not work for this format.
The first is a story of R2 and C3PO. R2 discovers a droid behaving strangely, C3PO making his usual fuss.
The main story stars Anakin and Padme. On vacation the secret couple discover not all battles are fought in the battlefield, and politics is everywhere.
The next 3 stories are what brought the rating down for me. I grew in the 80s when cartoon show would give you a bit of a moral message in the last 5 minutes. The Wild Space Tales seem to want to do the same sort of thing. Aside from the first one I really go not understand what there message is. Yes it is nice to see cameos of Star Wars characters, but if there is no point in the story it does not work for this format.
May 7, 2019
The stories in this volume are in the same style as all the previous volumes—short, pithy, focusing on a mix of major and minor characters, and all presented in vibrant, cartoony artwork.
But there's one thing I'll remember about this volume: it's the time I learned that Max Rebo has no arms! He plays the keyboard with his legs! How have I never known this?? It doesn't seem like a fact that would affect very much, and yet . . . it's quite a change to get into my head. I read the story about Max and his brother, and I just stared at those panels, like . . . "What? [peering closer at the page] No arms? But . . . " A search online brought me to this article at StarWars.com that confirms: Max was never intended to have arms. He's not sitting inside a circular keyboard; he's sitting on a cushion on top of the keyboard, playing with his feet.
Life is different today than it was yesterday, before I'd read this book.
But there's one thing I'll remember about this volume: it's the time I learned that Max Rebo has no arms! He plays the keyboard with his legs! How have I never known this?? It doesn't seem like a fact that would affect very much, and yet . . . it's quite a change to get into my head. I read the story about Max and his brother, and I just stared at those panels, like . . . "What? [peering closer at the page] No arms? But . . . " A search online brought me to this article at StarWars.com that confirms: Max was never intended to have arms. He's not sitting inside a circular keyboard; he's sitting on a cushion on top of the keyboard, playing with his feet.
Life is different today than it was yesterday, before I'd read this book.
August 11, 2022
*3.5
The thing to remember about these graphic novels is that they're aimed at a younger audience. So they have to be enjoyed for what they are - and what they are is pretty fun. I do wish some of the stories had a bit more substance, but I still had a good time.
The first story follows Artoo and Threepio closely after the events of RotS, so it is genuinely entertaining to watch their dynamic when they're becoming friends again. The plot to this one isn't bad, either.
The second one is my favorite; it reads like a TCW episode. I loved the underlying theme of propaganda as a weapon, but I really just enjoyed watching Anakin and Padme being a cute married couple. This is set after TCW season 1, so it's just such fun.
The last three stories are all shorter ones, and these tend to be my least favorite of the series. We see IG-88, a girl who meets Mace Windu, and the brother of Max Rebo. They're not outright terrible, but I don't care for them quite as much.
3.5/5 stars. Fantastic first two stories.
The thing to remember about these graphic novels is that they're aimed at a younger audience. So they have to be enjoyed for what they are - and what they are is pretty fun. I do wish some of the stories had a bit more substance, but I still had a good time.
The first story follows Artoo and Threepio closely after the events of RotS, so it is genuinely entertaining to watch their dynamic when they're becoming friends again. The plot to this one isn't bad, either.
The second one is my favorite; it reads like a TCW episode. I loved the underlying theme of propaganda as a weapon, but I really just enjoyed watching Anakin and Padme being a cute married couple. This is set after TCW season 1, so it's just such fun.
The last three stories are all shorter ones, and these tend to be my least favorite of the series. We see IG-88, a girl who meets Mace Windu, and the brother of Max Rebo. They're not outright terrible, but I don't care for them quite as much.
3.5/5 stars. Fantastic first two stories.
April 1, 2021
These minor Star Wars Adventures seem even more simplistic than usual. C-3P0 is bamboozled by an Imperial spy droid. Anakin and Padme uncover the secret of a past-her-prime intergalactic actress. Three "Tales from Wild Space" stories hammer home some drivel about being helpful and looking past the obvious. I usually like the "Tales from Wild Space," but three might be too many. And any complexity would be welcome.
At least the art continues to be fun. Really appreciated Elsa Charretier's work on the Anakin/Padme story. Oh, and before I forget: Max Rebo has no arms?? Strange but true.
At least the art continues to be fun. Really appreciated Elsa Charretier's work on the Anakin/Padme story. Oh, and before I forget: Max Rebo has no arms?? Strange but true.
April 30, 2023
Continuing to enjoy these quick stories. Particularly enjoyed the Anakin and Padme story most from this volume.
April 20, 2019
‘Star Wars Adventures Volume 5: Mechanical Mayhem’ continues the series in a similar vein to what we’ve come to expect from this series. It is split into five stories this time, and I’ll give a little detail to each. ‘Trouble Again’ was a fun story set shortly after 3PO has his mind wiped at the end of Episode III. Not yet having reestablished his relationship with R2, the two are ultimately beginning again. A seeker droid was trying to transmit a data package to the Empire, and through the two squabbling they eventually save the day. It was a fun story, and I wish I knew what R2 was saying sometimes. ‘Intermission’ follows up with an actress who uses her role to betray the Republic and spout Separatist propaganda. It’s an interesting kind of tale I hadn’t considered. The resolution was quite fun, and Anakin even wore an extremely Vader-esq mask! It’s nice seeing Padmé and Anakin get some time together. The following three stories are ‘Tales From Wild Space’, ultimately shorter and less substantial. The first, ‘IG-88 vs. the Garrison Gang’ was alright - mainly just a lesson about taking things slow. It seemed more akin to something you’d see in Loony Tunes to Star Wars. ‘A Small Push’ sees a young Twi’lek who is shunned by her people succumb to her feelings of dismay. When the worst is about to happen, she accepts it and believes she deserves it - until Mace Windu saves her and tells her differently. It’s a cute little moral lesson, although I’m not sure I see Mace being the one to give it. He doesn’t strike me as a fatherly figure. The final story is ‘The Blue Brothers’ staring Max Rebo! It’s to teach the lesson of mistaken identity, or blaming someone before you know the truth. The thugs think Max has stolen money, when really it was his brother. After a brief chase, Mac makes things right. Overall, the main reason I’d get this volume is for the main stories, which I definitely did enjoy. The other three were cute, but definitely lacking in substance. I’d give it a 2.75/5.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2022
Five stories starring characters such as Artoo and Threepio, Anakin and Padme, IG-88, Mace Windu and Max Rebo.
As with most all of the other 'Star Wars Adventures' books I've read, there's nothing too remarkable about the stories on offer here, being fairly shallow and bland, aimed at a younger reading audience.
Honestly, I should've learned by now to stop reading these IDW-published comic anthologies, but I keep hoping for a really good one which will transcend its intended age market. This isn't it, unfortunately.
This book is slightly better than the others of the series, however, with a little more depth and subtlety than the other books showed.
Also, there was one story here which had such an original premise that it elevated the book as a whole; John Barber's 'Trouble Again' (a nice nod to the theme song of the 80s Droids cartoon). In it we see Artoo and Threepio aboard the Tantive IV between Episodes III and IV, but what really struck me as a clever new angle was that since Threepio has his memory wiped in Episode III, he and Artoo have to rebuild their friendship from scratch. It's made all the more interesting by the fact that Artoo still knows that they're old friends.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com *
As with most all of the other 'Star Wars Adventures' books I've read, there's nothing too remarkable about the stories on offer here, being fairly shallow and bland, aimed at a younger reading audience.
Honestly, I should've learned by now to stop reading these IDW-published comic anthologies, but I keep hoping for a really good one which will transcend its intended age market. This isn't it, unfortunately.
This book is slightly better than the others of the series, however, with a little more depth and subtlety than the other books showed.
Also, there was one story here which had such an original premise that it elevated the book as a whole; John Barber's 'Trouble Again' (a nice nod to the theme song of the 80s Droids cartoon). In it we see Artoo and Threepio aboard the Tantive IV between Episodes III and IV, but what really struck me as a clever new angle was that since Threepio has his memory wiped in Episode III, he and Artoo have to rebuild their friendship from scratch. It's made all the more interesting by the fact that Artoo still knows that they're old friends.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.com *
January 1, 2023
This collection of Star Wars Adventures issues is all about droids!
The classic duo of C-3PO and R2-D2 are the heroes of the main stories. The first tale is set during the Clone Wars where Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amadala are hoping to get a little bit of me time together during a diplomatic message. However, it turns out to be a Separatist plot with an array of droids holding the Jedi and Senator from Naboo hostage.
Then in a story set during Age of Rebellion, Artoo has a suspicion that a droid aboard ship with him is an Imperial spy. With Threepio out of service and the rest of the Rebellion crew unable to speak droid language, Artoo must unmask the sabateur alone.
The Tales From Wild Space Stories involved IG-88, Max Rebo and Mace Windu. The artwork of the Max Rebo story was highly detailed. The Mace Windu story was the best with the Jedi helping a young boy survive Separatists. As for the IG-88 story, I cannot remember at all what happened.
A good read. Full of all-age Star Wars fun by talent such as Elsa Charretier (The Department of Truth), Nick Brokenshire (Dead Seas) and Mauricet (Dastardly & Muttley). It just wasn't full of 100% memorable material.
The classic duo of C-3PO and R2-D2 are the heroes of the main stories. The first tale is set during the Clone Wars where Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amadala are hoping to get a little bit of me time together during a diplomatic message. However, it turns out to be a Separatist plot with an array of droids holding the Jedi and Senator from Naboo hostage.
Then in a story set during Age of Rebellion, Artoo has a suspicion that a droid aboard ship with him is an Imperial spy. With Threepio out of service and the rest of the Rebellion crew unable to speak droid language, Artoo must unmask the sabateur alone.
The Tales From Wild Space Stories involved IG-88, Max Rebo and Mace Windu. The artwork of the Max Rebo story was highly detailed. The Mace Windu story was the best with the Jedi helping a young boy survive Separatists. As for the IG-88 story, I cannot remember at all what happened.
A good read. Full of all-age Star Wars fun by talent such as Elsa Charretier (The Department of Truth), Nick Brokenshire (Dead Seas) and Mauricet (Dastardly & Muttley). It just wasn't full of 100% memorable material.
August 31, 2018
This was another addition to the fun series intended for children, Star Wars Adventures. In my quest to devour everything Star Wars (specifically canon), I have come across so many formats of storytelling. I think these do a great job at telling stories that expand on the universe in a fun way that appeals to kids, but adult and teen Star Wars enthusiasts can enjoy too. In this one, we get to see something new in that we are being told stories with Anakin and Padme during the events in The Clone Wars. I continue to enjoy the Adventures in Wild Space as Star Wars' own Aseop's Fables. I really liked this entry and I look forward to the next adventure IDW puts out!
April 26, 2024
The adventures series really suffers from its anthology format, in my opinion. I understand the appeal to have an all-ages line, as well as stories that cover a wide range of iconic characters, but they stories never quite satisfy in my opinion. I wasn't too interested in the droid-based stories from this collection.
July 23, 2020
C-3Po shows that he does have some awareness of what's going on around him in one story and Nick Brokenshire contributes some really nice art in two short backup stories. Nice inks, lots of detail. Kind of a classic MAD Magazine vibe.
April 1, 2019
Fun, again. I think I liked Elsa Charretier's work more on this story than I usually do.
September 13, 2019
Features 2 long stories - one with R2 and C3PO and one with Anakin and Padme circa Ep II - and 3 short shorts from "Tales from Wild Space".
Written for kids and in fairly bright colors.
Written for kids and in fairly bright colors.
March 21, 2020
Some fun lessons in these ones.
May 26, 2020
A fun little comic.
September 15, 2020
Cute, compared to prior volumes, but still blandly moralistic.
February 25, 2021
I liked the art in this one, but the stories were up and down with some inconsistent characterization.
February 28, 2021
Nothing special here. The Wild Space stories were much more fun then the main stories, although I love a good R2D2/C3P0 dialogue 😏
March 25, 2022
Collection of stories set in various times in the Star Wars Universe mainly focusing on droids such as C-3PO, R2-D2, and even IG-88. Still waiting for a spotlight on Chopper.
June 17, 2022
Several short stories involving droids, Anakin and Padme, Max Rebo, and Mace Windu as their individual adventures are told in chapter format.
Read
November 15, 2024Includes Max Rebo story
July 28, 2019
It’s a fine volume. Padmé and Anakin had a really nice trip, and other stories are fun as well.
March 23, 2020
Some more Star Wars comics with life lessons. These books really are a mix but they’re still cute.
June 1, 2019
Enjoyable, cute, but for the price it left me wanting a bit more. I think my daughter will enjoy it more than I did, but I feel that these volumes should collect a couple more issues. As it is, I devour them in minutes and have a bit of buyer's remorse...
January 30, 2024
5 stars
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews