Hyperspace Stories Volume 2: Scum and Villainy - Comic Review

Volume 2 of Dark Horse Comics’ Hyperspace Stories anthology, Scum and Villainy, has arrived! Collecting issues #5 through #8, the dark side rears its ugly head across each all-ages chapter and features villains like Jabba the Hutt, Kylo Ren and Asajj Ventress. With each chapter taking place in a different timeline, there’s something for Star Wars fans of all types to enjoy.

Being an anthology series, Hyperspace Stories Volume 2: Scum and Villainy features the artistic talents of numerous writers, artists, colorists and letterers, and because it’s a collection this diverse representation really gets to shine. One chapter particularly stood out which features Greedo and Jabba the Hutt written by Cecil Castellucci. Desperate for any sort of job to win the crime lord’s favor, Greedo is ready to prove himself. What he doesn’t account for is a seductive songstress who promises him more than even Jabba can offer, but Greedo learns the hard way just how complicated the matters of the heart can be. What makes this story stand out is the amazing skills of artist Eduardo Mello; he injects so much emotion into Greedo, something that’s hard to do in live-action, and his style suits Star Wars so well (his work in The High Republic Phase II mini series The Nameless Terror is outstanding). Adding to the overall impact of this story is Nicola Righi’s color work which shines from the dregs of Jabba’s palace to a glamorous night club.

Three other standalone stories have their own chapters in Scum and Villainy. One has Asajj Ventress going head to head with Anakin and Obi-Wan, Boba Fett and Bossk face off in another, and in the final chapter Supreme Leader Snoke sends Kylo Ren on a beastly mission. One unique aspect of this title is a storyline that each issue is connected to which features a youngling’s stuffed animal. Keep a keen eye as you read Scum and Villainy to see just how each chapter touches in this thread, though you’ll need Volume 1 and 3 (coming June 2024) to get the full story.

The battles between good and evil (and everything in between) have never been more fun, pick up your copy of Hyperspace Stories Volume 2: Scum and Villainy in bookstores and comic book shops today!