Star Wars Adventures (2020) #2 - Comic Review

Star Wars Adventures—IDW Publishing’s Star Wars flagship series—is back with the conclusion of The Obstacle Course and a new Tales of Villainy story, this time featuring Supreme Leader Kylo Ren.

Check out the review of the previous issue before moving on.

The Obstacle Course, Part 2

In the previous issue, Rey—after taking a fall while traveling through the training obstacle course Finn and Poe built for her—lands on a pirate’s den who seek the opportunity to deliver her to the First Order. The Obstacle Course concludes with Part 2 as Finn and Poe are captured by the pirates. While Rey travels back to rescue her friends through the obstacle course—Finn and Poe take the opportunity to untie themselves while the pirates argue about leadership.

Author Michael Moreci creates a charismatic villain, Lannix—whose look is similar to the infamous bounty hunter Aurra Sing. His aggressive personality and desire to take charge of the pirate crew lead him to stir up chaos among both factions, ending up in a wild blaster fight.

The art by Ilias Kyriazis—accompanied by Charlie Kirchoff’s colors—truly blossoms as the battle against the pirates escalates. Lannix’s crazy temper is translated on point, giving almost a Joker-esque look to the character. But Kyriazis’ highlight is Rey’s epic return as she is standing by a boulder, her hand open wide calling to her staff through the Force as she engages in a sequence of heroic stunts.

The Obstacle Course, Part 2 has a satisfying ending—bringing its adventure to a close while opening the heroes onto new ones as the Falcon soars up in the sky.

Follow and Lead

Tales of Villainy’s new story, Follow and Lead, tells the story of what it is like to rule as Supreme Leader—from Kylo Ren’s point of view. Author Sam Maggs writes a comedic yet slightly political story as Kylo’s thoughts reveal his logical process of understanding about ruling the galaxy unchallenged. The story gets fascinating as instant obedience is counterattacked by the will of the people—especially by a girl who is reminiscent of Rey at some level—triggering the Supreme Leader’s wrath. His confrontation with the girl is surprisingly contained, their conversation so powerfully relatable to our world that will hit the readers straight to the heart.

To support the story’s tone of oppression is Davide Tinto’s art—showcasing the First Order’s iron fist but at the same time also highlighting the fierce spirit of the rebellious citizens, especially through the girl. The colors by Rebecca Nalty are accurate—especially with the sterility of the First Order’s design. However, the hues of Kylo’s outfit (besides mask, gloves, belt, and boots) are a little on the lighter side—slightly taking away from his menacing presence.

Follow and Lead is a must-read to further understand Kylo Ren’s point of view as Supreme Leader— forced into a role he is not fit for, very much like a young King with no guidance.

Star Wars Adventures (2020) #2 delivers a great ending to The Obstacle Course and gifts the readers with a fascinating insight into Kylo Ren’s view of the galaxy. What are you waiting for?! Support your local comic book store and grab your copy today and don’t forget to share your thoughts below or on social media.