Hyperspace Stories #3 - Comic Review

Hyperspace Stories #3, the all-ages anthology comic book series from Dark Horse, takes us to the planet Kamil, an agricultural hub, where BFF’s Poe Dameron and Finn have been tasked with procuring livestock to feed the Resistance. Clad in western attire, the two buddies have spent 5 days struggling to succeed, finding the planet’s economics a challenge to deal with. After some antics in a local cantina, they get a hot tip about spare ship parts that lead them to a dealer named Dhar Wat aboard a train. As luck would have it, the First Order also have their eye on the parts, leading to a rootin’ tootin’ faceoff aboard the speeding train. You’ll have to read the issue to find out just how successful they are in procuring the parts, the livestock or both.

Writer Cecil Castellucci, artist Andy Duggan, colorist Dan Jackson and letterers Tyler Smith and Jimmy Betancourt have produced the funnest issue of Hyperspace Stories so far. Maybe it’s the chemistry between Poe and Finn that, even in this comic book format, really elevates the story. Maybe it’s the hyper realistic pop art style, with colors jumping off the page and panels that emphasize the shenanigans on the train (one page in particular seems inspired by the film Darjeeling Limited by Wes Anderson). Maybe it’s the relatively low stakes of the mission. I’d say it’s a combination of all of these things that make Hyperspace Stories #3 simply a fun read. There’s also bits of humor sprinkled throughout, likely for the benefit of younger readers, but delightful for all ages. Even the title, Fast Track to Danger, prominently displayed on the cover (by Megan Huang) is cheeky fun, hinting at the antics inside. Let’s not forget about the hidden story woven throughout Hyperspace Stories, eagle eyed readers will definitely notice a plot element that we’ve seen before in Issue #3.

Megan Huang’s cover art has Poe and Finn poised atop the moving train, leaning into the action elements of the issue. Joining Huang on cover duty is Cary Nord, whose variant cover focuses on the tense nature of the bros’ showdown with the First Order, choosing a tense moment with a Stormtrooper aboard the train.

Hyperspace Stories #3 comes racing into comic book stores everywhere today, be sure to pick up a copy and enjoy the ride.