Star Wars: Rogue One – Cassian Andor #1

Cassian Andor’s final mission before leading into the fateful mission set during Rogue One has Cassian meeting an informant on the outpost Kafrene. He’s finding out he’s up against more than he bargained for with bounty hunters, Stormtroopers, and more in this Star Wars special!

Creative Team

Benjamin Percy (WRITER), Mike Atiyeh (COLORS), Luke Ross (ARTIST), Clayton Cowles (LETTERS), and David Marquez and Laura Martin (COVER).

Rogue Mission

Star Wars: Rogue One – Cassian Andor is an excellent adaptation of a Star Wars story! This issue is however a “one-shot” but remains part of a five-issue collection celebrating the ten-year anniversary of the Rogue One story. Benjamin Percy is the writer for this issue and does a monumental job at continuing the lore of Cassian Andor.

This issue takes readers on a mystery mission that only someone with Cassian’s background and reputation can solve. But it is because of his reputation that the individuals sending him are very skeptical. Sending someone who struggles with anger issues and a “shoot first, ask questions second” approach is not ideal. But another factor is that Cassian is requested for this mission.

This issue provides readers with beautiful artwork to amplify a stunning story capturing the everlasting aura of Star Wars. Readers will read this and instantly find themselves transported to a galaxy far far away! The various details within the art will make true Star Wars fans smile and find comfort in how authentic this issue is to the Star Wars brand.

As stated earlier, this is listed as a “one-shot” issue but is part of a five issue collaboration series with other character named titles. The way in which this story is written and left wide open at the end will make readers hope that this limited series finds its way to becoming a secondary limited series where all five of these titles come together to generate a larger story.

The Writing

Travis:

Benjamin Percy is one of the best Star Wars writers of our current generation. His mastery of getting readers lost in the story as well as keeping with true Star Wars lore is astonishing. This story brings a character who has two seasons of a tv adaptation to comic book panels in a way that is so enjoyable. His writing provides readers with an escape to their imagination. I genuinely hope that he will someday get the chance to write an ongoing Star Wars series!

Matt:

Benjamin Percy absolutely captures the tone and pace of this spy thriller series. Cassian is angrier than usual, and we see him and K2 bond a bit more. Andor is one of my favorite characters in this universe, and Percy is adding even more depth and lore to a character I honestly did not expect to see again. There were hilarious moments, of course, as K2 swoops in to save the day, and his sarcastic tone and humor are nailed to perfection. I love anytime we get to go to a new planet and a new setting within this universe, and it was intriguing how this outpost is set on a random moon. There was a rugged vibe to Kafrene, and there was even intense action. At this point, Cassian is willing to do anything and everything to survive and succeed, which we see as he battles a bounty hunter. This issue even packs in Krennic, and we get a Ghorman name drop, tying everything in so wonderfully.

The Artwork

Travis:

Luke Ross and Mike Atiyeh assist this story in bringing authentic visuals to the script. The art has a rough and faded texture to it that adds to the overall feel of this story. The attention to detail is incredible within the art. Which sends readers into a deeper trance of the lore of Star Wars. Ships, blasters and characters carry the true look of what readers have seen within the Star Wars franchise, which is an utter joy to see!

Clayton Cowles provides the lettering for this issue and does an outstanding job! The font selection and sizing is perfectly balanced for each panel. Another great aspect of the lettering for this issue is the placement of the narration/dialogue bubbles. Clayton places these bubbles systematically within the panels for easy reading and not taking away from the amazing art within the panels/pages.

Matt:

Mike and Luke have some incredible shots throughout this issue that will take your breath away. My favorite ship is the U-Wing, and they nail the details of this ship with the colors and even manage to capture how dirty the outside feels at times. Seeing it open up in space and the stark contrast of the white and blue against the vast darkness of space was beautiful. There are moments with K2, and despite his dark robotic body, they make him pop out against an even darker background in the panel. The setting is set in a small planet, at this point in the Empire’s reign, the duo shows how run-down some areas and outposts can be in this universe. It stands out against the base of Yavin, where we start, which is lush greens and browns. Clayton’s lettering brings these voices we have come to know and love to life. Throughout this whole issue, I heard their voices and tones as he did an excellent job of lettering this issue.

Variant Covers

Final Thoughts

Travis:

Cassian Andor is a beautifully crafted story with amazing art to complement. Benjamin Percy and team transport readers to a faraway galaxy providing shortened backstory and intriguing mystery. This initial issue of a five-issue collaboration to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of Star Wars: Rogue One is a phenomenal start. Star Wars fans will not want to miss out on this story or the other four to come this summer.

Grade: 10/10

Matt:

I could live in a spy-thriller setting of Star Wars forever, as it is beyond intriguing and heart-pounding. Star Wars Rogue One: Cassian Andor #1 drops us right before the doomed mission and transports us back into this intense world where the Empire rules all. The voices, the tones, and settings were captured perfectly as the team brought so much love into this issue. Do not miss out on this issue!

Grade: 10/10

Overall Grade: 10/10

Links

Comic Book Reviews & Entertainment News: Nerd Initiative
Previous Star Wars Review: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Echoes of the Empire #1 – Brawl at Black Spire
Travis’ Portfolio: TravisComicHaven – Nerd Initiative
Matt’s Portfolio: Hops Geek News

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