“You will not judge me, or my actions, because you can’t. You’re not qualified to. We are at war. REAL war. And horrible things happen in war…” -Saw Gerrera
Creative Team
Marc Bernardin (Writer), Gabriel Guzman (Artist), Federico Blee (Colorist), VC’s Ariana Maher (Letterer)
Carlos Lao (Designer), Mikey J. Basso (Assistant Editor), Mark Paniccia (Editor),
C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher: Marvel Comics
War and Peace
This Rogue One issue brings an entirely new perspective to the mysterious character of Saw Gerrera. Star Wars fans who have seen the Rogue One movie know that there is some backstory to Gerrera, but I’ve always wanted more. This issue from this amazing creative team brings an incognito approach to the growing mystery of this feature character.
Readers will see a slow and methodical creation of Gerrera’s character within the Star Wars galaxy. This issue will bring readers back to a time period before the Rogue One film. Giving a glimpse into the lore that is Saw Gerrera. Things start off with Gerrera on a secret war mission authorized by a Senator. The details of this mission are distributed throughout this issue in a slow rhythmic fashion. Which will hook you from page one!
Once the mission is completed and Gerrera returns to give a “status report” to the Senator that hired him, this issue takes a hard emotional turn. The mission may be over, but the way the mission was conducted is a hot argument from the Senator. This is when the tone of the story shifts to a heart wrenching one. Gerrera explains his reasons and sacrifices of the mission. This will leave readers completely stunned!
This backstory issue brings in a wonderful tie-in to the Rogue One film at the ending. This is a game changer in the dynamics of Gerrera’s character. Star Wars fans will see the first meeting between Gerrera and a few other feature characters within this realm of Rogue One. Ready yourself for this monumental meeting within the galaxy!
The Writing
Travis: Marc Bernardin gives readers and Star Wars fans something to be excited for with this issue. Making the connection from Gerrera’s past to the movie is electrifying! Marc’s writing for this issue allows readers to experience what is going on in Gerrera’s mind. This is captivating because you will feel and resonate with him as the story goes on. One of the best pieces of writing within this issue comes after the mission. Gerrera’s dialogue toward the Senator is immensely powerful! Fantastic writing!
Matt: I was instantly sold the second Marc was announced to be writing because I have heard him speak about Saw many times when discussing the Rogue One Film. From the first page, he captures Saw’s tone, which is somber but combative, as he’s lived through the Clone Wars and now the Empire’s reign. One thing Marc does well is to detail that war is unforgiving and that not everything is black and white. Saw is willing to go to any lengths and kill as many people, whether innocent or not, to save the future. This issue is dialogue-driven, which worked extremely well for me personally. The back and forth between Saw and Organa is top tier and showcases how everything is not simple either. I loved this issue, and the anticipation was worth every page and panel for me.
The Artwork
Travis: The artwork by Gabriel Guzman and Federico Blee is perfect in every way for this issue! Dark tones set up the feel of this story. The amount of detail within the panels and pages are out of this galaxy! From the stormtrooper armor to structures and ships. The smallest details that you think wouldn’t matter to be seen are visually appreciated. The facial depictions of the characters perfectly resemble the characters from the film. This is an awesome issue to get lost in the art, page after page!
A huge shout-out needs to go out to the ever talented, VC’s Ariana Maher. If it were not for her lettering for this issue, I’m not sure readers would get the necessary emotional pull that is required for the tone of this story. Every facet of her work added to the art and the story. Phenomenal!
Matt: The art is exquisite, and there was a haunting sadness behind Saw’s eyes from the get-go. Again, this is a character we’ve seen grow up, and now he is a haggard and tired man having only known war. One of the best panels for me was Saw walking past the ward of newborn babies and pausing for a moment. The look that was drawn on his face, the bright blue of the infant beds, and the various details were touching, and then understanding what happens later on is a dark scene as well. I loved seeing ships scrapped and torn apart; it made this issue just feel like Star Wars.
Variant Covers
Final Thoughts
Travis: This issue gives a new perspective on the history of Gerrera the character. Allowing readers and fans to see how he conducted business before fans saw him on the silver screen. The subject of sacrifice will hit home for many who read this issue. Gerrera has his ways and his reasons, but what he gives for the sake of the mission to solidify the republic’s position in the war is moving. Strong, captivating writing that is boosted with exceptional art makes this a book that you will read over and over.
Travis’ Grade: 10/10!
Matt: Saw is a very complex character and one who does both good and bad things in the name of freedom. This issue captures who he is perfectly and shows us the horrors of war and the state of the galaxy all in one. I would love for this team to play around in this setting and with these characters a lot more!
Matt’s Grade: 10/10
Overall Grade: 10/10
Links
Comic Book Reviews & Entertainment News: Nerd Initiative
Previous SW: Rogue One Review: Star Wars: Rogue One – Jyn Erso #1 – Hope Within the Misery
Travis’ NI Portfolio: TravisComicHaven – Nerd Initiative
Travis’ Personal Content: Travis’ Comic Haven
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