MATT LOWDER Looks At KANAN, THE LAST PADAWAN

Guest review by RUN THE COMICS 5Ks Matt Lowder . . . .

STAR WARS: KANAN, THE LAST PADAWAN (Marvel Comics, 2015-2016) Collects Kanan, The Last Padawan Issues #1 - 6. RATING: FOUR AND ONE-HALF STARS out of a possible FIVE STARS. 

This is great, canon, and entertaining. The art style goes perfectly with the action, and I enjoyed this more than the Star Wars book with the original cast, which is surprising.

I was a skeptic for a long time about Star Wars comics, animated series, and novel tie-ins which expanded the universe. I didn't think it was necessary for a long time, but that began changing a few years ago. I read "Thrawn" because my brother wouldn't shut up about how cool he was in one of the video games. My other brother loves the Old Republic timeline. I really enjoyed both the SOLO film and ROGUE ONE in theaters despite the haters. I got curious about the greater world, and admitted I was becoming a bigger Star Wars fan than I cared to admit or ever thought I'd be.

So who is "Kanan" the comicbook for? If you like the "scum" of the outer rim, the grittier side of Star Wars, or coming-of-age, this is something you should check out. Kanan is compelling as he was a padawan during Order 66 when his Master was killed and he was basically on the run. He barely escaped, half-trained, trying to find his place in the galaxy (like Luke in some ways) and he ends up a smuggler and adventurer of sorts with a past and powers he needs to be very, very careful with. 

He gets the "all staff memo" from Kenobi that Corusant is not a place to return to, and any Jedi or Jedi Master receiving the message should lay low, stay safe, and in years time may rise again to fight for democracy. If you like Clone Wars lore or STAR WARS REBELS the animated show, boom, get this.

I dragged my feet for years watching the REBELS show. I was a doubter, and I should have given it a chance earlier. It's straight fire, that show! I now love Kanan, Ezra, Sabine, Hera, Chopper, Zeb, and the Ghost. It's funny, and serious. It has heart and scary action scenes. Things of consequence occur. It doesn't treat the audience, child or adult, with kid gloves. It is NOT just for kids, and I once would have laughed if you tried to convince me otherwise. That show is much, much better than any animated show has any right to be, and it only got better with every season. I'm in the last season right now with my 5-year old, and I'm emotionally captivated more than my son. If you like the Sith, and episodes 1-6, there's something in REBELS for you.

In this comic, we get backstory on Kanan not explored in the animated series, and it's really quality. Clearly, these shows and comics are written by people who admire the original IP and are massive fans in their own right. 4.5 out of 5.