Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Graphic Novel Adaptation Review -

Writer (adapted by): Alessandro Ferrari

Artists: Various

Layout: Matteo Piana

Publisher: IDW Publishing

Price: $9.99

Release Date: July 13, 2021

Reviewed by: Glimmer

STORY

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Graphic Novel Adaptation Written by Alessandro Ferrari is a young-reader-friendly adaptation of the Star Wars: Episode I. This comic book first appeared in a 2017 publication by IDW Publishing entitled “Star Wars: The Prequel Trilogy – A Graphic Novel.” This new publication is an 80-page retelling of the original first story. The 2017 release included adaptations of all three Star Wars prequel movies. There are no extra or added scenes, nor are any scenes from the Star Wars: Episode I movie deleted. However, this does include some introduction pages at the beginning entitled “Meet the Characters,” which gives brief bios of the important players in the comic such as Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jar Jar Binks, and a bunch more. Also within these beginning pages are two depictions of the important characters – one real-life pic from the movie and one character drawing used in this book. The comic begins with the opening scrolling prologue from the original movie and then… Well, you know the rest.

If you’re interested in this comic, series, related trades, or any of the others mentioned, simply click on the title/link to snag a copy through Amazon.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Graphic Novel Adaptation does exactly what it sets out to do – present the story in a fun reader-friendly format that will hopefully appeal to young readers. Although I am NOT a “young” reader myself, I enjoyed this adaptation very much. It is in the “cartoony” style of the Star Wars Adventures comics published by IDW, which might not appeal to some Star Wars fans, but in this reviewer’s opinion – that’s what makes it unique. There are other adaptations currently available on the market, drawn in a more serious, detailed style. But it’s the cartoony, adventures-like “style” that makes this adaptation different and stand out among the rest. It’s basically Star Wars in “The Batman Adventures” style. So, although it is advertised as a “young readers” adaptation, in my opinion, it’s really for anyone who enjoys the style of the “adventures” artwork.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace Graphic Novel Adaptation is a fun read that fans of Star Wars movies and cartoons will enjoy. Although there’s nothing new here, and the story is commonly known, it’s a nice re-telling in a different type of style. Star Wars fans should add this to their collection!