Writer: Alyssa Wong
Artists: Lee Garbett & Java Tartaglia; Paulina Ganucheau; Kyle Hotz & Rachelle Rosenberg; Caspar Wijngaard
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artists: Ryan Brown; Lee Garbett & Laura Martin; Peach Momoko; Chrissie Zullo; Kyle Hotz & Rachelle Rosenberg
Publisher: Marvel
Price: $4.99
Release Date: April 12, 2023
C-3PO and R2-D2 told the Ewoks stories about Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi. These stories helped the Ewoks understand their guests and invite them into their tribe. What stories might the Ewoks tell each other to entertain their young and strengthen their sense of community? Let's climb into their village among the trees with Star Wars: Return of the Jedi—Ewoks #1 and find out!
Campfire Sequence I
In Alyssa Wong's framing story, the Ewoks gather around a communal fire. Their shaman Logray, wearing a bird skull on his head, raises his bone-topped spear and looks at the infants sitting together. These younglings, known as woklings, have yet to receive their hoods. So the first story of the evening is known as the Woklings’ Tale.
Artists Lee Garbett & Java Tartaglia evoke the appeal of the Ewoks' tree village in this prelude story. As Endor's blue sky darkens, torches and fires cast a warm yellow glow among the trees. The Ewoks wobble along their rope-and-board bridges, and a parent picks up a wokling when it stumbles. While Wong doesn't translate the Ewoks' speech or suggest music throughout this issue, letterer Joe Caramagna helps us hear the bonfire with a sound effect.
Wokling’s Tale
One morning, parents watch as a wokling leaves home to play. They envision members of a malicious green species abducting her. The youngling meets a horned pony. She shares the snacks she packed, and the friends explore the forest. When they meet a green youngling, she greets the wokling and the pony warmly. Could it be that not all Greenies are as despicable as Greedo?
While Wong’s first story in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi—Ewoks #1 suggests My Little Pony, artist Paulina Ganucheau’s children's book style reminds me of Dr. Seuss. Sunshine filters through the trees as the youngling packs her snacks in a basket and pulls the strap over her shoulder. The wokling’s parents imagine Grinches menacing their child with wooden clubs. Faces and movements express thoughts and emotions in the Woklings’ Tale. Inset panels reveal the Ewoks' reactions as the leader relates a story intended for those whose hearts are not three sizes too small.
Campfire Sequence II
Another Ewok arises. His movements suggest that his story will differ from Logray's, but he must tell it. This Ewok, Paploo, aided Han Solo and the rebels by stealing a speeder bike. His inspired action caused Imperial troopers to leap on their speeder bikes in pursuit, which helped the strike team enter the generator building in Return of the Jedi.
Paploo’s Tale
The shaman portrayed the forest as a safe and happy realm. As a scout, Paploo knows its dangers. In Star Wars: Return of the Jedi—Ewoks #1, he shares a tale inspired by his experience. Paploo wanders through plants and trees. He's always on his guard. Suddenly, a monster appeared. It growled through enormous fangs. Claws--as large as an Ewok hut--grasped at him. It pursued him through the forest!
Artist Kyle Hotz portrays this story in stunning Black & White. His style reminds me of a nightmare journey through Tolkien's sickened Mirkwood and the enormous beasts in Kong: Skull Island. Whether or not colorist Rachelle Rosenberg enhances Hotz's inking with shades of gray to give it incredible depth and mood, she helps Paploo stand out by making his hood vibrant red. More red seeps into the haunting Black & White panels as this story races to its conclusion. This allusion to Red Riding Hood reminds us that Grimm's Fairy Tales were more horrific than their Disney adaptations, and children often delight in being scared.
Campfire Sequence III
Logray's reaction to Paploo’s story demonstrates his concern that his tribe never displease the forest spirits. The way artists Lee Garbett & Java Tartaglia introduce the evening's final tale suggests the magic woven by powerful storytellers.
Peekpa’s Tale
Remember how the Ewoks strung rope between trees in Return of the Jedi? The Ewok Peekpa separates an Imperial from his speeder bike in this third tale in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi—Ewoks #1. Afterward, the Ewok gathers parts from the wreckage and clubs the injured rider. Aided by her friends, Peekpa uses these parts to construct something with which she will pursue her dreams.
Artist Caspar Wijngaard fills panels with childlike drawings and soft colors that convey speed, the fury of fire and explosions, and the majesty of the surrounding trees. Silhouettes enhance action while downplaying violence. Throughout, Peekpa remains a wide-eyed innocent, amazed by everything around her, and anxious for discovery.
Joe Caramagna helps us hear the racing speeder bike, the snap of the rope, the consequent explosion, and much more in a story that celebrates the power of wonder, invention, and discovery.
Campfire Sequence III
A youngling tries to sleep in the last two pages of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi—Ewoks #1. When she cannot, she climbs from her hammock. A few simple items—from the Wokling’s Tale and Return of the Jedi--help her confront the terror Paploo’s tale instilled and ease her mind.
Final Thoughts
Silent five-minute reads like this make rereads effortless and fun. I found Hotz and Rosenberg's black, white, and red panels rich in detail and nuance. Peekpa reminded me of Luke Skywalker and Saru in Star Trek Discovery. Aspects of Paploo and Peekpa's tales reminded me of Alan Dean Foster's novel Splinter Of The Mind's Eye. You'll likely find other joys and associations as you savor this all-ages special.
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi—Ewoks #1 reminds us that the inhabitants of Endor were much more than teddy bears with spears. As in the film, they represent an ordinary person confronting a more powerful foe. Like David challenging Goliath, or the thirteen colonies taking on the British Empire, bravery and determination can help anyone achieve victory. Perhaps that explains why, forty years on, the Ewoks still speak to Star Wars fans.
Rating 8/10
To preview interior art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.
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