Review: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight

Star Wars is a franchise that has stood the test of time and is not going away anytime soon. Since Disney took over, the franchise has just exploded more than it already was expanding on its own. When you take a step back and look at how unconventional A New Hope was, it’s hard to fathom there would ever be a trilogy or much less a universe. Nowadays, the unconventionality that was the driving force of the original trilogy is almost non-existent. The digital age has placed its footprint on the franchise aka the prequel trilogy and kids don’t know any better.

Most only know of the prequels and the Clone Wars spinoffs, not of the heated debate of who shot first or that in the original version of A New Hope, Jabba was a human. We all know that J.J. Abrams is working on bringing that nostalgic feeling that the original trilogy had, but that won’t be until December 2015. What about the interim? New York Times bestselling author Tony Diterlizzi is helping to bring it back with a new children’s book titled, The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight.

Sure, you’re probably thinking why is this grown man reading a children’s book. As a fan, I truly appreciate the franchise trying to further its reach to a younger fan base by way of not associating with The Clone Wars series. It seems like nowadays anything Star Wars that is geared toward kids are in direct correlation with that series. Also, that the book is focused around the core of the Star Wars franchise, the original trilogy.

The book itself is a condensed version of the original trilogy and a great read for kids. If I had kids, I would love to read this book to them over and over. As you go through the book, you read many of those iconic scenes we have all come to know and love. For me, it was literally like the movie was playing in my head. The book isn’t hard to follow either, so kids will have an easy time getting a grasp of the story.

I think my favorite thing about the book is the artwork. Hardcore fans should instantly recognize the pieces, as they are all the original concept artwork from Ralph McQuarrie. I love that nostalgic touch the artwork gives that really grounds the book. As a fan, I enjoy just flipping through the pages and admiring the illustrations that was the groundwork for my favorite franchise.

Whether or not you have kids, if anyone is a fan of Star Wars, I think you should own this book.

Rating: 5/5 Atoms