Star Wars: Dark Times: Path to Nowhere (Star Wars)

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Customer Reviews:

Decent, but could have been better. [Posted on 2008-02-19]
While this is a good story and all, I just felt that it could have been a lot better. I've got a lot of hope for the series, but this story arc was just a little too depressing for me. Also, I'm not the hugest fan of the art.

However, it's a decent read and worth taking a glance at. I recommend it.

Dark Times start here! [Posted on 2008-04-27]
This graphic is way better than that book which was written about Vader "sith lord whatever." The focus is mostly on Dass and Bono, but the couple of scenes with Palpatine and Vader are very insightful. But overall you will find this book depressing and maybe in need of some lexapro afterwords.

Great idea, but a one-dimensional execution [Posted on 2008-07-01]
The idea for this series is exceptional: chronicle the adventures of one of the last remaining Jedi during one of the darkest times in the Star Wars universe. Add in well-known personalities like Darth Vader, force the characters to make tough moral choices, and mix in a few interesting aliens - the results of this recipe, one would assume, would be spectacular.

The Path to Nowhere, however, is significantly lacking. Poor dialogue, stereotypical characters, an almost complete lack of backgrounds, and implausible decisions/outcomes turn what could have been an impressive story into a one-dimensional tale. The conversations seem like they were written by a ten year old, and include lines that could easily have been plagiarized from an old B-movie. The clichés become painful after a few pages, and the villains seem motivated only by the story's need to have antagonists rather than any sort of realistic backstory (one of the villains LITERALLY says that his motivation for his evil deeds is "Because I COULD.").

The Path to Nowhere does have its fine points - the primary one being the artwork. Artist Douglas H. Wheatley and colorist Ronda Pattison do an amazing job turning a poorly-written story into something brilliant to behold. To use a cliché, they bring the Star Wars universe to life. Numerous sections of the book have cinematic qualities worthy of the movies, and make this graphic novel worth experiencing.

In short: The Path to Nowhere is a flawed Star Wars graphic novel. I'd recommend those new to the Star Wars comic experience start with another book (such as one from the Legacy series); veterans looking for a fix, however, may be able to find it here.

Note: Dark Times - Path to Nowhere contains issues one through five of the Dark Times comic book series. The series began its run in October of 2006.

The Dark Times are here! [Posted on 2008-07-17]
I was not very sure about ANOTHER Star Wars comic series, so I started off buying individual issues, but after 3 or 4, I knew I had to get the TPB collection.

The art in this series is top notch. Sometimes only the main characters are given lots of detail, but here you won't find a better drawn Vader or clones in battle. The ships are very intricately drawn, and we are introduced to a wide variety of characters.

The plot suffers a little at the end...it almost seemed rushed, but in a way that's good. I was beginning to wonder how long they could run after Bomo's family. The plot, however, is just a means to an end to develop Jennir's character and move him through difficult choices. I think the choice he makes at the end is a noble one, when terms like "sacrifice" are applied.

I cannot wait until the next collection comes out! I HAD to pick up Issue #6 if only for the cover...Master K'Kruhk in action!

Fight against slavery  [Posted on 2008-08-02]
Finally, a Star Wars storyline that has a Jedi fighting against slavery. After Episode 1 where Lucas had the line that "Jedi do not get involved in the affairs of others", to include allowing slavery, my mind wondered, how can the Jedi be "Guardians of Peace and Justice"?

This comic book very briefly shows how Dark Vader is slowly adjusting to his new role after the declaration of Order 66 in Episode 3. It also briefly depicts how he has the inner struggle between serving the Emperor and allowing the 501st to sell prisoners as slaves. This graphic novel is volume 1 of a series. Unfortunately, have not read the other volumes yet.

The artwork and colors are well done with enough detail to see the facial features of the different characters and scenery. The storyline is dark and not a happy ending for this 1st volume. An excellent comment this book gives is what gives the right for the Jedi to deliver justice? Should the victim or their family be allowed the option to dispense justice instead? But the main storyline is how this Jedi is attempting not only to help his friend, but also escape the new Empire.

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