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The Legend of Luke Skywalker The Manga
Publisher: VIZ Media
Written and Adapted: Ken Liu
Artists: Akira Fukaya, Takashi Kisaki, Haruichi, Subaru, Akira Himekawa
Translation: Satsuki Yamashita
Editor: Fawn Lau

Luke Skywalker has been a part of pop culture for over forty years. While he’s appeared in several films, he’s been in many more books, comics, and video games. Everyone has their own view of him. He truly has become a legend, so it’s to no surprise that a book and manga would come about talking of his legend. The Legend of Luke Skywalker gives us a view of the Jedi from the perspective of others throughout the galaxy.

To be up front, VIZ Media was kind enough to give me a digital copy of this to review, halfway through it, I went and got a physical copy. That’s how much I enjoyed this. I wanted a copy I could easily share with friends. Like the stories in the book, I wanted to spread that legend around. The book had won me over and I felt I needed to support beyond reviewing it.

We are given four different views of how Luke is seen, from an Imperial officer, a droid, an insect, and an archaeologist. Each has their own art style and tone though there is a current through all of them. This is adapted from the novel by the same author so it feels like we get the best of both prose and comics in this. We get to see how Luke can be seen as a terrifying monster with his powers, but how his compassion and kindness surpasses any abilities he can possess.   Luke Skywalker’s legend isn’t just that he has a sword that can cut through anything and psychic magic, it’s that he inspires others through his bravery. And that doesn’t just mean bravery as some form of toughness, but in his willingness to show care to those who would do him harm.

There’s nice bits of horror, comedy, and cosmic awe through out. None of the stories are massive galaxy saving adventures like Luke has in the movies, but they’re no less important. Luke even makes this apparent when the characters themselves might think otherwise. These stories do a wonderful job of reminding you why you like this character to begin with. He can be the ideal of not just what the Jedi should be, but what we should all strive for, that’s what some legends can do for us. You can hear these stories being retold to others who will hear them at a cantina in the Star Wars galaxy.

If you’re a fan of Star Wars, Luke Skywalker, manga, or myth building, this is a great book to check out. The art styles reminded me of different eras of manga and anime. If they were to ever do a hardcover, full-color version of this, I’d happily buy it again. This is a high recommendation if you ever enjoyed seeing Luke Skywalker throw his saber down to save his father. If you ever read the books that continued his stories or saw the new movies, this is Luke being a beacon for the people and why their galaxy and ours can’t stop talking about him.

Dr. Bustos
drbustos@comicattack.net