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Rating: 
Summary: Trash!
Review: I tend to rate books against other books of their type, so while I may give both a Star Wars book and Dune 5 stars, there is no comparison, Dune is better. By the same token, I won't judge a comic as harshly as a novel, because I have different and lower expectations of it.Even so, this Graphic Novel is a complete waste of time, paper, and money. The interior art is pretty bad, and the character renderings uninspired, and 3PO has way too much freedom of movement. They put way too much effort into throwing in every last little detail added for the special edition of the film, and it was obvious. This comic was EXTREMELY dependant on the reader having seen the movie. The dialogue and scenes jumped around so much that if I didn't know the movie virtually by heart, I'd be lost by only a couple of pages into the book. Though the lettering itself is good, it can't make up for the confusing, erratic clips of dialogue. The Millenium Falcon looked messed up, and the TIE Fighters looked pitifully small and smashed. This is a horribly bad adaptation of a great film. The only good part of this book is getting to see Dormans' fabulous cover work at the end. Don't buy this book!
Rating: 
Summary: Dark Horse Finally Offers Hope
Review: In 1997, the first Star Wars Trilogy, for better or worse, got a digital makeover and rereleased in theaters. As part of the "celebration", Dark Horse Comics decided to adapt the trilogy for the comic book format. Even though, I was disappointed with the SE adaptations for Empire and Jedi-they just slapped new covers, added sketches, and that's it-releasing the old adaptations basically intact. I am happy to say that for A New Hope, more care was taken to follow the updated film, making for a better book. Don't get me wrong, I think the films didn't need any tampering with, but if you advertise the Special Edition version then follow through... THE STORY: Adapted by Bruce Jones, the story includes, the new scenes and enhanced special effects shots. Thankfully, Jones lets the action speak for itself, rather than using novel like prose to do it. It's still there but its kept to a minimum. The script is very faithful to the film. THE ART: Eduardo Barretto takes more care to follow the film with his renderings. The characters and situations are fairly on target with their film counterparts. THe art is juiced by accurate colors and shades for the action. The 109 page book includes a gallery of covers from the newstand single issue versions. There's also bios of the creative team behind the book and a well written introduction by series editor Bob Cooper. A solid read worthy of Star Wars. It's a shame that more care wasn't put into the Special Edition adaptations of Empire and Jedi. Hope is recommended
Rating: 
Summary: Comic Book edition.
Review: The entire TESB adventure in comic book form. Very interesting and unique.
Rating: 
Summary: Frozen In Carbonite
Review: When Star Wars creator George Lucas decided reissue the first trilogy, as "new and improved", into the multiplex in '97, several tie-ins also got an update as well. Dark Horse Comics put out special editions of each film's comic book adaptation. THE STORY: The special edition version isn't all that different from the original book. Adapted by Archie Goodwin, the stroy follows the film pretty well. My main problem with his work here is his overuse of description. Comic books based on films can get bogged down with too much prose and such is the case here. Another problem is that the new material in the film is not reflected in the story itelf. I know the material doesn't amount to much but it would have been cool nonetheless. THE ART: The team of Al Williamson and Carlos Garzon, who also did the art chores on the adaptation for Jedi, is adequate at best. Their work is uneven. Sometimes its breathtaking, and at others it seems rushed. Many of the characters seem off from their on screen counterparts. The 104 page book includes 2 pages of scenes from the special edition in sketch/storyboard form. Overall though, the book is disappointing. A great film classic like "Empire deserves better--special edition or not
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