Thousands of years before Yoda and Darth,
before there were lightsabers and hyperspace travel, there were system
bound peoples who were sensitive to the Force. These peoples were drawn
to mysterious 'monuments' that some called Tho Yor. They
gathered at their base and over time those that studied developed and
increased their understanding of the Force. And then one day the monuments activated themselves, becoming ships that took select people to the planet Tython.
Over the next ten thousand years the sentients
(who are variously humanoid) spread throughout the Tython system and
become strong in the force. But they were not without opposition, both
internally within their star system, and externally, from beyond. For
while they were developing their skills, there were others working to
breed their own sensitives. In this case, not to use the Force, but to
sniff it out, so that their masters could destroy anyone with even
nascent power.
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Review: BATTLING BOY
Review: YUMMY: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty
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The Dawn of the Jedi, as you can see from the above illustrations, is a beautifully
illustrated book. The backgrounds are lush and detailed, and even more
importantly the humanoids are believable concocted.
This first volume introduces the origins
of the Je'daii and also the characters and opponents we'll see more of
in the future. There are the young people – Shae Koda, Tasha Ryo,
Sek'nos Rath– and their masters on the 'light side'. As well as the
enigmatic Xesh and his masters on the 'dark side'.
One of the things I really liked
about the plotting is that there's depth to the societies. There are
parents and peers to deal with. And neither side is so simplified as to
being monochromatic. There are some complex politics going on, even on
Tython.
Now my take on this book is probably very
different from the normal fan-review. My interest in this series is as
a parent and promoter of reading. And in that regard I'm going to give
this book a thumb's up. I think teachers and parents ought to consider
this graphic novel for their reluctant readers –and well, for any
reader looking for a little fun escapism.
I
wish I could say that there was reading level information, but there
isn't. My own children, currently 10 and 12, had no trouble with the
text, and I had no problem with their reading this book. There is mild
violence and some bullying, but nothing excessive to what they've been
exposed to on television.
Notes:
--The beginnings a little slow as the greater universe of the book is constructed, but younger readers can just scan those pages, if necessary, and get the gist of what is going on. After Shae and the gang make an appearance there is plenty of action to keep everyone enwrapped.
A worthy library or classroom choice.
Pam T
Somewhere in the X-burbs
Star Wars
Dawn of the Jedi Volume 1
Force Storm
by John Ostrander
Randy Stradley
Jan Duursema
Dan Parsons
- Paperback: 128 pages
- Publisher: Dark Horse (December 25, 2012)
- ISBN-10: 1595829792
