inlibrisveritas's review against another edition

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4.0

Captain Phasma serves to fill in the puzzling gap of Phasma’s story that is left between Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.

Full disclosure…I’m not fond of retroactively added depth when it comes to multimedia worlds like Star Wars. I find it irritating to have to read a comic for a story that ultimately should have had at least some context within the original media (movie). Phasma’s role in Force Awakens was hyped and almost immediately squandered as she ends up in a trash can (basically)…and people who were looking forward to a female villain on screen (me) were left more than a little disappointed. To see someone who looks and acts badass end up giving in and disappearing for the rest of the movie is disheartening. I suppose this comic aims to fix that In some ways it does, and in others, it feels like it wasn’t enough.

Captain Phasma showcases our chrome baddie’s ability to overcome rather intense circumstances and the cost of what she is willing to do it. It picks up right after the shield goes down (in the movie) and progresses to before The Last Jedi, and Phasma stays busy. It focuses on showing the small chinks in her emotional armor, but also just how hardened she is when it comes to the progression of her goals. I personally love a villain who shows a bit of ruthlessness and Phasma definitely fits the bill. We also get to see a new planet and it’s incredibly harsh eco-system, which is always fun. It also lends to opening up a bit of her backstory, though we get very little of that overall. I expect this is a ploy to get people to buy the full-length novel, Phasma, which is as I said before…annoying.

However, the art is stunning and dynamic and there are so many little details to be had. They definitely have an eye for amazing action sequences and full-page panels.

Overall, it doesn’t feel like a necessary addition to the storyline. Phasma certainly needs the extra detail, but this is a one-shot so much of that detail is still being glossed over. I enjoyed it and I think the art is phenomenal, but I still think our captain deserves better.

waltercorgkite's review against another edition

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4.0

I love Star Wars so much I have the Millenium Falcon tattooed on my wrist. However, my comics from this universe are sorely lacking. Fear not! This is a comic to read before The Last Jedi premiers this weekend. 

Chromed out Captain Phasma, played by Game of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie, was thrown into a trash compactor thanks to Han, Chewie, and Finn right after she lowered the shields to Starkiller base. Ever wonder how she escaped?

I did too. 

Captain Phasma is part of the Star Wars: Limited Series. Basically, it's a one-shot story following a specific character. I've previously written about Leia's comic and how I wished there was more. 

The instant Captain Phasma walked on screen in The Force Awakens, I knew I wanted to know more about her character. A character in a chromed out suit cool on bloodshed is someone I need a backstory for. This was perfect timing to read this the weekend the movie comes out. It gives me the chance to not only jump back into the universe, but also explore someone who captivates me.

Also, any role Gwendoline Christie plays is important in my book.

This story follows Phasma as she leaves the planet, and what eventually brings her back to the First Order. There's a battle, a strange new world, and a new race of aliens. Not to mention a brief foray into Phasma's backstory. 

Kelly Thompson, writer for Jem and the Holograms and Hawkeye: Kate Bishop, does a stunning job keeping me interested in Phasma's story from the get-go. Granted, I'm an easy sell. This story has momentum and kept me turning the pages because I cared about the characters involved. I wanted to know more about them and their time with the First Order. 

I want more stories about villains, and what has led them to that point. Obviously, that's what we got with the Star Wars prequels, even if those backfired. We want to know about Phasma for the same reason we wanted to know more about Darth Vader. They were compelled to join the Empire or the First Order. Both are characters in striking suits who appear cut off from being human. 

If you're as interested in Captain Phasma's character, and who she is, I recommend this comic. Also, if you want to have some questions answered from the first film, this is a must read.

paula12's review against another edition

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4.0

Can't wait to see more of Phasma in TLJ
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