Connect with us
Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1 Review

Comic Books

Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1 Review

If you saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens (which of course you did), you’re probably at least a little bit curious about why C-3PO currently has a red arm — which kind of makes him look like one of those cars with a door that’s painted a different color than the body. This week, Marvel presents a one shot comic by James Robinson (writer) and Tony Harris (art) that provides the backstory about how he got it.

Is it good?

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Star Wars Special: C-3PO #1 (Marvel Comics)

Star_Wars_Special_C-3PO_cover

The Plot

  • I’m starting to understand why C-3PO is only good in small doses.
  • This whole thing where C-3PO has to translate everyone’s whirs and beeps for the reader is going to get old pretty fast.
  • …and now we have some destructive action to help relieve this issue a bit.
  • Spice Spiders. Be still my EU loving heart.
  • Huh. A reference to the prequels that is actually pretty cool. Well done, Mr. Robinson.

Is It Good?

True story:

I began reading this book last night, got a few pages in, and put it down. I’m not sure if it was C-3PO’s annoying dialogue, his exposition via constant translation, or the fact that I just don’t normally dig droid-centered tales, but I could already tell that I wasn’t going to like this story. Even the art by Tony Harris, whose work I normally love, wasn’t grabbing me.

image01

This morning, I dug back in from the beginning… and still hated the first few pages. But then, something unexpected happened. James Robinson actually made me care about perhaps my least favorite character in the Star Wars universe. It definitely helped that we got spice spiders (!) and some other cool monster action via Harris’ hand. But what really won me over were the interactions between C-3PO and the captured First Order droid. This could have easily been a cliché/trope-riddled narrative about whether robots have emotions, but Robinson deftly adds some nice touches (like the prequel call back I mentioned earlier) to make it feel much more personal—not just to this particular story, but to the Star Wars mythos as a whole.

There were a few times that C-3PO’s voice didn’t quite feel like it should. I imagine that writing for such a concrete-thinking character is difficult, but it can be done— Kieron Gillen does it every month with Triple Zero in Marvel’s Darth Vader series. But that small cheat in voice allows C-3PO and his captive/adversary/comrade to have some great dialogue and character moments.

The ending is also surprisingly poignant. I hadn’t considered that the reason for C-3PO’s red arm would be something so touching and sentimental. Add in some good actions sequences, and you’ve got yourself a comic that even person who doesn’t like droid-centered stories (like me) can enjoy.

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024 'My Adventures with Superman' gets new comics series starting June 2024

‘My Adventures with Superman’ gets new comics series starting June 2024

Comic Books

I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1 I Heart Skull-Crusher! #1

‘I Heart Skull-Crusher!’ #1 review: Apocalyptic squad goals

Comic Books

Vault's Wassel brothers talk Zoop partnership for 'Crowdbuilding' campaign Vault's Wassel brothers talk Zoop partnership for 'Crowdbuilding' campaign

Vault’s Wassel brothers talk Zoop partnership for ‘Crowdbuilding’ campaign

Comic Books

Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly unveil 'The Principles of Necromancy' Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly unveil 'The Principles of Necromancy'

Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly unveil ‘The Principles of Necromancy’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup