Blaqk Door's Comic of the Month: Chewbacca #2

Blaqk Door's Comic of the Month:

Chewbacca #2

writer- Gerry Duggan

artist- Phil Noto

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away... Marvel Comics published a comic called Star Wars. As a kid, I was a huge fan of anything Star Wars and I made sure I never missed an issue. The series took place in-between the films and told some amazing stories. There were tales of Luke on his own, Leia's work in the rebellion, and of everybody's favorite wookie soaring through space with Lando Calrisian in search of their old buddy, Han Solo. Oh, and let's not forget those loveable droids. Since those days, many publishers have tried their hand at waging war against the Empire and the evil Dark Side that drives it. In fact, at one point, it looked like Dark Horse Comics was going to be the king of the franchise with their long running control of the Star Wars Universe and a list of well known writers and artists lending their talents.

Now that Disney has control of Marvel and Star Wars, the comics publisher is back at it and they are doing it right. Several series and mini-series have spun off. Of course, this time, it's all about Chewbacca. The story takes place after the events in A New Hope. Chewbacca is on his own, carrying out a sort of personal mission, when he crash lands and discovers that the people of that world are being enslaved by a vicious gangster. Forced to mine for the gangster, the people have one hero on their side, a young girl named Zarro. Zarro befriends the wookie, and he joins in her plan to free her people.

Chewbacca is written by Gerry Duggan, scribe on titles such as Deadpool, 1872, and Infinity Gauntlet and his style oozes fandom. It's obvious that Duggan is dedicated to handling Chewie with care. The partnership with series artist, Phil Noto, is perfect. Noto's art tells as much of the story as Duggan's words, especially since our favorite hair covered co-pilot of the Millennium Falcon only speaks in growls and roars.

In all honesty, it works. What dialogue there is, is perfect for realism. It flows very naturally as does the plot. And the art shows us fans, the mannerisms and attitude we are already familiar with when it comes to Chewbacca. If you love the wookie, you'll love the book. It has the heart of a cuddly teddy bear and the roar of a lion, and it'll leave you wanting more.

So definitely pick up Chewbacca from Marvel Comics. And don't fret when it has you wanting more... the title comes out twice a month.

Don't forget that Chewbacca #2 is Comic of the Month at Blaqk Door in Fort Bragg. That means if you pick up Chewbacca #2 through the month of November, you'll get it for 20% off regular price. Or you can just drop in and say “hi”.

Blaqk Door's Game of the Month

Blaqk Door's Game of the Month: Mice & Mystics (Plaid Hat Games)

Here it is- Blaqk Door's Game of the Month. Every month, we'll focus on a game that promises to give players hours and hours of fun as well as challenge and sharpen the mind. Whether it's a game for the little kids, the older kids, or kids of all ages, you're going to find something that fits your style, right here.

November's focus is Mice & Mystics, a cooperative storytelling adventure game designed by Jerry Hawthorne with art by John Ariosa. In recent years, we've seen a lot of games come out that are rpg/board game hybrids. Role-playing games with a monster & mazes element, but also the mechanic of cards and moving pieces on a board. All these games are fun and most are easy to learn. Mice & Mystics is one such game. In Mice & Mystics, players become sword fighting, spell wielding adventurers who race to save the kingdom from a treacherous queen and her evil henchmen. Where that might sound like a typical scenario from any old fantasy rpg, the wonderful spin on this game is that the players take the roles of adventuring mice. Another great thing about Mice & Mystics, is that it's a perfect blend of role-playing game, board game, and card game that can be played in one somewhat short sitting or as a long ongoing campaign.

The game comes with all the important elements: game pieces, dice, character cards, location tiles, and a storybook that guides players through their adventure. Lovers of board games might enjoy the way a game can be played one chapter at a time, where they have to escape the dungeon filled with evil rats, or as a campaign where they move from one dangerous encounter to another in order to save the entire kingdom. To start, players get to choose from six rodent heroes: Prince Collin, Nez the tinkerer, Filch the thief, Maginos the mystic, Lilly, or Tilda. Each mouse has their own special ability or weapon, as well as their own movement rate. Of course, the character you choose dictates what kind of attack you'll be able to make and how fast you can get around the tiles. Each mouse is special in their own individual way, so it's all up to you and the roll of the dice.

Game time can be from 60-90 minutes in one session with 1-4 players (sometimes 6), and appropriate ages are from 7 up.

You're really going to love Mice & Mystics. The game play is fun and easy and the storytelling and art are beautifully constructed, making Mice & Mystics a must for anyone into adventure gaming. And since it's Blaqk Door's Game of the month, if you buy it in-store now through the whole month of November, you'll get it for 20% off regular price.

Blaqk Door's Picks of the Month