Star Wars comics review: The Mandalorian #3
WARNING: This post contains SPOILERS for The Mandalorian #3.
The Mandalorian #3 is the first issue of the series I’ve reviewed. In fact, I picked up all three issues today to read them for this review. Knowing now that this is a straight adaptation from the first season, reading the first two issues was not a prerequisite.
I’ll give it to StarWars.com too, their preview didn’t necessarily make it feel like this was an adaptation! Be warned, if you haven’t started reading this series, you pretty much know what’s going to happen from issue to issue. If you haven’t watched The Mandalorian, then you’ll be in for a surprise!
The Mandalorian #3 “Chapter 3: The Sin”
This is a version of Mando who hasn’t bonded with The Child quite yet. In fact, this early in the story, The Child is simply a bounty that Mando successfully collected and is about to turn in at the start of this issue. From what we know of both Mando and Bounty Hunters, it’s uncharacteristic when he begins questioning what’s going to happen with The (50-year-old) Child.
While he tries to forget all about it and take off for the next job, he’s reminded of the young creature and decides to get a closer look at what’s happening with him in the hands of whatever is left of the Empire.
Familiar territory
I loved The Mandalorian #3… the first time I watched it a few years ago. The Mandalorian captured and continues to capture our imagination. At the time, and even now, it feels more like Star Wars than the sequel movies felt. It spawned a lovely little corner of its own universe while ushering in a new era of the galaxy far, far away on the small screen.
My biggest issue with The Mandalorian #3 is that it’s almost beat for beat the same thing we watched on TV a few years ago. Which, yes, is the point of an adaptation, but I also was hoping for something extra.
Rodney Barnes, whom I discovered while reading Killadelphia, does a wonderful job at adapting The Mandalorian Chapter 3: The Sin. As I was reading this issue (and the series thus far), it brought back fond memories of watching the first season of the show. And maybe there’s something there I’m not seeing, but it sticks pretty close to the path. At the very least, nothing new that is introduced sticks out as being so new that I don’t remember it from the show.
The Mandalorian #3. Image courtesy StarWars.com
The Mandalorian #3. Image courtesy StarWars.com
The Mandalorian #3. Image courtesy StarWars.com
The Mandalorian #3. Image courtesy StarWars.com
The Mandalorian #3. Image courtesy StarWars.com
Georges Jeanty captures the essence of the show in The Mandalorian #3. While there is a big difference between live-action and comic books (and we’re used to an opposite world, where we are comparing live-action to the source material in comics), it very much feels like I’m in the world of The Mandalorian while reading the book.
Jeanty isn’t working alone to make the book look and feel like the TV show, Karl Story and Rachelle Rosenberg lend their talents to bring it to life too.
Conclusion
The Mandalorian #3 is a faithful adaptation of The Mandalorian Chapter 3: The Sin… maybe a little too faithful.
For those that want another medium to ingest this story or haven’t seen the TV show, it’s a great book, but it feels like this comic book about Mando is a missed opportunity to explore the character in times we haven’t seen him on screen.
Next. Andor premiere review: A strong start for Rogue One prequel series. dark
What did you think of the latest issue of Marvel’s Star Wars: The Mandalorian? Let us know in the comments below and stick with Dork Side of the Force for more Star Wars news and reviews!