Review by Ian Keogh

When Star Wars: The Phantom Menace was released in 1999 the world outside comics considered Star Wars almost a heritage franchise, with no great expectations for any revival. Dark Horse, though, had for several years been proving wonder remained in the world George Lucas built, and the company was well placed to capitalise from a success that surprised everyone.

Henry Gilroy and Rodolfo Damaggio may not be household names even as far as comic fans are concerned, but they take Lucas’ script and turn out a still very readable adaptation. It’s dimmed a little by any Star Wars fan knowing from the start who the villains are going to be, and love for Jar Jar Binks has never grown over time, but it’s a well plotted adventure of the Republic on the verge of collapsing, yet unaware that’s the case.

We begin with Jedi representatives Qui-Gon Jinn and a young Obi-Wan Kenobi arriving on a distant planet preparing to negotiate a trade deal and only just escaping assassination. Unknowingly, they’ve uncovered revolution. Lucas plots to the adventure template of his first success, includes analogues of the characters from that film, and echoes of it, such as a stopover on Tatooine. Even if the general direction is known, it’s still possible to admire the plotting around the innocent Anakin Skywalker, strangely attuned to the force.

There’s a delicacy to Damaggio’s art, helped by the inking of Al Williamson whose touch is evident on several background aliens, and he delivers both characters and spectacle well. Panels are busy with people, and while the technology comes from the film’s designs, Damaggio brings it to life here. The arrival of Darth Maul is every bit as shocking as in the film.

Suppose you don’t know who the characters are and what they become, though, or even that this is a film adaptation. How does The Phantom Menace appeal? It’s cracking space adventure, creative and fast-paced, and however irritating Jar Jar Binks is, the remainder more than compensates.

As a core piece of Star Wars legend, this adaptation has been incorporated into several larger collections. It’s found in The Rise of the Sith Omnibus and the Epic Collection of the same name, and also combined with other film adaptation in Star Wars Omnibus: The Complete Saga – Episodes I through VI. This alone is available as paperback or as a hardcover version with a different cover.