Years after becoming a huge hit on Disney+, The Mandalorian has now hit bookshelves as a beautifully drawn manga adaptation courtesy of VIZ Media. Adapted by Yusuke Osawa, the first volume of the Star Wars manga is a stylish and faithful recreation of the series’ debut episode. If you’re looking for a new way to relive the thrills of the show, then this is the perfect way to do just that.
“Years after the fall of the Galactic Empire, a solitary bounty hunter is given a simple mission. Find and return the Child to the Imperial Remnant, all that remains of the once all-powerful Empire,” reads the synopsis. “This mysterious orphan has a power that can possibly turn events in their favor, and acquisition of that power is paramount. Instead, the bounty hunter goes on the run with the Child to protect him from the forces that would do him harm. Here is the story of The Mandalorian, and his desperate quest to save the Child and himself.”
What’s immediately apparent from the get-go is the high production value. Larger than most manga volumes, it is printed on pages that are 5.75″ by 8.25″. It also begins with five beautifully colored pages before going to black and white like a traditional manga. Those who love the Star Wars series will be glad to know that this is as faithful as it gets, with all of the scenes drawn in detail and all of the opening episode’s great dialogue and quips used for the text.
While it’s not necessarily a new experience, it definitely is just as incredible as the show itself. Osawa’s incredible style is able to show the world of Star Wars in great detail, and the action is just as thrilling on the page as it is on your television. Despite being 166 pages, I found myself going through it in a single sitting as I couldn’t wait to see how Osawa would illustrate my favorite scenes from the show. Plus, it’s a real trip getting to see manga versions of Carl Weathers and Werner Herzog.
While the early parts in the city are great to see due to how detailed the drawings are, it’s the action scenes where Osawa’s work really shines. I really loved the final battle that sees The Mandalorian fight alongside IG-11, as Osawa gets the humor of the fight completely right with how he incorporates IG-11 trying to self-destruct. The book is a real visual delight and ends with one of the cutest drawings of Grogu that you’ll ever see. There’s even some extras at the end of the volume going over different Star Wars elements, such as gonk droids and carbon freezing.
The Mandalorian: The Manga Vol. 1 Review: Final Verdict
The Mandalorian: The Manga Vol. 1 is a faithful and gorgeous adaptation of the first episode of the hit Disney+ series. Beautifully drawn by Osawa, the action sequences hit with all the impact you remember and the locales are filled with detail. If you’re looking to experience the show again in a new medium rather than rewatch it again (although reading it will probably make you want to do another watch to compare), then this is a great pick up and an easy recommendation.
Disclosure: ComingSoon was sent a copy by the publisher for our The Mandalorian: The Manga Vol. 1 review.
