The official Star Wars site has a comparison of the Japanese Manga and Marvel adaptations of the original Star Wars stories. Their verdict? The manga version wins.

The piece in question uses panels from both comics to contrast the styles and effectiveness of storytelling.

“The Japanese version of Han’s run-in with stormtroopers aboard the Death Star really plays up the comedic angle of this scene. The exaggerated wild takes and flop sweat on Chewbacca, the cry of Han’s battle charge curving down the corridor, Luke’s half-lidded boredom with Han’s antics, and the shoulder-to-shoulder countercharge by about 17 stormtroopers crammed into one panel are all for laughs.

The US Marvel version plays it more straight, and because the action is distilled to only six panels, Han’s dialogue has to explain what’s happening in the scene.”

I have to admit, the manga is much much better. It’s good to see the folks at the official site appreciate that fact.

Turning Star Wars Japanese — Manga Scenes Done Better

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