STAR WARS: THE SCREAMING CITADEL

released OUT NOW! Publisher Marvel Comics

Writers Kieron Gillen, Jason aaron Artists Marco Checchetto, salvador larroca, andrea Broccardo

Crossovers can often seem impossible to avoid in mainstream comics, but they’re not always a bad thing, as is proven by the latest team-up in Marvel’s ongoing Star Wars titles. Following up 2016’s superb “Vader Down” event, “The Screaming Citadel” brings together the classic Star Wars cast with rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra and psycho droid double-act B-T and Triple-Zero, for fast-paced and funny adventure.

The five-issue crossover kicks off when Aphra enlists Luke Skywalker’s help to access a rare Jedi artificial intelligence. Unfortunately, the only person who can activate this AI is the queen of Katath’atn, vampiric ruler of a citadel crammed with monstrous threats, and our heroes are soon stuck in the middle of a colourful blend of sci-fi action and gothic horror.

While the final issue was unavailable for review, the first four provide lively entertainment that swaps the epic body-count of “Vader Down” for a more pulpy approach, while still teasing out some satisfying character moments. Three separate artists result in visuals that don’t mesh consistently, but otherwise this ferocious romp is yet another example of how well Marvel’s Star Wars comics are working out. Saxon Bullock