Disney Uses Marvel Comics To Solve Big Screen Problems

Posted by Chris on 09/24/17 at 12:15 PM Category: Comic Books

Once halfling teddy bears went toe to toe with the Emperor's elite fighting force, Star Wars fans lost any high ground when trying to discuss the movies as flawless works of art, and it hasn't gotten better since then. Even the most zealous fans of the Prequel Trilogy or The Force Awakens would have to admit there are obvious flaws with the plots. One of my biggest problems with The Force Awakens was how Captain Phasma was used as a plot device to keep the rushed third act on schedule without considering for a second that a military commander would never voluntarily sacrifice an entire base to protect herself.

IGN has a very interesting take on how the canonical Marvel comics are not only acknowledging these script problems, but are actually taking them head on and helping close the plot hotes. IGN writes:

As for her role in the climactic battle, (Captain Phasma) was nothing more than a plot device and a means for Han Solo to make a trash compactor throwback joke.

But the new Captain Phasma mini-series does not ignore this, instead Phasma's character deepens by showing a degree of shame for her actions. IGN continues:

(Captain Phasma #1) picks up towards the end of The Force Awakens during the attack on Starkiller Base, showing her escape the trash compactor and then go through great lengths to hide the fact that it was she who lowered the shields and allowed the Resistance to succeed in their attack. She not only erases the computer history but decides to blame it on another First Order officer.

Marvel not only forgives the mistakes made on screen under parent company Disney's stewardship, they also try to fill in the gaps in the Prequel Trilogy. Again,from IGN regarding Anakin's downfall:

Whereas watching the movie left me indifferent to the impulsive Anakin, this comic left me floored with the weight of his tragic downfall. If a comic is making me get teary-eyed over scenes from the prequels, then they’re doing something right.

These aren't the only improvements the comics make to the canon, but you will have to click through to IGN for the rest. I applaud Marvel for this effort. Ignoring these issues makes them more conspicuous. It's sort of like talking to someone with spinach in their teeth. Every second that passes without mentioning the embedded leafy vegetable magnifies the problem. By addressing these issues now, Marvel is helping to start the healing process.