Star Wars: Tag and Bink Were Here

By Kevin Rubio, Lucas Marangon & Howard M. Shum (Dark Horse Books)
ISBN 1-84576-370-X

One of the greatest strengths of an all-encompassing franchise such as Star Wars is the ability to accept and of course profit from some occasional fun at its expense. This winning little tome plays with the movies’ magic and stills makes me laugh on the fourth re-reading but do be warned; you’ll need some passing familiarity with Star Wars IV-VI: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi not to mention the lesser, newer films to fully appreciate the in-jokes and general jocularity.

In the original two issue miniseries ‘Tag and Bink are Dead’, the eponymous zeroes are two shiftless slacker crewmen (think Dude, Where’s My Car? or Clerks in Space) on Princess Leia’s cruiser at the beginning of A New Hope. When Darth Vader attacks they take the place of two Storm Troopers and get sucked into the events of the grand storyline in a classic comedy of errors.

Skillful researcher (for which read “watched the movies over and over”) Rubio manages to insert the hapless duo into key scenes from the films to such effect that it’s safe to assume that whenever you see two faceless guards, troopers or characters keeping still or marching in the background it’s Tag and Bink, and their hapless participation is what actually saved the galaxy, too!,

The miniseries was followed by ‘The Return of Tag and Bink Special Edition’, which embroiled them much more fully in the events of Return of the Jedi, as their hidden interference is instrumental in defeating Jabba the Hutt and costing Luke Skywalker his hand when they undertake a mission for the Rebel Alliance. They’re also there when the Emperor get his final comeuppance.

‘Star Wars: Tag and Bink Episode One’ reveals the origin of the characters in a truly hilarious outing during the last days of Old Republic, where they were the worst Younglings at the Jedi School. The absolute highpoint is when young Tag gives the sullen Anakin Skywalker tips on how to score with hot chick Padmé Amidala…

Irreverent, fast-paced and genuinely funny beyond the films’ broad-based slapstick, this is a book to read over and again, especially with the captivating artwork of Lucas Marangon and Howard M. Shum, reminiscent of the great Ernie Colon, which handles action and expression with equal aplomb. Only the saddest fanatic could fail to be amused by this terrific tome. Sing along now “♫We’re off on the Road to Dantooine… ♫”

Star Wars © 2006 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™. All Rights Reserved.