I actually enjoyed this very much. I really didn’t think it would be that interesting. The artistry is very well done. I’ve read a few books about Star Wars so nothing really amazing was revealed but I think this expressed the emotional journey very well. It really showed how much work was involved and how the Star Wars movies almost didn’t happen. I did love the ending where it all comes together and the movies skyrocket. The artistry at the end is also particularly noteworthy with comments. All in all, I would definitely recommend this. I received a complimentary copy from First Second Books through NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This book was beautiful! The comic style shone throughout and breathed life into the story behind Star Wars, highlighting just how many hoops George Lucas had to get through to bring the SciFi classic to our screens. The author clearly did their research, and provided a lot of great context for things happening at the time of production, which I appreciated since I grew up with the Star Wars franchise already well established.

Absolutely love this telling of George Lucas' rise to fabulous! I think does such a good job, representing what Lucas believed in....story, graphics, movement, emotion....it is all there.

Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for providing me with an advanced reader’s copy of Lucas Wars by Renaud Roche and Laurent Hopman for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Going into this fictionalized(?) graphic novel memoir of movie great and Star Wars legend, George Lucas, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I knew a little bit about him, I wasn’t sure how the illustrations would be or how the story would go, but overall I was quite impressed.

This graphic novel follows the life of movie director George Lucas from his young adulthood up through his time as creator and director of the first Star Wars movie. An awkward and unusual man who had a vision of a fantastical world that he wanted to share with other like-minded people, self-processed nerds and kids (and kids at heart), Lucas struggled with getting the finances for his film, getting people to understand his vision and support his movie making, and working with actors and staff alike who could not quite understand what great world and theatrical masterpiece he was trying to create. Lucas’s story is one in persistence, determination, and drive. Despite not being a great writer, he wrote his own Star Wars story again and again and worked with various professionals in prop building, audiovisuals, video editing, and photography, to create the worlds, characters, and props that he envisioned for Star Wars. This graphic novel was a great insight into a movie pioneer and my only complaint is that a collaboration with George Lucas himself or at least an interview included at the end of the novel would have been a wonderful tie in and perhaps give more credibility to the story.

Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books | 23rd St. for the opportunity to read this eARC of "Lucas Wars" by Laurent Hopman with illustrations by Renaud Roche.

First, I want to admit that I am a huge Star Wars fan, and, by extension, a huge fan of George Lucas. While there was nothing in this book that I was unfamiliar with, this was one of the most complete retellings of the saga that was the creation of the original Star Wars film. It was appropriate to bookend the story of Lucas's struggle with 20th Century Fox with a brief synopsis of Lucas's upbringing and entrance into the world of cinema as well as the domination of the cinema world with the success of that first Star Wars film. Assembling this timeline from the myriad sources was amazing, as well as avoiding the pitfalls of the shifting narrative that have grown up around the creation of the film over time to stick with only the clearly verifiable (caused in no small part by Lucas's own rewriting of history about the creation of his masterpiece). The story hit all the high notes and included nearly all the vital players (my only gripe would be overlooking the input of Alan Dean Foster who was working on the novelization long before it was brought up in this book's narrative and which added several of those "he rewrote it again" moments for Fox). Hopman's love for the sources is obvious.

Without a doubt, though, the most amazing part of this entire book was Roche's illustrations. Roche's style perfectly captured the looks of all the key players, even taking time to catch some images of crew I recognize from all the production photos I have assembled in so many of the other books about Lucas and Star Wars. I was hoping for an illustration of the infamous "pink shorts" guy, but aside from that, the caricatures of so many of Hollywood's famous (or soon to be famous) was outstanding. The pictures really helped to sell the narrative.

No doubt -- this book is a great addition to the collection of any Star Wars fan, regardless of level of familiarity or fandom.

This was so much more engaging than I expected! As a longtime Star Wars fan, who still remembers the magic of seeing the movie in the theater for the first time, I thought this would be interesting--but it is riveting! There is so much information on George Lucas and how he got the movie made (answer: with tons of trouble!) and I did not know many of the details here. There is even a running joke through the pages on how Lucas couldn't write dialogue! I think this will make a great addition to our graphic novel collection.

George Lucas has never been one to follow the rules. He had his own agenda growing up, all he wanted to do was read comics and watch Flash Gordon. When he almost died from a car crash as a teenager, it gave him a second chance at life. He goes to college to study his passion: film. From there, he makes his first small film, an expansion on a short made for school, then American Graffiti, meets his wife, and other bigwig names like Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola.
I learned more about George Lucas than I had ever known. I did not know about the struggle, the setbacks, and pitfalls that George Lucas and co., had to endure to make one of the greatest science fiction films of our lifetime. I finished this one with a newfound respect for George Lucas and this amazing feat that was accomplished.

#ThxNetGalley #RenaudRoche #LaurentHopman #LucasWars

I'm a big Star Wars fan, so I've come across most of this backstory at one point or another, but compiling it all together in graphic novel form truly enhanced it. I loved the simplified art style and use of limited color to show emotion. The translation from Jeremy Melloul is fantastic. Definitely would recommend this for any Star Wars fan ages 15+.

I was very excited to receive an eARC of this book for review and it did not disappoint. The artist captured the actors perfectly in both looks and manner. I had gotten a little glimpse of the story behind Star Wars previously from Fisher's The Princess Diarist, this novel covered so much more behind the scenes as well as Lucas’ early life. A must-read for any Star Wars fan.

Thank you to NetGalley and First Second Books for an eARC of this book in return for an honest, thoughtful review.

My thanks to both NetGalley and First Second Books- 23rd St for an advance copy of this graphic novel that tells of the struggle of one man against an entrenched empire of studio executives and his single-minded drive to tell the story he wanted, the way he wanted it, and to keep the merchandise rights of one of the most successful films in history.

I hate having to start with this, and I am sure I am not the only reviewer to do so, but I shall. A long time ago in a state far, far away a man had a dream. To make a movie that was fun, full of innocence that people could enjoy, could use to inspire others as he had been inspired. Oh, and show those idiots in charge of studios they had not idea what they were talking about. This man loved movies, the art, the set-up the music, the technology. The writing, not so much. The direction sure, but not when directing people. This man was lucky in that he was able to find people like him, other directors, other screenwriters, even a fantastic film editor who loved him in a way he never thought possible. A man who looked shy and fearful, but had a inner strength, a work ethic that put others to shame, and a want to prove himself on the global stage. George Lucas was a pivotal person in my childhood, making the film Star Wars that has meant much to me in life, and shaped my creativity in many ways. This is his story. Lucas Wars is written by Laurent Hopman, with art by Renaud Roche and translated by Jeremy Melloul, and tells the story of Lucas before the fame, the struggles, the battles, the bad test scores, and how he made the film he wanted to make, and changed the film industry in many ways forever.

George Lucas was born in a small town in California with dreams of getting out as soon as possible. Lucas wasn't much of a scholar, in fact outside of science fiction Lucas didn't have much interest in anything. Cars soon became an obsession, going fast, modifying them, and soon filming them. Lucas had dreams of being a race car driver, until a crash nearly ended his life, and changed his priorities. Lucas decided to go to film school, where he did well. Lucas excelled at using technology in film, creating his first student film, and using techniques that he invented, or adapted. The film got him attention, and friends, something that Lucas never really had, and more importantly mentors. Like Francis Ford Coppola, who joined with Lucas to create their own production company and made Lucas's first film. Which did poorly. Based on advice from his wife, again something he never expected to have, Marcia, a film editor, Lucas created a small film about things he knew, growing up, wanting to get out, cars, and music. This did much better, giving him more bargaining power for his dream project , one that went through many scripts, many changes and many titles, Star Wars.

A very good look at the life, work, dreams, aspirations and problems George Lucas had in making Star Wars. Not just the studio not believeing it, not just his friends not understanding it, nor the cast liking the words, but everything. The sandstorms, the generational floods in Tunisia. The problems making the technology to film his space battles. The ease in the making of the soundtrack. The money, the fights, and finally the victory. The story moves well, giving a good sense of who Lucas was and what he became. The work ethic, the vision, and the uncomfortable problems with humans hat Lucas had. A very well researched look, and a nice making of for a film that has plenty of biographies. The art is excellent, a mix of reality, and fantasy with great use of color to highlight moments. I really, really liked the art.

This is the first book I have seen by these creators and I can't recommend it enough. The story is paced well, even making reader wonder if this crazy film will ever get made. The art compliments the story quite well, and is very well done. A graphic novel for fans of course, but also a nice tale for people in the arts about a guy who made his own fate, worked hard, kept trying and finally against the odds made a one in a million shot that blew up his life for the better.

Immersive art and vivid details bring to life the story of George Lucas creating Star Wars. His perseverance and originality propel him, while the support from the incredible artists around him keeps the project going. Fascinating for Star Wars nerds, film buffs, and anyone who enjoys stories about following a dream.

Note: I received a DRC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.


“Lucas Wars” focuses on the creator behind “Star Wars,” George Lucas, and his journey to creating the first “Star Wars” movie, along with showing Lucas’s life before and while working on the movie. This was a really great read and is perfect for any “Star Wars” fan. The illustrations are fantastic as well. Overall, this is a great read that I would definitely recommend to “Star Wars” fans and to people who love biographies and graphic novels. I really enjoyed this book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to First Second Books, 23rd St., Renaud Roche, Laurent Hopman, and of course George Lucas for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is a graphic novel biography featuring George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, and his journey to bringing Star Wars to life. I love the graphic novel style and presentation, making the biography genre more engaging.

It features some key aspects of Lucas' life, such as childhood, a fatal accident, meeting Stephen Spielberg, early works, and how he came to be the person we all know and love as the creator of one of the world's most iconic franchises. Most of the story focuses on the development of Star Wars.

The biography explores the drafting process and some of the early ideas of Star Wars before it became what it was, which, as a huge SW fan, is vastly intriguing, especially with the graphic novel art to add imagery to those ideas to compare to the final product. Learning about The Hero's Journey (as outlined by Joseph Campbell), Lucas finally has a way to structure the many ideas he has. It also explores the audition process they went through to ultimately come up with Harrison, Carrie, and Mark.

The graphic novel spends a large chunk with the elements of production and the hardships of filming. It's all rather intriguing to see the background of what became this beloved cultural icon. There are a number of interesting facts as well, like something Mark asked for in his contract, or how much pay and time it took James Earl Jones to do Vader's voice. The dynamics in relationships between cast members, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Truly a graphic novel that will enthrall any Star Wars fan and add a new depth to their knowledge of a media icon they care so greatly for. I enjoyed this book so much that my mind is swimming around everything I just learned that I never previously knew about one of my favorite franchises. An intriguing read for those interested in any aspect of the film-making industry, and a must-read for all Star Wars fans!

Not so long ago, in a galaxy closer than you would think George Lucas changed the world and culture forever. From his earliest days, George Lucas was a dreamer, delving into comics and spending too much time in front of the tv watching Flash Gordon finding solace in fantasy, much to his parent’s chagrin. When he experiences a car accident in his late teens, Lucas realizes life is too short and turns his passions into a career and enters film school only to create one of the most monumental film franchises in history. Hopman brilliantly distills the early years of Lucas’ life and the making of Star Wars into a compelling hero’s journey. With no shortage of cameos from late-70’s Hollywood, including directors Steven Spielberg and Francis Ford Coppola and various actors who auditions for the Star Wars-that-could-have been, the importance of Lucas’ work is clearly conveyed. Illustrator Roche does perfectly captures the likeness of the the actors in the now iconic film both on and off set selecting using color to bring the magic of a galaxy far far away to life. Essential reading for films buffs and Star Wars diehards alike, this graphic novel is one with the Force.

Lucas Wars is a graphic novel written by Laurent Hopman and illustrated by Renaud Roche. This starts with George's time as a teen, trying to figure out what interested him and then his evolution as a filmaker culminating in the struggles to make Star Wars. There were lots of new tidbits and facts that I had never heard. One of the funniest were the original picks by George of Luke and Leia - Christopher Walken and Jodie Foster. That would have been a different movie. It's amazing that Lucas was able to ever get Star Wars made but the end result proved his point.
Great illustrations from Roche and very easy to read. Going to be a must-have for any Star Wars fan.

Huge Star Wars fan here! Lucas Wars is such a fun and fascinating look at how Star Wars came to be. The graphic novel format makes it super engaging, and the artwork really brings the behind-the-scenes drama to life. I loved learning about George Lucas’s creative process, the struggles he faced, and how much passion went into making something so iconic. It’s packed with cool details but never feels overwhelming. Whether you're a huge Star Wars fan or just love stories about filmmaking, this is a great read. Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced reader copy.

As a lifelong Star Wars fan (my username is literally a Star Wars reference), I was beyond excited to read Lucas Wars, and it did not disappoint. It’s fun, and gives the perfect behind the scenes recounting in a way that is incredibly engaging. It manages to tell a story that plenty of people have heard (or maybe just the people I’m around because of the aforementioned lifelong fan status) through art and dialogue that are captivating and have you wanting to keep turning the page.

First of all, Laurent Hopman does a great job at establishing details from Lucas’ childhood that contribute to his future creating Star Wars, then he goes into telling the story of that very creative process. He finds the perfect balance of sharing facts and definitions while not making it feel like you are just reading a simple story stating the facts. The use of dialogue and captions is probably my favorite, as it really feels like you are seeing Lucas go through this process and the emotions that come with it.

Though, those emotions couldn’t come across without the work of Renaud Roche who delivers outstanding illustrations. I have seen the original Star Wars trilogy more times than I can count, have looked at the main trio’s faces every day of my life for years thanks to countless merchandise items, and of course have a familiarity with George Lucas, and Roche captures their likeness in a manner that can only be described as picturesque. It feels as though you are watching actual behind the scenes footage from each of these events, which is exactly how I want a nonfiction graphic novel to feel. Also, don’t even get me started on the use of color. It was perfect.

So, in case it wasn’t obvious, I loved this book. I literally found myself tearing up when we got to the success of Star Wars in it because it really felt like I went on this journey alongside Lucas. If you’re a fan of Star Wars, I definitely recommend this book. Even if you’re not, it’s an amazing underdog story about a creative who just wants to pursue his dream, so I recommend it if that’s something you’re interested in. Or, if you’d like some more information on the behind the scenes of a movie making creative process. Truly phenomenal and you will be hearing me tell all my nerdy friends about it for a while.

Also!! Shoutout to the translators of this book!! It wasn’t originally published in English (the language I read it in) and y’all did an amazing job! :)

*Thank you to NetGalley and First Seconds Books for this ARC!!*

Man, what a cool graphic novel. I learned things about the making of Star Wars that I geniunely didn't know. This is coming from someone who had the documentary "From Star Wars to Jedi" VHS on repeat as a kid. It just made me love the originals so much more knowing the issues that faced Lucas when he was trying to get the film made. Fantastic read for anyone that is a fan of these movies.

In this new graphic novel, Lucas Wars, Renaud Roche tells the story of George Lucas, his early years, rebellious youth and ultimate success after finally finding his purpose after a horrific car accident where he discovered "The Force". Even if you've read bio's of Lucas before this new graphic telling makes the story fresh and new and hopefully enjoyed by a new generation of Star Wars fans!

Thank you for this ARC!
I am a big fan of Lucas and all his works. This is a wonderful graphic novel to enrich any Star Wars fan on all the annoying hard work it took. All the years and the struggles that dumb Hollywood places on young visionaries.