Published: May 16, 2001
Writer: Darko Macan
Artist: Ramon F. Bachs
Colourist: Chris Blythe
Letterer: Steve Dutro
Cover Artist: Andrew Robinson
The synopsis;
As the war between the Jedi Army of Light and the Sith Brotherhood of Darkness rages, Tomcat, Bug and Rain – three cousins drawn to the battle in search of adventure – find that they are in for more than they expected. Far more. Brought to the planet Ruusan by a scout gathering troops for the war, the family desperately tries to stay together in the midst of an epic war between good and evil. But individual desires may prove greater than family ties as the three seek their fates among the battlefields of Ruusan and head toward a destiny controlled by the Sith Lord DARTH BANE!
The review;
After crash-landing in the deep forests on the planet of Ruusan, cousins Tomcat and Bug are guided by Jedi Scout Torr Snapit to the Jedi Army of Light. However, their journey isn’t easy, as they have to cross the rough terrain and are ambushed by Sith minions. Meanwhile, on the other side of the battlefield the Sith Brotherhood of Darkness, led by Lord Kaan, are plotting a deadly strike against the Jedi. A strike that will include some help from Darth Bane himself…
Now that the main characters for Jedi vs Sith have been introduced, this second issue is a little less action orientated. Macan lets the characters develop and be influenced by their new destinies, letting their character flaws grow and relationships change. Tomcat and Bug are already becoming quite complex, which is impressive writing considering they are such young characters.
As Torr leads the cousins through the forests, he’s subtly teaching them some of the main principles of the Jedi, even if neither boy realises. It’s fascinating to read because there’s a real Samurai feel to Torr – he’s clearly a master fighter yet takes no pleasure in wielding a weapon. In fact, Torr states that a lightsaber does not make a Jedi, which is a total contrast to Obi-Wan’s “this weapon is your life” motto from Attack of the Clones. Torr then goes a step further and explains he’s only a Jedi by duty, not out of any desire to be a hero, which grounds his character as a true good doer. He’s quite similar to Jedi Master Tera Sinube from “Lightsaber Lost” in Season Two of The Clone Wars.
Lightsaber lore is actually rather important for Jedi vs Sith #2. In a dramatic twist, Tomcat takes Torr’s weapon. For some reason, the Scout warns him against this, although does not have time to divulge why. In the modern Star Wars canon there’s no problem with sharing lightsabers, just look at Kylo and Rey or even Anakin borrowing Qui Gonn’s old lightsaber in Episode II, yet in the Legends timeline it clearly isn’t advised.
Of course, Tomcat and Bug are pretty typical galactic teenagers, wanting nothing more than adventure rather than the wise advice of an old Jedi Scout. Macan writes each as petulant and immature – at least until the Sith arrive. Both go through a serious reality-check as they have to fight off Sith minions who want to turn them to the Dark Side. They are quickly disillusioned about the war and horrified by the madness of even a brief skirmish. It’s likely their personalities will change even more as this series progresses. All of this is fantastically drawn by Bachs, who portrays the evil minions cloaked with only glowing eyes visible. Just like last time, Jedi vs Sith #2 has a medieval feel, and these Sith are like highwaymen. The panicked expressions for Tomcat and Bug are also very evocative, especially when compared to their dialogue which is full of bravado.
Overall, there are some really unusually composed panels throughout this comic, including a backlit Bane, so his features are cast in shadow and some of the action-sequences are even angled from below. However, the natural landscape is also beautifully drawn by Bachs, possibly influenced by the vast redwood forests of California. They are inhabited by totally adorable creatures called bouncers. These are a unique concept that are quite difficult to describe. They look a bit like Angry Birds without the temper and have the tails of Onagudori (that’s a type of Japanese chicken which is worth a google).
Speaking of Bane, the Sith Lord finally has some dialogue! Macan writes him some very chilling lines and even throws in a maniacal laugh for good measure, boldly lettered by Dutro in a huge font. Every word Bane says is practically a command, or an insult, and his characterisation throughout is just perfect.
Jedi vs Sith #2 is like a chess-game where all the pieces are starting to be put into place before the checkmate. Yet the ominous ending suggests all might not be what it appears for the new recruits brought to Ruusan. What will happen to Tomcat – is stealing a lightsaber a precursor to turning to the Dark Side? And will Bug remain loyal to his cousin or the Jedi?
Availability;
Star Wars: Jedi vs Sith ran for one series during 2001, encompassing 6 issues. Jedi vs Sith #2 is currently available in digital format via the Marvel App, comiXology or by subscribing to Marvel Unlimited. A physical copy can be found in one of the many trade paperback releases from Marvel. Please check with Amazon UK and US or your local comic bookstore for availability.
