Published: July 27, 2022
Rated: T
Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Artist: Alessandro Miracolo
Colourist: Frank William
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Book Design: Adam Del Re
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
The synopsis;
THE BATTLE OF ABRION BRIDGE!
• While continuing to wait out a nasty sandstorm on Tatooine, Obi-Wan reflects on one of his most grueling experiences in the Clone Wars…
• It’s a memory full of pain and bloodshed, and one that has lasting consequences.
• The battle also reminds Obi-Wan of an age-old question he has long wrestled with throughout his life: what is a Jedi’s true purpose in war?
The review;
Phil Noto has created the direct cover for this issue. The illustration shows General Obi-Wan Kenobi with Commander Cody and members of the 212th Clone Regiment. It is an absolutely cracking piece of artwork. The variant cover is by Giuseppe Camuncoli, with Jesus Aburtov on colours. Another great piece of art and a must have variant which features Obi-Wan, but this time accompanied by Mace Windu, Kit Fisto and Commander Cody. Then we have the third and final cover that features Kit Fisto and his lightsaber hilt. This is part of the very desirable, and collectible, Choose Your Destiny cover series by Chris Sprouse, Karl Story, and Neeraj Menon. I will admit, I have now succumbed to collecting this series myself!
So far, Christopher Cantwell has brought 2 very different stories that looked at the early years of Obi-Wan’s lifetime. Each issue has seen a new creative team and joining Cantwell for this issue are Alessandro Miracolo (Artist), Frank William (Colours) and VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letters). This issue is base during The Clone Wars era and like many, I am looking froward to delving into the pages of the third issue in the series.
Obi-Wan is sitting out the sandstorm on Tatooine and is now reflecting on his part in The Clone Wars. Thinking of his bonds to those he fought alongside in the Jedi, 212th Battalion, and especially Commander Cody. The victories at Geonosis, Christophsis, Dantooine; but then the crushing defeat on Hypori.
Abrion Bridge was a key position in the attack on Separatist droid factory on Abrion Major. The development of an ion weapon that could disable a fleet with one blast was being built and it must be stopped at all costs. Obi-Wan volunteers to lead the 212th on the mission.
Joined by Roon Military Defence Forces, the clone army start their mission. There are losses before they even reach the bridge with gunships taken down on the approach. A rousing call from Obi-Wan bolsters the reserves of those around him and they enter the battle.
Then in one moment, the sunrise catches his eye. Distracted by its breath-taking beauty for one moment too long it nearly costs him dearly. Commander Cody crashed into Obi-Wan as an explosion rips through where he was stood watching the sunrise.
The Roon Forces are holding their own and are making ground. Obi-Wan meets a new recruit, who carries no weapon only a banner. Airo had chosen his name the previous evening and now is the flag bearer in his first battle. Obi-Wan vows to carve him a path through the battle.
They reach their target and extract the plans, but now they would have to fight their way out. The fight is brutal and many more lost, but to Obi-Wan’s dismay, Airo is cut down by a Separatist airstrike. He runs over to his fallen comrade and holds him as he passes away.
After the battle, the evacuation ships have arrived. Obi-Wan sits alone watching the following days sunrise, with Airo’s banner in his hands, hoping that the “light can still prevail”.
Wow, just wow! This is an amazing tale, and it is so beautifully told by Christopher Cantwell and the team.
For me, it just shows why Obi-Wan was as disconnected from the universe at the start of the Obi-Wan Kenobi TV series on Disney+ and goes some way to explaining Luke’s disposition in The Last Jedi. The war that Obi-Wan had fought in had drained him emotionally, but it is only afterwards that the real effects hit him. Cantwell shows that the cracks were already there early in the war which would later become something akin to PTSD.
It also shows how far from their ideals the Jedi really are. From their peaceful, monastic lives thrown into becoming war mongers all because of Palpatine’s unseen grip on the galaxy. It shows the emotions and stresses that the Jedi were being put through to try and maintain a stability in the galaxy. But ultimately, it shows the price Obi-Wan personally paid in later years.
The artwork for this issue is fantastic. The combination of Alessandro Miracolo and Frank William is a perfect match for the action and the story. The expressions Miracolo uses on the faces of the characters is masterful, in particular the last two frames of the issue. The anguished and beleaguered look on General Kenobi’s face in the last but one is perfect, but then followed by the reflective and almost regretful appearance in the final frame. VC’s Joe Caramagna does an amazing job. This issue is word heavy due to the narration of old Obi-Wan, but the words do not get in the way of the artwork, and it flows so well together.
Every now and again we get a comic that shines like a beacon and stands out from the everything else that is published, and Cantwell has brought us that comic with Obi-Wan #3. I was blown away by the story, the subjects it approached and the way it approached the traumas and uneasiness that our Jedi Master had to deal with during his time as a General during The Clone Wars. It is as near perfect as a comic can be, so thank you to all those involved. I now cannot wait to read issue 4.
Availability;
Obi-Wan is a 5-part mini-series published by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available via the Marvel App, ComiXology and all comic book stores.
