Published: August 31, 2022
Rated: T
Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Artist: Madibek Musabekov
Colourist: Sebastian Cheng
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Book Design: Adam Del Re
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
The synopsis;
The Sun Sets and It Rises
• As the sandstorm overtakes his home, Obi-Wan has more time to reflect in — and on — the darkness.
• He looks back on a time when he and Anakin Skywalker were pulled off the front lines of the Clone Wars to confront a lost soul from Kenobi’s wartime past.
• Can the two Jedi bring a man back from the heart of darkness to which he has fallen?
The review;
Phil Noto is synonymous with modern Star Wars comic covers and his cover for issue 4 of Obi-Wan is superb. Depicting Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in a ready stance on a small boat heading towards clone trooper helmets impaled on spikes. This reminds me of how the crossing of the river Styx has been portrayed over the years. Terry and Rachel Dodson are back with this issues variant, and it is another great cover. I’ve really missed the work of the Dodson’s in recent times, but this cover of Obi-Wan and Anakin in fighting poses has a simplicity to it that makes it stand out. Then we have the continuing Choose Your Destiny cover by Chris Sprouse, Karl Story and Rachelle Rosenberg featuring the Cerean Jedi Mast, Ki-Adi-Mundi.
Once more the creative team changes, welcoming Madibek Musabekov on art and Sebastian Cheng on colours. Issue 3 was one of the best modern era comics I have ever read. As a single issue, it was as near perfect as I could imagine, but I’m open to see where issue 4 takes us.
The storm rages on Tatooine and Obi-Wan knows his moisture vaporator has fell victim to it. His power cells are failing, and he is left in darkness. He reflects further on his time as a General in the Clone Wars.
Admiral Yularen awaits Obi-Wan and Anakin in the briefing room. He has a sensitive mission for them that relates Commander Mekedrix who fought at the Battle of Abrion Bridge (See Obi-Wan #3). A movement called the Death Wind has been reported to be operating as an execution squad, taking out high ranking separatist targets. Yularen believes this is run by Mekedrix and this is not a mission to capture him, he is to be terminated on sight. Anakin is not happy; the Jedi are not assassins and warns Yularen that no man is beyond saving.
The Jedi are on a boat in the swamplands of the planet Ando. The swamps are littered with clone trooper corpses hung up as warnings as they approach a temple. From the water appear Death Wind soldiers who challenge them. Obi-Wan identifies themselves, they surrender their lightsabers and they are taken to Mekedrix.
Mekedrix now owns a sword made from the bones of a clone trooper with no name. Obi-Wan argues all the clones have names, and at this he becomes agitated. He lashes out at Obi-Wan. Anakin calls his lightsaber hilt to his hand and stops Mekedrix in his tracks with his blade. Anakin apologises, but Obi-Wan reassures he has done nothing wrong. With his dying words, Mekedrix hints that he had goaded Anakin into striking him down.
“The Light will shine again once the storm passes. But for how long?”
Where issues 1 and 2, covered two significant stories for the younger Obi-Wan, this issue links back to issue 3. I like that this has continued the story as there was a small piece of unfinished business regarding Mekedrix and what happened to him at the Battle of Abrion Bridge. The continuation also plays on the PTSD type sentiments that Obi-Wan experiences in issue 3.
Christopher Cantwell is telling an amazing story in this mini-series, and it really is expanding, not just Obi-Wan’s story, but the story of the Clone Wars. Cantwell continues to develop so many angles of Obi-Wan, but I also like the dip into taking a look at Anakin. I loved the line where Anakin states that he cannot accept a Mekedrix is a man beyond saving. It resonates with his own destiny that we all know so well and gives an extra layer to his character at this point in time.
The reaction of Mekedrix towards the Jedi was a little brief for me, but the passage of story was effective. The reaction of Anakin is exactly as I would expect, but Mekedrix knew what was going to happen to him, as if he had foreseen it.
And then I must mention the artwork. Madibek Musabekov is not a name I knew before reading this issue, but it is a name I will look out for in the future, believe me! We have been treated to some stunning artwork during this series so far, but what an introduction to his work. I love the expression he gets in faces, but also in the bodies of his subjects. His work to create Yularen is magnificent and I loved his depiction of Mekedrix too. Combined with some stellar colour work by Sebastian Cheng, their styles dovetail beautifully.
Sadly, due to a family holiday, I am not going to be able to review the final issue this week. So, I am handing the reigns over into the capable hands of Kat Rees-Jauke. For me this has been an essential read to accompany the Obi-Wan Kenobi series on Disney+. I’m looking forward to the conclusion of this series immensely.
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.
