Comic Review: The Battle of Jakku – Republic Under Siege #3 (of 4)

Clarke’s direct cover for The Battle of Jakku: Republic Under Siege #3 continues to use the beautiful warm yellow back glow from the previous issue’s artwork. It works so well to capture the Republic heroes as the silhouettes of TIE fighters cut across the composition, suggesting the encroaching darkness that’s determined to destroy the New Republic. Meanwhile Yu’s variant couldn’t be more different as it uses an incredibly dynamic pose to capture Weazel (from Solo: A Star Wars Story) on the prowl.

At the Battle of Endor the Empire fell. But that was only the beginning. While the Rebel Alliance has achieved a massive victory, the Imperial remnants are desperate to keep control of the galaxy or seize power for themselves. Grand Moff Adelhard attempted to blockade the Anoat sector but was routed for a time by the New Republic. However, Adelhard didn’t die in the encounter and is back for revenge. Picking up after the events of Insurgency Rising, this new mini-series continues to delve into this area that has been explored during the Journey to the Force Awakens publishing, including the Aftermath series and Shattered Empire.

Grand Moff Adelhard has amassed a multitude of different allies to enact his plans against the New Republic. He doesn’t want them gaining a political stronghold by re-establishing the democracy of the Galactic Senate, so has sent Kranor and Lan-Drus to hunt down Mon Mothma’s allies. These potential senators don’t stand a chance against some of the deadliest bounty hunters in the galaxy. But that’s not the only contract Adelhard has made. He’s asked the Spice Runners of Kijimi to kill Luke Skywalker.

However, unlike the Imperials under his command, Adelhard has very little control over the people he contracts. Luke has returned to the supposed safety of Chandrila after learning about Adelhard’s threat, but Kranor isn’t able to get a clear strike at the Jedi. What I loved about this moment was that it was Leia who posed the biggest threat with her sharpshooter skills. As Kranor’s attention is directed mainly towards Luke, he forgets that Leia is just as capable a fighter and she injures him enough to make him flee.

Meanwhile Adelhard is preoccupied with Reyna Oskure and while Segura has hinted at their situationship in previous issues, it’s in Republic Under Siege #3 that it’s finally confirmed. With Adelhard obsessed with power it certainly makes sense that he would be drawn to someone similar. It’s not often that romance is included for Imperial storylines, so it adds another layer of complexity to Adelhard’s character, further setting him apart from other Imperials. It’s also beautifully illustrated by Raffaele, perfectly capturing the power dynamic between the two.

Republic Under Siege #3 definitely feels a little slower compared to previous issues, yet it has a lot of story to unpack before the finale. Segura is creating a dire sense of urgency for the New Republic as Mon Mothma desperately tries to hold things together. She’s relying on her spy network and moles to find information that will save the new government before it’s even had a chance to grow. It’s impossible not to sympathise with Mon because all she’s ever done is fight for what she believes is right and it’s clearly starting to take its toll. 

There are so many great action sequences in Republic Under Siege #3, with Raffaele creating a fantastic duel between Luke and Bossk. Being in the confines of a Republic office adds to the tension as there’s nowhere for either to run and the close quarters only makes the fight appear more intense. There’s also a great close up on Leia after she shoots the Trandoshan and offers him an ultimatum, highlighting how she won’t be intimidated by anyone, just as we see throughout the Original Trilogy.

Republic Under Siege #3 focuses less on Adelhard but shows how he’s dangerous because he doesn’t play by the typical Imperial rules. He’s happy to dabble with the scum of the galactic underworld if it gives him an advantage. With Mon Mothma learning valuable intel about Imperial movements, this issue seems to be leading to a choice. Either the burgeoned New Republic stop Adelhard or they take the fight to the Imperial Remnants.