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

Standing in the shadow of Darth Vader and the footsteps of the Empire, Grand Moff Adelhard looks suitably smug in Clarke’s final direct cover for The Battle of Jakku: Republic Under Siege #4. While the previous covers have focused on the heroes of the Republic, it makes sense that the threat throughout this story should finally come out from the shadows. And Rosanas’ variant also captures the Imperial threat but through an incredible composition featuring Gallius Rax leading his forces on Jakku and signposting perfectly to the events of the next mini-series later this month.

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.

It’s a dire situation for the Rebels as they face the difficult situation of either taking on Adelhard’s forces in the Anoat sector or preparing for the Empire’s final stand at Jakku. With the fleet having taken multiple losses since Endor and in the previous skirmishes with Adelhard, there are not enough ships to spare to rally against both. Segura captures that desperation from Return of the Jedi so well in these initial scenes as Mon Mothma, Leia, Luke, and Admiral Ackbar all debate the best course of action.

And poor Admiral Ackbar doesn’t look ready to agree with Luke’s plan to sneak into the Anoat sector and blast through Adelhard’s blockade. But it won’t be the beleaguered Mon Calamari having to do it as they have the help of some unexpected allies. Valance has intelligence on how to get past the Iron Blockade and agrees to join Luke’s strike force. Again, Segura manages to incorporate a significant character cameo without it feeling forced or there for the sake of it, aligning it well with the bounty hunter’s previous stories.

While the Republic moves to strike against Adelhard, the Grand Moff is busy dealing with traitors. Even though his situationship with Reyna Oskure was romantic to a point, once her betrayal is revealed, he’s absolutely livid. Raffaele brilliantly captures his anger in art that’s over the top but it’s effective because Adelhard is so spitting mad. He’s underestimated one of the people closest to him and it’s come at a cost – the control of his own flagship.

Reyna takes over command and easily has Adelhard’s crew turn on him, much to the Grand Moff’s surprise. This sudden change in power structure leaves the Rebels reeling as Reyna appears to have the support of the Imperial Remnants, and Gallius Rax, unlike Adelhard. She sends him off in an escape pod with Commander Bragh and no controls in the hopes that will kill him and leave her power uncontested. 

But this is a Star Wars story and death is a fickle thing. Crash landing on a planet does not mean that these characters are dead, and Segura’s parting monologue highly suggests that Adelhard or Commander Bragh actually survive. And while Adelhard finally realised that his power was a facade, that the Empire truly didn’t care what he did because he was excluded from their plans, it’s unlikely that will come with a positive change of heart. If anyone survived, they are only going to become more bitter and villainous.

For this finale Raffaele has delivered scene after incredible scene. A lot of the panels feel beautifully reminiscent of Episode VI as plans are made and battle lines drawn. There’s also a chance for every character to have their pivotal moment, from Luke’s determination to strike against Adelhard to Reyna’s cackling laugh as she thwarts the Grand Moff’s carefully laid plans. Republic Under Siege #4 has a cinematic quality throughout that only makes you more invested in this dramatic conclusion to the series.

Republic Under Siege #4 is an amazing finale to what has been yet another brilliant mini-series exploring this tumultuous time in the galaxy. It’s brought such an interesting villain arc to Adelhard’s story while also exploring the burdens of the New Republic at this time as the Imperial Remnants plot in the background. It’s now leading into Battle of Jakku: Last Stand which will continue this story as the New Republic prepare to face off against Gallius Rax’s forces. Alex Segura, Stefano Raffaele, Alex Sinclair, VC’s Joe Caramagna, Taurin Clarke, and everyone else who has worked so hard on this mini-series deserve all the credit for capturing the struggles of an emerging democracy as it fights against one of the most cunning Imperials of them all.