Published: November 23, 2022
Rating: Rated T
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Nico Leon
Colourist: Dono Sánchez-Almara
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Designer: Carlos Lao
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
The synopsis;
To some, he was a legend. To others, he was a teacher. Now Yoda is all but forgotten, living in exile and haunted by the past. As a strangely familiar voice echoes through the swamps of Dagobah, Yoda must revisit the many lessons he has given over the years, from the days of the High Republic to the chaos of the Clone Wars. In the first of three story arcs, a desperate cry for help reaches the Jedi Council on Coruscant and only Yoda can respond. But how far will he go to protect a community from attack?
The review;
Yoda, the epitome of what many of us consider the Jedi. From his first appearances in the Original Trilogy, he has always been held in legendary regard by fans and casual observers. He is beyond wise, his connection to the force unparalleled. Little is known about him and in some ways, I think this is a good thing. Some mysteries don’t need explaining. Yet a series about the Jedi master, I can’t say I’m not intrigued. Set on Dagobah but branching off into different areas of the timeline, including the High Republic, it certainly keeps expectations at a high. Could this series explain how Yoda found Dagobah in the High Republic era? Could it give us insight into that series as a whole, or make us look at his time during the Original Trilogy differently? I really hope so! This story arc begins with Cavan Scott, no stranger to a galaxy far, far away. If anyone can bring a series that does Yoda justice, it is him. Joined by artist Nico Leon, most well-known for his work with Ms. Marvel, this promises to be the start of something very special.
The comic opens with panels of Yoda on Dagobah. The feelings that these invoke draw the reader straight back to The Empire Strikes Back. There is a calmness here that can be sensed through the wonderful artwork of Leon. You can tell the passion that he has placed into the artwork here, making sure that every last piece that is drawn is just right. It continues throughout the whole issue. Whether it’s the dull colours of Dagobah, or the bright colours of Turrak, or the glow from a lightsaber framing Yoda’s face, everything is as it should be, drawing the reader to the familiar while introducing the new. Leon’s style really works well, the movement between scenes and within action sequences clear. It’s a great way to start this series.
To the story itself, Yoda is communing with someone about lessons in the force, someone who Yoda hasn’t been listening to of late. The presumption is of course that it is Qui-Gon Jinn, but I wonder if it perhaps it could be Obi-Wan, or if Scott has a few surprises in this regard for us. If it seems too obvious, Scott usually has something to catch us out.
The flashback takes place years before the Original and Prequel trilogy, although we don’t know exactly when. The story focuses on the planet Turrak and the inhabitants that are being targeted. The Scalvi are not very technologically advanced, and yet one of them Bree, is trying his best to change that. I found this fascinating, there was a real sense that technology could help these people, yet they are also distrustful of it. Much like our own world, has technology gone too far, that we’ve done too much with it that it has turned into a curse rather than a gift? Almost in answer, Scott introduces us to the Crulkon, the bullies who attack the Scalvi. They have better weaponry, are more advanced and use this power to take from others. It seems that technology equals power and what more could a species want. The Scalvi have made the mistake of not embracing it themselves and therefore must suffer the consequences. I’m sure this theme will continue with this arc, is technology best to be embraced at the risk of losing ourselves, or is it best kept away, trusting to a higher force?
Scott introduces us to one of the main characters called Bree, one who likes to tinker with technology and believes it can benefit his people. It is he who is the only one who can do something to help his town against the Crulkon, sending a distress signal. It seems like Scott is saying that technology isn’t bad, that it can be used correctly to help, if only one has the courage. Bree is certainly courageous, believing in himself and his beliefs. Although we only spend a short amount of time with him, I’m eager to see more of him in future issues.
Of course, the main draw is Yoda. I’m mentioning a lot about technology and power. How having technology leads to power and thus the weaker are attacked by the stronger. Scott doesn’t use these themes by accident, there is a message here that plays into what we see of Yoda. We see a distress signal from Turrak findings its way to the Jedi council. Currently, the masters almost dismiss the plea for help, thinking it beneath them. It shows a huge flaw in the Jedi of this time, who have clearly lost sight to the role of a Jedi and what they should be doing in the galaxy at large. Their power is denoted by the force not technology, yet it is having almost the same effect, attacking the weak through their inaction. Are they really any better than the Crulkon? It is here that Yoda makes himself known, that he shouldn’t be guiding himself, making decisions about who to help or not, but he should be listening and following the will of the force. It shows the wise Yoda that we all know, that even though those around him seem to have lost their path, he has not. He understands that everyone deserves the hep of the Jedi and he himself will go. The look on the faces of the other Jedi sells this perfectly, he can’t believe what Yoda is suggesting.
Through the remainder of the issue, we see the Yoda we all fell in love within The Empire Strikes Back. Humorous at times (and interjected some very well-placed jokes into the comic) yet deadly when he needs to be. His decision to say says so much. First that he is following the force but also that he needs to be away from those that would otherwise talk him out of following its will. His message back to them had me laughing out loud, Yoda’s sense of humour again shows through. Never do we see too much of Yoda, it would have been easy to have the entire issue from his point of view, but Scott wisely tells most of the story from the Scalvi view, allowing Yoda to keep some of his mystery intact.
This is a great start to this series. We see the familiar with the new. We see themes that work with one another to show just how connected Yoda is in the force. We see good versus evil as well as a bit of mystery. In short, Scott provides us with a very firm foundation to move the series on from. Yes, this is going to be a series focused on Yoda, on his understanding of the force, but there’s more to it. There will still be mystery surrounding this Jedi Master and it’ll be better for it. With wonderful artwork by Leon and you have a comic that provides reassurance that this series will do right by this beloved character. I’m rather excited to see what else is in store.
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Availability;
Yoda is a 10-part mini series published by Marvel comics. This issue retails at $4.99 and is available via the Marvel App, ComiXology and all good comic book stores.
