Comic Book Review - Star Wars: Obi-Wan #3

Rob reviews Star Wars: Obi-Wan #3...

Long before the Republic's reorganisation into the sinister Empire, Jedi and Clone thought side-by-side against Count Dooku and his Separatist army. Naturally, as we all know, the Clone Wars happened to be an elaborate way for Chancellor (and Sith Lord) Sheeve Palpatine to seize power - and wipe out the Jedi. It's also here where Marvel's Obi-Wan series takes its next stop. Yes! We're back in the height of the Clone Wars as series writer Christopher Cantwell delves into the horrors of war for both the Jedi Knights - and their clone soldiers. 

The central theme to this mini-series has been Obi-Wan Kenobi recounting his past experiences whilst a sandstorm ravages across Tatooine. Secluded and alone with his thoughts, the aged Jedi has taken us from the dizzying heights of Coruscant to the darkness of the Codia System. With the Clone Wars playing a massive part in Obi-Wan's life it came as both surprises as to where we were heading off to next. This issue's main narrative kicks off just after the Battle of Hypori - General Grievous has delivered his crushing defeat to the Republic which has seen multiple losses to both the Jedi and their clone forces. 

With morale at an all-time low, the Republic caught wind of a massive Ion Cannon that's been built on the agricultural world of Abrion Major. Leading the offensive is Obi-Wan Kenobi and his clone battalion the 212th. But as the assault gets started, Obi-Wan suddenly ponders his role as both a Jedi and now an instrument of war. 

What makes Star Wars: Obi-Wan #3 a great read is it's essentially a look into the Jedi's ideology of using the Force for peace. While the Jedi Code dictates that those who follow the Light Side utilise their powers to defend the indefensible and to protect life, here they're on the front lines battling an insatiable droid army, with their expendable forces. With the sanctity of the Code being swept aside by the backdrop of the Clone Wars, it's over to Obi-Wan to attempt to make sense of it all - and hopefully not lose himself along the way. 

Cantwell writes this issue with a great degree of understanding of the character. Throughout we see Obi-Wan question both himself, the Jedi, and even the Republic as his forces mercilessly assault their objective. With death all around him, Obi-Wan doesn't forget who he is. Even once the battle is lost and the Republic decided to bomb the bridge, Obi-Wan is there attempting to rescue the injured troops. Of course, considering that the clone army was bread to be expendable - his plea for time falls on dead ears.

As battles go, artist Alessandro Miracolo and colourist Frank William play a blinder. Throughout the issue, Miracolo creates plenty of dramatic scenes that perfectly capture both the carnage of the battle and Obi-Wan's resolve. William's colours bring everything to life with a vibrant display of blaster shots as both the clone and droid armies trade shots.

When it's said and done, this issue is arguably the mini-series greatest outing. Not only does the entire narrative play out like its big-screen counterpart, but we also see a side to Obi-Wan that's not been explored. With a team-up on the cards with Anakin Skywalker in-line for the next issue, I'm already excited to see what Cantwell and the creative team do next. 

Rating: 9/10 

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