Star Wars: Obi-Wan (2022) #5
“Ben”
As he awaits an inevitable storm in the remote deserts of Tatooine, Obi-Wan takes time to reflect on–and record–key moments of a heroic life long-lived….
Writer: Christopher Cantwell
Penciller: Adriana Melo
Inker: Wayne Faucher
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover artist: Phil Noto
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Publication date: September 14, 2022
UPC: 75960620396300411
For the whole 5 issue run of this limited series, Obi-Wan has waited for the storm to hit, and as it passes with the fifth and final issue, we also get the clear sense that Kenobi knows his own time is drawing to a close. Christopher Cantwell brings us a somber tale, showing us the intelligence of a species the Empire believe to be savages, the arrogance of command and the cul-de-sac of blind loyalty to a regime that doesn’t even afford you a name, but rather a number.
We open with Kenobi checking the skies for signs of a storm that has moved on and quickly cut to the Imperial outpost, their supplies raided by Tuskens. Their orders – head into the desert and exterminate the Sand People clan, and when JM-909 questions that direct order, his own liberty is threatened. Saddling up on Dewbacks, the squad head into the night just as Kenobi rides out on his Eopie to find power cells for his hut. He is only too aware of the dangers hiding in the darkness, and as we switch perspectives from Jedi to Imperial, we learn that only the commander of the squad understands the truth of the Tuskens existence.
They arrive at the Tusken encampment, spot the two massifs guarding the camp and make plans to attack. Hitting the first Tusken, they’re confused as it doesn’t go down – it’s essentially a scarecrow, a decoy and in seconds they are pinned down by Tusken blaster fire, some smashed with gaffi sticks in an ambush that sees the raiders take off with their blasters, only the commander surviving. Kenobi silently tracks them, sticking close to the canyon walls where the banthas are herded and watching as the sand people ride in single file out of the canyon. Ben takes much-needed supplies from the dead troopers, thinking of the clones who paid with their lives in the Clone Wars and spotting the surviving trooper. Taking him back to his hut for rest and recouperation despite his allegiance, the trooper who Kenobi names ‘Jim’ (in much the same way Poe names FN-2187 ‘Finn’) can’t accept Ben is there to help, and leaves with his Eopie, riding back to the Imperial garrison only to be dressed down for his failure.
We end an excellent issue with Ben thinking not only of the past but the future, his own cloak lying at the feet of Darth Vader as this excellent, contemplative series ends. Superb artwork has accompanied thoughtful, incisive short-form storytelling by Christopher Cantwell and it’s worth saying that similar character investigations would be very welcome for other prominent characters. In concert with the Disney Plus series, this has been a strong year for Obi-Wan Kenobi, and while the TV show gave a very different Kenobi than many expected, this is very much in line with that show and the more familiar ‘head canon’ many fans believe they know – a difficult balancing act, so congratulations to all involved for making it work to such great effect.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Cantwell, Christopher (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 22 Pages - 09/14/2022 (Publication Date) - Marvel (Publisher)
