Comic Review: Star Wars: Obi-Wan (2022) #3

Obi-Wan ponders the role of a Jedi during war as we flash back to The Clone Wars. After discovering the existence of a Separatist factory on Abrion Major, Obi-Wan leads a group of clones and soldiers to uncover the plans for a super laser from the factory via the only access point, a single access bridge. What follows is a brutal tale of bloodshed and the horrors of war.

This series continues to surprise and impress me. I have no doubt, at the halfway point, that this mini-series will become revered as a modern classic of the Star Wars canon. The three stories have been so vastly different in tone and content but equal in quality and impact. The use of different artists for each issue really reinforces this and elevates Cantwell’s wonderful writing. Make no mistake Cantwell is the star here. These stories in lesser hands would be little more than the fluffy tales you usually find in anthologies and short story collections. The beautifully written journal entries that punctuate each beat of the tale really sell the impact these events had on Kenobi and how they informed his character. Honestly if you had issues with the Disney Plus show this series will likely be an answer to your prayers.

As I previously said, our Jedi hero is struggling with the Jedi’s role in war and the turmoil presented in these pages is compelling. The horror is real and the action is visceral. This is a much more adult version of The Clone Wars than the animated show and is more reminiscent of things like Saving Private Ryan. Kenobi’s journey through this issue also underlines the difference between a true, balanced Jedi and his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker. We’ve seen how Skywalker relishes battle and enjoys the fight. This by itself does more to seed Anakin’s fall than any of the prequel movies did.

The art by Allesandro Miracolo fits the story perfectly as he takes a hazy and more frenetic style that really adds to the disorientation that our soldiers would be experiencing. Short, sharp panels quicken the pace in a breathless way. There’s one particular panel that I loved where Kenobi is addressing his soldiers as a clone fires an RPG at an enemy encampment. Wonderful stuff.

As with the previous two issues the only frustration is that each issue is too brief and I’d love for each story to be it’s own mini-series. They’re too good for just single issues! The next issue seems to be a little further down the timeline, focusing on Obi-Wan and Anakin at the tail end of the Clone Wars. I can’t wait. I take my hat off to you Mr Cantwell, you’ve created the single best Obi-Wan release since John Jackson Miller’s legendary novel, Kenobi.

 

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