Review: Star Wars- Obi-Wan & Anakin
Quick Summary
Pros: The main storyline is interesting and explores an exciting situation. The main storyline’s message is inspiring. There are plenty of fun Jedi heroics throughout the read. The entire book focuses on unique moments in Star Wars history. The artwork looks good and matches the volume’s tone.
Cons: Some of the flashbacks are uninteresting.
Overall: This early adventure between Obi-Wan and Anakin is an enjoyable trip with two intergalactic peacekeepers and a unique look at an time between movies. The escapades detailed here are compelling, exciting, and fun in a way that only Star Wars can provide. Plus, the entire book has a wholesome message that should resonate with most readers. Fans of Star Wars will appreciate this volume, especially those with an interest in Obi-Wan and Anakin or those who simply enjoy the prequel era of Star Wars history.
Story
Star Wars: Obi-Wan & Anakin, by Charles Soule, is an entertaining comic that takes a look at a unique time in Star Wars history. It has the titular characters explore a planet where war dominates and peace seems like a distant dream. Watching them maneuver both physical and mental obstacles is entertaining and helps the volume develop an inspiring anti-war message. Even the less interesting portions of the book still have positives to offer, as the somewhat mediocre flashbacks show meaningful developments in Anakin Skywalker’s path. Overall, this is a worthwhile book that fits well into the Star Wars legacy.
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The majority of Obi-Wan & Anakin focuses on the duo’s exploits on an alien world, where they attempt to broker peace between two warring peoples. This mission is thrilling and interesting, as the Jedi are forced to consider what they can do for a world that does not care for their help. The conclusion also ties things together nicely and gives readers a sense of satisfaction that works with the rest of the narrative.
This portion of the story is also where the volume’s most meaningful themes are found. The message here is very clearly anti-war, in a way that specifically focuses on how it detracts from more enlightened pursuits. The cultural and developmental progress of this world has been effectively halted due to hatred with no clear cause. Soule then goes on to emphasize that the cause doesn’t even matter, all that matters is finding peace. It is a wholesome and inspiring message that works on a number of levels.
The rest of the volume focuses on flashbacks to Anakin’s time at the Jedi Temple. In these flashbacks, readers get a chance to see the future Sith Lord develop feelings of doubt toward the Jedi Order and the start of his friendship with Palpatine. However, outside of seeing these plot threads form, this story isn’t that interesting on its own. It isn’t bad but it is not nearly as entertaining as the rest of the collection.
Like almost all forms of Star Wars media, Obi-Wan & Anakin also contains moments of fun Jedi heroics. Watching Anakin and Obi-Wan easily dispatch or disarm their enemies is always entertaining and happens in a variety of different ways. Sometimes the action is more straightforward, like when Anakin disarms some of the locals by slicing through their blasters. However, in some cases, they are forced to use more unconventional tricks, like when Obi-Wan uses the force to calm rampaging beasts or when Anakin uses it to swindle a gambler. Overall, these moments give the collection the distinct sense of wonder that only Star Wars can provide.
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Art
The artwork in Obi-Wan & Anakin looks good on nearly every page and perfectly matches the book’s overall tone. Marco Checchetto depicts the events of this volume with great levels of detail. His work here makes the alien planet of Carnelion IV feel alive in a way that inspires interest in the planet’s populace and culture. This, in turn, drives forward interest in the story and makes the entire reading experience better. Plus, Marco Checchetto’s artwork works well with Andres Mossa’s colors, giving the collection a somber tone that suits the narrative well. All in all, this is a nice looking book from beginning to end.
Continuity
Star Wars: Obi-Wan & Anakin takes place between the movies Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace and Star Wars: Episode II- Attack of the Clones.