Review: Obi-Wan and Anakin Engage in a Daring Rescue in Dark Horse Comics’ Hyperspace Stories #1
Amanda Deibert and Dark Horse Comics launched the first issue in a new series titled Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories. A story for all ages, this series will bounce around the various eras of the Star Wars universe and deliver some new exciting tales.
This first issue, set in the Clone Wars-era, with none other than Anakin and Obi-Wan leading a rescue of Padmé when a diplomatic mission turns trap. While we have seen episodes, comics, and many other stories of this same vein, it’s still a perfect way to kick off Hyperspace Stories. While certainly designed for a younger audience, Deibert provides a comic all ages of Star Wars will undoubtedly be able to derive some enjoyment from. Let’s get into it.
Spoilers ahead.
The first tale of Hyperspace Stories begins with Padmé, Senator Yarua, and his child from Kashyyyk having traveled to the moon of Staggec in the outer rim for a diplomatic mission. Unfortunately, for the senatorial team, they walked directly into a Separatist trap. Senator Yarua carries with him an unknown item of extreme value, and both sides of this war want it. We are never made fully aware of what it is in this issue, but it must be of immense value if General Grievous himself is launching a full assault to gain possession of it.
With capture being imminent the Yarua sends his daughter to hide while Padmé sends a plea to the Jedi Council for aid. Naturally, there is only one Jedi duo who will lead this rescue. Insert Obi-Wan and Anakin. Obi-Wan volunteered them for this mission in the hopes of teaching Anakin some restraint in diplomacy as well as slowing down and trusting the Force. Their daring rescue opens with Anakin throwing caution to the wind with Obi-Wan surely letting out a deep sigh in the background.
The two stumble upon the young Wookiee, Viveen. Her father sent her to hide when the Separatists landed. Anakin and Obi-Wan take her along with them as they continue the search for Padmé and the Senator, but it isn’t without some funny moments. Neither of them is accustomed to children being along for the ride and it shows. Sweet, little Viveen clings to her Jedi protectors. The looks on the faces of the Jedi as she grabs one’s hand and gives the other a flower show just how familiar they are being in the parent role. The art here by Lucas Marangon had me cackling.
It doesn’t take the Jedi long to discover the Separatist ships, but young Viveen loses her footing and takes a tumble. Obi-Wan wastes no time leaping down the mountain to catch her and gets hit with blaster bolts from enemy droids in the process. It felt reminiscent of Attack of the Clones when he just immediately launches himself through a window to grab onto an enemy droid. Obi-Wan is successful in saving Viveen, but the two get captured and taken aboard the command ship of Grievous.
With his former master captured and possibly gravely injured, Anakin is left to find a way to complete the mission. In a moment of meditation, he reflects on Obi-Wan’s teachings and comes up with a plan. It was a neat moment to see the young Jedi take a moment and think about what his master had taught him. So often we see Anakin combating his master, but at this moment we see him in the opposite role.
As Anakin makes his way onto the enemy ship to rescue everyone, he realizes he doesn’t have a terrible amount of rescuing to do. Obi-Wan was never injured too gravely and is already on the loose wreaking havoc. Padmé is blasting droids left and right as she leads the delegation out of their cells. The two star-crossed lovers share a knowing glance filled with adoration before they begin to make their way to the escape shuttle. Obi-Wan, on the other hand, prepares to engage Grievous, who has Senator Yarua hostage. In a recognizable scene, he leaps down into the fray to engage the warlord.
The Grievous and Obi-Wan entanglement ends with Grievous threatening the life of Viveen. With his daughter’s life in peril, Yarua throws every ounce of his Wookiee body into Grievous to save her. The move saved his daughter’s life, but cost him his own. Padmé immediately comforts the young girl as they take her back to Kashyyyk. Anakin and Padmé wonder about the valuable object which caused such a riot. The last thing we see is the little teddy bear-like stuffed animal in which Yarua hid the valuable object before the Separatists landed.
RATING: 7.5
Finding ways to nonchalantly incorporate Star Wars quotes into 8th grade classroom, Tyler lives and breathes Star Wars. His morning tradition is sending the latest number in the countdown for different Star Wars projects and loves engaging in uplifting Star Wars dialogue. If you are passionate about Star Wars you can follow him on Twitter at TyBrad5.
