Review: Obi-Wan Saves a Stormtrooper in Marvel’s Obi-Wan #5
The Obi-Wan comic series has ended with its fifth issue. Cantwell has delivered a wonderful mini-series plunging headfirst into the pool of wisdom a wizened “Ben” Kenobi has to offer in addition to his still troubled soul. Previous issues have had Kenobi recounting stories and lessons learned from his past while waiting out the treacherous sandstorm. In the final issue, the storm has passed, and Obi-Wan sets out to make repairs. Meanwhile, the Imperial force in the area has been robbed by the Tuskens during the storm. The commander in the area sends a group of stormtroopers out to take back the stolen supplies. This final comic was not my favorite, but it does provide closure. A firm stamp has been pressed down, and Cantwell has left readers with a treasured new group of Obi-Wan tales and lessons.
Spoilers ahead.
The storm has passed, but the way forward isn’t clear for Obi-Wan. He has hinted throughout the series about his belief his time on Tatooine will soon end, and he does so again in this one. He must repair some damage the storm has done, and sets out to find Jawas to barter with. Rather than tread out into the Dune Sea by day, he sets out at night to avoid the heat of the twin suns. The Force will guide him as it always has.
The Imperials on the desert planet were robbed during the storm by the Tuskens. The arrogance of the Imperial leaders knows no bounds, and one of the commanders orders a group of stormtroopers to track down the raiders and retrieve the stolen supplies. The only problem I had with this final installment was how so much was focused away from Obi-Wan. He narrates some of the actions taken by the troopers, but we spend a good chunk of time with them. While the story was not in any way lacking, I would have enjoyed just seeing the Jedi master a few more times.
The stormtroopers set out on dewbacks and make their way towards the Tusken camp. It was interesting to hear the scary stories they’ve heard on the Tuskens. One trooper recanted a tale he heard about Tuskens eating their own. Another believed they were already dead and condemned to “walk the deserts as ghosts.” While the trooper leading the group didn’t believe in such tales, he believed in something much more frightening. He knew they were hardened people scraping and clawing to survive.
When the bucket heads arrive at the camp, they lay out their plan of attack. As it usually goes with them, the plan fails miserably. They are ambushed and slaughtered. The image below was one of my favorites as we see a warrior Tusken wielding their gaffi stick and landing the killing blow. Like many, I have been obsessed with the gaffi stick and Tusken culture since the release of The Book of Boba Fett. It was wonderful to see their presence felt even for just a moment in this series as Obi-Wan is on Tatooine after all.
In the distance, a traveling Obi-Wan hears the sound of blaster fire. Once the commotion dies down as the whoops and hollers of the Tuskens ring through the desert and he sees the blasters in their hands, he knows who was victorious. I won’t lie to you: I laughed audibly at the image below of Obi-Wan with a hint of a sly smile at the thought of the stormtroopers meeting a vicious end only to be speaking of his love for others just a few moments later.
In a surprising scene, we see Obi-Wan scavenging the dead bodies of fallen stormtroopers for supplies. In his search, he stumbled upon a trooper still alive. In his selflessness, and because of the value of all life instilled in him from his early day’s training with Qui Gon, he picks up the young man and attempts to help him. When gazing upon the stormtroopers he cannot help but be reminded of his clone comrades from days past. To Obi-Wan, there was little difference between a clone bred for battle and a conscripted soldier when it came to the abuse each had suffered. Something I have admired throughout this series is his continued fondness for the clones he fought beside. Obi-Wan’s ability to love ceaselessly is so admirable. His devotion to protecting and preserving life above all else is played out here.
The series delivered the classic line… I had to include it.
Once the trooper woke up, Obi-Wan informed him of how long he’d been asleep and the damage done to his armor. His attempts to converse with this young trooper who doesn’t even recall his name don’t fare well. “Jim” as Obi-Wan dubs him (similarly to how Poe names Finn), grabs Obi-Wan’s lightsaber and threatens him. Rather than react in distress, Obi-Wan simply sits back, sips his drink, and tells young Jim to feel free to take the lightsaber if he’d like. Jim drops it in a flash and takes off back towards the Imperial base.
The final moments and images are that of Ben Kenobi narrating some final truths. The current storm has passed, but another lies in front of him. He can feel it. In his time on Tatooine, he recounts how he has often felt alone but never has been. The Force has been with him. It will be with him. It will continue to guide him, even in his darkest of hours. He will never truly be alone.
Thank you to Christopher Cantwell for a wonderful thought-provoking journey with one of the most storied Star Wars characters. Each issue had a layer of depth I haven’t always experienced with comics from this universe. It was a journey I am happy to have reviewed for you all, and I hope you took something of worth out of the words penned to paper in these issues.
Rating: 7/10
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.
