Review: Tensions at the Jedi Temple Reach a Climax in ‘Star Wars: Yoda’ #6
The Yoda comic series so far seems to be giving us a deep dive into difficult questions about the Force and its visions of the future. It is also giving us a greater glimpse into the relationship between Dooku and Yoda following Dooku’s fall to the dark side.
Spoilers ahead…
This issue is a direct continuation from the cliffhanger of issue #5, which saw the Wookiee Padawan Krrsish troubled by visions that his Trandoshan friend, Gheyr, would turn to the dark side.
Here we get some intense action panels where the two Padawans fight, with Gheyr desperately trying to convince Krrsish to stop. Gheyr’s passionate friend Jak’zin comes to help her, but is injured by Krrsish in the conflict. Even though we haven’t known the three Padawans long, I found myself deeply invested in this fight. Betrayal of a brother, sister, friend, it is a deep cut, and this is beautifully executed in these few panels.
Yoda, sensing the disturbance, interrupts the battle ever so nonchalantly, which seems to be somewhat of an underreaction given that Krrsish has been trying to kill Gheyr.
Yoda describes how the dark side exists in everything that surrounds us, always present, and warns them of the dangers of acting pre-emptively.
Once Yoda returns to the Temple, he speaks with Dooku about Krrsish, and Dooku admits to offering him advice. His statements to Yoda here appear somewhat manipulative, as Dooku knows full well he encouraged Krrsish to be wary of Gheyr and to use the visions as guidance. He briefly refers to the treatment of Sifo-Dyas after he was removed from the council for relying on his visions to justify keeping this secret from Yoda.
The difference of opinion between the two Jedi Masters is portrayed visually as they move in and out of the shadows and the light in the Jedi Temple. Red light glows in Dooku’s eyes against a backdrop of darkness as he looks out on Coruscant, contemplating the potential of a dark and terrible fate — a little on the nose? Maybe. Do we mind? Not at all.
Here we get another appearance of the Great Tree, which is stunning in every format (what I would do to see it in live-action), and Yoda calmly meditating as Gheyr approaches. In a beautiful act of sacrifice, Gheyr shows herself to be a true Jedi, informing Yoda that she would be leaving the Temple and abandoning her studies, as none could be certain that Krrsish’s vision would not come to pass.
Yoda contemplates his own arrogance in assuming he knew Gheyr’s future when he found her as a child, and recalls the losses of the Jedi who he failed as the voice in the Force urges him once more on Dagobah.
Side note: How brilliant is Dagobah in comic form? I love Dagobah with its lively sounds and mystery, and somehow it just comes through the pages.
This arc draws to a close on a sombre note, and honestly, I really enjoyed it; it was thoughtful and full of melancholy, and echoed the themes of betrayal and fear that caused the ultimate destruction of the Jedi Order. So far, this series is turning out to be a great addition to our expanding Star Wars comic collection.
8/10
Rosalie Lambert is a law student from Australia with a deep love for Star Wars, fantasy, and epic stylistic storytelling. Growing up in the country, Rosalie has always loved nature and outdoor activities, and has a passion for human rights and social justice that she wants to work towards in her field of study.
