Review: ‘Hyperspace Stories’ #9 Features Quinlan Vos and Cad Bane, but Doesn’t Do Much With Them
Part of the appeal of Hyperspace Stories is the one-shot issues that jump from one character to another. As soon as one issue is over, the series moves onto another character that maybe doesn’t get as much attention. Most of these stories say something meaningful about each character. They highlight a side fans rarely see, or reinforce a distinct trait about them.
Unfortunately, Hyperspace Stories issue #9 doesn’t do that with its two central characters. Despite having two interesting and fan-favorite characters at the center of the story, the plot doesn’t go anywhere or say anything interesting about them. Which is unfortunate because Quinlan Vos and Cad Bane definitely deserve better for how cool the two of them are.
The good news for this issue is that the art is exceptional. I mentioned in my preview of Hyperspace Stories #9 that the art can take some time getting used to. But after the first few pages, I grew to appreciate the bright, saturated colors, and the depictions of its core characters. It feels like a throwback to mid-’80s, early ’90s art similar to that of Dave Gibbons (Vader’s Quest).
It’s the story department that I didn’t enjoy as much. The plot centers around Quinlan Vos rescuing a Separatist defector who has intel about Count Dooku. Naturally, many bounty hunters are sent after him, including Cad Bane.
Quinlan Vos is an interesting character due to his free-spirited attitude. But he also consistently defies the more dogmatic nature of the rest of the Jedi. He’s even depicted as flirting with the dark side in stories like Star Wars: Dark Disciple. Cad Bane is interesting because he represents the classic gunslinger that says few words, is quick on his feet, and always gets the job done.
But if you haven’t seen Quinlan Vos or Cad Bane in anything else besides this comic, you wouldn’t know that. There are hints at these fascinating characteristics and what makes these characters unique. But they’re simply just hints and nothing substantial. The plot moves at a brisk pace with a lot of action. But the dialogue and interactions don’t say much about the characters, or provide any introspective insight about the two of them.
Hyperspace Stories #9 is worth picking up for the art alone. The colors, penciling, and ink work is great to look at, even if it may not be everyone’s “cup of tea.” And for those who are fans of Quinlan Vos or Cad Bane, their involvement is fun enough that fans will enjoy the quick read. But for those who haven’t been collecting the series from the start, or for those who aren’t that interested in these characters, this issue may not be very appealing.
Score: 5/10
Thank you to Dark Horse for providing an advanced review copy of Hyperspace Stories #9, which is available now digitally or at local comic book stores. Feel free to also check out our review of Hyperspace Stories #8 featuring Kylo Ren and General Hux.
Born and raised in Hawaii, Jay Goodearl runs the YouTube Gaming channel “Good Games, Dude” His channel aims to open up video games to beginners and immediate players and help them understand what makes games the art form that it is.
