A good bit of the last arc was Luke running around trying to find Ben Kenobi’s journal. He found it eventually, and will probably get a chance to read it if he ever gets time to catch his breath. Whether or not Luke gets to read it, we get a peek inside this issue as Jason Aaron takes us back to Tatooine for some more detail of Ben’s time in exile.
Kenobi is watching over Luke despite several difficulties. Luke himself is one of the issues. He’s a kid, cocky and convinced he’s indestructible. That doesn’t make anything easier for his guardian angel. Ben also is far from welcome at Skywalker Ranch. Owen has no interest in Jedi, and wants to keep Ben away from his nephew. There are some great scenes of Ben fighting, even without his lightsaber or the Force.
Aaron touched on this period once before, and did a great job with it. He’s got a great feel for Ben, and the stresses of him being alone with the rest of the Jedi gone. I like how he showed Kenobi’s quiet strength and dedication. I think my favorite thing was a very small hint as to how Ben was living all this time. He’s at home, alone, and there’s a knock on the door. Ben answers, but uses the Force to hold his lightsaber just out of view from the door. It was a small thing that captured the subtlety and caution Ben was living with during his time guarding Luke.
Plot: I’ll give this a 4 out of 5 for plot. I really enjoy Aaron’s writing. He’s got a good touch with these characters.
Art: The art gets a high 3.5 out of 5 from me for this one. Ben looks really good in a few scenes, and his fight is really nicely executed.
Positives: You really feel bad for Ben by the end of this. He’s on his own and Aaron show that really well. I loved the trick with the lightsaber at the door. Owen is a jerk, but he’s consistent. Luke as a young kid was done well, too.
Negatives: I really can’t think of any. They did a great job with the issue.
I’m really enjoying this run of Star Wars, and I can’t wait to see where Aaron goes next.
Star Wars 15
Writer: Jason Aaron
Artist: Mike Mayhew
Colorist: Mike Mayhew
Letterer: VC’s Chris Eliopoulos
Cover: Mike Mayhew
