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Republic #57: Lightning Rods

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Script: Haden Blackman
Pencils: Brian Ching
Inks: Joe Weems
Coloring: Joe Wayne
Cover: Mozart Couto

Reviewed by Andrew Liptak

Summary: thirty-seven days after the battle of Jabiim began, the Republic began to pull out of the battle zone by evacuating the soldiers and civilians. A break in the weather allows the Trade Federation to move in nearly ten thousand droids to add to the Separatist forces already there. General Leska was killed during one of the many skirmishes, leaving only Jedi Padawans on the planet, in charge of the armies. As the Republic begins to leave, the newly enlarged Separatist army begins moving in, leaving the Padawans as the only line of defense. They are ordered to hold their position to give the evacuation time. Anakin receives a hologram from Chancellor Palpatine, who orders him to lead the evacuation and out of the suicide mission that the rest of the Padawans have been assigned. Anakin is reluctant, but obeys at the urging of his friends. The Separatist army clashes with the young Jedi and their Clones, and they are all killed, but not before Aurbie kills the Separatist leader Alto Stratus with a pair of lightsabers.

What Worked: This issue was a well-drawn and highly emotional one. Here, we see that war is truly a horrible thing. Art-wise, this issue is just as good as the two preceding Battle of Jabiim comics, with some vivid imagery from the battles and Jedi as they get ready to meet their fate. There are many, many greatly drawn scenes towards the beginning and go to some well-drawn battle scenes as the battle rages. Story-wise, while a fairly depressing issue, it excels at an emotional level as the Jedi prepare the inevitable. There is a great moment when the sun comes out and everyone stares in wonder. The story saddens greatly as the Jedi say goodbye to Anakin and to each other.

What Didn't Work: This issue was depressing. There is virtually no victory for the Republic, and many of the Jedi are killed in the skirmish. I was sort of disappointed, mainly because I was rooting for a Republic victory in this story arc. The only other thing is that there are some Jedi from the cover who don't appear in the story, which is odd.

Overall, A deeply emotional and heart-wrenching issue, finishing up the Battle of Jabiim.

Rating: 7/10

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