Script: Haden Blackman
Pencils: Tomas Giorello
Colors: Brad Anderson

Summery: After the battle of Jabiim, Obi-Wan and the ARC Trooper Alpha were captured by the dark Jedi Asajj Ventress. She imprisoned and tortured both men, trying to learn what information she could from both. After nearly three weeks, she placed Alpha and Obi-Wan in the same cell. Together, they were able to escape, and staged a prison break, freeing the other prisoners. One prisoner was the one who killed Ventress's parents killed. After regaining his lightsaber, Obi-Wan and Alpha found Ventress's ship, and engaged in a short duel with Ventress before escaping. The cover for this issue is outstanding, a wonderful work of art.

What worked: This issue brings Asajj Ventress's past into focus, and explains much about her past and the reasons that she's dark, and ties in slightly with the cartoon series. Blackman's pacing and writing is excellent, and picks up right after the battle of Jabiim. He also shows that the Separatists are pretty nasty, particularly when it comes torture, and deception. Apparently, Count Dooku didn't know that Obi-Wan was still alive, and it seems that Ventress is holding him to allow her to remain in power. Another interesting thing is the planet of Rattatak, Ventress's homeworld, seen briefly in the cartoon series. Finally, we get some really nice fight scenes, one of them reminiscent of the short Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul fight on Tatooine.

What didn't work: (TK-007 note: This part of the review does NOT reflect the view of the entire TUCWS staff) While we had a great story, I was a little disapointed with the artwork. While much of it was good, some of the characters were a bit weird, with Alpha looking like the hulk a couple times, and Obi-Wan not looking like Obi Wan in a couple panes. Along with that, some of the shading and angling was a bit weak, looking odd.

Overall: A pretty good issue for one of the more interesting villains of the clone wars.

Rating: 7/10

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