The Unofficial Clone Wars Site

Republic #64: Bloodlines

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Script: John Ostrander
Art: Brandon Badeaux
Cover: Thomas Giorello

Reviewed by Andrew Liptak

Summary: (Note- this comic runs backwards) Jedi Master Ronhar Kim and his Padawan Tag-Nar-Pal were fighting on the planet Merson, where the battle was going poorly for the Republic forces. Kim ordered the fleet in space to pull out of the battle, and Tag came down to join him. Both were killed in battle, along with all of their clone troopers. Before he died, Kim remembered that he spoke with Palpatine about screening the Senate for possible members of the Sith, then when he saved the Senator from an assassination attempt, then to when his father died and when he first met Palpatine.

What Worked: This comic kicked ass. It's almost perfect. Storywise, it's very different from the other comics, being that it runs backwards. We are pulled in by the climax at the beginning with the battle, then brought through Kim's past, particularly with Supreme Chancellor. What is particularly interesting is the connection that they have. Kim's father was an earlier Senator from Naboo, and when he was killed, Palpatine took his place, and made a friendship with the Knight. It is fairly clear that Palpatine staged the entire thing. This comic also explains the beginnings of the Red Guard, seen in Return of the Jedi and in Attack of the Clones. Again, it seems that this is another staged event to have people force Palpatine to get what he wants. Another interesting thing was the first glimpse of Captain Gilag Pellaeon, who was first seen in Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising and The Last Command. It was wonderful to see him in action, especially with a little bit of fleet battle, something that fans have been pining for. Art-wise, this comic is flawless. From what we first saw in Republic 61, the style is the same and very, very good. It's not as realistic as some other artists, but it retains the proper form and enough style to be above the rest in several ways. The battle scenes are particularly well done, and not overdone. In the non-battle scenes, the coloring is excellently done, and maintains excellent angles, lighting and tone throughout. Top it off with an excellent cover, and we've got ourselves a keeper.

What Didn't Work: The only complaint that I have is the shortness of the action. I had sort of been expecting more to the battle for the entire Comic. That's trivial though.

Overall, Excellent story, artwork, pacing and cover. A must.

Rating: 10/10

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