Bounty Hunters #7 - Comic Review

Bounty Hunters returns to the comic book shelves with Target Valance Part 2: Collateral Damage—with Valance and Cadeliah running for their lives from findsman Zuckuss and his droid partner 4-LOM, who are stopping at nothing to catch their bounty.

Make sure to check out the review of the previous issue before moving on!

Wounded and left with no choice, Beilert Valance seeks refuge for Cadeliah, the secret heir of two powerful criminal families, in a secret Rebel outpost—home to the love of his life, Yura. Valance’s reunion with Yura is emotionally painful for the half man, half cyborg. The bounty hunter’s facial disfiguration—exposing his mechanical features—has been a double-edged sword, inciting fear to his enemies while causing insecurity and self-judgement, forcing Valance to refrain from romantic entanglements. It’s been years since Beilert left his lover—but there hasn’t been a day since he stopped thinking about her. In the past comic issues, Valance has tried to get himself to contact Yura—to tell her how he feels and to maybe return and finally be with her. However, his fear of rejection for his physical appearance got the best of him—restraining him from making the move. In Part 2: Collateral Damage, author Ethan Sacks adds an extra level to the already complicated relationship between the two—turning the much anticipated reunion into a very much likely end to their romance.

Besides a few fights—from Valance versus 4-LOM to the Rebels versus a squad of Battle Droids (prequel fans will particularly enjoy the cameo)—this is probably the least action-oriented comic issue of Bounty Hunters so far. Artist Paolo Villanelli beautifully translates the highly emotional moments through the characters physicality, which can be challenging at times since Valance’s cyborg features are expressionless. Arif Prianto’s gorgeous moonlight colors truly reflect the sad and romantic theme of the comic issue, and seamlessly (as always) blend with Villanelli’s composition.

One thing worthy of mention is the striking similarities between Bounty Hunters and The Mandalorian. The whole idea of a bounty hunter protecting a special child is at the essence of both comic and TV series—and although it was likely unintentional, the shared concept could become a staple in Star Wars.

Bounty Hunters Part 2: Collateral Damage has a sad ending—leaving the readers wondering what lies ahead for Beilert Valance. Make sure to pick up your copy today from your favorite local comic book shop and share your thoughts on our social media outlets about the series!