Obi-Wan #4 - Comic Review

The sand storm Obi-Wan has been waiting for has finally come. The physicality and destruction of it triggers more dark memories from Kenobi’s time as a wartime general and Jedi Master. In Obi-Wan #4, the old Master recounts when he and Anakin were at their closest as the Clone Wars raged on, and a time when they were called to a secret mission that required the utmost discretion. The Jedi are tasked with searching for and executing a former Commander who has gone rogue, a task that doesn’t sit well with Anakin in particular. Memories of the necessities of death plague the Jedi as they embark on their mission, one that once again ends with them bound to the darkness and waiting for the light to shine once more.

The first three issues of Obi-Wan have distinct stories told from different stages of Kenobi’s past. With issue #4, however, writer Christopher Cantwell starts to connect not just themes from past issues, but story arcs as well. The main storyline of issue #4, titled The Sun Sets and It Rises, revolves around a character seen in last month’s issue, a tale that is the darkest one we’ve seen yet. Cantwell smartly moves forward in time just enough so that we see Obi-Wan and Anakin at their closest, showing us how they experience both the high and the lows of life as brothers.

Artist Madibek Musabekov’s style lends itself beautifully to this story, with pages filled with the darkness of war combined with cinematic renderings that are a feast for the eyes. Musabekov particularly shines in his take on Anakin; he captures the stoicism and emotions we know and love while maintaining his own artistic interpretation of the character. Colorist Sebastian Cheng also must be commended for his work which truly makes the characters and storyline jump off the page.

Rounding out the creative team are letterist VC’s Joe Caramagna and cover artist Phil Noto, both of whom continue to impress in this miniseries. Obi-Wan #4 gets two variant covers, one by Terry and Rachel Dodson showing Master and Apprentice ready for action, and the other by Chris Sprouse, Karl Story, and Rachelle Rosenberg featuring Ki-Adi-Mundi as part of the Choose Your Destiny series.

The penultimate issue in the miniseries, Obi-Wan #4 is available now wherever you buy comic books!