REVIEW: Star Wars Crimson Reign #4

Star Wars Crimson Reign has evolved into a fascinating anthology series. Writer Charles Soule has each issue focusing on a different building block in Qi’ra’s quest for power to counteract the Empire. This issue focuses on an early incarnation of the Knights of Ren.

Soule loves to take pieces from different eras of Star Wars and this one works extremely well. Highlighting the Knights of Ren are not only a nice nod to the sequel films but also creates a formidable foe for Darth Vader. This series feels a bit like the backup Tales of the Green Lantern Corps from the Blackest Night era.

In this issue Qi’ra meets up with the Knights of Ren with a mission to steal a key from Vader’s Castle on Mustafar. Qi’ra promises them what they need most in exchange, relevance and status. The Knights take their ship the Night Buzzard to Mustafar hoping to snatch the key without being noticed. They use combined force skills to carve their way past the volcanic entrance but are discovered by Vanee.

Vanee set the castle’s forces upon them while he summons Vader himself to face the Knights. The Knights are able to snatch the key but then run right into Vader as they try to escape. The surprise here is how adeptly they work together to escape from his grasp and retain the key. It is done without lessening the light and threat of Darth Vader but makes it clear that this team is here to stay.

The art by Steven Cummings and inks by Victor Olazaba absolutely immerse one in the feel of Star Wars. The ships, cantinas and Mustafar itself are all well rendered. The character designs of the various Knights could use more differentiation. Beyond Ren himself and the highly entertaining Bazzra, the other Knights feel a bit interchangeable here. But as a whole they are an interesting bunch and it would be interesting to see Soule tackle them in a series all their own to give them even more depth.

Writing: 4.3 of 5 stars
Art: 3.8 of 5 stars
Colors: 3.2 of 5 stars

Overall: 3.7 of 5 stars

Writer: Charles Soule
Art: Steven Cummings
Inks: Victor Olazaba
Colors: Guru-eFX
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.