Review: Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters #4

War of the Bounty Hunters #4 is a massive leap forward in this crossover. The action, art, characterization and conflicts all come to a head. This series has felt very much like a buildup punctuated by action sequences. Part of this might be that this series is just the first arc of what is basically a three act play. But here we get some great conflicts and some big payoffs.

Vader has crashed the auction of Han Solo’s Carbonite body, laying claim on behalf of the empire just after Jabba had outbid everyone. Vader claims he will destroy Han unless Luke presents himself. From his X-Wing, Luke is now smart enough to realize he is not yet ready to face Vader head on. He also realizes that Vader would never destroy Han entirely now that he knows his value to Luke and the rebellion.

Leia watches Vader take Han helplessly, but quickly goes in pursuit of the transport shuttle with Lando, Chewie and Lobot. Boba Fett faces Drengir and Valance. Drengir’s target is Fett himself, but after a quick battle Boba is able to outmaneuver him. Valance simply wants to save Solo, and he and Boba make an uneasy alliance to chase after the Empire.

Jabba faces an unhappy Hutt contingent when Bokku accuses him of shaming the Hutts by ceding Solo to the Empire. Meanwhile Lobot is able to depower the Empire’s ship but the Falcon is hit by Boba. Valance stops Boba from outright destroying the Falcon, but the ship is taken out of action at least temporarily.

The issue ends with Boba’s plans complicated by a massive attack on the empire by the Hutt fleet. This issue is everything this crossover promised to be, amazing art, massive action, and a parade of great character moments. Here’s hoping the momentum keeps building as this crossover draws to an end and sets up the future of Star Wars comics.

Writing: 4.5 of 5 stars
Art: 4.0 of 5 stars
Colors: 3.9 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.1 of 5 stars

Writer: Charles Soule
Art: Luke Ross and David Messina
Colors: Neeraj Menon
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.