Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Star Wars: Kanan – The Last Padawan #4 of 5
Marvel Comics
Weisman, Larraz & Curiel
The penultimate issue of the origin of Kanan, the star of the TV show, Rebels, provides another fast moving read. The comic reads a lot like other episode(s)-turned-comic mini-series where a lot seems to occur in individual issues, but skipping over details. However, the read hits the key spots nicely despite skipping through the time line while relying on internal monologue boxes. Overall, I enjoyed this issue and like the background on this character. This is not a comic for everyone though. If you aren't into the show, or picked this up because you watch the show and don't normally read comics then you might not like this.
Kanan continues to drift further from his Jedi principles as he gets out of various situations and finds himself dealing with, and befriending, some that he never would have before. The comic makes sure to keep Kanan connected to his master. Even when he claims to no longer think of her, he thinks of her enough to bring up the fact that he doesn't think of her. However, Kanan is still a fugitive.
The part of the comic book that doesn't work is how he is still pursued by the same two clones that murdered his master. Months have passed and Kanan has moved from planet to planet. We are forced to believe that this pair of clones have no other orders other than to follow the trail that Kanan leaves behind. We are also to believe that they have unlimited resources out in the field to take this mission on for months on end. We must also believe that Kanan and his companion are leaving that obvious of a trail to follow. Despite their shady profession they appear to be terrible at covering their tracks, but no one that they've scammed is following them. Just two clones. This is really challenging to buy into.
What works well for this book is the action and the stakes getting higher. The book doesn't go through job after job, but checks in on the important pieces as the months pass. The book isn't overly wordy, which also helps to tell a fast story.
The artwork keeps the comic looking like an all-ages comic book. The limited dialogue is supported extremely well because the artwork is so sharp. There are clear panels and fluid transitions as the artwork takes over where the story ends. The comic book is a very good looking book.
Kanan is a comic book for those interested in the TV Show, but is also familiar with comic books. Because the comic book is so different in its presentation, those that are only picking this up to fill out the Star Wars comic line are probably going to be disappointed. The comic reads a lot like other show episodes that were converted to a comic book mini-series. Plenty seems to be left off panel. With the strong artwork the limited dialogue works out well for the issue. I recommend giving this a try. I enjoyed this penultimate issue and am eager to see how it finishes up.
4 out of 5 Geek Goggles
