Star Wars #4
Written by Brian Wood
Art by Carlos D’anda
Colors by Gabe Eltaeb
Cover Artwork by Alex Ross
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: April 10, 2013
Cover Price: $2.99

Brian Wood‘s new Star Wars comic book series is refreshing. It feels to me, as a longtime fan, that the saga is going through a rebirth, what with the new Sequels coming, Lucasarts switching to licensing only, and this ongoing series continually smashing expectations. With Issue #4 of the new Dark Horse series, straightforwardly titled Star Wars, we continue following the heroes and villains from A New Hope in the weeks following the Battle of Yavin.

Princess Leia, leading the stealth X-Wing unit of Grey Squadron, is focused on the mission of finding a new base for the Rebels, while also aiming to uncover the alleged Imperial Spy in their midst. But while on their first mission, Leia’s detachment is caught in a targeted firefight with Imperials, indicating the Imperial espionage could be deeper and closer than she previously anticipated.

Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker, grounded from the elite stealth squadron due to his cockiness at letting the "man who destroyed the Death Star" hero-worship go to his head, receives a message in the Force from his spiritual mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, warning him of the danger Leia is encountering; but is surprised to discover he is not the only one who hears Kenobi’s voice from the grave”¦

As the siblings wrestle with their own formidable issues, Han Solo and Chewbacca are chased by Imperial forces on Coruscant, forcing them to go underground into the seedier layers of the Imperial Center. Darth Vader continues overseeing the construction of the second Death Star, but is met by an unusual presence he did not anticipate.

The writing continues to be exceptional in the fourth issue of this series, subtitled In The Shadow Of Yavin. Brian Wood has been on par all over each installment thus far, and seems to be focusing more in this fourth installment as bridging elements to some pending moments and/or climaxes to come in the next two issues. Upon reading this, it feels that Wood is holding his punches and holding his cards close to his chest – something immense is coming”¦ and that’s the general feeling I get from this particular chapter.

As with the writing, the artwork continues to be magnificent also. Carlos D’anda and Gabe Eltaeb both work together seamlessly, complementing each other’s strengths so notably. Combined with the writing, this new Star Wars series is quickly becoming a game-changer, and one that comic readers of all persuasions (not just SW geeks like me) will absolutely enjoy.

The creative team is also hitting the bull’s eye on the exemplifications of the characters. Their interactions are just as you would imagine on the big screen – and this includes Vader as well. The likenesses are awfully close, but far enough away to have D’anda and Eltaeb keep hold of their unique style and feel of this series.

Star Wars #4 continues the stellar work of the creative team, and is proceeding to some big moments in forthcoming issues. This series is most definitely must-read material.

Overall Rating: 4½ out of 5