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Publisher: Dark Horse
Writer: John Ostrander & Jan Duursema
Artist: Jan Duursema
Cover: Jan Duursema & Brad Anderson

“Monster”: There are a lot of shadows chasing Cade Skywalker, but not many of them cast a longer one than that of the events on the planet Wayland.  It was here many years ago that his father’s vision of healing planets ravaged by the Yuuzhan Vong War was sabotaged and they were forced to abandon those they promised to help.  This memory is shown to Cade’s former Master, Wolf Sazen, in a dream hinting that his search for his former student will lead him back to Wayland.  So with that, he sets off to find him, though another former apprentice states that the Council would like him to accompany a peace envoy on the way to meet with Roan Fel; but the will of the Force is strong, and Master Sazen knows he must obey if he is to meet with Cade.

For Cade though, meeting with his former master is the furthest thing from his mind as he and his crew are relaxing on the planet Zeltros at the Paradise Cantina oblivious to the events unfolding.  However, while enjoying the hedonistic lifestyle, their vacation is interrupted by Cade’s old Pirate Captain, Rav, who is offering a job for one million creds. Sounds too good to be true?  Well, when Cade finds out  the job is on Wayland he’s not too thrilled, and it looks like Master Sazen is gonna get that meeting with his former student after all.

This issue has me pretty pumped about the direction it’s going in and what’s going to be in store for some of the most interesting characters in the Star Wars universe.  With this return to Wayland I’m hoping Ostrander ties up a few plot points that were brought up earlier in the series, and maybe focus a little more on Cade’s dad.  We do get to see him for a bit in the flashback/dream at a happier time in his life along with a young Cade and Shado before things went wrong.  There is also a pretty good balance as Ostrander and Duursema are juggling a huge list of characters and intersecting plots that doesn’t feel too crowded or forced.   I did like the brewing issues between Moff Calixte and Morlish, demonstrating the dangers of the workplace relationship, and I have a feeling things will only end badly for the Regent Morlish.  You don’t piss off a woman who hasn’t smiled in decades, it’s just not a step in the right direction.

Jan has demonstrated time and again great visuals throughout the series, and this issue is no different.  Besides her, Dave Ross is my 2nd favorite to draw this series (check out Star Wars Legacy #42).  I’m just not crazy about the designs of one of the Imperial Knight’s armor as it looks too Vaderish and he’s disfigured as well.  I think I’d just like to get away from that look or drastically change it for this period in the Star Wars timeline.  Now, there are two things that made me cringe while reading, and they were the sight of a Hutt in a bikini top and Cade fighting in his speedo/skirt.  Though both were brief scenes it’ll take a while to get them out of my head; thanks for the memories Jan!

It seems like all the pieces are moving into place, and now I’m wondering how Ostrander and Duursema are going to handle the alliance of  the Imperials, Jedi, and Galactic Alliance as they rally against the Sith.  You just know with this many people involved there’s a double cross lurking somewhere.

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