Comic Review: Star Wars Dark Times #6

 The Butterfly / Mynock Effect

By Jeffery Cox 

Star Wars Dark Times #6: Parallels (1 of 5)

The aptly titled Parallels continues to follow the story of the crew of the Uhumele, now without the benefit of Dass Jennir. In addition, more light is shed on the fate of the Jedi order. Jedi Masters K’kruhk and Sian Jeisel enter the tale, flashing back to the final days of the Clone Wars and events of Order 66.

After narrowly escaping a separatist ambush, K’kruhk, Jeisel and their compliment of Clone troopers seek out a safe harbor to repair their shuttle craft. They land at the Jedi training facility in the Bogden system and are received as celebrities by the young Jedi initiates. Once repairs are completed, the students prepare a luncheon for the wary generals and soldiers. In this moment of peace, Order 66 is received. Making no distinction between mature Jedi and children, the troopers open fire. Only through great sacrifice are K’Kruhk and a handful of Padawans able to escape.

Two months later, in another part of the galaxy, the crew of the Uhumele has not been able to shed their notoriety after blasting through the Imperial blockade on New Plympto. They are recognized by troops while stopping for supplies and though most of them make their escape, the assistant engineer, Janks, is captured.

Still wracked with guilt about his failure to protect his wife and child, Bomo begins to realize he has not gained the trust of the captain and crew. He discovers that they are preparing to sell some cargo. They will give him no clue of what it is, other than it’s definitely contraband and valuable. In an attempt to be part of the crew, he offers to help hide the cargo, but his assistance is rejected.

Crys takes some pity on Bomo and they bond over her tale of how she lost her son. While trying to excape a war zone, her son was noticed by a Jedi who suspected the boy’s sensitivity to the force. Crys surrendered him to the Jedi order with the understanding that he would be evacuated. She thought him safe until the events of order 66 transpired. Now, she believes her choice ensured his death.

Elsewhere, K’khuhk and his new charges of Jedi Padawans have been stranded on a remote planet and made a home there. One of the children is Crys’ son.

It’s a new path and a new artist for DARK TIMES. Taking over as penciler is Dave Ross, who expertly delivers the foreign yet familiar setting of a galaxy far, far away. While the presence of Dass Jennir is missed, it feels appropriate. The Dark Times are about how the rule of the empire affects normal people (as normal as one can get in star wars), as well as documenting the elimination of the Jedi. Parallels does this and shows a wider galaxy.

Specs

TITLE	STAR WARS Dark Times #6: Parallels (1 of 5)
PUBLISHER	Dark Horse
BOOK RELEASED	October 24, 2007
COVER PRICE	$2.99
WRITERS	Mick Harrison
ARTIST	Dave Ross
LETTERING	Michael Heisler
COLORIST	Alex Wald

*Image via Dark Horse Comics (Used with permission)

Star Wars Dark Times Reviews Index

Main Comic Reviews Repository