Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Force War #1 is the beginning of the Force War story arc written by John Ostrander and published by Dark Horse Comics. It takes place about 25,000 years before the events in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, and opens up with the Rakatan Infinite Empire invasion of the Tython system, which has been taking place for a year. The Rakatan forces have been making progress with their invasion as they’ve taken outposts and planets in the system and brutally subjugated them to their rule. They’ve enslaved the populations there and even though they’re known as “the Builders” throughout the galaxy they’ve done nothing but bring ruin to the planets and outposts they’ve conquered. Daegen Lok’s visions of a terrible invasion were true after all. But it’s not entirely hopeless as the Je’daii forces, led by Daegen Lok and Xesh, who was once a Force Hound for the Rakata, have stalled the invasion on the planet Tython, and have been able to construct Forcesabers, which was once just weapons of the Rakatan Force Hounds. Has the tide of the war turned in favor of the Je’daii forces after repelling the attack on Tython, or was it just a minor setback for the Rakatan Infinite Empire who have now unleashed their Flesh Raiders?

It’s been interesting to see these events unfold in this issue (and what led up to this) and not just from a “historical” standpoint of seeing the seeds being planted in what ultimately becomes the familiar battle between the light and dark side of the force but because these events are entertaining even without that standpoint. The Flesh Raiders are pretty much forcesaber fodder and that’s okay because the depth of the battle taking place is still conveyed wonderfully through the scenes and the artwork. And besides, the real story isn’t the Flesh Raiders but the Je’daii and the Force. The action is easy to follow and if you haven’t followed any of the issues leading up to this series you can still follow the story after a few pages. And it does feel like an epic battle is not only taking place but things are being set in motion that will lead to even bigger events taking place. The enemies that the Je’daii are up against requires them to forsake the balance between the light and dark sides of the force in order to have a chance of winning this battle and of course this doesn’t sit well with all of them. This is conveyed clearly without taking away from the focus on the battle and as the saying goes war makes monsters out of men. It can also create new bonds or strengthen old ones but regardless it’s not a pretty sight. Well, it’s a pretty sight for the reader and a very enjoyable issue but for the characters in the story it’s far from over. Especially when the true reason for the Ratakan Infinite Empire invading is revealed. I’m anxiously looking forward to the next issue and I recommend checking it out if you’ve been following the Dawn of the Jedi series or if you’re just a Star Wars fan