Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Force War #4 picks up on the heels of the stunning revelation of Xesh’s true nature and involvement with the Je’daii, and the Ratakan forces gaining the upper hand. No one was more surprised by this than Daegen Lok, who was tortured by Xesh in order to reveal what he saw when he descended into the chasm on Tython. And Skal’nas knew this to be the Infinity Gate and before unleashing the Empire’s next offensive on Tython he blinded the Je’daii Seers so they wouldn’t be privy to his plans. But Xesh’s change was felt throughout the Force so all the Je’daii were aware of his betrayal and Tasha Ryo glimpsed in one last vision that Tython was Skal’nas true target. And Xesh’s betrayal only seemed to strengthen the Je’daii’s determination to win as even Shae was filled with anger as she was prepared to kill Xesh if it came to that. And Tasha Ryo is still determined to help any way she can since she’s been cut off from the Force, and hopes her meditation will give her guidance. But what hope do they have to stop the renewed Ratakan forces when they not only lack the full understanding of what Skal’nas is seeking but their greatest hope, Xesh, has betrayed them?

My mind was blown after last issue’s big revelation and it didn’t feel gimmicky in the least. And with the true nature of what was in the chasm below Tython the story and purpose of the war became immensely more interesting so to say I’ve been waiting for this issue with bated breath is an understatement. And the issue started off very well with the Je’daii addressing Xesh’s betrayal and preparing for the assault by the Rakatan forces. And a beat wasn’t missed with the Rakatan forces appearing to be unstoppable after gaining the upper hand last issue and this was initially conveyed very well. And when Trill was appointed as the one who would lead the troops on Tython as a distraction from what they were truly after on Tython, I anticipated things would get pretty heavy since she betrayed the Je’daii as well. But instead more forcesaber fodd… I mean flesh raiders were thrown at the Je’daii in what seemed to be a rehashing of earlier battles and the flesh raiders were just as unimpressive this time around. It’s not that they’re horrible enemies but that up against the Je’daii it’s not an impressive enough battle to keep being rehashed, and especially when the story is in the middle of its best part to date. Fortunately we do get some answers regarding the Infinity Gate and what it can do, and there’s a very interesting development with the planet of Tython itself. The developments with Tython were actually more interesting than the flesh raiders. Although I do wonder how the Je’daii could’ve been so ignorant about the planet they’ve resided on for so long knowing it had a strong connection to the Force. However the story remains strong and just as intriguing although it doesn’t progress as much as it did last issue as it mostly sets up what seems to be an even better confrontation and even more revelations about Tython and the Infinity Gate in the next issue.

SUMMARY

Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi – Force War #4 is a solid issue that gives answers regarding the Infinity Gate and even though it moves the story forward it still feels like more of a segway into the next issue. That’s not necessarily a bad thing as this series has been building up to these events so I expect it to be incredible. I would’ve preferred to see at least one confrontation between characters instead of more Flesh Raiders but with the events that unfold here that’s almost guaranteed next issue. And I’ll be looking forward to that one as well.

Release Date: 2/19/14

Writer: John Ostrander

Artist: Jan Duursema