Writer: John Ostrander
Artists: Jan Duursema (p), Dan Parsons (i), Brad Anderson (c)
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Plot: Soon after the battle of Geonosis, Jedi Masters Tholme and Bulq fight against Count Dooku. Bulq is knocked out and captured by the Count, while Tholme is badly injured and left for dead. Later, a very much alive Tholme is on the trail of Bulq, who has succumbed to the Dark Side. Assisted by Aayla Secura, Tholme pursues Bulq's trail to Anzat. Meanwhile, Quinlan Vos snoops around Coruscant, reads the mind of a dead man, and finds that his ongoing search for the second Sith might also involve Anzat or, more specifically, a native of the planet.
Comments: The Jedi of the Star Wars prequels are an interesting bunch, aren't they? Completely dedicated and traditional, they sashay along in their robes, with all the coolness of a 14th century Japanese swordsman which is, of course, where the basic look is derived from. Interestingly, however, the prequels have also introduced us to a number of Jedi characters who, for no apparent reason, don't wear the Japanese-style uniform at all. Who are these people? Why are they allowed to dress so differently? Does Yoda hand out detentions for Jedi caught out of uniform, or modifying their traditional robes?
Aayla Secura is a character who falls into this category of non-traditional Jedi. You must have seen her... she's blue, super-fit, has a tremendous bosom and enjoys showing plenty of midriff through the skimpy outfits she wears. Like several prequel characters, she has gained greater popularity through her off-screen appearances in comic books, or as an action figure with the greatest gym-toned body in the universe, than through anything she ever did in the movies. Indeed, I don't think I've even heard her name spoken in the movies, but am willing to stand corrected on that point.
The reason I mention Aayla is that this issue of Star Wars: Republic gives her a much larger role than normal. Apart from a diversion with Quinlan Vos (another Jedi who will probably have to stay back after class - in his case for dressing like Adam Ant), and the actions of Master Tholme, it's Aayla who keeps the story moving. She appears near the start, ready to take Master Tholme to Anzat. She's there in the middle, acting the spy, getting into a fight and eventually stealing some important data. And she's there at the end, conversing with Master Tholme as the actions of the next issue are mapped out. For Aayla fans, this issue will be something of a treat. For the rest of us... well, maybe we can all sit back and ponder how she gets away with dressing like Britney Spears while the rest of the Jedi Order has to walk around like medieval monks.
Final Word: This is a brave issue of Star Wars: Republic. There's no Obi-Wan, no Anakin, no Yoda, no Mace... indeed, besides a brief cameo by Count Dooku and some minor characters from the movies such as Aayla Secura and Dex (that strange looking alien who Obi-Wan visits at the retro diner in Attack of the Clones), this issue tries to stand on the strength of characters we don't often read about. Does it work? To some degree, yes. Would I like to see more issues like this? Short answer, no. Longer answer, I think these issues are necessary to give us a break from the Big Names and it seems that the next issue might be in a similar vein. With Star Wars: Republic rapidly racing towards the events in the next movie release, however, I'm hoping that not too much more Clone Wars time is "wasted" with stories about characters who only enjoy a cult following, if that.
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