The Clone Wars #2 Slaves of the Republic Chapter 2: Slave Traders of Zygerria Story: Henry Gilroy Pencilling: Ram?n K. P?rez Inking: Dan Parsons Coloring: Michael E. Wiggam Lettering: Michael Heisler Cover: Kilian Plunkett Released: 10/22/2008 Reviewed by: JF Boivin (02/02/2009) SUMMARY: Having learned that the Togrutans of Kiros were kidnapped by Zygerrians and reported back to Master Yoda, Obi-Wan, Anakin and Ahsoka send ahead their battle fleet to Zygerria while they divert in the Twilight. Obi-Wan had the idea to stop by a shadowport on the former Shi'kar homeworld, where scavengers, smugglers and pirates are known to dwell. The Jedi discover a Zygerrian ship and decide to board it to interrogate the crew as to the whereabouts of the people of Kiros. After Ahsoka get captured ans held hostage, the two Jedi Knights are able to board it and overpower the slaver ship. The ship's commander, Captain Onyx, just so happens to have an invitation to a grand auction held by the Queen of Zygerria where the Togruta will be auctioned off. The Jedi plan to use this information to their advantage.

[final cover] [preview cover]

THE STORY

I liked this installment less than the first one. Mostly because it feels like the Jedi achieve everything they set out to do too easily. They discover the fate of the Togruta too easily, they find a lone Zygerrian ship too easily, they overpower the crew too easily (even a giant tentacled monster is easily beaten), and by some big coincidence now they have easy access to the Grand Auction on Zygerria. But wait! They will need slaves to get into the auction. Well, they have Ahsoka... I know this is based on a kid's cartoon, but it doesn't mean stories can't be compelling.

THE ART

A different artist than the first issue (and the next one) makes it feel more like a separate episode of the series, even if this is a 6-part storyline. Basically, when it gets collected in a trade edition, it will look like 6 separate stories. And this artist is not as good as the one from last issue; he doesn't really "get" the look of the characters and he creates weird angles in some panels (like the top one on page 3 where there is a closeup on Captain Rex's helmet visor). On the other hand, the cover by Plunkett is amazing. Not only is he one of my favorite artists of all time (from way back), but he did some work on the TV show as well. His depiction of the characters is totally identical to the cartoon. I just wish Plunkett did the interior art as well.

CONCLUSIONS

A so-so chapter of this new series. Doesn't feel like an important part of the overall story arc.

Rating: 5.5 / 10