Star Wars #7 Outlander: The Exile of Sharad Hett Part 1 (of 6) Writing: Tim Truman Pencilling: Tom Rainey, Rob Pereira Inking: Mark Lipka Coloring: Dave McCaig Lettering: Michael Taylor Cover: Ken Kelly Released: 06/23/1999 Reviewed by: JF Boivin (10/31/1999) SUMMARY: Rumors of Sand People raids abound on Tatooine. People are selling and buying weapons to defend themselves. The rumors are proven true when a huge band of Tuskens attack a trading post at Mochot Steep. The Jedi Council on Coruscant think one of the Tuskens is a Jedi Knight that disappeared 15 years earlier, and send their newest member Ki-Adi-Mundi to confirm their suspicions. Aurra Sing is on Tatooine and awaits Ki's arrival.

THE STORY

First of all. I like the way this story builds up: the rumors of Tusken attacks, then an attack, then the Jedi Council hears about it. And I also like that, even though this is another of the way-too-many stories on Tatooine, this one deals with the mysterious Tusken Raiders. Hopefully, we're going to learn more about their culture and practices in the next issues.

But what I liked most was the little details, like the weapons crates marked "Czerkas Weapons Inc." and "Merr-Sonn Munitions Inc." from the role-playing game; the reference to Jedi Master Sidrona Diath from Tatooine who must be related to Dace Diath from the Tales of the Jedi series; and the confirmation that Mos Eisley existed in the prequel-era when there is no mention of it in the movie or any of its adaptations.

And I have a feeling that this new character Sharad Hett, dressed up as a Tusken Raider and acting as their leader, will have a very interesting story to tell.

About the last page: who is Aurra talking to?

THE ART

The cover is good as usual, except the bottom half for some reason. I don't think the Jawas and the lady with her baby are up to Kelly's usual standards.

What struck me most about the interior art was the coloring. It shows here that it is an art in itself, adding many details and lighting.

The comic book-ish art is very good almost all the way through, except for the last two pages where the pencillers seem to have slacked off. The panel on page 8 where we see the Tuskens preparing to attack is a work of genius. It's a great depiction of the various clothing, weapons and postures that Tuskens have. (NOTE: notice how that the Tusken right below the left-hand Bantha has huge hands in that panel?) The Trandoshan, Humans and Jawas are also well-depicted.

On the other hand, I think Yoda looks like one of the title creatures from the movie Gremlins. I wouldn't know, but why is it so rare that artists can do a good Yoda depiction?

CONCLUSIONS

Very nice set-up for the rest of the series.

Rating: 8 / 10 Recommended