Star Wars #10 Outlander: The Exile of Sharad Hett Part 4 (of 6) Writing: Tim Truman Pencilling: Rick Leonardi Inking: Mark Lipka Coloring: Dave McCaig Lettering: Steve Dutro Cover: Ken Kelly Released: 09/22/1999 Reviewed by: JF Boivin (11/04/1999) SUMMARY: Ki-Adi-Mundi is saved from the Krayt Dragon by Sharad Hett's son and Padawan, A'Sharad Hett, who is performing his rite of initiation into the Tusken clan.

THE STORY

More than any other in this series, this episode explores the rituals and customs of the mysterious Tusken Raiders. Personally, I've always wanted to learn more about these apparently barbarous savages. We learn here that they have a very deep relationship with their environment, with most of their practices and rituals directly connected with Tatooine's animals. They are also very honorable and would rather die than being dishonored in a fight.

On the other hand, like the previous issue I think not much happens to advance the story in this issue. While the fight against the dragon is very well-paced and gives us much insight into the Tuskens' battle rituals, this issue could have been combined with the previous one. But all in all, the story is very interesting and is well worth reading in its entirety.

I only noticed one small mistake in this one: when Ki mentions the events from #7, he calls the place Monchat Steep instead of Mochot Steep. This should have been spotted by the editor.

And again, we see Aurra Sing still one step behind them, which hints at a final confrontation very soon in the last chapter of the series.

THE ART

While we finally have an artist/inker team who illustrated one of the previous issues (#8), the change of artist from the last one again hurts the continuity and flow of the art. First off, the Krayt doesn't look like it did in the last issue (it actually looks more like the t-rex from 'Jurassic Park'.)

And I'm sorry to bring this up again, but what's the deal with the disappearing animal skull on Aurra's swoop bike? Like in #8 it's not there, while it was in #7 and #9!

Despite of all that, I really like Leonardi's style. I just wish he illustrated the whole mini-series instead of only two issues (so far.)

I still think it will look bad in TPB. At least, the colorist has been the same all along. And colorist Dave McCaig is doing AMAZING work!

CONCLUSIONS

Very good. Especially like the Tusken stuff.

Rating: 8 / 10 Recommended