Republic #60 Hate and Fear Story: Haden Blackman Art: Tom?s Giorello Inks: Tom?s Giorello Coloring: Brad Anderson Lettering: Sno Cone Studios Cover: Brian Ching, Brad Anderson Released: 01/28/2004 Reviewed by: JF Boivin (02/22/2005) SUMMARY: Obi-Wan and ARC Trooper "Alpha" have spent weeks being tortured by Asajj Ventress in her fortress on Rattatak. When they manage to make their escapes, one of the other prisoners they help free reveals himself to be the former leader of the planet, and Ventress' rival. He tells them of her origin, how her parents got killed and a Jedi came to the planet and took her under his wing. The two then manage to escape from her clutches, stealing her ship, and her most valued possession: her master's lightsaber...

[final cover] [preview cover]

THE STORY

Although not officially part of a series, this is the first of what the Clone Wars Timeline categorizes as Escape from Rattatak. This story is as much about the character of Asajj Ventress as it is about Obi-Wan's escape. Who knew Asajj would be so sentimental? After she looses her master's lightsaber, she sheds a tear of two. Her origin story is told from the point of view of a shark-like Rattatak warrior named Osika Kerske, and and as such is left kind of vague. Which is as it should be.

I like the concept of the Sith torture mask and the muscle maggots. Pretty creepy. The story is very good, but I just have a little gripe: I thought that Obi-Wan's and Alpha's escape was a little too easy. But once they're out, the action never stops. Even the flashbacks are filled with large-scale battles and slaughter. It's certainly an entertaining read.

THE ART

Tom?s Giorello's art is kind of blocky in some places, sketchy in others. It's not prefection, but it's certainly different and interesting.

The Asajj Ventress cover is not bad, although her pose is hardly heroic. She seems to be running from... red smoke? Notice the different lightsaber she's holding. This gives a clue about the story. The credits on the cover read "Ostrander - Duursema - Parsons" Oops! An erroneous hold-over from last issue for sure.

CONCLUSIONS

The cover boasts "The origin of Asajj Ventress!" and boy does the comic deliver!

Rating: 8 / 10 Recommended