Underworld: The Yavin Vassilika #4 [Also available in photo cover] Story: Mike Kennedy Art: Carlos Meglia Coloring: Dave Stewart Lettering: Steve Dutro Cover: Andrew Robinson, Dave Stewart Released: 04/25/2001 Reviewed by: JF Boivin (11/16/2004) SUMMARY: Last issue's clue leads the characters to an unnamed planet beyond the Outer Rim. The Vassilika is located in a village inhabited by descendants of the Thelvin Order of Barundi. After trying to retrieve it, Han's team is captured and sentenced to be flogged to death, but Boba Fett has got his own plans for Solo...

[art cover] [photo cover]

THE STORY

Jozzel reveals her true motives to Han and Lando in this issue, and she's honest about it. This makes her more likeable as a character... until she re-hires Dengar's team to help her. We also learn that "The Collector", the person who is willing to pay Jozzel anything to get the Vassilika, wants to meet her on Yavin IV. Even though we didn't see them much in the last two issues, apparently Zuckuss and 4-LOM also met with the Knowledge Bank because they beat the other teams to the planet.

There are many funny scenes: From the Barundi beating their prisoners to death with large flowers, to Boba Fett tracking Dengar's team by planting a tracking beacon on one of Sallowe's Jawas (Zuckuss: "I thought they groomed themselves regularly. My mistake.") There's also a scene where Han's team is walking in the jungle and Greedo gets scared. Lando tells him "It's probably more scared of you than you are of it," and then two giant monsters show up and Greedo replies "They must be petrified!" There is also a funny scene where Sallowe attacks Boba Fett, who replies by shooting him in the face with a small gas bottle. A classic! This type of humor is found throughout the series, but somehow it seems to be more frequent in this issue.

I just hope Han doesn't follow to Yavin IV next issue, because this will cause more continuity headaches. A 13 year old reader asks Dave Land what amount of research was done for this series. Land answers jokingly, but the fact is even though it seems some research was done, they don't go all the way and stick to the continuity, choosing instead to go their own direction.

THE ART

More of the same. Meglia's art is consistently impressive and bizarre, highlighted by the amazing colors. Boba Fett almost looks like a medieval knight. We finally see the fabled Yavin Vassilika, but it is not that impressive. It's just some crystal ball with some symbols on it.

CONCLUSIONS

The series is almost completed, and so far the quality is consistent throughout. In other words, if you like the first three issues you'll like this one for sure.

Rating: 6 / 10 At your own risk