Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic: Flashpoint collects issues 7-12, written by John Jackson Miller with art by Brian Ching, Dustin Weaver, and Harvey Tolibao.
Synopsis
Issue 7 cover
Jedi outcast Zayne Carrick and his companions continue to survive on the fringes. When Jarael is abducted by the Mandalorians, they team up with a Rohlan Dyre, a deserter from the mercenary/warriors who suspects there is more to this war than the Mandalorians’ usual thirst for conflict and conquest. They rescue her from the vile clutches of Demagol, a Mandalorian biologist who is experimenting on captured Jedi crusaders led by Alek (alias Squint; alias, future Darth Malak). Thinking Demagol is now in their custody, the Jedi head back to Coruscant, while Rohlan (or someone in his armor, hint, hint) is seen sneaking back onto The Last Resort. Meanwhile, Lucien Draay and his group of Jedi Seers arrive on Coruscant where they seek out his mother, the Jedi Krynda Draay. The Jedi High Council forbids them from continuing their hunt for Zayne, while a mysterious Jedi master is chastised by the council for rash “adventurism” in bringing the Jedi into the conflict with the Mandalorians. Later, the gang travels to Telerath to access one of Gryph’s bank accounts; there, Zayne learns that his former masters have taken their pursuit of him to a new and very personal level. .
Review
Issue 8 cover
With volume 2 of KOTOR, you start to get the sense that this story isn’t just going to be about Zayne Carrick on the run and trying to clear his name. Flashpoint brings us new characters, like Rohlan Dyre, Demagol, and the Moomo brothers; as well as more background on already seen characters, Lucien Draay especially. We meet Krynda Draay, his mother. Flashbacks show us that 30 years ago, in the aftermath of the Sith War, she separated from the Order after the death of her Jedi husband, Barrison Draay, her sister, and her master, Vodo-Siosk Baas. Half Miraluka, Krynda is a Seer; but she is haunted by her inability to have seen the deaths of those close to her and seems resentful that her son, despite other Force abilities, does not have the gift of second sight. When she encounters a group of children with particularly strong sage abilities, especially when they work together, she agrees to train them on behalf of the council, but with the intent that they carry out her agenda: to zealously ensure that the Sith never rise again. She refuses to train her son as a Jedi, however. Angry over his lack of second sight, she leaves his education to Haazen, whom Lucien ironically refers to as a “failed Padawan”.
Issue 9 cover
Lucien isn’t the only one with a family reunion here. Zayne’s journey to Telerath reunites him with his father. Turns out the bank he works for was bought by the Draay estate and he was transferred so they could use him in the hunt for Zayne. Their reunion is a nice moment, as Arvan Carrick tells Zayne that he knows he didn’t do what he is accused of, or if he did he had a good reason. As for failed padawans, there are some parallels drawn here between Lucien and Zayne: both have Force abilities, but are considered “limited”. Zayne’s warm reception from his father is in stark contrast to the chilly reception Lucien receives from this mother. The series further serves its purpose as a prequel to the video game by showing not yet Darths Malak and Revan, mentioning a trip Revan makes to Onderon and Dxun, and showing Squint/Malak being tortured by the Mandalorians. Lucien Draay and Revan, despite their disagreement on Jedi involvement in the war, are depicted as friends. Of course, the irony here is that the great Sith threat that Lucien and his cohort seek to stamp out is right under their nose the whole time. In addition to the explicit character development like this, we also start to get hints that there is more to Jarael than meets the eye and that Zayne has a “special relationship” with the Force. Pervert. It’s in volume 2 where you see that this is basically a serialized novel unfolding; and like a good novel, it has the confidence to explore characters and plotlines beyond the main character, but which will all come together in the end.
Issue 10 cover
This series continues to win based on its well rounded character development, sincere humor, and just having a feel of being genuinely different from a lot of what we’ve seen before (and maybe since). I like that the fight against the Sith comes from a very personal place here. A place of hurt and loss rather than just “well, we’re Jedi and that’s our job”. The irony is that the hurt and loss that lead to wanting to protect the galaxy from the Sith could themselves lead to the Dark Side. I would be remiss if I didn’t say something about the Moomo Brothers, but what can you say? These guys are just the gift that keeps on giving.
Notes
The planet Telerath has been returned to canon, having appeared in Age of Republic: Jango Fett and been mentioned in Alphabet Squadron.
In order to protect them, Zayne sends his family to Dantooine.
Cassus Fett is seen onboard a Mandalorian ship.
Comic Pack Wish List: The Moomo Brothers, Lucien Draay.
Han Solo in Imperial cadet uniform, Hanina Nico.
Score:
No sophomore slump here, more fun with our heroes and some intriguing new characters. 5 Skulls.
