Issue: Star Wars: The Old Republic – The Lost Suns #2
Release Date: July 20, 2011
Writer: Alexander Freed
Pencil Roughs: Dave Ross
Pencil Finishes: George Freeman
Inks: Mark McKenna
Colors: Michael Atiyeh
Letters: Michael Heisler
Cover: Benjamin Carré
Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Though news on the game from which the comic takes its name is rather sparse, BioWare, in conjunction with Dark Horse, is offering its fans at least something to satiate their hunger for The Old Republic. And, fortunately, that something is quite decent, and presents an insightful — and surprisingly revelatory — look into the universe on which the game and tie-in comic are based.
Theron and Master Zho enjoy a leisurely chat before their high-octane escape.
Admittedly, however, The Lost Suns’s second issue does start off a bit slow, and its introduction relies too heavily on exposition. Disappointingly, that exposition is also rather dryly communicated. In turn, the subject matter — which, all told, is quite engaging — seems less exciting than it should be. Thankfully, though, things heat up soon after that, when Theron pays Jedi Master Zho a visit, a visit which quickly turns violent when the two attempt to leave the planet. The chase scene that ensues is, while ultimately predictable, still exhilarating enough to capture any reader’s attention, and the machines whom they encounter — “Sith knights,” as Master Zho calls them — are both scary and intriguing combatants that are certain to make a return in future issues. But this set piece is not devoid of backstory, either, for Master Zho and Theron’s relationship is explored as they jump over obstacles and climb their way toward an escape.
Master Zho and Theron in the midst of a skirmish with Sith Knights.
Unfortunately, however, this nice balance of action and exposition is short-lived, for the story dives into a flashback that, though not necessarily irrelevant, simply feels out of place and dull. By extension, the dialogue here is devoid of any tact or originality, and, at times, borders on over the top and, for lack of a better word, cheesy. This, together with a revelation which lacks any sort of surprise or creativity, produces a scene that is altogether dead on arrival, despite any potential it had.
Still, though, most of what was on offer in this issue did manage to paint a compelling backstory for The Old Republic, even if it was light on major plot points and had severe pacing issues. And, indeed, such padding could bode well for future issues, and help to create characters and a plotline that emphasizes substance over style.
Rating: 3 / 5 Stars
