Rebel Heist #4

Rebel Heist #4 (of 4)

Writer: Matt Kindt
Penciller: Marco Castiello
Inker: Dan Parsons
Colorist: Gabe Eltaeb
Letterer: Michael Heisler
Cover Artists: Adam Hughes (standard and sketch cover), Matt Kindt (variant cover)

Sketch Cover

Variant Cover

In Rebel Heist #4, everything comes full circle. Han, Chewie and Leia all being captured while on missions for the Rebellion links together in one intricate job. However, it all comes down to Luke pulling off his part. What doesn’t realize is that there is an Imperial spy on his tail.

Way back in issue number one, this series had an awkward start. Han Solo, one of the biggest heroes of the Rebellion, was portrayed as an incompetent oaf. His fellow agent saw him as a walking disaster, a legend who didn’t live up to the hype. Not only did they get caught by the Empire, but Han was beaten and interrogated. While Leia and Chewbacca faired a little better, they too were caught.

Thus Luke’s story brings everything around and reassures us that all is right in the Star Wars galaxy. Luke defies the odds and breaks Leia out of prison. Then they team up and free Chewbacca, and lastly, Han Solo. All of their prison breaks lead to an escape with a valuable piece of Imperial equipment. It’s a nice, happy ending that ties into the greater story and brings us an adventure with the heroes we love.

Yet the thing that makes this series and this individual issue unique, is the viewpoint characters. The observer for Rebel Heist #4 is a Bothan spy named Ellak. He works for the Empire and is set on capturing all the members of this rebel cell. Yet like all the observers before him, he comes to change his mind about the rebels. At first, they’re a hopeless cause. By the end, their something that gives him a moment of pause. They stir feelings in him he’s long since suppressed. His story plays out as a fun little adventure. Topping it off, the final page gives readers something more to think about.

Complementing the story is another gorgeous cover and some nice interior artwork. All of the aliens are depicted with a great degree of detail, and the humans aren’t too bad. Luke looks pretty goofy in a couple panels, but for the most part, he isn’t a distraction from the story. There are a lot of chase scenes and fast action in this issue, and the artwork does a good job of conveying that frenzied pace. As far as highlights go, the easy winner is the mighty Chewbacca standing over a slain rancor with a giant, bloody axe. It’s just plain epic.

On it’s own, Rebel Heist #4 is an entertaining story. Yet by tying everything together, it amplifies the entire series, making this a must read. It has great moments that will surprise you, make you think, and sit back in awe at the artwork on the page. This turned out to be a great little mini-series, and it’s a shame we won’t see this comic team around for more Star Wars comics. The good news is that fans can enjoy this one for what it is: a great story. I give Rebel Heist #4 a five out of five metal bikinis.

Reviewed By: Skuldren for Roqoo Depot.