– Spoiler Review –
The Clone Wars – Battle Tales #4 is the miniseries’ penultimate issue, introducing us to a new clone crew that results in a solid change of pace.
In the present set story, things are looking dire for the clones trying to hold their position, causing one of them to consider running. That’s how we meet Heater, a former deserter who helps refocus the frightened clone by sharing his story of learning to become one with his brothers again. Once the story concludes, they might still fight together, but it doesn’t seem enough, as even Wolffe, Rex, and Cody are overwhelmed, leaving us with a cliffhanger. When the Jedi come to assist, and the clones rise up to fight alongside them, it should be quite to see in next month’s finale to the miniseries. Derek Charm’s art, with Luis Antonio Delgado’s colors, should absolutely help make it feel epic alongside the best of the show!
As for Heater’s tale, I both enjoyed the deeper, interesting discussion to surrounds itself with, but I felt like we needed more of Heater’s past to better understand him. We never learn how, where, and why Heater deserted or how/why he’s back, and the vague comments or taunts from other clones simply isn’t enough to give us this, what I would argue, vital backstory. Heater’s actions in the remainder of his story, as he works alongside fellow deserters put on a mission to prove their loyalty, show him working through his desertion and helping the others, but I feel like it would’ve hit harder for each of the clones, especially Heater, if we understood what exactly they did to desert. I understand there’s limited space and all those details wouldn’t fit, though I still would’ve liked to spend more time with this new character. Regardless, the discussion around desertion and how the team comes together, completing a mission they’re basically meant to fail so they Republic Army can wash their hands of them (that’s a whole other discussion for a different day), was insightful. It called to mind Cut Lawquane, the clone deserter Rex ran into in season 2, episode 10, “The Deserter,” though this shows these deserters finding a reason to fight alongside their brothers again
For Heater’s tale, Davide Tinto (art) and Thomas Deer (colors) provided another unique take on the clone troopers, giving them some very distinct looks and varying it from their overall traditional face. It was a little off-putting like from last issue, but I grew used to it as well. Heaters face, with crazy crisscrossing scars, certainly makes me wonder how he got those and if it had anything to do with his desertion, while the stitched helmet was a nice touch.
Here are a few other things:
- The final issue of the miniseries releases September 23.
- Want a little more The Clone Wars in your life? Then you should consider picking up The Clone Wars – Stories of Light and Dark, as it’s a fun way to see well-known episodes of the show or even for younger readers to experience them for the first time.
- It’s a minor thing, but Heater calls Wolffe by his correct rank, Commander, then randomly calls him Captain at one point.
The Clone Wars – Battle Tales #4 provides some interesting discussion with a unique tale changing up the pace.
+ Heater and the other deserters coming together
+ Art from both teams shines
– Needed more background on Heater
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website on Twitter @MynockManor and Instagram @mynockmanor.
THE CLONE WARS – BATTLE TALES
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