– Spoiler Review –
Hyperspace Stories #11 is the penultimate issue of the maxiseries, which finds a peaceful trip with younglings mysteriously interrupted and Mace Windu and Yoda must save the day, resulting in a delightful show of their abilities, unique methods, and how light and life is still a priority even in the prequels.
On a relaxing archaeology focused trip with younglings, it doesn’t take long after the issue starts for trouble to come their way, as a mysterious group attacks Mace Windu and Yoda, who do what they can to protect the younglings and let the artifacts, including one which feels strong in the Force, go. In the initial response we see Mace Windu’s methods come to the forefront, his more aggressive style helping them fend off the attackers, while Yoda’s calls for patience and meditation after they escape and find a place to rest show his more measured approach. When they end up springing a Separatist trap led by Count Dooku, we get to see the two Masters working in concert with their unique approaches, but even though they could’ve defeated Dooku, the situation he places them in helps prolong his life. In the High Republic era of stories, the Jedi frequently shout to all the galaxy, and to one another, “For Light and Life,” a catchy phrase which encapsulates their focus in all they do and willingness to do whatever it takes to uphold it. Often out in the galaxy, they seem different than the Jedi of the prequel era, which is when Hyperspace Stories #11 obviously takes place, but writer Amanda Diebert seems to bring over this old sentiment in Mace and Yoda’s actions, as they do everything they can to save the younglings, even letting Dooku, and the powerful artifact he stole, go. The fact the Jedi will go on to eventually sanction an assassination of Count Dooku during the war shows how different this really are, but this storyline and their laser focus on the younglings is a refreshing in two ways, both as a link to their past and seeing these two in a different light than most other stories in this era. I also liked how it seemed to suggest, had it been Mace and Yoda who arrived at the hanger bay in Attack of the Clones, Dooku wouldn’t have survived against two Masters.
As always, the connected story of this maxiseries adds a new wrinkle to its layers, but considering there is only one issue left, will whatever happens with it there be enough to make it feel like a worthwhile connection point? Because by the end of Hyperspace Stories #11, we still don’t know what it is or what makes it so powerful, as we get a small glimpse of it here and how it came into Wookiee Senator Yarua’s possession before he stashes it away in his daughter Viiveenn’s doll. Despite my concerns about the item itself not living up to 12 issues of mystery, will it really matter to the series overall if we learn more? Has it just been a good MacGuffin to string us along? Overall, I’ve enjoyed these issues, so if it’s been fun along the way and full of good lessons for all-ages of readers, does it really matter? We’ll find out sooner rather than later in issue #12, out December 13!
Megan Huang is one of those artists I feel like we aren’t getting enough of, especially in this series, as her style is often bright and cartoonish, but everyone and everything fits her take on them so it all feels cohesive. Between Mace and Yoda, Huang’s ability to convey their differences in their movements was such a delight, as Yoda is often stationary in most scenes while the more aggressive, action-orientated Mace is on the move or quick to draw his saber, with one of the best scenes showcasing this is when they debate return to the town after they fled to save the younglings. Mace is sort of pacing about, looking back at the city, requesting they return for the artifacts/to uncover who is chasing them, but Yoda stands in the same spot in the panels, looking gently up at his friend, until he moves over to a spot and sits down, not agreeing with Mace’s haste. Mace stands there for a panel, looking at his friend, and then reluctantly joins him, the subsequent panels holding the two in the same place while the younglings and other adults behind them slowly go to sleep and the sky darkens around them, moving from a sort of pinkish dusk to a deeper purple night. It’s only until these two are in sync does one of the mysterious attackers appear and it’s great to see this through the art, not just the story itself. Dooku’s entrance towards the end is also a highlight in Huang’s ability to capture a character in their movements alone, as he’s purposeful and grand in his few panels, cape swooping out behind him as he jumps in to join the ambush he coordinated, or he’s precise, only one big gesture per panel. The design for the mercenaries who attack the Jedi, purple/blue skin/hair, red eyes, with feathery shoulders, both look insectoid yet mammalian, and it’s rather menacing when they are angry and attacking but when the one comes to make peace with Yoda and Mace, they don’t seem so harmful as first glance suggested. The sound FX from Tyler Smith & Jimmy Betancourt make the ambush scene feel as hectic as an ambush really should, tons of “pew” flying in and surrounding them,
Here are a few other things:
- Hyperspace Stories is dead; long live Hyperspace Stories! The line will continue in 2024 through a series of original graphic novels focusing on many familiar heroes and villains of the galaxy, starting with Qui-Gon in (now) July 2024.
- Also in 2024 is the start of the four-issue miniseries, Mace Windu! If you’ve wanted more from the BMF Jedi Master, look no further than his new comic in February!
Hyperspace Stories #11 shows even Jedi Masters need to work together and make sure, even in war, the future is what they’re protecting.
+ Mace Windu and Yoda syncing up despite their differences
+ Megan Huang’s art letting personalities shine through
– Still a little anxious on the connective story’s resolution
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website on Bluesky, Twitter @MynockManor, and Instagram @mynockmanor.
DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of this comic from the publisher at no charge in order to provide an early review. However, this did not affect the overall review content. All opinions are my own.
HYPERSPACE STORIES REVIEWS
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