Review: Vader and Kenobi Clash in Marvel’s Obi-Wan Kenobi Adaptation #3

The Obi-Wan Kenobi comic adaptation is back for issue #3. I'm sure everyone remembers this episode, as it brought back a terrifying Darth Vader in full force for the first time in years. I was underwhelmed with certain aspects of this episode when it came out. Mostly, these were for visuals and special effects reasons. The episode's story rings true for me, and that was no different in issue #3.



It was a great comic adaptation, just like the ones before it. Although, sifting through the pages did remind me of some of the frustrating pieces of the show I now remember. All of this being said, these comic adaptations are just lighthearted fun. Let's dive into some of the best portions of it!



Obi-Wan Kenobi issue #3, cover art by Phil Noto



The first scene between Vader and Reva was special. It was the first time we saw Vader interacting with his Inquisitors in live action. For us Rebels superfans, it certainly is a delightful little scene. For the casual Star Wars fan, it hit home just the same. Vader has one of those voices that, even in a comic, fills your mind with fear and intensity. Vader looks enormous on his throne compared to the smaller hologram.





Vader questions Reva



Give me all of the Leia and Obi-Wan moments! I am HERE for all of them. This is just such an underrated moment in the entire series. Leia asks Obi-Wan what the Force feels like, and he puts it into a context she can understand. What I love most is Obi-Wan continually rediscovers himself and reconnects to the Force throughout the series. He finds out how much he had been living afraid of the dark, but unwilling to turn on the light.



Obi-Wan and Leia discuss the Force



The next two images I included are for two very different reasons. The first is because it's the Fortress Inquisitorius! Fallen Order fans were screaming when it dropped into live-action. It was a great reminder of how Star Wars can include something simple that means so much to different people, but include it in a way that doesn't take away from a casual fan experience. Seeing it here in the comics for the first time was great. (If it appeared in the comics before this moment, I sincerely apologize. Do not burn me at the stake, please.)



The Fortress Inquisitorius



The second is a close-up of Reva during the meeting with other inquisitors. Moses Ingram brought such a raw intensity and incredible tenacity to this role, and it resonates in comic form. 'Send out the probes. Do it now,' was a moment that shook me a bit. I was pleased with artist Salvador Larroca giving us a close-up of the first part of that line when her rage was at its peak. It allowed Ingram's performance in the show to sizzle a bit more in this issue.



Reva yelling at the Inquisitors



Next, Obi-Wan and Leia disguise themselves as farmers as they attempt to make their way into the city unnoticed. That's when we meet Freck. I don't have much to say about Freck other than I don't like him. So, I decided to include a picture of him here. Hey, it's not because I am some core world alien discriminatory elitist. I just don't care much for Freck, alright? His support of the Empire is a little too disgusting for my taste.



Freck being a generally terrible dude



If you recall, Obi-Wan mistakenly called Leia by her name in front of the stormtroopers on Freck's speeder. A nearly catastrophic blunder turned into a deeply emotional moment as we get a tender moment of Obi-Wan reflecting on Padme.



Obi-Wan Kenobi reflects on Padmé



Eventually, Freck beckons some troopers over to inspect our two heroes. It's a close call for Leia and her only hope, but they do get away due to some nifty blaster work from Kenobi and help from their new friend, Tala. The best part was the image of the trooper getting hilariously severed in half.



A tremendous stormtrooper severing



I love Tala's character. I was devastated when she died. These words from her in this episode foreshadow the sacrifice she makes in the end. These words and Tala's ultimate lesson of sacrifice will forever loom large in Leia's mind.



Tala imparts wisdom to Leia



The full force of Darth Vader's anger and hate was on display in this one. They held nothing back in the episode and went all in on the comic as well. Vader was dragging individuals out of their homes, slaughtering innocents in the streets, and doing his best to lure Obi-Wan out. I can't help but think Obi-Wan's mind flashed back to the holo-recordings of Anakin killing younglings in the temple as this horror was playing out in front of him.



Vader snapping the neck of a poor, innocent person



Continuing, we finally see Vader's rage taken out against Kenobi. I think we all knew there would come a time when he would inflict some of the pain upon his former master that he'd been wanting to for some time. The years of swelling fury unleashed an array of torturous acts. He relishes in Force-choking Obi-Wan. He goads him on as the fight takes place, staring mercilessly at his screaming master as he throws him into a massive fire.



Obi-Wan getting Force-choked



All this happening makes you forget about Reva circling around to capture Leia. The fear on the face of our young princess is palpable as she realizes this foe is much different than her prior kidnappers.



Vader throws Obi-Wan into the fire



The next issue will be Ob-Wan's infiltration of the Fortress Inquisitorius to rescue Leia. It is an underrated episode in the series and works well when watching it back. I can't wait to check out the comic adaptation.


<p style='text-align: center;']Rating: 7/10</p>


Sneak peek at Obi-Wan Kenobi issue #4
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