Star Wars #11 Outlander: The Exile of Sharad Hett Part 5 (of 6) Writing: Tim Truman Pencilling: Al Rio Inking: Mark Heike Coloring: Dave McCaig Lettering: Steve Dutro Cover: Ken Kelly Released: 10/27/1999 Reviewed by: JF Boivin (11/04/1999) SUMMARY: Sharad Hett tells his life story to Ki-Adi-Mundi. Aurra Sing's employer is revealed. They mount an attack against the three Jedi.

[final cover] [preview cover]

THE STORY

This one had me on the edge of my seat. Nice build-up to the final confrontation next issue. We finally find out the reason for Hett's exile to Tatooine, as well as the reasons behind his war-like actions of issue #7. And we also learn more about Hett's master Eeth Koth.

Best of all, it's nice to see Aurra Sing finally take some action in this one. And she will definitely have a major role in the next issue.

Once again, Truman proves he did his homework and brings us a reference from previous works. This time, he refers to the Hubba gourd (first mentioned in the story "The Sand Tender: The Story of Momaw Nadon".) Episode I is also refered to, as Ki talks about Anakin Skywalker and refers to the death of Qui-Gon Jinn at the hands of a Sith, who in turn was killed by Jinn's Padawan.

Mochot Steep is again mis-named. This time it's called Machot Steep.

One thing I found a bit unsatisfying: when Ki asks "How do you manage eating with these masks on?" Sharad Hett answers "We have our ways." What kind of answer is that? Why bring it up if it can't be answered? Ki will surely see how they eat anyway. This is just something that could have easily been explained.

THE ART

This is the fourth artist and the third inker to work on the mini-series, and we're only at part 5! I wonder why they couldn't keep the same artist, or at least two for the duration. The change is a lot less drastic than previously, thanks mostly to the coloring. Al Rio's art seems to be a mixture of the previous artists who worked on the series. And like Leonardi, he doesn't depict an animal skull on Aurra Sing's swoop.

CONCLUSIONS

A must!

Rating: 8.5 / 10 Recommended