Star Wars #12 Outlander: The Exile of Sharad Hett Part 6 (of 6) Writing: Tim Truman Pencilling: Al Rio Inking: Mark Heike, Mark Lipka Coloring: Dave McCaig Lettering: Steve Dutro Cover: Ken Kelly Released: 11/24/1999 Reviewed by: JF Boivin (12/08/1999) SUMMARY: Aurra Sing's motives are revealed. Lightsaber duel between Sing and Sharad Hett.

[final cover] [preview cover]

THE STORY

The first 4 pages are incredible; first you have a cool fight sequence between Aurra and a band of Tusken Raiders; then all her motivations are revealed along with some background info on Tatooine and the Hutt crime lords.

The rest of the issue is pretty much the resolution of everybody's problems. Tuskens vs. Gardulla's henchmen, Aurra vs. the Jedi, Jabba vs. Gardulla. I can't say more, but this is a really good story. Truman managed to keep us mostly in the dark for the whole series and all is revealed here.

At the same time, it is a great set-up for the next series. This is only the beginning...

THE ART

Al Rio is back, and in my opinion is the best artist to work on "Outlander." I can't start to name all the good things about the art: the expressions, the angles, the pacing, the lighting, the scenery...all the little details that make this issue real eye candy.

There is only one small thing that bugged me. I think there is too much bloodletting. I'm not squeamish or anything, but blaster bolts are supposed to mostly cauterize wounds. But in this comic every time someone gets shot, lots of blood start to flow as if the shots were from antique slugthrowers.

The colors and the covers were amazing throughout the series.

CONCLUSIONS

Excellent conclusion to a great series. Real eye-pleaser.

Rating: 9.5 / 10 Highly Recommended