“Episode I: The Phantom Menace” (1999) introduced us to Jedi at the height of their powers sitting around in a circle and being philosophical. That’s all well and good, especially since we figured to get some serious Jedi action in “Episode II.” But Dark Horse – reflecting the sentiments of fans – couldn’t wait that long, so it cranked out the four-issue “Jedi Council: Acts of War” (2000), where the Council members leap off the screen and into more engaging action (in other words, they finally get off their duffs) in comic-book form.
This is a simply plotted pre-“Phantom Menace” story – indeed, a repeat of “Episode I” in many ways – where Darth Sidious works through an intermediary (in this case, Vilmarh “Villie” Grahrk, who will later tell this story from his perspective in “Republic” issues 40-41, “The Devaronian Version”) to stir up conflict between the Jedi Council and another of Sidious’ rivals for power (in this case, the Yinchorri, who believe “might makes right,” until someone mightier comes along).
As Darth Maul paces around impatiently, begging his master to let him kill some Jedi (as we know, he doesn’t reveal himself to the Jedi till “Episode I”), Sidious explains this latest chapter in his long-running scheme: “(The Jedi) must confront the Yinchorri. From this will result one of two things, either of which will benefit our plans. Either the Yinchorri … will be brought low, or Jedi will die.”
I liked “Jedi Council” more than Dark Horse bigwig Randy Stradley’s previous work, “Crimson Empire” I and II (at this point in his career, he had also penned a strong Marvel issue, No. 86, “The Alderaan Factor”). While the plot is straightforward, Stradley accomplishes a lot here, starting with the obvious hook of seeing almost the entire Jedi Council in the field (plus Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, although they are background characters). Even Yoda, holding down the fort, stops a Yinchorri invasion of the Jedi Temple in shrewd fashion. There is an obvious tip-off as to who will live and die: If you see them on the Council in “Episode I,” they’ll be fine. If they are a new character for this series, that probably means they won’t survive until the movie.
The art by penciler Davide Fabbri (in his first of many “Star Wars” assignments in the 2000s), inker Christian Dalla Vecchia and colorist Dave McCaig is eye-popping throughout. But what’s also impressive is the pacing. Issue 4 features several wordless panels of Jedi reflecting on the loss of their comrades, plus an epic death scene for Master Giiett, who – in a slick bit of continuity – will be replaced on the Council by Ki-Adi-Mundi, whose backstory is told in the early issues of the ongoing “Republic” title. (From the missed opportunity column: Giiett is the best buddy of Plo Koon, so it’s a shame that Plo never mentions him in “The Clone Wars.”)
The Council members get more characterization here than in “Episode I.” We learn that Saesee Tiin is a great pilot – so great that he manages to jump to hyperspace in front of a planet and come out on the other side. Tiin explains to a confused Obi-Wan and Mace that he went “past (the planet), not ‘through.’ And I guarantee you, it is possible. Just not recommended.”
That still sounds kinda sketchy, but who am I to argue with a Jedi Master? “Jedi Council: Acts of War” – while on the surface just another example of Sidious jerking around the Jedi – is a fun actioner with gorgeous art. It makes a strong case that Jedi cutting down large aliens with lightsabers is more entertaining than Jedi sitting around scratching their chins.