Review: Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters - Zuckess & 4-Lom

In his first Marvel Comic, Daniel Jose Older delivers a strong opening salvo filled with action and emotion. Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters – 4-Lom & Zuckuss gives us a true battle of the titans as we gain details on the emotional stakes between our heroes before seeing them tragically being forced to face off.

Zuckuss leaves his battle with Boba Fett separated from the damaged For-Elloem. His friend has been reduced to parts and snatched up by Jawas. Zuckuss sits down in a tavern with Trot and his gang to commiserate over the loss and tells the story of his first meeting with 4-Lom. Zuckuss was hunting for Dr Cribiriz and is surrounded by droid troops before 4-Lom crashes the party, saves him, and helps him take down the bounty.

In the present Ramsin has found the Jawa and presents 4-Lom’s remains to a mysterious stranger who turns out to be Dr Cribiriz himself! He re-engineers 4-Lom into a killer and sends him after Zuckuss. A massive battle ensues until Zuckuss realizes 4-Lom is being remotely controlled and finds Dr Cribiriz. Cribiriz reveals that it was his brother who had been killed in his place and that he took control of 4-Lom as revenge. Zuckuss kills the doctor and crushes the controls only to have 4-Lom wander away in confusion.

This book has pathos, friendship torn asunder, mystery and a great face off. For a crossover called War of the Bounty Hunters, too many of the issues don’t feature combat prominently. This issue sets up the battle and then let’s the bullets fly. It’s solid story-telling giving us the emotion up front so when the battle commences we remember exactly why we care so much about this pair. The art and colors are classic Star Wars with a hint of noir and works perfectly for this story.

This issue fits well within the larger story even while telling an entire tale of its own. The characters are welcome and hopefully we get more time with them in many comics to come. Older is a welcome addition to the Marvel family, combining massive action with strong characterization, intrigue and a whole lot of heart.

Writing: 4.3 of 5 stars
Art: 4.0 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.0 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.2 of 5 stars

Writing Daniel Jose Older
Art: Kei Zama
Colors: Felipe Sobreiro
Publisher: Marvel Comics

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.