Mace Windu #4 Review

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Mace reflects on the past while dealing with an internal matter for the Jedi in Mace Windu #4.

This article discusses plot elements of Mace Windu: Jedi of the Republic #4.

Mace Windu #4

Writer: Matt Owens | Penciler: Denys Cowan | Inker: Roberto Poggi | Color Artist: Guru-eFX | Cover Artist: Jesus Saiz | Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna | Assistant Editors: Heather Antos & Charles Beacham | Editor: Jordan D. White

Mace Windu’s mission to Hissrich to thwart a Separtist scheme has taken a hiatus as the Jedi Master deals with a human resources issue. Perhaps that is too blunt a manner in describing the problem, but it seems appropriate. Jedi Knight Prosset Dibs finds himself at odds with the methods of the Jedi Council. Therefore, in Mace Windu #3, he threatened and attacked Mace Windu in the middle of their mission. In Mace Windu #4, Mace sets aside a mission of great importance to the Republic to deal with this mini insurrection. Along the way, he reflects on a lesson from his past.

Mace the Padawan

Interwoven between portions of his duel with Prosset are panels featuring Mace as a Padawan. Long ago, Mace accompanied his Master, a Mirialan female named Cylin Myr, to the planet Mathas. A disease infected the planet, and although unable to cure it, the Jedi set up an outreach temple to provide emotional spiritual relief and guidance. However, the Jedi Master in charge, Kez Valez, went missing and an imposter, Drooz, took his place.

Cylin and Mace challenged Drooz, and naturally, were successful. During the encounter, Mace pursued Drooz and became separated from Cylin. Mace nearly took justice into his own hands, but Cylin’s last second arrival and admonishment prevented him from doing so. He was reminded that violence isn’t always the answer, and they must be better than their enemies. This is a generic lesson for the Jedi in Star Wars. One wonders why it took such a confrontation for Mace to learn it. This type of philosophy seems the type of thing the Jedi should have engrained in them before they ever step foot outside the Jedi Temple.

Regardless, this lesson resonates in the present for Mace during his current confrontation.

Prosset’s Rebellion

The exact nature and origin of Prosset’s grievances with the Jedi Order are unclear from this series. Granted, he previously stated the Jedi had no business leading armies in this war. Somewhere along the line, he decided the Jedi Council was at fault for the condition of Hissrich. For that, he determined Mace Windu must pay. In addition, he planned to leave the Order and forge his own path.

Prosset’s anger and grievances with the Jedi Council seem forced and unconvincing. There is a leap in the logic of this series as to how he determined the Council knew of the energy potential of the vegetation of this planet. The pseudo-Shakespearian manner in which he and Mace Windu argue while dueling fails to elevate the quality of the dialogue. It is clunky for lack of a better word.

The duel concludes when Prosset recklessly charges Mace. With a simple dodge a force push, Mace gains the upper hand and has Prosset at his mercy. Yet, Mace learned the lesson from his days as a Padawan and declares that Prosset will face the judgment of the Jedi Council rather than face some sort of summary execution.

Concluding Thoughts on Mace Windu #4

The Mace Windu series competes for space in the Star Wars timeline with the Clone Wars television series. However, the Clone Wars themselves were vast enough that plenty of potential for stories and characters remained. Characters like Rissa Mano take advantage of the potential despite some occasionally silly dialogue. In contrast, Prosset’s rebellion against the Jedi Order adds nothing new. Star Wars fans are largely familiar with his type of dissent because of characters like Count Dooku and Barriss Offee and to a different extent by Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker himself. At least readers learned a little about Mace’s Master from his days as a Padawan.

The next issue of Mace Windu sees a return to the primary mission of this series. Kit Fisto concludes this series with the beginnings of the assault on AD-W4 and the droid headquarters. Perhaps Kit might pull something out of his Jedi bag of tricks to elevate this story overall.