The Last Jedi #4 Review

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The Last Jedi #4 continues the adaptation with Rey and Luke’s confrontation on Ahch-To.

This review includes plot points for The Last Jedi #4.

The Last Jedi #4

Writer: Gary Whitta | Artist: Michael Walsh | Colorist: Mike Spicer | Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham | Cover Artist: Rahzzah | Assistant Editor: Tom Groneman | Editor: Mark Paniccia

The comic adaptation of The Last Jedi continues with The Last Jedi #4. This issue is fairly faithful to the film with only minor additions and alterations. This issue commences with Rey and Luke’s confirmation and concludes as Rey is meeting Snoke. The pace of this issue moves quickly and preserves the tone of the film. Overall, this is a fun comic adaptation that should be enjoyed for the artistic take on the film.

Luke and Rey on Ahch-To

In The Last Jedi #3, Luke was ready to leave Ahch-To with Rey. That changed when he found Rey communing with Kylo through the Force. So to does his tone here. Luke demands that Rey leave the island immediately. In response, Rey confronts Luke over Kylo’s allegations. As in the film, the pair spars with Luke gaining the upper hand against Rey and her staff until she summons the Skywalker lightsaber. After Luke slips, the pair finally discuss what happened at Luke’s academy.

The conversation unfolds the same way as in the movie. There is one minor change that made a big difference. As Luke confesses what happened long ago with Kylo, Rey lends a sympathetic ear. Walsh’s art makes Rey seem more sympathetic. In one panel, her hand rests on Luke’s arm and his hand is over hers. It is a simple gesture, but it creates more of a master and apprentice relationship between the pair. When Luke refuses to aid Rey and the Resistance, Rey leaves to find Kylo.

Yoda Arrives

Luke then decides to destroy the tree containing the ancient Jedi texts. Of course, his actions are interrupted by Yoda. There are a couple of differences in this adaptation. As with the previous issues, Luke’s internal thoughts are revealed. He notes that Rey rushes off before she is ready to confront a more powerful ally in the hopes of turning him from the dark side of the Force. It reminds him of himself. Plus, it is a great transition to the following scene where he decides to burn down the tree.

As in the film, Yoda intervenes. However, in the adaptation, Yoda reads Luke’s mind. Just as Luke thinks to himself that “I feel like–”, Yoda interrupts him with a question, “Feel like what?” It is the same greeting Yoda gave Luke in The Empire Strikes Back. This was a perfect introduction of Yoda into this adaptation that brings back just the right amount of nostalgia.

Rose, Finn, and DJ Infiltrate the Supremacy

The next scene covers Finn, Rose, and DJ’s arrival at the Supremacy. For the most part, these scenes are portrayed the same was as they were in the film. Whitta and Walsh paid careful attention to capturing the tension between Finn and Rose on one side and DJ on the other. A couple of panels faithfully reflect shots from the movie. For example, the scene in which DJ demands some sort of payment in advance includes shots that mirror Rose turning her chair to face and glare at him. The biggest difference in these panels is that Rose addresses DJ as “DJ.” Benecio Del Toro’s character was never called by name during the film. He never actually introduced himself either.

The Remaining Scenes in The Last Jedi #4

The remaining scenes in The Last Jedi #4 follow the script of the film as presented on screen. Poe confronts Holdo and then later leads a small mutiny to take over the ship. Finn, Rose, and DJ find First Order uniforms. Later, BB-9E figures them out. Phasma makes a grand entrance and thwarts their plans. Leia then arrives and stuns Poe on the bridge of the Raddus. The Resistance then abandons the cruiser. Finally, Rey arrives on the Supremacy. Kylo meets her in the hangar. From there, she travels to the throne room with Kylo to confront Snoke. Fans familiar with the movie should recognize all of this.

Final Thoughts on The Last Jedi #4

The Last Jedi #4 might not have as many bonus scenes and alterations as many readers might expect or hope for. That said, this is still a good adaptation. Several scenes are faithfully transcribed from the screen. Others have alternate perspectives. The adaptation shines in this issue when Luke and Yoda discuss the Jedi, Yoda’s teachings, and Rey. Whitta and Walsh did spectacular work there. Also, the cover for this issue is simply fantastic work by Rahzzah. The adaptation of The Last Jedi is a true throw back to the adaptations of the original trilogy and simply fun to read.