Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Hero of the Confederacy

Anakin Skywalker vs the Red Baron? That's right, this 64-page story sets aside lightsabers for a change and features the epic face-off of the two greatest pilots in the galaxy. Tolfen Vane is the Star Wars counterpart of the legendary WWII ace, complete with red fighter craft, goggles and scarf.This unusual angle, perhaps inspired by George Lucas' love of WWII dogfight movies, plus lovely stylized art and plenty of intergalatic action, make for an entertaining read. An assault on a medieval castle floating in space, and giant purple space whales eating Star Destroyers are among the highlights.What makes the best Clone Wars stories stand-out however, is deeper-than-expected characterization and reflection on the cost of war. "Your Republic blockades reduce worlds to poverty, deprive the sick of medicine, and starve children," Tolfen tells Anakin. A few pages later, detailing an attack operation, Obi-Wan mentions the base targeted likely contains civilians as well as soldiers - bombing is a last resort. But it is an option.Quite chilling to hear from our beloved Obi-Wan.Hero of the Confederacy also surprises in it's depiction of Count Dooku. Although as suave and conniving as ever, the Count has a taste of romance with Tolfen's widowed mother, Elodore. Although he has manipulated Tolfen into becoming a major enemy to the Republic, when Elodore asks Dooku to remove him from the field of battle, Dooku genuinely tries to do so. There is a wordless panel of Elodore and Tolfen embracing with Dooku looking on, wistfully.Ultimately, as Anakin and Obi-Wan have learned before, this potential for family and happiness is another casualty of the Clone Wars, and this time Dooku himself is a victim of his manipulative ways.

Anakin Skywalker vs the Red Baron? That's right, this 64-page story sets aside lightsabers for a change and features the epic face-off of the two greatest pilots in the galaxy. Tolfen Vane is the Star Wars counterpart of the legendary WWII ace, complete with red fighter craft, goggles and scarf.This unusual angle, perhaps inspired by George Lucas' love of WWII dogfight movies, plus lovely stylized art and plenty of intergalatic action, make for an entertaining read. An assault on a medieval castle floating in space, and giant purple space whales eating Star Destroyers are among the highlights.What makes the best Clone Wars stories stand-out however, is deeper-than-expected characterization and reflection on the cost of war. "Your Republic blockades reduce worlds to poverty, deprive the sick of medicine, and starve children," Tolfen tells Anakin. A few pages later, detailing an attack operation, Obi-Wan mentions the base targeted likely contains civilians as well as soldiers - bombing is a last resort. But it is an option.Quite chilling to hear from our beloved Obi-Wan.Hero of the Confederacy also surprises in it's depiction of Count Dooku. Although as suave and conniving as ever, the Count has a taste of romance with Tolfen's widowed mother, Elodore. Although he has manipulated Tolfen into becoming a major enemy to the Republic, when Elodore asks Dooku to remove him from the field of battle, Dooku genuinely tries to do so. There is a wordless panel of Elodore and Tolfen embracing with Dooku looking on, wistfully.Ultimately, as Anakin and Obi-Wan have learned before, this potential for family and happiness is another casualty of the Clone Wars, and this time Dooku himself is a victim of his manipulative ways.

Just a great way to view the opposing side of the clone wars

I buy my nieces and nephews a lot of Star Wars stories. I want them to practice and get into the habit of reading. It doesn't hurt that they are Star Wars stories, which allow them to use their imaginations, as well knowing that they are young fans of the genre.

Good but not great. A good side story in the Star Wars Clone Wars series.