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June 19, 2008
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 Its hard to believe that Knights of the Old Republic has been around long enough to be on its thirtieth issue. The mediocre Vector story arc aside, the series has been a feather in the cap of Dark Horse's Star Wars line, and this conclusion to the two-part Exalted mini-series is no exception.
KotoR's resident odd couple, bumbling padawan Zayne Carrick and erstwhile con man Marn 'Gryph' Hierogryph are marooned on the planet Ordryn, probable home world of the Feeorin species as well as the brooding Feln, a member of the secretive Jedi Covenant and one of the masters originally responsible for falsely accusing Zayne of murder.
Zayne's revenge is sweet, even if his Jedi instincts won't allow him to admit it, and the issue does a decent job of harkening back to the very early installments of the series via John Jackson Miller's satisfying script. Miller treads close to the tired 'planet in peril' line, but manages not to cross it, instead offering up some juicy vignettes featuring long-time nemesis Lucien Draay (glimpsed via holo), as well as a nod to the wonky secret Jedi society and their diabolical prophecy.
Bong Dazo's pencils grow on you; at first blush they seem to be a bit much, lacking subtlety and restraint, but he fills his frames so full of detail and motion that you can't help but appreciate it as Zayne rolls away from certain death at the hands of Feln, springing across several panels in a full page spread that almost comes to life.
Dustin Weaver is fast becoming my favorite cover artist. His rendition of Feln lording over a fallen Zayne and brandishing his lightsaber against a flame-soaked back drop is certainly on the short list of the best Star Wars comic covers of the year.
All in all, Knights of the Old Republic #30 delivers, both in terms of story and visuals. If you're looking for an engaging, Jedi-centric read with plenty of visual action, this conclusion to the two-part Exalted mini-arc is for you.
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