REVIEW: ‘Star Wars: Bounty Hunters,’ Issue #6

Published by Marvel Comics and written by Ethan Sacks, with art by Paolo Villanelli, colors by Arif Prianto, and letters by Travis Lanham, Bounty Hunters #6 brings with it a couple of new bounty hunters and plenty of action to keep readers entertained.

The last issue left us off with Valance fleeing the scene, promising to protect the one and only thing that Lash cared about—a young girl who could end an age-long conflict between two crime syndicates. In Bounty Hunters #6, the Unbroken Clan syndicate has sent a pair of bounty hunters to capture both Valance and his charge, Cadeliah.

Throughout this series, Valance’s background has remained a mystery. The backgrounds of the other bounty hunters have been slowly revealed in flashbacks over the course of the series. And now it seems like it’s Valance’s turn. Of course, this isn’t Valance’s first showing in the Star Wars universe. However, it is his first showing in the new canon. But, if you knew the character from Legends, you’ll be glad that his origin story hasn’t deviated much in the new canonical universe.

It’s certainly interesting to see a Valance that is bright-eyed and hopeful in these flashbacks. He’s so different in the few pages we get but it really shows how far he’s fallen and how much he was molded both mentally and physically by the Empire. These flashbacks certainly help readers feel more for the character but combined with the story, it just feels shallow. Overall, the story isn’t particularly compelling or unique. The characters’ motives are relatively simplistic. However, with the introduction of characters from the Unbroken Clan, there is potential for the storyline to complicate itself.

This issue is the first time that the Bounty Hunters’ Guild has been mentioned in a bounty hunter comic. But despite the late timing, it’s an interesting point. The Guild’s creed explicitly states that bounty hunters should not kill another bounty hunter. When the Unbroken Clan sends two bounty hunters after Valance, there’s hesitation because despite all Valance has done, he’s still part of the Guild. But, as usual, money wins out and Zuckuss and his droid partner, X-Lom, are on the trail. These two aren’t new to the Star Wars universe but still good to see them included.

As usual, the highlight of this issue is the artwork and coloring. Villanelli gives readers some great fight scenes. The choreography is natural and the way Villanelli creates movement in their art is marvelous. Every punch and kick has so much power behind it. The characters are emotive and, paired with Prianto’s colors, it’s hard not to feel for these characters. Lanham’s lettering keeps the panels simplistic and the placement of speech bubbles never overshadows the characters.

Although the storyline isn’t particularly unique or detailed, Bounty Hunters #6 is at least visually entertaining with its gorgeous art and colors. The fight scenes, as usual, are great and who doesn’t like watching bounty hunters beat each other up? The addition of Zuckuss and X-Lom is a good choice and I’m interested in seeing what they’ll get up to in the next issue.

Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #6 is available now wherever comics are sold.