Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #23
- Writer
- Ethan Sacks
- Artist
- Natacha Bustos
- Letterer
- VC's Travis Lanham
- Cover Artist
- Giuseppe Camuncoli, Jesus Aburtov
- Publisher
- Marvel
- Price
- $3.99
- Release Date
- 2022-06-01
- Colorist
- Arif Prianto
As the Star Wars universe continues to grow with the expansion of the High Republic, tensions continue to rise in Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #23, written by Ethan Sacks, illustrated by guest artist Natacha Bustos, colored by Arif Prianto and lettered by VC's Travis Lanham. The new issue picks up where the tie-in series Star Wars: Crimson Reign left off. Entitled "A Clear and Present Dengar," this issue follows the assassin Dengar, caught in the middle of a war between crime syndicates with Mourner's Wail and the Unbroken Clan on one side, and Crimson Dawn on the other.
With the life of Cadeliah, the young heir of the Unbroken Clan, at stake, the seemingly unlucky and incapable bounty hunter Dengar appears in over his head. Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #23 follows the hapless adventurer as he is brought before the leader of both crime syndicates, Lord Khamdar. But Dengar is used to being underestimated and finds that it comes with its advantages.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #23 pays homage to longtime fans as well as new ones by taking place during a familiar time in the franchise, during the events of the original trilogy. It also plays into the fandom, showcasing the rivalry between young Dengar and Han Solo. Their enmity plays a huge role in Dengar's current trajectory. Making Dengar the star of this issue was a smart choice and a welcome break in the tension of the series. Dengar is an interesting character, at times stumbling, absentminded, charismatic, and cocky, at others genuinely intimidating and competent, using his reputation as a loser to his advantage.
Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #23 strikes an intriguing and precarious balance between crime drama and comedy. Sacks' deadpan, dialogue-heavy humor is on full display here. From the flashback to Dengar and Han's past to Dengar holding sarcastic court in the fancy restaurant during his deadly meeting with Lord Khamdek, each scene artfully blends high-stakes political intrigue with humor. Considering the serious twists in this issue, this is a bold and daring choice. At other times the humor feels ill-placed, or at the very least awkward, especially when juxtaposed with the serious, high-stakes scenes on the ship Edgehawk.
This issue's guest artist, Natacha Bustos, has a distinct style that utilizes heavy, bold line art. There's an almost childlike quality to the thick lines, the character designs, and the scenery, which gives Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #23 a light and youthful feel despite its mature, complicated plot. Although jarring at first, Bustos' style works to the story's advantage. It suits Dengar's character arc, keeping up his front as the unassuming, incompetent, and socially inept ruffian until he reveals himself as the deadly assassin he truly is. Her style also complements Sack's light and funny writing. However, Arif's color palette of mechanical desert colors and soft hues keeps the story grounded in the world of the series.
Like its anti-hero star, Star Wars: Bounty Hunters #23 can be deceptive. It uses its witty humor, innocent art style, and colorful visuals to lull the audience into a false sense of security and proves that being underestimated has its advantages.
