Jedi of the Republic – Mace Windu 5

Summary by the Publisher

After uncovering the rebellion within their own ranks, Master Windu and his allies confront the AD-W4 [sic] and his droid forces in a decisive showdown!

Plot Synopsis

On the planet Hissrich, Jedi Master Kit Fisto is shown battling Separatist battle droids at their base. While fighting, he speaks of the Wooriid, a large amphibious creature from his home world of Glee Anselm. He describes it as a slow carnivore with powerful jaws, noting how some creatures foolishly perch on it for scraps, unaware of the neurotoxins in its skin that cause paralysis. Fisto declares himself as the "fangs" of a similar beast, warning the droids that it's already too late for them.

Simultaneously, inside the base, Mace Windu offers reassurance to a hesitant Rissa Mino regarding her crucial role, wishing her the Force's guidance before they separate. In the command center, the mercenary droid AD-W4 is directing his troops to load and dispatch cargo off-world, but Mace Windu intervenes, attacking with his lightsaber. However, AD-W4 blocks the attack with his electrostaff. As their weapons clash, AD-W4 mocks Windu, suggesting that he enjoys being a general and weapon, as it allows him to vent his anger. Accusing him of hypocrisy, Mace overpowers him and stabs him, pinning him to the ground. Standing over AD-W4, lightsaber in hand, Mace warns him against mocking or underestimating what he doesn't comprehend. Nearby, Fisto's overconfidence leads him to be surrounded by droids, but Rissa Mino arrives to assist him in the fight. Just then, a Separatist ship launches from the base carrying the harvested energy plants, but AD-W4's apparent victory is short-lived as the ship explodes in the sky, thanks to Rissa's mission. Defeated, AD-W4 inquires if Mace believes in an afterlife, given his religious nature, and then uses a propulsion system to launch his head into the sky. Mace, however, prevents his escape by using the Force to crush AD-W4's head, destroying him permanently.

Following the battle, back on Coruscant, Mace Windu briefs the Jedi Council. They respond by dispatching troops to Hissrich to handle remaining droids and support the local population through replanting and reconstruction. When Yoda mentions taking samples of the flora for study, Prosset Dibs expresses his contempt, bringing his own situation to the forefront. He is accused of attacking a Jedi Master and General of the Republic, facing charges of heresy and insubordination. Asked for his defense, Dibs claims innocence, arguing that the Council, as self-proclaimed arbiters of the Force, owes him an explanation. He accuses them of ruling from "thrones of deception," manipulating those under their guidance for their own purposes. He asserts that their true nature is clear to many, and declares that there is no defense to give, severing his ties. When he challenges the Council to decide his fate, Yoda observes that Dibs' mind is already set, and Ki-Adi Mundi declares him guilty of insubordination and treason. Dibs requests the death penalty, but Mace defends him, arguing that he is a victim of the war, his confusion and anger being understandable. Mace suggests that their duty is to guide him back to the light, proposing that Dibs be confined to work in the library, hoping he will rediscover what he has lost. Dibs' trial concludes, but he warns Windu that they are making a fool of him, and that Windu is making an even bigger fool of himself as his hubris will be his undoing.

Later, Rissa Mino discusses the events with Windu, questioning the wisdom of their actions. Mace explains that they cannot afford to lose someone as talented as Prosset, especially given the challenges ahead. He acknowledges that Dibs' feelings are misguided but understandable, and hopes he will come around in time, as they will need his help. When Rissa asks what is coming, Mace speaks of unprecedented hardship and trials for the Jedi. He desires a swift end to the war but fears it is unlikely. When she asks what they need to do, she is told that they must trust in the Force and the path it has set them on, as that's what they've been trained to do for their whole lives. They must defend the galaxy's people and confront evil, as any Jedi would.

Publication Details

• UPC 759606087617; December 27 , 2017 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00511; Cover A; Rod Reis[1] 00521; Cover B; John Tyler Christopher 00531; Cover C; Salvador Larroca, Angel Unzueta

Cover Images

Canon Considerations

Matt Martin from the Lucasfilm Story Group has indicated that the appearance of Yarael Poof on the Jedi High Council is an oversight. The Council's composition should have remained consistent with that depicted in Jedi of the Republic – Mace Windu 1.