Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Jango Fett #4

Star Wars is revealing a key moment that would define the entire face of Count Dooku’s secret clone army. Having covertly co-opted the creation of a clone army from Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas, Dooku and his Sith master were secretly behind the creation of the Grand Army of the Republic, the ultimate trap to bring about the Jedi Order’s destruction and the rise of Palpatine’s Galactic Empire. However, it’s recently been revealed how the bounty hunter Jango Fett came into the picture.

As seen in the new Jango Fett #4 by Ethan Sacks and Luke Ross, the legendary bounty hunter completes his job to retrieve a stolen artifact known as “The Hope of Glee Anselm” which was meant to unite the planet’s rival species (the Anselmis and Nautolans). Set before the events of The Phantom Menace, Jango Fett successfully retrieves the artifact while also discovering its use in a major conspiracy to discredit and humiliate the office of the Republic Senate’s Supreme Chancellor Valorum. However, Jango keeps this information to himself, a face that impresses the man who was behind the entire crisis to begin with: Count Dooku.

Impressed by Jango’s skill, Dooku’s interest was certainly piqued by the legendary bounty hunter, confirming that this was the first time that the secret Sith Lord learned about Jango and his great reputation.

Count Dooku Was Behind Jango Fett’s Biggest Job Before The Prequels

The Hope of Glee Anselm

As revealed in this final issue of Jango Fett, Count Dooku was the man behind the entire conspiracy involving the theft of this relic that was given by the Republic to foster peace between the Anselmis and Nautolans. As such, the theft massively embarrassed Chancellor Valorum whose office was already facing struggles due to the emboldened Trade Federation (thanks to their secret backing from Darth Sidious). As such, this manufactured crisis was intentionally crafted to discredit and weaken Valorum’s authority in the Senate, thus paving the way for Palpatine to eventually be elected as a new Supreme Chancellor as seen in The Phantom Menace.

That said, Jango Fett’s efficient work and professionalism in keeping his mouth shut about his client’s true activities became a bonus to Dooku’s entire plan. After all, Jango will soon be hired by Dooku not long after this canonical series for the most important job he ever took: becoming the genetic template for the entire clone army that was created in secret for the Galactic Republic. As such, this new series confirms the why and how Jango got on Dooku’s radar in the first place.

Dooku Was Impressed By Jango Fett’s Discretion

Not Just His Mandalorian Skills

Beyond his skills as a Mandalorian, Dooku was clearly pleased by Fett’s discretion in Jango Fett #4, having the understanding that the smaller details about his job aren’t his to delve into. While Jango Fett only ever worked with an intermediary, it’s still quite fascinating to see the moment in which he officially entered Dooku’s orbit in the established Star Wars canon. As such, it’s clear that this job played a crucial role in both Count Dooku and his master’s plans ever before the Skywalker saga had even begun.

Star Wars: Jango Fett #4 by Marvel Comics is available now.