Editing Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo 4

{{separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Dynamite Comics}}

{{Comic Data
| image =BSGDOA04CovAMayhew.jpg
| title=Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #4
| series=Dynamite
| issueno=4
| episode=
| writer= [[Dan Abnett]]
| penciller=[[Dietrich Smith]] 
| inker= 
| colorist= [[Fran Gamboa]]
| letterer= [[Simon Bowland]]
| editor=
| cover= [[Mike Mayhew]] (Cover A)<br/>[[Dietrich Smith]] (Cover B)<br/>[[Livio Ramondelli]] (Cover C)<br/>[[Ardian Syaf]] (Cover D)
| published=March 2015
| collects=
| collected=[[Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo (Trade Paperback)|Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo]]
| reprints=
| reprinted=
| isbn= 725130224408
| prev={{comics|doa|3}}
| next={{comics|doa|5}}
}}

: ''In the wake of [[Apollo (TOS-DE alternate)|Apollo]]'s tragic fate, [[Starbuck (TOS-DE alternate)|Starbuck]] secretly recruits [[Boomer (TOS-DE alternate)|Boomer]], [[Athena (TOS-DE alternate)|Athena]] and a few chosen others for a despera<nowiki/>te and unsanctioned mission, but his reckless determination may be leaving [[The Fleet (TOS-DE alternate)|the fleet]] vulnerable to [[Cylons (TOS-DE alternate)|Cylon]] attack. And the gathering Cylon threat is stronger and more insidious than ever before. Starbuck won't let anything stop him... not [[Adama (TOS-DE alternate)|Adama]], not the Cylons and not even common sense. Shocking drama and continuity-shaking military SF action from the [[Dan Abnett|acclaimed writer]] of'' Guardians of the Galaxy''.''<ref>{{cite_web|url=https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513022440804011|title=
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE DEATH OF APOLLO #4 (OF 6)|date=|accessdate=06 November 2021|last=|first=|format=|language=}}</ref>

== Plot ==

* 

* Continuing their [[Rescue of Apollo|rescue mission]], Captain [[Starbuck (TOS-DE alternate)|Starbuck]] instructs [[Sephoni]] and [[Athena (TOS-DE alternate)|Athena]] to strike at the mass of [[Centurion (TOS-DE alternate)|Centurions]] hard as they start a firefight throughout the central hangar bay of the [[super basestar]].
* After brief reparatee between Athena and the "incorrigible rogue" Starbuck, the infiltration group makes their way through the deck hoists. Hiding behind a console, the team recharges their [[Laser pistol|slaser pistols]] and Sephoni obtains a clean read two decks down.
* Taking a maintenance ladder, Athena muses about the fate of the fighter screen.
* During the distracting dogfight around the basestar, [[Boomer (TOS-DE alternate)|Boomer]] saves [[Greenbean (TOS-DE alternate)|Greenbean]] from an unshakable, pursuing [[Raider (TOS-DE alternate)|Raider]]. The team regroups in a [[quad formation]] and then performs a [[multi-split]] in order to re-enage the fighter force.
*While [[Breena]] engages her cannons at [[full rate]], Greenbean informs [[Sheba (TOS-DE alternate)|Sheba]] that two Raiders are at her back as she pursues a Raider in front of her. After dispatching it, she hits her [[braking jets]] and dispatches the other two.
*The celebration is short lived, as more Raiders from the super basestar approach the quartet.
*Skulking around the aforesaid basestar, Sephoni asks if there's a plan to escape, and Starbuck asks Athena to fill Sephoni in on the plan. After receiving Athena's permission to read her mind, Sephoni learns that it hinges on her ability to divine the codes.
*Should that fail, Starbuck offers that the only alternative would be "cowboy time," as they approach the door between themselves and Apollo.
*They find Apollo tied into a medical apparatus, with serious head trauma. Apollo appears somewhat cognizant and, during his discussion with Starbuck, Starbuck reminds him of their conversation where Starbuck intends to live forever and needs Apollo's company.
*Sephoni confirms Athena's assessment of the Cylons' unified operating system, allowing them access to the main data-core and fooling the basestar's sentience into believing that a critical failure of the main reactor is in process along with any backups that would handle the failure. After Sephoni divines the proper codes, which Starbuck enters into a terminal, they abscond with Apollo with the hope that Boomer and the rest are still alive.
*The attacking Raiders return to their ship, abandoning the battle outside as Starbuck pilots the rescue team's stolen Cylon transport away. Starbuck orders Boomer to "turn and [[turbo]]."
*Returning to ''[[Galactica (TOS-DE alternate)|Galactica]]'', the participants of the unsanctioned rescue mission face the wrath of Commander [[Adama (TOS-DE alternate)|Adama]]. Adama pits the blame solely on Starbuck for gross insubordination and directly breaching orders, despite Athena's rebuked defense. 
*The discussion ends on a happier note after Starbuck confirms that Adama's son, Apollo, indeed lives; Adama offers his gratitude, vowing to never forget what Starbuck has done for him.
*Adama, Athena and Starbuck head to the life sciences bay, where Doctors [[Salik (TOS-DE alternate)|Salik]] and [[Madusa]] observe a bed-ridden Apollo speaking to his adopted son [[Boxey (TOS-DE alternate)|Boxey]] and [[Muffit (TOS-DE alternate)|Muffit II]]. 
*Before Adama can speak to his son, Madusa and Sailk outline Apollo's situation, noting that while everything else will heal, the micro-fissure within Apollo's brain cannot be repaired. As a result, Apollo is at a consistent risk of a stroke-event or brain hemorrhage. While hopeful that care and regular examination will manage the injury's risk, Apollo can no longer tolerate any further physical stress.
*Salik declares his medical determination that Apollo's career is over, much to the dismay of all present.

== Notes ==

=== Releases ===

* An additional exclusive subscription variant cover (Cover D) featuring the work of [[Ardian Syaf]] was made available to "comic shop subscribers and limited to initial orders."
===Artworks===
*[[Mike Mayhew]]'s original artwork for "Cover A" was done in watercolor on 11" x 17" Fabriano Artistico 140lb. hot press watercolor paper, painted with a combination of both hand-brush and airbrushing techniques. As of 7 November 2021, Mayhew's sale price for the unique piece is $2,000.00 USD.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mikemayhewstudio.com/products/mike-mayhew-original-battlestar-galactica-death-of-apollo-4-cover-painting|title=Mike Mayhew Original BATTLESTAR GALACTICA DEATH OF APOLLO #4 Cover Painting|accessdate=7 November 2021}}</ref>
*A preliminary painted version of "Cover A" was done in watercolor on 8.5" x 11". It was listed for sale on 5 January 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.comicartfans.com/gallerypiece.asp?piece=1191343|title=Mike Mayhew Original BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: DEATH OF APOLLO #4 Cover Prelim|date=5 January 2015|accessdate=07 November 2021}}</ref>
=== Nods ===

* The [[Braking jet|braking jets]] [[Sheba (TOS-DE alternate)|Sheba]] uses against the two pursuing Raiders are a nod to the technique often used in the Original Series when dispatching pursuing Raiders during dogfights.  
*The [[Resurrection Ship|resurrection ship]]'s design is used as a basis for the racks upon which the Raiders are suspended in the [[super basestar]]'s hangar.  
*Starbuck's use of dual-wielding laser pistols is a nod to the raid on [[Gamoray]] in the {{OS|The Living Legend, Part II|prose=y}}.  

* 

=== Errata ===

* [[Starbuck (TOS-DE alternate)|Starbuck]] often uses the term "cowboy," but the Colonial equivalent should be "[[oviner]]" or similar given the pertinacity of the series to rename creatures for an "otherworldly" appearance.
* The term "hanger" is used inappropriately to refer to the Cylon [[super basestar]]'s hangar.
* Starbuck's only has one [[laser pistol]] at the end of the [[Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo 3|previous issue]], where the group finds themselves surrounded by [[Centurion (TOS-DE alternate)|Centurions]] after disembarking from their craft. The issue continues from that scene, where Starbuck interestingly now dual-wields laser pistols.
* [[Madusa]] uses the term "years" instead of "[[yahren]]" when discussing [[Apollo (TOS-DE alternate)|Apollo]]'s condition with Starbuck.

* 

== Analysis ==

* Despite the overwhelming odds, the quartet of Vipers are able to distract the Cylons for a long time without incurring either major damage or substantial losses.
* Sephoni's ability to handle herself in a situation is indicative of training, even for aristocrats of her level.

* 

== Questions ==

=== Unanswered Questions ===

* Why did the [[Cylons (TOS-DE alternate)|Cylons]] recover [[Apollo (TOS-DE alternate)|Apollo]] and keep him alive? 
* Why was Apollo left unguarded?
* Where is Sephoni's entourage during these happenings?

===== Answered Questions =====

* Will the rescue mission result in the Cylons finding [[The Fleet (TOS-DE alternate)|the Fleet]]? ([[Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo 5|Answer]])
* How will Apollo handle his forced change in careers? ([[Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo 5|Answer]])

* 

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

* ''[[Sephoni]] broaches discussion about their exit strategy from the [[super basestar]].''
*:'''Sephoni:''' I presume there is a plan for getting us back ''out'' of here? '''[[Starbuck (TOS-DE alternate)|Starbuck]]:''' [[Frack]]! I wish ''I'd'' thought of that! Oh well, I'll just ''improv'' something when the time comes. What? You think I'm ''that much'' of a cowboy? Of ''course'' there's a plan. [[Athena]], tell her the plan.

* ''[[Adama (TOS-DE alternate)|Adama]] addresses the participants who disobeyed direct orders to [[Rescue of Apollo|rescue Apollo]].''
*:'''Adama:''' I'm ''waiting'', Captain. Gross insubordination. Reckless endangerment. A breach of my direct orders. Foolishness. Bravado. I ''expect'' such things of you, [[Starbuck (TOS-DE alternate)|Starbuck]]. But you dragged ''good people'' like [[Athena (TOS-DE alternate)|Athena]], [[Boomer (TOS-DE alternate)|Boomer]] and-- '''Athena:''' Starbuck didn't drag ''anyone'' into--
*:'''Adama:''' Do not speak, daughter. Do you have anything to say for yourself, captain?  '''Starbuck:''' I did what I felt I had to do, commander.
*:'''Adama:''' Really, then answer me this... is my son [[Apollo (TOS-DE alternate)|Apollo]] really ''alive''?  '''Starbuck:''' Yes, commander.
*:'''Adama:''' Thank the stars. I will ''not'' forget this, 'Buck. Not now. Not ''ever''.
*''Doctors [[Madusa]] and [[Salik (TOS-DE alternate)|Salik]] break the news to [[Apollo (TOS-DE alternate)|Apollo]]'s friends and family regarding the Major's condition.''
*:'''Madusa:'''  Apollo's Viper was brought down by Cylon fire. He suffered ''multiple'' injuries in the crash. Most are minor and will heal. He's lucky to be alive. '''[[Starbuck (TOS-DE alternate)|Starbuck]]:''' ''"Most?"''
*:'''Madusa:''' The ''head trauma''. It has caused a ''micro-fissure'' in Apollo's brain. We can't repair it.  '''Starbuck:''' Is it... ''terminal?''
*:'''Madusa:''' Essentially, captain, Apollo is at constant risk of a ''stroke-event'' or ''brain hemorrhage.'' he may live for ''years'', or die ''tomorrow.''  '''Starbuck:''' No. No, that's not the way it's ''supposed'' to go...
*:'''Athena:''' What can we do?  '''Salik:''' With care and regular examination, we can monitor the injury and manage it.  But ''one'' thing is certain: he can no longer risk ''any'' extremes of physical stress. For example, high-gee pressure. Or any chance of impact trauma. His career as a pilot, ''and'' as a [[Colonial Warrior]] fit for active duty, is ''over''.

== Related Imagery ==

=== Covers ===
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:BSGDOA04CovAMayhew.jpg|alt=Cover A by Mike Mayhew.|Cover A by [[Mike Mayhew]].
File:BSGDOA04CovBSmith.jpg|alt=Cover B by Dietrich Smith.|Cover B by [[Dietrich Smith]].
File:BSGDOA04CovCRamondelli.jpg|alt=Cover C by Livio Ramondelli.|Cover C by [[Livio Ramondelli]].
File:BSGDOA04CovDSubSyaf.jpg|alt=Cover D by Ardian Syaf.|Cover D by [[Ardian Syaf]].
File:BSGDOA04CovEIncen10SmithBW.jpg|alt=Cover E by Dietrich Smith. (B&W Incentive)|Cover E by [[Dietrich Smith]]. (B&W Incentive)
File:BSGDOA04CovFIncen20SyafBW.jpg|alt=Cover F by Ardian Syaf. (B&W Incentive)|Cover F by [[Ardian Syaf]]. (B&W Incentive)
File:BSGDOA04CovGIncen25SmithRed.jpg|alt=Cover G by Dietrich Smith. (Red Monochrome Incentive)|Cover G by [[Dietrich Smith]]. (Red Monochrome Incentive)
File:BSG DEATHOFAPOLLO04 MayhewCoverLR.jpg|alt=Original Cover A artwork by Mike Mayhew.|Original Cover A artwork by [[Mike Mayhew]].
File:BGDOA1.jpg|alt=Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by Mike Mayhew.|Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by [[Mike Mayhew]].
File:BGDOA2.jpg|alt=Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by Mike Mayhew.|Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by [[Mike Mayhew]].
File:BGDOA3.jpg|alt=Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by Mike Mayhew.|Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by [[Mike Mayhew]].
File:BGDOA4.jpg|alt=Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by Mike Mayhew.|Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by [[Mike Mayhew]].
File:Mike Mayhew - Prelim Paint Cover - BSGDOA04.jpg|alt=Watercolor prelim artwork for Cover A by Mike Mayhew.|Watercolor prelim artwork for Cover A by [[Mike Mayhew]].
</gallery>

=== Preview Pages ===

: ''Please Note: These are used for promotional purposes by the publisher, and are provided here in the same vein.''
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:BSGDeathOfApollo0041.jpg|alt=Page 1.|Page 1.
File:BSGDeathOfApollo0042.jpg|alt=Page 2.|Page 2.
File:BSGDeathOfApollo0043.jpg|alt=Page 3.|Page 3.
File:BSGDeathOfApollo0044.jpg|alt=Page 4.|Page 4.
File:BSGDeathOfApollo0045.jpg|alt=Page 5.|Page 5.
</gallery>

== External links ==
*{{Archivelink|url=https://dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513022440804011|title=Dynamite.com - BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE DEATH OF APOLLO #4 (OF 6)}}
*{{Archivelink|url=https://dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513022440804041|title=Dynamite.com - BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE DEATH OF APOLLO #4 (OF 6) EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIPTION VARIANT COVER}}
==References==
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