New Canon has been added to linage of everyone’s space opera Star Wars. In the medium of comic called Obi-Wan and Anakin, this series will take place after Episode 1 and Before Episode II. The five-issue series is set three years after Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace and focuses on Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan, Anakin Skywalker (wookiepedia.com).
Publisher’s Summary from Wookipedia
Before their military heroism in the Clone Wars, before their tragic battle on Mustafar, and many decades before their final confrontation on the Death Star… they were Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan learner, Anakin Skywalker. It’s been a few years since Obi-Wan pledged to train the young “chosen one,” but even as they have grown closer through training, it has been a difficult road. Now, called to a remote planet for assistance, Master and Padawan may be pushed to the breaking point. Writer Charles Soule (Lando, She-Hulk, Daredevil) and artist Marco Checchetto (Star Wars: Shattered Empire, Avengers World, Punisher) bring us a tale of the Jedi at the height of their power…
Writer’s Critique
This mini-canon-series gives a broader look into the forming relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin on these little adventures. I am not going into a scene by scene of the five part mini-series; but I will discuss the things that were done well and possibly things I wish the series did more of. I also hope they will continue the adventures of these two because there are some interesting dynamics I can already see that is being displayed.
What is the series getting right?
The mini-series seem to be displaying some apprehension underneath the poker face of Obi-Wan Kenobi. As they traveled to this world called Carnelion IV because of a destress signal, the two run into the middle of two warring factions: The Open and Closed. These two factions will fight to bitter end unless there is a common goal; but isn’t that like people. The apprehension could be felt from the calm and cool Obi-Wan is that he questions his own ability to instruct and guide Anakin. The foundation laid by the movies, no matter how misguided or disorganized it felt, is being built upon and connected with the long con created by Palpatine as he carefully questions Anakin. With each question, he plants a seed of doubt. It is skilled facilitation to feel that the Chancellor is his friend but more of a mentor. Anakin’s “wishy-washy” nature of being a Jedi but craving more. Anakin battles about leaving the Jedi Order because with Obi-Wan, he says he wants to leave. When the chance presents itself with Palpatine, he says how he is grateful and wants to be in the Jedi. This lack of honesty within himself is in full support of the movie. I truly believe it is because Anakin senses Obi-Wan’s Anxiety. Although Obi-Wan is growing to love Anakin, the task of training is shadowed with doubt. Besides the story, the artwork is magnificently done
What did they get wrong?
The length, possibly for now being only five, severely limits the story telling at a whole. This could be things that I possibly wanted to see. I wanted more manipulation from Palpatine. The issue with Episode III and some of the earlier writings from the “Before The Battle of Yavin” is now considered legend and those books gave much more to deviant and conniving ways of Palpatine. This is actually what the are missing. I know they are on a mission and through trope story telling, they go on a mission, get separated and have to fight to find their way back to each other but I was hoping for more Palpatine.
Conclusion
I enjoyed this comic mini-series. The sprinkles of truth they have added and while making this canon is still expanding the Star Wars Expanded Universe (SWEU). They are doing a terrific job with the artwork and staying true to the characters.
Rating
(4.5 / 5)
