2022 will be big for Obi-Wan. We know the legendary Jedi Master got his own show, but now a brand new five-issue comic book series as well!
Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most iconic characters in Star Wars. He isn’t just strong in the Force or an excellent duelist, but selfless, kind, cold-headed, a wise master & a good friend.
When I hear the words “Jedi Master” his image is what comes to my mind immediately. Yes, even before thinking of Yoda, Mace Windu or Qui-Gon. A pillar of the Star Wars franchise and a father figure to Luke Skywalker. After decades, Disney is finally going to explore more about his life and I think we’re in for a treat.
An interview released on StarWars.com, reveals that we’ll get to see Obi-Wan in different stages of his life. Going from the early days as a Jedi Initiate, his involvement in the Clone Wars as a Jedi Knight, to his last days on Tatooine, before the final encounter against Darth Vader.
Christopher Cantwell is the author of the comic book. He previously worked with Marvel Comics creating stories for Doctor Doom, Captain America and Iron Man. Ario Arindito is in charge of the art for this series, we already saw some of his work on Star Wars: The High Republic comics.
This news really excites me. Despite being a character that has existed for over 40 years, we really don’t know that much of him. Especially about his early path as a Jedi Initiate and how he became the brave and calm-minded master that we all love.
Cantwell explains his approach to the character’s young age and how the memories of his young self, as well as seeing the world through the eyes of his 8-year-old son, helped him create an appropriate version.
I really like this because nothing beats experiencing Star Wars for the first time as a kid. That feeling is something most of us are very attached to and seeing that even in comics they’re aware of its importance show that they want to treat the character with the respect it deserves.
If we’re going to see a young Obi-Wan, then it’s certain that we’ll see characters like Qui-Gon and Yoda give guidance and teach him the ways of the Force.
“What I love about Obi-Wan is that he is so much a character of patience and fortitude. He holds out hope and keeps that flame going even in the darkest times. He lost his Master, his best friend…he’s experienced a lot of grief. But he pushes forward. He waits on Tatooine for decades. He is the Buddhist concept of kshanti – patience – personified. He is able to hold onto the glimmers of light amidst the cloak of darkness. Every issue thematically deals with his ability to do that as a person.” – said Christopher Cantwell.
This is a key element in the construction of his character. Kenobi’s endurance, courage, self-reliance and wisdom are something that makes him easy to tell apart from other Jedi. But those traits aren’t something obtained easily or quickly.
Let’s not forget that he survived the Clone Wars, the great Jedi purge and the Galactic Empire. The last one while protecting the Galaxy’s last hope, the son of Anakin Skywalker. Saying he had a difficult life is an understatement.
Cantwell also explains (without spoiling anything) how Obi-Wan’s internal struggles, as well as the big challenges, encountered through his life will grant him the strength needed to do what he must when the time comes.
“There is a virtue about him that allows him to continue to be a light in the darkness. He carries the flame of hope within him. Obi-Wan never gave up in all his years of living. He didn’t even give up afterwards. Now that’s dedication to the light side.”
That sums it pretty well. A beacon of hope, a mere man resisting the trauma of war, of losing everyone important to him just with the power of his will and the Force as his most trusted ally. The embodiment of what a Jedi Master is and represents.
I know these comics may not dwell as deep as some of us would like, but it is a promising start. And with Obi-Wan’s own TV series coming on Disney+, there’s going to be a lot of topics to discuss in the upcoming months. Can´t wait!
Article Text: Adrián Oteiza
Editor: Vulkk / Alex
Images: Marvel / Star Wars
