StarWars.com has revealed Marvel will publish a five-issue “Obi-Wan” series, written by Christopher Cantwell (“Iron Man”) with art by Ario Anindito (“Star Wars: The High Republic”). The comic is set a few weeks before A New Hope, and sees Kenobi reflecting on his past after sensing a great change is about to take place. Each issue will revisit a different time in the Jedi Master’s life, from his early days as a Jedi Initiate, to his exile on Tatooine.
The series marks the first Star Wars book by Cantwell, who commented, “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.”
He teased appearances from several other popular characters, including Yoda, Obi-Wan’s mentor Qui-Gon Jinn, and Anakin Skywalker himself. “Writing Yoda was surreal. Getting that speech pattern right isn’t as easy as it sounds,” he said. “And I’ve always loved Qui-Gon. He’s my favorite part of the prequels and such a fascinating character. Anakin proved trickier, because he’s as multifaceted as a diamond. But it’s been a joy touching upon them all, and also playing with some beloved alien species and even creating a couple new characters that I think integrate well into the larger universe. I mean, I’m answering this question while my original Darth Vader head case full of my old Kenner figures sits behind me. Who doesn’t dream of bringing those to life?”
“Star Wars: Obi-Wan” #1 will be released in May, ahead of Disney+’s own miniseries Obi-Wan Kenobi; it is unknown to what extent (if any) the comic will reference events introduced in the show. It was also announced some of Marvel’s previous revisits of Kenobi’s past (as seen in Jason Aaron’s “Star Wars” run) will be reprinted in “Star Wars Tales: Krrsantan,” an upcoming one-shot showcasing The Book of Boba Fett character’s earlier comics appearances. For more from Cantwell in the meantime, as well as a closer look at the covers, head to StarWars.com.
