Star Wars: Kanan Review

If you have watched Star Wars Rebels then you know about Kanan Jarrus and his acquired family, the Ghost crew. But for those of you who still haven’t, don’t despair! The only requirement for this read is Revenge of the Sith. If you haven’t seen my favorite Star Wars movie then drop out of hyperspace, land on your couch, and watch it before reading any further. Star Wars: Kanan explores the events between Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars Rebels (and even contains some elements and characters from Star Wars: The Clone Wars!). It tells the story of Kanan Jarrus, or Caleb Dume (his given name), one of the few Jedi who survived Order 66, a top secret order for the Clone Army for executing all Jedi which were considered traitors of the Galactic Republic.

The comic book series is comprised of 12 issues divided into two parts: The Last Padawan and First Blood. The story starts with another simple milk-run for the Ghost crew but soon flashbacks to one of Caleb Dume’s first missions as master Depa Billaba’s Padawan. Each comic issue goes back and forth between the two timelines (something very unusual for Star Wars stories) giving the story a fresh format. Greg Weisman’s story is full of intense and emotional moments that will constantly keep you engaged. I found myself wanting to discover more after each issue. I binge read this series once, twice, three times already!

The story is perfectly paired with amazing artwork by Pepe Larraz (Artist) and David Curiel (Colors). I love the simplistic yet recognizable style of each panel. In particular, I really enjoyed the action scenes, which are very clear despite the complexity. The story just flows smoothly from one panel to the other. I believe that the two artists are perfectly paired together and that they successfully bring the story to a great visual level.

The Last Padawan

As I mentioned before, Kanan was one of the leaders of the Ghost crew, a group of rebels dedicated to fighting the oppression of the Galactic Empire across the galaxy. He was skilled with his blaster but also with his lightsaber. 15 years prior to his adventures with the Spectres, Caleb Dume (Kanan’s real name) was the Jedi Padawan of Depa Billaba, a General of the Clone Army and member of the High Council. Caleb spent a great deal of time training but never got assigned to a mission with his master until right before Order 66. That’s when the story of The Last Padawan begins.

Caleb thought he was going to miss out on all the action back at the Jedi temple in Coruscant. Not for long, because master Depa Billaba chose him to be her Padawan, and the young Jedi finally joined the Clone Wars. Caleb Dume was feeling complete alongside his master and two clone friends Captain Styles and Commander Grey. He felt like he finally found his place in the galaxy—Until Order 66.

Chancellor Palpatine’s long planned ultimate rise to power was almost completed as master Mace Windu accused him of being a Sith Lord and attempted to murder him. After being saved at the last second by Anakin Skywalker, Palpatine finally released Order 66 to end the traitorous Jedi Order and bring peace to the galaxy.

Meanwhile on the planet Kaller, Caleb and his master were around a fire with their fellow clone troopers. This moment will change Caleb Dume for the rest of his life. Chaos and confusion hit him when the clones turned against him and his master who fought back in self defense. He could try to help his master, but he knew his effort was going to get both of them killed. So he ran. He knew how to fight, but he had no idea how to endure. He had to survive, leave everything that was lost and find a new path.

Caleb’s new path was a tough one. He had no guidance, no shelter and no food while being haunted by his former fellow clone troopers. He could not survive on his own. Luckily he ran into a Kalleran smuggler named Kasmir, who allowed Caleb Dume to (reluctantly) join him in some smuggling and thieving business. Kasmir taught Caleb to let the past die, trade in his Jedi Padawan robes and lightsaber for a blaster, and become a smuggler in order to move on with his life.

First Blood

Caleb and Kasmir’s adventures go on through half way of the series. The last book, First Blood takes the reader back even more to Caleb Dume’s Jedi training and his first encounter with master Depa Billaba. Depa is portrayed as a great warrior that was seriously injured during a battle against none other than General Grevious! That battle was a complete failure and cost master Billaba’s battalion ninety percent casualties. She was damaged both physically and mentally. A series of circumstances lead her and Caleb to meet, and after that their destinies were bonded forever.

Final Thoughts

Star Wars: Kanan is an amazing series that gives us the untold story of Kanan Jarrus, or more precisely Caleb Dume, a Jedi Padawan who survived the Jedi purge and later became the great leader of the Ghost crew. If you have watched Rebels, the story will provide great understanding of how Kanan’s past has shaped his personality, values, and mentorship towards Ezra Bridger. If you have not seen Rebels yet, it will give you a great introduction to an amazing animated show, a must watch for Star Wars fans.