Obi-Wan #1 - Comic Review

The much anticipated Obi-Wan Kenobi Marvel Comics miniseries is here, appropriately releasing on Star Wars Day 2022 and leading up to the Jedi Master’s Disney+ series. For fans of Kenobi, this title will give them something never before seen in the Star Wars universe—Obi-Wan as a youngling.

Obi-Wan #1 opens on an aging Obi-Wan twenty years into his seclusion on Tatooine. His senses have trained him to know when a sandstorm is coming, and the next one is shaping up to be a doozy. As he prepares to take shelter, he finds himself sinking into an all too familiar loneliness. The remainder of Obi-Wan is told in flashback of Kenobi’s time as a youngling at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Kenobi’s only friend, a human female named Gehren Rand, is dealing with her own personal demons and makes a drastic choice about her time in the Jedi Order, emboldening Obi-Wan to step up and help her. As the two of them embark on a mini adventure among Coruscant’s seedy lower levels, Kenobi learns a tough life lesson about moving on from loss.

Obi-Wan #1 seems to introduce a storytelling structure that will allow for a variety of mini stories to be told about Kenobi’s past. Writer Christopher Cantwell smartly connects the aging Master’s present state on Tatooine to his past, showing how wisdom from past lessons can still be gleaned in the present. Cantwell’s tale of young Obi-Wan and Gehren, which combines adventure, bravery and loneliness, will likely strike a nostalgic chord amongst readers. Additionally, packing this much emotional heft into a nineteen page comic book is Jedi Master level impressive.

Artist Ario Anindito is in fine form here. He establishes a visual style for present day older Obi-Wan that communicates the heat and seclusion of life on the Western Dune Sea while exhibiting a more traditional comic book style in the flashback sequences. His design of Gehren Rand particularly impressed me with her expressive facial features and the coolest hairdo I’ve ever seen on a youngling. Colorist Carlos Lopez also contributes to the artistic vision of Obi-Wan, his Tatooine palate starkly portraying the planet’s harshness. Letterist VC’s Joe Caramagna rounds out the stellar artistic team. I’d be remiss not to mention Phil Noto’s gorgeous cover, the man can literally do no wrong.

Obi-Wan does an amazing job of taking a much loved character and telling a unique story in the medium of a comic book. This series will satisfy Kenobi and comic book lovers while drawing in new ones with its story and amazing art. Obi-Wan #1 is on sale now and is a great way to celebrate Star Wars Day. May the 4th Be With You!