The Sacred Texts

Star Wars: Obi-Wan #1 (Youngling’s Challenge)

Writer: Christopher Cantwell

Artist: Ario Anindito

Colorist: Carlos Lopez

Cover Artist: Phil Noto

Length: 26 pages

Published: May 4th, 2022

The Coming Storm

We meet Obi-Wan, Old Ben at this point, on Tatooine preparing for a coming sandstorm. As he turns his mind to the coming wait, he feels an ominousness to come. He says, ” I sense some kind of […] a change, a surge in darkness”. But he writes in Auerbesh, “some kind of end”, as if sensing his ultimate destiny. He recalls a sense of loneliness, similar to his current situation, during a memory as a youngling and it’s with this that we dive into the story.

As a youngling Obi-Wan is faced with a test of friendship, confidence, and trust. Fearful of losing his only friend (and safety blanket), Gehren Rand, he breaks the rules to chase after her through the Coruscant underworld. He finds himself forced to trust in himself and his knowledge of the force in order to track her. The two younglings quickly find themselves in trouble, and it’s Gehren who helps to center Obi-Wan, easing his fear in order to escape. Returning to the temple, alone, he is confronted with the fact that he will never see his friend again. However, he’s reminded that despite his fear he possesses the strength to look after himself.

Verdict

This issue is a great entry into the mind of Obi-Wan. We often think of the strength and wisdom of the elder or Clone Wars version of Kenobi, but Cantwell does an excellent job of depicting a more vulnerable side. Being fearful, lacking self-confidence, and the desire for friendship is something everyone can relate to, especially at that age. That Jedi are taught to forego or ignore many of those emotions, often makes them seem cold and lacking empathy. This issue shows that, regardless of training, these emotions exist and are sometimes still acted upon. It goes to humanize both younglings, but especially Obi-Wan, and early on portray him as someone who will do as much as he can to help those he cares about. It also reinforces that despite one’s best efforts, fear can persist.

Overall: 8.5/10