Age of Republic - Obi-Wan Kenobi 1

OBI-WAN KENOBI, JEDI KNIGHT, IN HIS FORMATIVE YEARS! Following his master's directives, OBI-WAN has accepted ANAKIN SKYWALKER as his Padawan. Will their joint assignment bring them closer, or will it plant the seeds of their future division? Furthermore, who else seeks the ancient holocron they are pursuing?

Long ago, on Coruscant within the Jedi Temple, a young Obi-Wan Kenobi engages in meditation with his peers. Their instructor explains that meditation extends beyond simply strengthening their connection to the Force; it involves cultivating a profound understanding of oneself. This understanding is crucial for mastering their thoughts and emotions, emphasizing that self-mastery is a prerequisite for mastering the Force.

Currently, Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi is meditating alongside his padawan, Anakin Skywalker. Obi-Wan reflects on Anakin's exceptional progress in his training, noting that he hadn't anticipated taking on a padawan so soon. As he recalls his own training under Qui-Gon Jinn and his master's passing, he laments the absence of his guidance now that he has a padawan. Suddenly, Master Tosan enters, informing Kenobi of a new mission assigned by the Jedi Council. According to a datapad, an archaeology team has unearthed a Jedi Holocron on Dallenor, a planet in the Mid-Rim. Although Dallenor isn't a Republic world, the archaeology team consists of Republic citizens. As Obi-Wan prepares for the mission, he assures Anakin of his brief absence and instructs him to continue training with Yoda. Anakin protests, arguing that he's already surpassed his peers. However, Obi-Wan insists that the student doesn't dictate the training regimen. Despite his words, Obi-Wan feels he's failing Anakin as his master.

Later, in the Jedi Temple Library, Obi-Wan researches Dallenor in the archives when Yoda approaches. Obi-Wan explains that while he's found mentions of the planet, there are no records of Jedi visiting it. Yoda suggests that their names have been lost over time, making the Holocron's acquisition essential for uncovering lost knowledge and names. As Obi-Wan prepares to depart, Yoda inquires about taking Skywalker along. Obi-Wan replies that he hadn't planned to, unsure if Anakin is ready. Yoda counters that Anakin lags behind due to Obi-Wan's hesitation. He emphasizes that while Anakin joined the temple later and has much to learn, an inadequately trained Jedi poses a risk to themselves and others. Therefore, if Kenobi is to train him, he must do so thoroughly.

Subsequently, Obi-Wan and Anakin leave the Jedi Temple aboard a Jedi shuttle. When Anakin asks to pilot, Obi-Wan suggests closer to their destination. Obi-Wan reflects that he can't treat Anakin like a typical padawan because his path differs from his own, and he isn't the same teacher as Qui-Gon. During their journey, Anakin inquires about Obi-Wan's life before the Jedi. Obi-Wan explains that he remembers little, having left his homeworld at a young age after being identified as Force-sensitive. Anakin believes this means Obi-Wan was destined to become a Jedi, unlike himself, who was a slave. When Anakin brings up the council's initial concerns about his age, Obi-Wan reminds him that Qui-Gon chose him as his student, just as he had chosen Obi-Wan. Frustrated, Anakin retorts that Qui-Gon's death left Obi-Wan stuck with him, and he retreats to the back of the ship before Obi-Wan can respond.

Upon arriving on Dallenor, the Jedi shuttle is greeted by Clatriffe, a Togruta overseeing the excavation. As she escorts them to the dig site, she mentions that things will improve once the Holocron is gone, as they've faced issues with local pirates who hired mercenaries upon learning of its value. While Anakin stands guard outside, Obi-Wan enters a building with Clatriffe, who retrieves the Holocron from a storage room containing other artifacts. Just as Obi-Wan expresses gratitude, citing the Jedi Council's interest, Anakin rushes in, warning of approaching pirates. Obi-Wan confronts the pirates outside, introducing himself to Hudso Shaku, the Fosh leader of the Krypder Riders, who demands the Holocron, threatening violence. Activating his lightsaber, Obi-Wan asserts his peaceful intentions but readiness to defend himself. Hudso orders his men to attack, targeting Obi-Wan's lightsaber. Obi-Wan skillfully defends against the Krypder Riders using his lightsaber and the Force, but Hudso manages to take Anakin hostage, holding a knife to his neck. When Hudso proposes exchanging Obi-Wan's lightsaber for Anakin, Anakin uses the Force to knock Hudso unconscious with rocks. The remaining pirates flee, and the Jedi board their shuttle with the Holocron. Obi-Wan commends Anakin's performance, admitting that he was the one who wasn't ready. Addressing their earlier conversation, Obi-Wan suggests that he might have felt Anakin was stuck with him as a teacher. Recalling Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan fears failing a padawan after failing to save his master. However, Anakin reassures him that they will save each other, as Qui-Gon would have wanted. During their return journey, Obi-Wan allows Anakin to pilot the shuttle, reflecting on Yoda's words about continuous learning. He realizes that the master is also a student, and while he may not be the teacher Qui-Gon was, he is the one Anakin has, vowing never to fail him again.

• Star Wars: Age of Republic - Obi-Wan Kenobi 1 is set during the early stages of Anakin Skywalker's training under Obi-Wan Kenobi. At the beginning, Kenobi is unsure about bringing Skywalker on missions. Skywalker also questions his readiness, but they both agree to continue working together by the story's conclusion. The comic's dialogue implies that this mission is Skywalker's first field experience, which is supported by the "Anakin Skywalker" encyclopedia. [4] Therefore, it logically precedes the Star Wars: Obi-Wan and Anakin comic series, which depicts Skywalker and Kenobi on a mission to Carnelion IV. [5] However, Star Wars: Timelines places Age of Republic - Obi-Wan Kenobi 1 around 28 BBY, positioning Obi-Wan and Anakin earlier at 29 BBY. [6] This article assumes Timelines is inaccurate.

• UPC 759606091973; January 2 , 2019 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00111; Cover A; Paolo Rivera 00121; Cover B; Lucasfilm Ltd. 00131; Cover C; Rahzzah 00141; Cover D; Iain McCaig 00151; Cover E; Guru-eFX, Mike McKone 00161; Cover F; Jesus Aburtov, Leinil Francis Yu