Star Wars: Age of Republic - Qui-Gon Jinn 1 marks the debut issue in the Star Wars: Age of Republic comic book anthology series. Marvel Comics released this issue, featuring writing by Jody Houser and illustrations by Cory Smith, on December 5, 2018.
The story, titled "Balance," is situated before the events depicted in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace. It delves into Qui-Gon Jinn's internal conflict as he grapples with his role as a Jedi Master.
JEDI ORDER…OR CHAOS? A figure of considerable debate within STAR WARS lore, QUI-GON JINN is either hailed as one of the Jedi Order's greatest members or blamed for its ultimate downfall. This nonconformist JEDI MASTER frequently clashes with the COUNCIL due to his tendency to disregard regulations. In the face of a mission gone awry, Qui-Gon is compelled to examine his conflicting loyalties. The central question becomes: Where does Qui-Gon's allegiance truly lie – with the Jedi or with the FORCE? Special guest appearance by MASTER YODA!
A negotiation effort quickly devolves into a desperate flight. On the planet Bri'n, Qui-Gon Jinn and Mistress Th'er, the Priestess of Wood, are forced to flee the Metal Clan. After failing to reach an agreement with their aggressive adversaries, finding themselves surrounded, and acknowledging the impossibility of a peaceful resolution, Qui-Gon saves the mistress by jumping onto his Interceptor and instructing his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, to pilot them back to Coruscant, the capital of the Galactic Republic.
Upon their arrival at Coruscant, Th'er expresses her displeasure, scolding Qui-Gon for his perceived cowardice. She had expected legendary warriors, not those who would run from a fight. Qui-Gon initially attempts to defend his actions, but her words spark a profound question within him: Are the Jedi losing sight of their original purpose?
Later that evening, at the Jedi Temple, Master Yoda seeks out Qui-Gon, sensing "great turmoil" within him. They engage in a discussion about the source of this inner conflict.
Qui-Gon contends that the Jedi have transformed into warriors rather than remaining peacekeepers, servants of the Force. Despite his concerns being seemingly dismissed, Yoda advises him to seek a deeper understanding of the Force when faced with questions. This prompts Qui-Gon to devise a plan to address his growing doubts about the Jedi Order.
Accompanied only by his astromech droid, Qui-Gon boards his ship and allows the Force to guide him through the vastness of space. He eventually arrives at an uncharted but mapped planet in a remote region of the galaxy. After landing, Qui-Gon explores the planet's untouched natural beauty, free from technological influence. However, he soon senses a chilling presence of corruption: The Dark Side has tainted parts of the planet. Qui-Gon is left to ponder his purpose: Is he there to combat it... or to learn from it?
Upon reaching a dark monument, Qui-Gon chooses to meditate, questioning whether light can exist even in such a desolate place.
Qui-Gon is transported into a dreamlike vision, a desert landscape bathed in the light of a sun-drenched sky.
Black roots emerge from the ground, morphing into menacing red figures. Qui-Gon draws his lightsaber and swiftly destroys them, a smile forming on his face. However, the red figures transform again into fallen Jedi, lying motionless at his feet. Horrified, Qui-Gon discovers black roots growing on his own hands, which then turn into red roots that consume him until he succumbs.
Qui-Gon awakens with a scream, realizing it was merely a vision. More importantly, he recognizes that the Light Side has managed to penetrate the dark monument. As he departs the planet, Qui-Gon arrives at a crucial understanding: Balance can be achieved through peaceful means, and the Jedi, if unchecked, could become the very evil they oppose.
Upon returning to Coruscant, Qui-Gon finds Th'er admiring the limited natural elements of the capital. He proposes to find allies to support her cause against the Metal Clan, seeking balance to preserve her way of life and enrich it. Th'er agrees to give it a chance.
Later that night, under a tranquil night sky, Qui-Gon sits with Yoda to enjoy the view. Yoda inquires whether he found answers, to which Qui-Gon responds that he did, along with even more questions, as is often the case with the Force. While Yoda seems to not grasp the depth of Qui-Gon's newfound understanding, Qui-Gon is content with what he has learned. A Jedi must be flexible, yet not unyielding.
Balance is the true path and purpose of the Jedi.
- UPC 759606091997; December 5 , 2018 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00111; Cover A; Paolo Rivera 00121; Cover B; Romulo Fajardo Jr., Cory Smith 00131; Cover C; Lucasfilm Ltd. 00141; Cover D; Iain McCaig 00151; Cover E; Guru-eFX, Mike McKone 00161; Cover F; Elia Bonetti, Giuseppe Camuncoli 00112; Cover G; Cory Smith