Kanan 1, the initial installment of the canon comic book series Star Wars: Kanan, hit shelves on April 1, 2015. Marvel Comics published this issue, which was penned by Greg Weisman and brought to life visually by Pepe Larraz. Serving as a narrative precursor to the animated show Star Wars Rebels, Kanan 1 delves into the background of Kanan Jarrus during the tumultuous final days of the Clone Wars.
The STAR WARS REBELS character Kanan Jarrus is portrayed as a cocky and sarcastic renegade who fights the Galactic Empire alongside the Ghost's ragtag crew. However, years before, during the Clone Wars, he was Caleb Dume, a Jedi Padawan under Jedi Master Depa Billaba. Neither master nor apprentice suspected that the Clone Troopers they commanded would turn on them when Order 66 was issued, which ordered the execution of all Jedi. How did Caleb Dume manage to survive this ordeal? How did he acquire the skills necessary for self-preservation? And what experiences transformed him into the man we recognize as Kanan Jarrus? Greg Weisman, the writer and executive producer of STAR WARS REBELS and SPECTACULAR SPIDER-MAN, and Pepe Larraz, the artist behind DEADPOOL VS. X-FORCE, THOR, and INHUMAN, collaborate to present a story that bridges the gap between the Clone Wars and Rebels!
Around 4 BBY, Fulcrum tasks Hera Syndulla and the Spectres with a simple supply retrieval mission on Lothal, specifically on the planet Kaller, to aid refugees in Tarkintown. Garazeb Orrelios instructs Ezra Bridger and Chopper to maintain good behavior, while Sabine Wren points out that not every assignment involves direct conflict with the Galactic Empire. Upon learning their destination is Kaller, Kanan Jarrus displays evident unease.
Fifteen years prior, Jedi Padawan Caleb Dume, alongside his master Jedi General Depa Billaba, leads their contingent of Clone troopers into combat against Separatist forces on Kaller. Caleb's experiences in the Clone Wars have largely been confined to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant for the past three years. This battle marks one of his initial forays into active warfare.
Wielding their lightsabers and channeling the Force, Dume and Billaba cut through swarms of battle droids. During the heat of battle, Billaba reminds Caleb to adopt a defensive Form III stance. Under General Billaba's strategic direction, Captain Styles and his unit are assigned to the left flank, while Commander Grey and his troops secure the right flank. Together, the Jedi and Clone troopers effectively dismantle the Separatist droid ranks, advancing towards the Separatist stronghold.
Observing General Billaba's success in overwhelming his droid forces, the Separatist General Kleeve commands a withdrawal, preparing for departure aboard his personal shuttle. He conveys his apologies to Gamut Key, the Kalleran leader, for the Separatists' need to abandon Kaller temporarily. Acknowledging the Kallerans' discontent with Separatist governance, he questions whether Key anticipates similar "tyranny" under the Republic.
Witnessing Kleeve's Separatist command shuttle's departure, Caleb and Billaba recognize their victory. In the aftermath of the battle, General Billaba and Caleb engage in a meeting with Gamut Key, the village's leader. Billaba assures him that they will not exploit the villagers for supplies or labor, unlike the Separatists. When Key inquires about lodging arrangements for General Billaba and her staff, Janus Kasmir, another Kalleran, intervenes, asserting that the Kallerans perceive minimal distinction between the Separatists and the Republic.
An indignant Caleb defends his master, reminding Kasmir that General Depa Billaba holds a position on the Jedi High Council. Commander Grey echoes his support for General Billaba, suggesting that Kasmir may desire General Kleeve's return. Kasmir then asks for the General's name. Captain Styles labels Kasmir an ungrateful "tuft-sucket," but General Billaba intervenes to de-escalate the situation. Given Kaller's temperate climate during this season, General Billaba informs Key that they will camp outdoors for the night. Key accepts her proposition.
Caleb questions his master regarding her tolerance of Kasmir's disrespectful behavior. Billaba leads Caleb to a hilltop, where she apologizes for neglecting his training and proceeds to provide him with a lightsaber lesson. When Billaba inquires about Caleb's feelings, he responds with questions. When Billaba asks about his heart, he assures her that he is at peace. Caleb admits that he is content with his role in the Clone Wars, despite the suffering it has inflicted upon the galaxy.
Billaba informs Caleb that the universe is in constant flux and that a Jedi's role must adapt accordingly. While observing Caleb's rapport with Commander Grey and Captain Styles, she cautions him against becoming overly attached to these relationships, as the war and his apprenticeship are finite. She advises him not to suppress these emotions, but rather to exercise control over them.
Later, around a campfire with Commander Grey and Captain Styles, Caleb asks Master Billaba why she did not respond to Kasmir's insolence. Billaba explains that she wanted to demonstrate the differences between the Republic and the Separatists through her actions. Billaba confides that she believes the Jedi Order erred in assuming military titles. Grey and Styles disagree, arguing that the war would have been lost without Jedi leadership.
Billaba clarifies that her concern lies not with leadership, but with role and rank. Grey counters, asserting that she underestimates the importance of a clear chain of command. Caleb is concerned that Billaba is questioning the decisions of the Jedi High Council. However, Billaba reminds him that Caleb was known for asking too many questions. Commander Gray jokes that the kid never stops asking questions and playfully brushes his head. Caleb responds that he only asks questions to better understand why a decision was made and never questioned the decisions themselves.
Billaba, realizing she may have been too flippant, tells Caleb that she chose him as her Padawan precisely because of his inquisitive nature. She presents him with a holocron and instructs him to study the role of questioning and peaceful dissent within the Jedi Order. Caleb expresses his gratitude to Billaba. Styles playfully calls Caleb a troublemaker. Meanwhile, Commander Grey receives a hologram message from Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, cloaked and ordering him to execute Order 66. Grey complies with the Chancellor's orders, raising his blaster.
- UPC 759606081585; April 1 , 2015 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00111; Cover A; Mark Brooks 00121; Cover B; Skottie Young 00131; Cover C; Kilian Plunkett 00141; Cover D; Lucasfilm Ltd. 00151; Cover E; Blank 00161; Cover F; Phil Noto 00112; Cover G; Mark Brooks
- UPC 759606085057; May 4 , 2016 ; Marvel Comics; True Believers [5] 00111; Cover H; Mark Brooks