Kanan 7, the seventh installment of the canon comic book series Star Wars: Kanan, was brought to life by writer Greg Weisman and artist Pepe Larraz. Marvel Comics released it on October 28, 2015. This issue marked the beginning of the First Blood story arc, a prequel to the previous arc that delves into Caleb Dume's initial experiences during the Clone Wars.
Kanan Jarrus, suffering from a knife wound in his back, recuperates inside a bacta tank at a Kaller Medcenter. The Spectres anxiously await his recovery. A 2-1B surgical droid informs them that Kanan experienced significant blood loss prior to arriving at the medcenter. When Garazeb Orrelios inquires about the circumstances of Kanan's stabbing, Hera Syndulla silences him. Hera states that they are unaware of the events that transpired and expresses their hope that Kanan will awaken and provide an explanation.
Kanan's mind drifts back to his time at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Caleb Dume is preparing for the Initiate Trials, which are only a day away, and is practicing alongside other Padawans under the guidance of Jedi Master Yoda. Yoda advises Caleb to maintain his form. As Caleb seeks clarification from Yoda, he is unexpectedly attacked by Tai Uzuma and Sammo Quid.
Caleb receives a head injury and is directed to the infirmary. The 2-1B surgical droid assesses the wound, noting that the bleeding has stopped, and dismisses him as his injuries are not severe. Before departing, Caleb observes a human woman recovering in a bacta tank. The surgical droid promptly escorts him out, instructing him not to return unless he is experiencing internal bleeding. Shortly thereafter, the woman awakens and summons the surgical droid.
Subsequently, Masters Yoda, Mace Windu, and Obi-Wan Kenobi consult with the surgical droid, who confirms that Master Depa Billaba has fully recovered. Billaba affirms her mental well-being, stating that she has spent six months in a coma-like state. Windu remarks on her flippancy, to which Yoda adds that such a trait is unbecoming of a Jedi Master. Billaba apologizes, and Kenobi expresses his relief at her recovery. Yoda and Windu decide to proceed with a thorough physical, mental, and emotional evaluation.
While the Padawans participate in the initiate trials, which include meditation and lightsaber duels, Master Billaba engages in blindfolded sparring matches against Kenobi, Windu, and a training droid. Billaba also focuses her mind on the Jedi Code.
At the Jedi High Council, Master Windu commends Billaba on successfully completing her assessments. Yoda acknowledges her fitness but notes that she continues to conceal her fears. Billaba apologizes for her shortcomings, but Kenobi reassures her that perfection is not a requirement for service. He bows and welcomes her back to the Council. Master Ki-Adi-Mundi announces to the Council that three Padawans, Caleb, Tai Uzuma, and Sammo Quid, have passed their initiate trials.
Later, Caleb, Tai, and Sammo are studying at the Jedi Archives under the direction of Master Jocasta Nu, who explains the process by which Jedi Masters choose their Padawans. Caleb questions the Jedi Order's preference for this method and whether it is based on experimentation. He wonders if the Force revealed the path through a vision and whether they should challenge the Force. Jocasta is impressed by Caleb's inquiry but suggests that they must embrace faith. The Padawans are observed by several Masters, including Windu and an impressed Billaba.
Master Billaba leads the Padawans in a sparring session, instructing them to adopt the defensive stance of Form III. During the lesson, Caleb inadvertently destroys a training remote with his lightsaber, despite wearing a blast helmet that obscures his vision. Later, Caleb discusses Master Billaba with Tai and Sammo. The three pass by Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and his astromech droid R2-D2.
Tai questions Caleb's potential selection by Master Billaba, dismissing him as a child. Caleb counters that while he is young for a Padawan, he has passed the Initiate Trials and desires to experience action before the [Clone Wars](/article/clone_wars] come to an end. Tai retorts that Caleb would be overcome with fear and flee back to his home planet.
At that moment, Sammo Quid draws them aside and shares rumors from the Clone troopers that Billaba is damaged goods. He reveals that Billaba's battalion suffered a 90 percent casualty rate during their previous mission, fighting against General Grievous. Sammo speculates that Grievous either defeated her or that she is cursed with misfortune. Tai doubts that Billaba will receive another command.
Caleb resolves to investigate further and seeks out Master Billaba in an indoor garden featuring a pond. In response to Caleb's question about being "damaged goods," Billaba accepts responsibility for the soldiers who perished under her command. She questions her own effectiveness as a commander. Simultaneously, a masked figure ascends a tower within the Jedi Temple and infiltrates an air duct. The figure releases several mini-drone explosives through the ventilation shaft, triggering explosions. Caleb and Billaba hear the sounds of mini-drone explosives rolling and detonating.
- UPC 759606081585; October 28 , 2015 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00711; Cover A; Mark Brooks