Kanan 7
Kanan 7, the seventh installment of the canon comic book series titled 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 marks 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.
Publisher's summary
We've already witnessed Kanan's final adventure as a Padawan. Now, journey back to his very first! Witness Caleb Dume's initiation into the Clone Wars!
Plot summary
The present
Kanan Jarrus, suffering from a knife wound in his back, is healing inside a bacta tank at a Medcenter on Kaller. The Spectres anxiously await his recovery. A 2-1B surgical droid informs them that Kanan experienced significant blood loss before his arrival. When Garazeb Orrelios inquires about the stabbing, Hera Syndulla silences him. Hera explains that the circumstances are unknown and expresses their hope that Kanan will awaken and provide answers.
Kanan's flashbacks
Parallel trials
Kanan's mind drifts back to his time at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Caleb Dume is preparing for the Initiate Trials, which are a day away, and is training with fellow Padawans under the guidance of Jedi Master Yoda. Yoda advises Caleb to maintain his form. While Caleb seeks clarification from Yoda, he is suddenly attacked by Tai Uzuma and Sammo Quid.
Caleb receives a head injury and is directed to the infirmary. The 2-1B surgical droid notes that the wound has clotted and dismisses him, deeming his injuries minor. 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 experiences internal bleeding. Shortly thereafter, the woman awakens and alerts the surgical droid.
Subsequently, Masters Yoda, Mace Windu, and Obi-Wan Kenobi consult with the surgical droid, who confirms that Master Depa Billaba has completely recovered. Billaba affirms her mental well-being, stating that she spent six months in a coma-like state. Windu remarks on her flippancy, which Yoda considers an undesirable trait in a Jedi Master. Billaba apologizes, and Kenobi expresses his relief at her survival. Yoda and Windu decide to proceed with a comprehensive physical, mental, and emotional evaluation.
As the Padawans participate in the initiate trials, which involve meditation and lightsaber combat, Master Billaba engages in blindfolded sparring sessions against Kenobi, Windu, and a training droid. Billaba also meditates on the tenets of the Jedi Code.
At the Jedi High Council, Master Windu commends Billaba for successfully completing her assessments. Yoda acknowledges her fitness but notes that she continues to conceal her fear. Billaba expresses remorse for her perceived shortcomings, but Kenobi counters that perfection is not a prerequisite for service. He bows and welcomes her back to the Council. Master Ki-Adi-Mundi announces that Caleb, Tai Uzuma, and Sammo Quid have all passed their initiate trials.
The next stage and gossip
Later, Caleb, Tai, and Sammo are studying at the Jedi Archives under the guidance 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 wonders if it is based on trial and error. He speculates whether the Force revealed the path through a vision and whether they should question the Force. Jocasta is impressed by Caleb's inquiry but suggests that they must embrace faith. Several Masters, including Windu and an impressed Billaba, observe the Padawans.
Master Billaba leads the Padawans in a sparring exercise, 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. Afterward, Caleb discusses Master Billaba with Tai and Sammo. The trio passes by Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and his astromech droid R2-D2.
Tai questions why Master Billaba would choose Caleb, dismissing him as immature. Caleb retorts that, while he may be young for a Padawan, he successfully completed the Initiate Trials and desires to experience action before the [Clone Wars](/article/clone_wars] conclude. Tai predicts 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 suggests that Grievous either defeated her or that she is cursed with misfortune. Tai doubts that Billaba will receive another command.
Meeting Master Billaba
Driven by curiosity, Caleb seeks out Master Billaba in an indoor garden featuring a pond. When Caleb asks if she is "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 launches several mini-drone explosives through the ventilation shaft, triggering explosions. Caleb and Billaba hear the sounds of the mini-drone explosives detonating.
Media
Editions
- UPC 759606081585; October 28 , 2015 ; Marvel Comics [1] 00711; Cover A; Mark Brooks