The comic book titled Darkness, Part 1 represents the thirty-second installment within the Star Wars: Republic comic series. Dark Horse Comics released it to the public on July 24, 2001.
This latest story arc in the Star Wars series continues the narrative of Quinlan Vos, a Jedi grappling with instability after memory loss. Despite his successful Dathomir mission, the Jedi Council remains concerned about his proximity to the dark side. When an unknown foe devastates a security compound on Kiffex, a prison planet overseen by the Guardians, chaos erupts. Due to his Guardian heritage, Quinlan Vos is specifically asked to investigate, leading him into another perilous mission. This introductory part of "Darkness" develops subplots from "Twilight" and "Infinity's End," introduces new Star Wars characters, and establishes a foundation for a gripping tale filled with horror and adventure.
The Kiffu Guardians, positioned between Kiffu and Kiffex, destroy a smuggler vessel. A single escape pod makes it to Kiffex, but the Guardians allow it to land, as those onboard would face imprisonment there. Aayla Secura is revealed to have been hiding on the ship, emerging from the escape pod. Her goal is to locate Quinlan Vos and exact revenge for the death of her uncle. She discovers an ancient temple and enters it. Inside, an imprisoned man uses the Force to communicate with her, requesting his freedom. She complies, and he identifies himself as Volfe Karkko, expressing his desire to satisfy his hunger.
Some weeks pass, and on Coruscant, Mace Windu, Saesee Tiin, Yarael Poof, and Quinlan Vos receive a message from Quinlan's great-aunt, Sheyf Tinté Vos. She requests Quinlan's presence on Kiffex to investigate a strange attack on one of their outposts. Windu, Tiin, and Poof deliberate on the request. Windu then informs Quinlan that he will be sent to Kiffex. He also mentions that T'ra Saa, the Jedi Watchman for the sector, has detected a Force disturbance on Kiffex. Quinlan inquires about Aayla, but Windu states she has not yet been found. Another Jedi secretly listens to their conversation.
A Guardian drops Quinlan off on Kiffex. He examines the outpost and, defying the rules of both the Jedi and Guardians, employs psychometry on a guard's body. He discovers the guards were killed by a group of Anzati, and then realizes the Anzati are currently attacking him. He battles them, nearly succumbing to his anger. However, the other Jedi intervenes, calming him and joining the fight. The Anzati retreat, surprised by the presence of another Jedi. The other Jedi reveals himself to be Tholme, Quinlan's former mentor. Tholme recognizes the extent of Quinlan's memory loss upon seeing Quinlan's lack of recognition. The two Jedi sense a presence in the storage area, where they find Vilmarh Grahrk hiding. Quinlan attacks Grahrk. When Grahrk objects, Quinlan claims he knows Grahrk was responsible for the deaths of Jedi during the Yinchorri Uprising. Tholme reminds Quinlan that Jedi do not seek vengeance. Quinlan demands an explanation for Grahrk's presence. Grahrk says he was hired to smuggle blasters to Kiffex, but he was captured and imprisoned. He adds that he went to the outpost to find blasters but hid when the Anzati returned. He offers to guide them to the settlement, and the Jedi reluctantly agree.