Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales 1

Delve into a tumultuous period in galactic history with this captivating weekly series: the Clone Wars! As Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and their fellow Jedi Knights bravely confront seemingly insurmountable odds, Commander Cody, Captain Rex, and other clone troopers, stuck in a defensive position, share tales of war. These stories highlight beloved characters from The Clone Wars animated series, including Padmé Amidala, General Grievous, and numerous others!

Prior to the Battle of Christophsis on Hisseen, Captain Rex commands a clone defense against Separatist droids. Commander Cody's remark about backup proves to be a jinx, as more droids, specifically B2 super battle droids, arrive. Cody emphasizes the need to protect the Hisseenian people, but a direct assault on the super battle droids is not viable. Wolffe suggests a flanking maneuver, but Rex delays this when Jedi Generals Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Plo Koon appear on the battlefield, lifting a super battle droid into the air.

The Jedi engage, inspiring the clones to push back the droids. Plo Koon reveals that Count Dooku and Asajj Ventress plan to meet the Hisseenian Premiere in the mountains. If the Premiere reveals the location of parliamentary members, Dooku could seize control of the planet. The Jedi pursue Dooku and Ventress, while the clone leaders are tasked with holding their position and safeguarding the populace. After the Jedi depart, Cody notes Skywalker's recklessness, but Rex defends him, citing his unwavering commitment to his men.

A flashback to Benglor shows Anakin Skywalker, Rex, and Hardcase traversing a jungle. Complaining about the heat, Anakin questions their mission, and Rex reminds him they are investigating Separatist activity. Anakin agrees to one last search, and Rex gathers his men. Hardcase discovers a sticky substance, and Bellow finds droid fragments. The destroyed droids are oddly broken, and Anakin realizes they are being led somewhere. A quadruped emerges and devours Bellow with its tongue. The clones attack in retaliation, but Anakin warns them it's a trap. Hardcase disobeys and attacks with his Z-6 rotary blaster cannon, but is swatted aside. Anakin orders Rex to retreat, but insists on saving Hardcase, activating his lightsaber.

Anakin uses the Force to immobilize the creature, allowing Hardcase to escape, but reprimands him for disobedience. Alone with the beast, Anakin struggles due to its speed. After being knocked against a tree, he throws his lightsaber, felling a tree onto the creature. Believing he's won, Anakin is unaware of the creature's recovery until Captain Rex intervenes. When Anakin questions Rex's disobedience, Rex explains he's following a new order: never leave a man behind. Together, they defeat the beast. Rex suggests leaving Hardcase due to his disobedience, arguing that clones are soldiers who may not return. Anakin counters that clones are men whose lives are in his hands, a responsibility he takes seriously. Rex is surprised, and Anakin tells him to adjust to this reality under his command.

Back in the present, Separatist droids attack again, and General Plo Koon contacts them with a garbled message. Rex and Cody discern that General Skywalker is in danger, engaged in lightsaber combat with Count Dooku, and they must relay this information to Wolffe.

Originally slated for release on April 1, 2020, Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars – Battle Tales #1 was delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• UPC 827714019537; May 20 , 2020; IDW Publishing ; First edition [1] 00111; Cover A; Derek Charm 00121; Cover B; Derek Charm 00131; Cover C; Michael Avon Oeming 00141; Cover D; Peach Momoko
• UPC 827714019537; August 5 , 2020; IDW Publishing; Second edition [6] 00112; Cover E; Derek Charm