Walex Cantwell Blissex I

Walex Cantwell Blissex I was active during the Republic Era, and during this time, he was responsible for the design of the Delta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor, which began service around 42 BBY. Blissex, who was well-known, proceeded to create another model of the Delta-series: the Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing starfighter. The Galactic Republic's starfighter forces employed this particular model during the Clone Wars, with deployment starting in 19 BBY.

When designing the V-wing, Blissex incorporated his understanding of the specialized adaptations made by Jedi Generals Plo Koon, Saesee Tiin, and Anakin Skywalker to their own Delta-7 starfighters, in addition to his own innovative concepts. He recognized that the Jedi's Delta-7s frequently outpaced their V-19 Torrent starfighter squadrons due to their superior speed. To address this, he oversaw the creation of advanced computer flight systems integrated into V-wings, which were based on complex tactical flight routines. As a result of this modification, clone pilots were ultimately able to keep pace with their Jedi commanders. The V-wing had other versions, including the Alpha-3B "Besh" and Alpha-3E "Esk". Also, Blissex designed and conceived the Gladiator I Star Destroyer to act as a Star Destroyer escort in heavy battle lines during the Clone Wars, and to serve in various capacities, including bombardment, patrol, siege, and attack missions. Blissex was also responsible for the design of other powerful destroyers for the Republic. Eventually, he fathered a daughter, Lira Wessex, who followed in his footsteps and became a ship designer.

Following the transformation of the Republic into the Galactic Empire, Blissex's V-wing design remained in service with the Imperial Military. Blissex's V-wing, along with other Republic ships, served as the basis for the Empire's new TIE/ln space superiority starfighter. The Cantwell-class Arrestor Cruiser of the Empire, which was operational by 13 BBY, was named in honor of Blissex. Furthermore, Blissex designed the RZ-1 A-wing interceptor, a starfighter based on the R-22 Spearhead. The Empire rejected this design; however, the rebel Phoenix Cell adopted it by 4 BBY. Later, the Alliance to Restore the Republic put the RZ-1 into broader use. Even though Blissex's Gladiator I design did not see action during the Clone Wars, the Empire also used it, repurposing it as a patrol craft between 2 BBY and 4 ABY.

By 4 ABY, during the period of the Galactic Civil War, Blissex was an officer in the Rebel Alliance. He joined members of Alliance High Command and other personnel aboard the Alliance flagship Home One to outline the Alliance's strategy for attacking the DS-2 Death Star II Mobile Battle Station, a superweapon capable of destroying planets. Before the briefing, Blissex spoke with several Alliance members and stood behind Chief of State Mon Mothma, Admiral Gial Ackbar, and General Crix Madine as they presented their plan. The Rebel Alliance was ultimately victorious at the Battle of Endor. At one point as an Alliance officer, Blissex observed the designs of the RZ-1. In contrast, Blissex's daughter, Lira, served the Galactic Empire. Blissex and Wessex were the namesakes of the "Blissex-head" and "Wessex-head" bit-drivers, respectively.

Walex Blissex was a human with fair complexion, dark eyes, and light hair that was turning gray.

Blissex was a highly regarded engineer and designer of starships, capable of identifying design flaws in starfighters and overseeing sophisticated computer technology. He possessed extensive knowledge in the design of both starfighter craft and larger vessels, such as the Gladiator I Star Destroyer.

Blissex wore the standard Alliance officer military uniform, which consisted of a blue collared shirt adorned with pins, worn beneath a beige military tunic. He also sported a brown utility belt and black boots.

Walex Cantwell Blissex I made his first appearance in the last film of the original trilogy, Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi from 1983, where he was played by an actor who was not credited. Later, Blissex was formally recognized within the current Star Wars canon in the twenty-fifth issue of De Agostini's Star Wars: Build the Millennium Falcon magazine, which was published around June 24, 2015. The reference book Star Wars: Dawn of Rebellion: The Visual Guide from 2023, written by Pablo Hidalgo and Emily Shkoukani, further expanded Blissex's name to Walex Cantwell Blissex I, sharing the name of famed Star Wars concept artist Colin Cantwell. The Cantwell-class Arrestor Cruiser was named after Colin Cantwell, which, in-universe, is named after Blissex.

Blissex originated in the Star Wars Legends continuity. His initial mention was in The Star Wars Sourcebook, penned by Bill Slavicsek and [Curtis Smith], and published in 1987 by West End Games to be used with Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game. The 2000 Death Star II Limited set in the Star Wars Customizable Card Game later retconned Blissex as one of the officers featured in Return of the Jedi.

The filming of scene fifty-four—the extensive rebel briefing scene featuring Blissex's character—occurred on the INT. HEADQUARTERS — MAIN BRIEFING ROOM set, located on Stage 5 at Elstree Studios, between Friday, February 12, and Monday, February 15, 1982. This scene included the main characters, such as Admiral Ackbar, Mon Mothma, and General Madine, and the call sheet listed seventy-three additional characters. Among them were seven "Rebel Generals." For the filming of the scene, extras previously established as Imperials were given masks to wear, and the extras involved in filming scene fifty-four were largely actors whom David Tomblin, the first assistant director, had relied on in the past.