Marvel’s wildly successive and popular run of Star Wars comics takes a leap back before the Clone Wars, with Obi-Wan and Anakin #1!
Marvel Star Wars has revealed the covers and and some art for the long anticipated Obi-Wan and Anakin #1. The comic takes place in between Episode I and Episode II, when Obi-Wan had taken on the Chosen One, Anakin Skywalker, as a Padawan Learner. Here’s Marvel’s official press release:
"Before their military heroism in the Clone Wars, before their tragic battle on Mustafar, and many decades before their confrontation on the Death Star…they were Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan learner, Anakin Skywalker. Today, Lucasfilm Ltd. and Marvel Entertainment are pleased to present your first look inside OBI-WAN AND ANAKIN #1 – the newest Star Wars™ limited series from blockbuster creators Charles Soule (Lando, She-Hulk, Daredevil) and artist Marco Checchetto (Star Wars: Shattered Empire, Avengers World, Punisher)!"
As you can see from the panel below, Anakin is a little older than he was at the end of Phantom Menace. He’s no longer the little boy that helped lift the Blockade of Naboo, by flying a starfighter to the Trade Federation Control Ship and destroying it. This Anakin looks very much like the whiney and petulant Padawan that we all came to love…to hate, from Attack of the Clones.
"Set between the events of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones – it has been a few years since Obi-Wan pledged to train the young Anakin. Though they have grown closer through training, the road has been a difficult one. Now, called to a remote planet for assistance, Master and Padawan’s skills will be put to the test. And their relationship will be pushed to the breaking point. Before they became brothers-in-arms during the Clone Wars, be there as Soule and Checchetto weave a tale of the Jedi at the height of their power, and the foundations of their doomed friendship. It all starts this January in OBI-WAN AND ANAKIN #1!"
Obi-Wan looks like the iconic younger version that Ewan McGregor so expertly brought to the screen, a role that Sir Alec Guinness established as an older version in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. What I find so interesting about this comic, is that it will explore the relationship between the two Jedi Knights.
One thing the Prequel Trilogy did so well was the bond between Obi-Wan and Anakin. They treated each other like brothers, more than they did Master and Padawan…which is the draw. Obi-Wan and Anakin #1 is written by Charles Soule, with art and cover by Marco Checchetto.
Action Figure Variant by John Tyler Christopher:
Variant Cover by Siya Oum:
Variant Cover by Skottie Young:
Classic Variant by Kevin Nowlan:
There will also be a Movie Variant, and Blank Cover Variant available. I have to say, with the exception of the action figure variant, I really love all these covers. It’s something that Marvel does extremely well. Obi-Wan and Anakin #1 will go on sale on January 6, 2016.