15 best Anakin Skywalker moments in Star Wars
By Tom Farr
2. Anakin’s compassion in the midst of war
In 2019 Marvel Comics released a series of one-shot comics focused on heroes from the Age of the Republic. These featured stories about heroes such as Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, and one issue, in particular, gave us a rare glimpse into the heroic nature of Anakin Skywalker. Age of Republic: Anakin Skywalker was written by Jody Houser and tells a story of Anakin that takes place during the Clone Wars.
The Republic discovers a Separatist droid factory in the Kudo system, being operated by the Kudon people. Admiral Yularen informs Anakin that the opportunity to destroy this factory is limited, which means they must drop in, destroy the factory and those running it, and get out. Anakin struggles with this plan, however, because it will mean all the Kudon droid factory workers will be casualties, and we quickly learn that Anakin would prefer not to take lives if he can help it. It’s not the Jedi way, we can almost hear him say. Anakin had heard that the Kudon people hadn’t taken a side in the war, but Yularen argues that their decision to help the Separatists build new droids makes them enemies of the Republic. Something about the mission doesn’t sit right with Anakin, however, and he chooses to check out the situation on his own, much to Admiral Yularen’s displeasure.
What Anakin discovers is the Kudon people making droids… against their will. As slaves, which brings up terrible memories from Anakin’s childhood as a slave himself. Anakin rushes into action to free the Kudon people and give them the opportunity to fight, not for the Republic, but for themselves for what the Separatists have done to them. In this story, Anakin demonstrates keen insight and a heart for those who can’t protect themselves. He’s guided by a clear sense of right and wrong, which means that he’s not afraid to challenge someone if he thinks there is a better path to be taken.