Dave Filoni’s Ahsoka artwork is making the rounds again

One thing that never fails with online fandom is when something mystical happens with Ahsoka Tano’s character, Dave Filoni’s artwork begins to make the round again on social media. Some are concept art, others are ideas, one is a deleted scene, and everything else is in between. Let’s take a look at the four big pieces of Dave Filoni art that have circulated during Ahsoka’s release.

1. Ahsoka and Sabine’s journey

On the first Rebels Remembered Day (which is March 5th annually to coincide with the final episode of Star Wars Rebels), Dave shared an image of Ahsoka and Sabine Wren on their search for Ezra Bridger. Of course, Dave had no idea if he would ever get the chance to tell their story. This piece of concept art came with a message to fans:

"“I tried to think of something to sketch for all of you, but I couldn’t come up with something from the past, so I drew a possible future instead. It’s always good to check in on old friends, don’t you think? No, this is not a new show, just a drawing I did today for you, the greatest fans there are.”"

Of course, we would watch this story play out four years later.

2. Ahsoka meets Bendu

After the season two finale of Star Wars Rebels, Dave shared concept artwork of a deleted scene for the episode “The Mystery of Chopper Base.” It was Ahsoka meeting the Bendu, a Force being that is neither dark nor light, who represents the middle. With it came their dialogue from the scene, which is as follows:

"Bendu: You are set on this confrontation then?Ahsoka: I have to know the truth.Bendu: So be it, but understand this, much will change as a result of this encounter, including you.Ahsoka: Isn’t that true of all things, as time advances?Bendu: My dear, when I say change, I mean death.Ahsoka: So I will die?Bendu: Will you? I didn’t know that. Goodbye then, Ahsoka Tano, former Jedi Knight."

What’s fascinating about this conversation is that when Ahsoka dueled Darth Vader in “Twilight of the Apprentice,” he was on the verge of killing her. Then, in the episode “A World Between Worlds,” it’s revealed that Ezra rescued her, though the encounter did change Ahsoka for good.

3. Dave’s Topps Cards

At Celebration 2016, it was revealed that Dave Filoni created a set of exclusive Topps cards featuring Ahsoka’s journey after her duel with Darth Vader in Star Wars Rebels, meeting the convor Morai, and a spiritual journey ending in the World Between Worlds. I highly suggest checking out the entire set here, but with Ahsoka Episode 5, “Shadow Warrior,” one card in particular has made the rounds again.

After her spiritual journey with Anakin ends, the World Between Worlds fades away. Ahsoka sinks down into rising waters before it engulfs her. This matches one of the Topps cards with Ahsoka wading in waist-deep water.

4. Ahsoka meeting Gandalf

At the end of Star Wars Rebels, Ahsoka’s transformation is complete as she appears before Sabine Wren wearing white robes and holding a staff. Fans dubbed her “Ahsoka the White,” which was intentional. Dave is a huge J.R.R. Tolkien fan and mirrored Ahsoka’s journey after Gandalf’s. “Shadow Warrior” showcased that transformation in her as she shed her grey robes for white ones. It was fitting that Filoni’s artwork of Gandalf and Ahsoka once again circled about the internet.

I would give anything to have a Star Wars art book of Dave Filoni’s drawings. Until Lucasfilm and Abrams Books give us a Star Wars Art: Dave Filoni book to add to my collection, we’ll have to settle for bits of art he’s shared online or at conventions.

Stay updated with all things Ahsoka here at Dork Side of the Force.