Young Jedi Adventures has been quite a surprise delight. When the preschool series set in The High Republic was announced, it was a big deal. It would be the first time this new era would be on screen. When all the promotional material was released, everyone instantly fell in love with the blue Pooba Jedi Nubs, voiced by Dee Bradley Baker. Nubs Nation was instantly born!
However, as I watched the show, I could agree that Nubs was a fun little character. He was funny, charming, fuzzy, and just the sweetest little guy. That was until the sixth episode, "Forest Defenders."
In the episode, Nubs and his friends Kai Brightstar and Lys Solay are excited to see this beautiful forest on the planet of Federian. When they get there, they're shocked to discover that the forest's animals are losing their homes to a big harvester! And the person behind the deforestation is Raxlo, the Gozzo capitalist who is looking to make a quick buck.
The fact that they picked a Gozzo, a bird person, to deforest a planet is hilarious. Birds are supposed to love trees, but NAH! He's got bills to pay! These Jedi kids are in his way! It's not like they pay their taxes! Granted, if Raxlo revealed tax evasion, I wouldn't be surprised.
Voiced by Haley Joel Osment, who is a stellar voice actor in his own right (see our list!), I was excited to have THE Sora from the Kingdom Hearts franchise in my Star Wars. I also have a big soft spot for Gozzos in general, thanks to Star Wars Resistance. These things alone would have made Raxlo a favorite for me.
OK, I'm allowed to say it: I had the amazing chance to sit in on a HALEY JOEL OSMENT Zoom recording session yesterday, for our show Young Jedi Adventures!!
— Christina Mijares-LOOKIN' FOR WORK-Dewgong 🦭✨️ (@ChristinaDrawin) May 22, 2024
I just had to draw this for my co-workers, of his character, Raxlo (and my favorite running joke between him and Nubs 💙) https://t.co/zZgnyV3piL pic.twitter.com/ujDNBlfwIY
The creators of Young Jedi Adventures' brilliant choice was to make Raxlo endearing. He has real motivations behind being "evil," which he's not. He's an antagonist, not a villain. I was surprised they gave him a character arc in the first season, making it intriguing for when he returns in Season 2. I want to know where this capitalism-loving bird will go from here. Yes, he's learning his lessons, but I bet his next scheme will put him at odds with the Jedi once more. Again, JEDI DON'T HAVE BILLS TO PAY! Those meddling kids need to get out of Raxlo's way!
His ongoing joke not understanding Nubs is wonderful too.
Young Jedi Adventures is the Bluey of Star Wars. The entire cast of characters is a delight. It just so happens the best one is the birdman, who will steal all your trees when you're not looking!