Brandon Borzelli's Geek Goggle Reviews
Star Wars: Jedi – The Dark Side #1
Dark Horse Comics
Allie, Asrar & Mounts
Dark Horse unveils its new Star Wars series entitled, "Jedi", with an arc dealing with Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice prior to Obi-Wan. Set some fifty years prior to the Battle of Yavin (approximately twenty years prior to the Phantom Menace) this story doesn't hide the overall plot with its title, "The Dark Side". The first issue establishes a solid cast of characters paired with Qui-Gon and provides a glimpse of what future issues entail. It's a good first issue but it does present a few stumbling blocks that the rest of the arc will hopefully work through. I'm glad to see Dark Horse publishing comics during this era, particularly about this character so I view this issue as an overall win.
The issue begins with Qui-Gon sparring with two young padawans, Feemor and Xanatos. They work to defeat Qui-Gon, but one boasts too much which works against the approval of Qui-Gon he seeks. From this interaction we see a side of Qui-Gon that may not line up with the version in the film, Phantom Menace. In that movie, Qui-Gon is calculated but he is also a bit of a loose cannon, never afraid to rebel. Here he seems almost conceited which works against the older version of the character. The scene ends when Master Tahl enters.
Tahl and Qui-Gon have chemistry. Perhaps too much chemistry for Jedi of opposing genders. The two are tasked with carrying out a diplomatic mission to Telos IV, the home world of Xanatos. They also drag along Orykan, a padawan without a master. The four travel to this planet all hoping to return with something different for themselves, whether it's an improved rank or a new master. However, Xanatos stands the most to gain or lose.
Xanatos is forced to face his father and the pending war on his world, all against the backdrop of his failing apprenticeship. It's a test for Xanatos but it's also a test for his father who is the ruler. Again, the title of the arc says it all.
The book is good but its strength lies in the supporting cast of Xanatos and Tahl and not in Qui-Gon. I simply found Qui-Gon to be a shadow of what was portrayed in the Phantom Menaces whereas I felt Tahl was a strong and interesting character and Xanatos was a confused and nervy kid. The arc looks to be very interesting based on what was developed in this first issue.
Randy Stradley, the editor, writes in the back about how this series came about and he mentions how Qui- Gon's character was really a blank slate. However, this is not the case. His life, and this story particularly, seems to have been covered in depth in the Jedi Apprentice novels. It's a shame that this arc is essentially summarized on wookiepedia already. Even though the novel series was aimed at young readers and is ten years old I found this disappointing. I do hope this comic book series explores something beyond the novel series.
The artwork is definitely a departure from the house style of Star Wars. The comic contains a very murky look to the entire book, which establishes a very somber mood. It's a good presentation but the lightsaber duel in the beginning took some studying to figure out the action as a result of the style. As is the case with the writing, the character of Tahl steals the show visually. She is simply stunning and powerful visually.
This series and arc is off to a good start. If you have been clamoring for more comic books set before the Clone Wars then you will not be disappointed. This book contains action, tension, confrontation and a good plot opening, which add up to an entertaining read. I definitely recommend checking this book out.
3 out of 5 geek goggles.
