The six-part Disney+ series drops in just over two weeks, so if you're looking to put yourself in an Obi-wan mood, here are six essential books and comics I recommend checking out!
^ Pictured: cover art for Kenobi (2013) by Chris McGrath and Vader #1 (2015) by Adi Granov. Also Ewan McGregor looking very serious.
1. 'KENOBI' - JOHN JACKSON MILLER
(Legends)
"As tensions escalate between the farmers and a tribe of Sand People led by a ruthless war chief, Ben finds himself drawn into the fight, endangering the very mission that brought him to Tatooine.
Ben—Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, hero of the Clone Wars, traitor to the Empire, and protector of the galaxy's last hope—can no more turn his back on evil than he can reject his Jedi training." - from publisher's summary
This character-focused novel is set just after Revenge of the Sith, and explores Obi-wan Kenobi's first days in hiding on Tatooine, where he begins to transform into the hermit Obi-wan we'll see in the upcoming series. It's a small-scale, Western-style story - drawing on the genre which influenced Star Wars back in 1977 - exploring Obi-wan's morality as his will to stay hidden is put to the test.
The quote from the summary stating that Obi-wan cannot "turn his back on evil" reminds me of the Grand Inquisitor's quote from the Obi-wan Kenobi teaser: "Jedi cannot help what they are. Their compassion leaves a trail..." It seems like Obi-wan will be forced into a similar crisis of conviction in the series as he is in this book, making Kenobi an obvious choice if you want something to read between now and May 27th!
2. 'DARK LORD: THE RISE OF DARTH VADER' - JAMES LUCENO
(Legends)
"On the Outer Rim world of Murkhana, Jedi Masters Roan Shryne and Bol Chatak and Padawan Olee Starstone are leading a charge on a Separatist stronghold, unaware that the tide, red with Jedi blood, has turned suddenly against them.
The deadliest threat rests in the hideously swift and lethal crimson lightsaber of Darth Vader—behind whose brooding mask lies a shattered heart, a poisoned soul, and a cunning, twisted mind hell-bent on vengeance." - from publisher's summary
Dark Lord might have been the first Star Wars novel I ever read, picked randomly from a shelf in a second-hand bookshop, and it still holds a special place in my heart. The book is about Darth Vader hunting Jedi who escaped Order 66 - which is also what he'll be up to in Obi-wan Kenobi. Although Vader is the villain in this story, James Luceno uses his point of view just as much as he does the protagonists', and does a great job of exploring him as a character.
Since this 2005 novel is set immediately after Revenge of the Sith, much of Vader's dialogue is less antiquated than it is in the original trilogy, and seems to be modelled after that of Anakin; I can more easily hear it in the voice of Hayden Christensen than James Earl Jones. In the Obi-wan series, Hayden will be the one inside the suit and we may have flashbacks to a younger Anakin, so this book is a great choice to prepare yourself for this version of Vader. In a powerful epilogue, Dark Lord also contains the moment Obi-wan finds out that Anakin survived their duel on Mustafar, making it a must-read - even though it's now non-canon!
3. DARTH VADER (2017) - CHARLES SOULE
(Canon)
"Having lost everything dear to him and now more machine than man, Vader takes his first steps into a darker world — beginning by eradicating the galaxy's remaining Jedi! But librarian Jocasta Nu is making a desperate effort to preserve the Jedi legacy, and the stirrings of a rebellion have begun in the Mon Cala system!" - from publisher's summary
This 2017 comic series is like a canon equivalent of Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader. Written by acclaimed novelist and comic-book writer Charles Soule, it follows Vader helping to secure the Empire's rule and grappling with his destiny after Revenge of the Sith. The series includes the Inquisitors, most notably the Grand Inquisitor, who will make his live action debut in Obi-wan Kenobi. Some backstory for him is touched upon, as he confronts an old enemy: Jocasta Nu.
This comic series is twenty five issues long, collected in the Darth Vader omnibus (pictured above, right). Since the omnibus is sure to be expensive, you may want to start with just the first six issues, which are collected in Volume 1: Imperial Machine (pictured above, left) and if it hooks you, check out the other three volumes. All the necessary info can be found on the Wookieepedia page for the series.
4. 'FROM THE JOURNALS OF BEN KENOBI' - JASON AARON
(Canon)
"Lost tales of the Jedi, revealed! Obi-Wan has slowly adjusted to his life of exile on Tatooine, secretly protecting young Luke Skywalker. But now injustice reigns as villainous scum run rampant, extorting moisture farmers and wreaking havoc. Will "Old Ben" risk revealing himself to do what's right?" - from publisher's summary
After A New Hope, Luke Skywalker returns to the house of Ben Kenobi and discovers an old journal. The stories from that journal can be read in this comic volume, From the Journals of Ben Kenobi. It's set in 11 bby, only two years before the Obi-wan Kenobi series, and follows a similar plot to John Jackson Miller's novel Kenobi: Obi-wan getting involved in local Tatooine troubles, risking all to stand against evil.
One of the most well-known moments from this comic volume is an argument between Owen Lars and Obi-wan Kenobi, where Owen tells Obi-wan to leave his family alone, and out of anger, accuses him of getting Anakin killed. It's remarkably similar to an exchange between Owen and Obi-wan in the upcoming series, as seen in the most recent trailer: so much so that I wonder if writer Joby Harold has read these comics. I'm looking forward to seeing the tension between the two well-meaning characters onscreen, but Jason Aaron did it first, and this touching comic volume is absolutely worth a read!
5. 'BROTHERHOOD' - MIKE CHEN
(Canon)
"Once a Padawan to Obi-Wan, Anakin now finds himself on equal—but uncertain—footing with the man who raised him. The lingering friction between them increases the danger for everyone around them. The two knights must learn a new way to work together—and they must learn quickly, to save Cato Neimoidia and its people from the fires of war. To overcome the threat they face they must grow beyond master and apprentice. They must stand together as brothers." - from publisher's summmary
Brotherhood is a brand new novel; it's only just been released, to coincide with the release of the Obi-wan Kenobi series. The bond shared by Obi-wan and Anakin is well-known, but for years they had a difficult relationship, and this story is about how their brotherly relationship truly began.
The book is set during the Clone Wars, after Attack of the Clones but before the Battle of Christophsis, when The Clone Wars series begins. It's essential for prequel fans, since we'll get to read the first encounter between rivals Obi-wan and Asajj Ventress, and learn what "that business on Cato Neimoidia" - which Obi-wan mentions in Revenge of the Sith - actually was. I haven't read it yet, of course, but early reviews are glowing - and since we're likely to get Clone Wars flashbacks in live action soon, it's ideal to read Brotherhood just before Obi-wan Kenobi begins.
6. 'OBI-WAN' - CHRISTOPHER CANTWELL
(Canon)
"As he spends his final days in the remote deserts of Tatooine, Obi-Wan Kenobi takes time to reflect on – and record – key moments of a heroic life long-lived." - from publisher's summary
This comic series, like Brotherhood, is also new and intended to coincidence with the release of the Disney+ show; its remaining 4 issues will be releasing over the coming months. Unlike Brotherhood, however, it's set near the end of Obi-wan's life - although the stories old Ben Kenobi remembers span years, from when he was only a youngling to the midst of the Clone Wars.
As a probably metaphorical storm approaches, Obi-wan records these past events in a journal, and each tale has its own comic issue. It's pretty much an anthology series, but all about Obi-wan's life. Issue 1 depicts him at 8 years old fighting some bad guys in the streets of Coruscant, and that alone is worth the money. To remind you of the Jedi Master's journey over the years, and why we love him, these comics will be perfect.
I hope this article has convinced you to check out the publishing side of Star Wars; some of the very best stories in the franchise can be found there, and there's plenty to get you hyped for Obi-wan Kenobi.
If there's another book or comic featuring Obi-wan, Vader or the Inquisitors you'd recommend, comment it below! Thanks for reading, and may the Force be with you...
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