This is my first ever comic review on this website. I decided to cover the first issue of the Comic Book anthology series Star Wars : Age of Republic. This is truly one of the best comic strips online. The synopsis of the comic talks about one of the most prolific Jedi Masters of all time Qui Gon Jinn . He undertakes an important negotiation mission at a distant planet. After that event, it made Qui Gon Jinn question his conflicting beliefs. It showcases his pull between his loyalty to the Jedi vs his loyalty to the Force.
Plot Summary
A) Escape from Bri’n
The comic starts off with a negotiation mission at the planet of Bri’n where in Qui Gon and Obi Wan have been sent there to assist the Priestess of Wood. Be that as it may, the negotiations turned into an escape mission.
Clearly based on the comic strip above, there was a disagreement between the Priestess and Qui Gon where in she wanted Qui Gon to stay back and fight the Metal Clan. She even went to the extent of shaming them for not fighting and saying that the Jedi have strayed from their purpose. But Qui Gon disagreed and rescued her. They then went on the way to Coruscant.
One important strength I loved about Qui Gon is during this disagreement, it showed that he relies on his own sense of judgement and does what he believes is right. He doesn’t blindly follow orders given to his and adjusts accordingly to the will of the Force
B) A Conversation between Master Yoda & Qui Gon Jinn
After the event at Bri’n, Master Yoda approached Qui Gon because he sensed a great sense of thought within him. They basically had a conversation revolving around the purpose of the Jedi Order and the Force. Not only Qui Gon Jinn was of the opinion that the Jedi Council lost their way and had a lack of vision But also, he felt they were no longer following the will of the Force
What I noticed about this part of the comic strip is that Qui Gon was someone who had a magical quality that enabled him to see into the future and openly voice out the shortcomings of things around him. On the other hand, Master Yoda like most of the Jedi Masters on the Council were unable to analyze their own faults, which led to the eventual Jedi Purge.
C) Qui Gon Jinn questions the will of the Force
The comic then takes a turn where in Qui Gon boards his ship. All of a sudden, he allows the Force to guide him and he travels to a distant planet. Based on the events of the comic strip, he encountered forces of Darkness (red roots) engulfing him. Suddenly, he woke up screaming, but soon finds that it was all a vision. He found that the Light Side managed to find its way through the darkness. As a result, there was pure balance in the Force.
What I loved about this part of the comic strip was that it highlighted Qui Gon’ blind faith in the Force. By and large, he is truly the best Jedi Master in my opinion.
D) Final Conversation with Master Yoda
Later that night, Qui-Gon sits with Yoda to admire the view. Yoda asks him if he found answers, and Qui-Gon replies that he did, alongside more questions.
Although Yoda doesnt seem to understand the new profound realization Qui-Gon had made, Qui-Gon is satisfied with what there is. A Jedi must not bend, but also must not be too rigid.
My Comic Review Feedback
A) What I liked
1) It highlighted Qui Gon Jinn’s ideology in a fantastic way
It showcased his courage to be brave, even in moments of life where in people disagreed with him. All things considered, this was a fantastic resemblance to his attitude in Episode 1. All in all, this is ana amazing Qui Gon Jinn comic special.
2) It showcased a beautiful array of graphic design and colors
I love that the comic novel displayed a wide variety of colors to accompany the comic strip. Not just the neon green wonderful color of Qui Gons Lightsaber, but also their choice of colors when it came to the surroundings.
3) It was simple and easy to read
I absolutely loved that this comic consisted of just under 30 pages ! Not only did it just take me under half an hour to read it, but also I had time for other things in my life. Moreover, you can read it anywhere, right from the train, car or within the comfort of your own house.
B) What I felt could have been done better
1) It should have shown more backstory to the Planet of Bri’n
I felt the comic should have delved a bit deeper into the origins of the Planet as well as the background of the Metal Clan. It should have given a bit more insight into why the Mistress and the Metal Clan dislike each other.
2) It should have highlighted how deep the Jedi had fallen
I stress this a lot because every decision the Jedi took led to their eventual downfall in Episode 3. Moreover, I would have loved to see conversations between Qui Gon Jinn with Windu as well as Ki- Adi-Mundi.
I would end every comic review I make with an important quote by an important character from the comic. In this case, it is Qui Gon Jinn.
“Keep your concentration here and now, where it belongs”
— Qui Gon Jinn