Marvel’s major Star Wars push, which began a decade ago, has been a blast, delivering a ton of great stories, such as the Darth Vader series, and introducing excellent new characters like Doctor Aphra. Now, 10 years later, Marvel is finally diving headfirst into the Prequel Era with the first collected volume of the Star Wars: Jedi Knights series: Guardians of the Republic. While not a complete slam dunk, this volume still offers a lot to love.
This series promised to take us back to the height of the Jedi Order’s power, featuring iconic faces like Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Mace Windu, alongside some compelling new additions. Crucially, it also promised a central mystery: who is the sinister new villain targeting Qui-Gon Jinn? Writers Marc Guggenheim and artist Madibek Musabekov faced a big task, and for the most part, they delivered an engaging, action-packed ride that will leave fans of the Prequels thoroughly satisfied.
Marvel Comics
The Wisdom and the Woom of the Lightsaber
Star Wars: Jedi Knights #1 throws us straight into the action on Syrinx Prime, where Mace Windu, Yoda, Obi-Wan, and others are defending against a Vekuran invasion. Meanwhile, Qui-Gon Jinn and his companion, Berem Khama, are trying to negotiate a withdrawal on the Vekuran homeworld.
What makes this issue so satisfying is how perfectly it captures the Jedi at their peak. We see them not just as warriors, but as peacekeepers struggling with complex moral dilemmas. The Council suspects that the Vekurans aren’t the aggressors in this conflict, but they still cannot condone war, forcing a peaceful resolution through aggressive negotiation. Guggenheim expertly weaves in subtle, necessary wisdom, reminding us of the dangers of acting without complete knowledge, which is a nice touch of foreshadowing for the entire prequel era.
Marvel Comics
The action is masterfully executed in this series, thanks in large part to Madibek Musabekov’s phenomenal artwork. The duel between Qui-Gon and a skilled, masked assassin is a pure display of kinetic energy. Musabekov’s clean, cinematic style makes every lightsaber woom and skrash feel impactful. The double splash pages of the Jedi, systematically ending the conflict, are stunningly elegant. Coupled with Luis Guerrero’s vivid colors and Clayton Cowles’ vibrant lettering, the issue is a visual feast from the start. Seriously, when we say this is one of the most gorgeous books on stands right now, we mean it!
Yoda vs. The New Menace
The action only ratchets up in Issue #2, as Master Yoda and Vetna Mooncrest investigate mysterious experiments on the planet Veeros. This issue leans hard into high-octane spectacle, favoring action over slow exposition.
The stakes are immediately high as the Jedi uncover secret cloning labs and confront the operation’s leader: Atha Prime. Musabekov gives Atha Prime an instantly menacing look (all chrome and red), making him visually iconic. Importantly, Yoda doesn’t easily win, which immediately establishes Atha Prime as a significant threat and sets the stage for a potentially huge confrontation in future volumes.
When Bigger Isn’t Better
Issue #3 features Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon on a mission to a planet called WG4587, responding to a distress signal from Senator Bail Organa. What follows is a battle against the planet’s giant indigenous species, the Kaijura: essentially, Kaijus.
Conceptually, this is an awesome idea. Seeing Jedi tackle creatures on the scale of the Zillo Beast is a treat, and the visuals delivered. Musabekov and Guerrero’s artwork is, as always, incredible, creating a brand-new, detailed, and dynamic alien world.
Despite this promising premise and stunning execution, the issue was barely a story at all. The whole mission ends so quickly and without consequence that it almost feels like reading a disposable “filler” issue. While it offered a brief, fun slice of action, it ultimately disappointed those hoping for a deeper adventure with the fan-favorite duo.
The Galaxy’s Most Wanted
Fortunately, the series gets right back on track with Issue #4. In a refreshing departure from typical Jedi heroics, this issue shifts gears into a thrilling chase through the criminal underworld. Qui-Gon Jinn and Shaak Ti are tasked with recovering stolen money, a complication compounded by the fact that a massive chunk of it belongs to Jabba the Hutt!
The consequence of this clever setup is that the spotlight shines brightly on the criminal underworld. The story features an amazing lineup of bounty hunters hot on Phaedra’s trail: Jango Fett, Aurra Sing, Zam Wesell, and Bane Malar. Seeing these iconic characters reluctantly interact is a dynamic not often seen in Jedi-focused comics.
While the main Jedi story takes a slight backseat, the shift in focus to Qui-Gon’s detective work and Shaak Ti’s calm navigation of criminal politics and moral quandaries makes for a fascinating read, and this reader was eating it up. Overall, this issue is a vast improvement and a wonderfully twisty, fast-paced read.
The Weight of the Future
Issue #5 is arguably the strongest of the entire volume, offering a deeply engaging and insightful look into the era’s most complex character: Count Dooku.
Jedi Master Yaddle and Seera Longa are investigating a trade dispute, but the story’s heart lies in Yaddle’s surprising encounter with Dooku. This is Dooku, before his full embrace of the dark side; yet, the subtle hints of his disillusionment are palpable.
Guggenheim’s portrayal is masterful, tying nicely into established lore and adding layers to a character whose pre-Sith history deserves more exploration. The tension between Yaddle’s unwavering faith in the Jedi Way and Dooku’s increasingly pragmatic, almost scheming viewpoint creates powerful drama.
Musabekov and Guerrero again deliver top-tier visuals, perfect for capturing the grandeur and political intrigue of the Prequel era. While the trade dispute’s resolution is quick, the focus is clearly on the character work, and in that regard, this issue is an unequivocal success.
Final Verdict
Star Wars: Jedi Knights Vol. 1: Guardians of the Republic is a triumphant venture into the Prequel Era. It’s not a perfect volume, as the third issue is a noticeable, albeit brief, stumble. However, the rest of the collection is packed with thrilling action, nuanced wisdom, iconic character moments, and the introduction of compelling new threats, such as Atha Prime. Marc Guggenheim and Madibek Musabekov have created a visually stunning and narratively satisfying series, making this one of the best-looking Star Wars books on the shelves.
If you’re a Prequel fan eager to see the Jedi at their most powerful, grappling with the complexities that will ultimately lead to their downfall, this volume is an essential read. It successfully blends classic Star Wars adventure with a necessary depth, making it a thrilling start to a saga that promises to explore the galaxy’s most fascinating era.
‘Star Wars: Jedi Knights’ Vol. 1 Review: Obi-Wan, Yoda & Mace Windu at the Height of Power
Star Wars: Jedi Knights Vol. 1 successfully blends classic Star Wars adventure with a necessary depth, making it a thrilling start to a saga that promises to explore the galaxy’s most fascinating era.
