Spoiler warning: This article contains spoilers for Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Star Wars comic book fans share a deeper understanding of Obi-Wan Kenobi than those who have only seen the movies. Comic book stories from Marvel and Dark Horse Comics detail the legendary Jedi's adventures in and out of the canon. The new streaming series provides the character his best live-action spotlight ever, but the comics craft a complex and sometimes conflicting portrait worth investigating.
Obi-Wan Kenobi plays a critical role in the Star Wars saga, but little is known about him. Comic books fill in many blanks about his backstory, especially his apprenticeship under Qui-Gon Jinn. They also offer glimpses into the Jedi, the Republic, and a galaxy far, far away that the movies later nullified. Comic book fans know that doesn't make the stories any less worthwhile for those seeking more Obi-Wan.
Not Everything Is Canon
One thing Star Wars comic book fans know about Obi-Wan Kenobi is that little of his adventures in comics are canon. Only his appearances since Marvel resumed publication of all titles from a galaxy far, far away in 2014 qualify, negating decades of stories.
Obi-Wan gets his first true solo canon spotlight in comics in the current Star Wars: Obi-Wan, written by Christopher Cantwell and drawn by Ario Anindito and Carlos Lopez. The mini-series focuses on Obi-Wan reflecting on his life as he prepares to leave Tatooine once and for all.
The Journals Of Old Ben
The mini-series shows Obi-Wan detailing his life in journals, and those journals play a prominent role in another key story featuring the character. Star Wars #7 delves into those journals, revealing Obi-Wan's experiences in exile on Tatooine.
This issue ranks among the best Obi-Wan comic books ever for its thoughtful way of continuing Obi-Wan's tutelage of Luke Skywalker through his journals. His writings continue to play a role in the comics and may emerge in the live-action series as well.
He Gave Black Krrsantan His Scar
Comic book fans know Black Krrsantan reigns as a fearsome bounty hunter. Live-action fans may wonder where he got that nasty scar on his forehead. The scar came courtesy of Obi-Wan, during an epic battle in Star Wars #20.
The battle between Obi-Wan and Krrsantan, who debuted in live-action in The Book of Boba Fett, occurred around the same time as the streaming series. The show's plot likely prevents a Krrsantan cameo at this point, but it could happen in future seasons.
He Hunted Assaj Ventress
Similar to how the Inquisitors hunt him now, Obi-Wan Kenobi hunted Asajj Ventress in the comic book mini-series Star Wars: Obsession. This story follows Obi-Wan as he flirts with vengeance to stop the Dark Side user once and for all.
Obi-Wan rarely displays any temptation from the Dark Side, with his anger only ever coming out against Darth Maul and Anakin in their respective duels. This series shows Obi-Wan does have limits and they can be bent, depending on the circumstances.
He Fought Pirates
Early Star Wars comics presented many details that later movies and series contradicted. A major one concerning Obi-Wan occurs in Star Wars #24 from 1979 when Princess Leia recounts a story her father told her about Obi-Wan fighting Merson pirates.
This vision of the era when the Jedi defended the Republic vanished with the prequel trilogy, and so did the concept of a debonair Obi-Wan somewhat in the mold of Errol Flynn, star of The Adventures Of Robin Hood, among the best action movies from Hollywood's Golden Age.
The Auorient Express
Some prequel adventures did take Obi-Wan on luxury starliners, as Star Wars #24 did. The Auorient Express mini-series saw Obi-Wan and his master Qui-Gon Jinn try to save the titular cruiser from certain disaster after its sabotaged.
This story takes place early in their relationship and showcases what a great team they made. The Jedi board the cruiser as it races into a gas giant's atmosphere, exposing it and its many passengers to hull-crushing pressure.
Last Stand On Ord Mantell
Comic book fans know Obi-Wan Kenobi's relationship with Qui-Gon gets much more attention than it does in live-action. Their history, going back years to when Obi-Wan was a child, informs many stories including Last Stand on Ord Mantell.
One of the best Han Solo original trilogy quotes introduced Ord Mantell and the comic book mini-series elaborates on the mysterious planet for the first time. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon search for a lost ship there but encounter little respect for the Jedi.
Anakin Isn't The Only Jedi He Fought
Obi-Wan faced a brutal trial against Anakin Skywalker on Mustafar, but he wasn't done fighting Jedi. Not long into his exile on Tatooine, he fought A'Sharad Hett, a Jedi and Tusken Raider who led a brutal campaign against Tatooine settlers like the Lars family.
Obi-Wan ended Hett's campaign, but his perceived betrayal cast the Jedi down a dark path. He eventually turned to the Dark Side and became Darth Krayt, the primary villain in Star Wars: Legacy, a comic book series set a century after the original trilogy.
He Was A Reluctant Leader
"Defense of Kamino," from the Star Wars: Republic Dark Horse series and among the best Star Wars comic arcs, shows Obi-Wan was a reluctant leader. Obi-Wan bristles at the Jedi being turned into soldiers and generals, leading them to make decisions often in conflict with their values.
Obi-Wan Kenobi's second episode features a pointed response from Obi-Wan when Leia asks if the woman she reminds him of was a Jedi. "No," he says. "She was a leader." The bitterness in his voice likely stems from his resentment over the Jedi becoming generals during the Clone Wars.
He Fights Darth Maul (Again)
Star Wars comic book fans know "Old Wounds," from the Star Wars: Visionaries series inspired Darth Maul's ultimate return as a cyborg in animation and later live-action. The story also features Obi-Wan fighting his nemesis once again.
Darth Maul finds the Lars Homestead, having survived being cut in half in The Phantom Menace, and faces an older, weaker Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan struggles against the Sith until Uncle Owen shoots Maul, bringing an end to him at least in that version of the story.