The upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series is one of the most anticipated pieces of Star Wars content ever, and it cannot come soon enough for the fandom. To tide fans over, though, there is a plethora of excellent Obi-Wan Kenobi content out there that will make the experience of the show and the audience's understanding of it so much better, such as various comic books in the extended canon.
Stuff like The Clone Wars and Rebels are close to essential viewing for the show, but there are certain comic runs and issues that will add massively to the show both in terms of knowledge of the backstory and the overall emotional resonance.
Star Wars: Obi-Wan (UPCOMING, May 2022)
On Star Wars day itself, May 4th, a new Obi-Wan Kenobi comic run will be released titled Star Wars: Obi-Wan, and even though it has not yet been released, it is sure to be fantastic reading before and during the run of the show.
Written by Christopher Cantwell and illustrated by Ario Amindito, the mini-series will have five issues running through to September and will follow Obi-Wan in his final days on Tatooine as he reflects on his past life and heroics, with flashbacks to his younger years.
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2015 & 2020)
One part of the upcoming show that fans are looking forward to is the return of Darth Vader and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker. With this knowledge, it would not hurt to delve into any of the fantastic Darth Vader comic runs.
Based on the timeline of the show, it seems as though the 2015 and the ongoing 2020 run will be the least relevant but still worthy of a read as they dive into Darth Vader's complex and incredible character. Even though they are all set post-A New Hope having all the backstory and knowledge possible on Vader is great for any fan. On top of all that, both the Inquisiorius and Obi-Wan make appearances in the 2020 run - albeit in flashbacks and other means.
Age Of Rebellion: Darth Vader (2019)
The Age Of Rebellion anthology series is a group of one-shots following iconic characters from the titular period, with the final one-shot being one centered around Darth Vader in the time between Revenge Of The Sith and A New Hope.
Getting any sort of look at the state of the Galaxy, the state of the Empire, and the state of one of Obi-Wan's most iconic enemies, Darth Vader, at the time surrounding the show will be valuable in getting as complete a picture as possible for the show. This comic is far from necessary since it does not follow Obi-Wan, but it will be great reading nonetheless.
Age Of Republic: Qui-Gon Jinn (2018)
One character who could potentially appear in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series is Qui-Gon Jinn, a reunion fans have hoped to see for years, and to prepare for that potential scenario, the Age Of Republic: Qui-Gon Jinn comic would be a great, quick read.
The one-shot does a great job at showcasing the brilliance and uniqueness of Qui-Gon's character. It also delves into aspects of the Force and an outlook on it that could come into play when Obi-Wan's training to become one with the Force inevitably pops up, whether that be in the show or in other media.
Age Of Republic: Anakin Skywalker (2019)
The return of Hayden Christensen to Star Wars has so many prequel trilogy fans chomping at the bit for this show to begin, and being that Anakin is arguably the best character in all of Star Wars, reading content of his prior to his return would be beneficial for any fan.
The Age Of Republic: Anakin Skywalker one-shot is one of many pieces of Star Wars media that touches on the brilliant relationship of Obi-Wan and Anakin, one of the best duos in Star Wars, as well as some of the challenges Anakin faced during the Clone War before he became one of the most powerful villains in the Galaxy. Fans anxiously await potential Clone Wars flashbacks to events similar to those in this one-shot.
Age Of Republic: Obi-Wan Kenobi (2019)
There is an Age Of Republic one-shot for his Jedi Master, his Apprentice, and for Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, all of which would be great reading before the release of the show, with the latter focusing on Obi-Wan and Anakin's relationship in the early days.
Obi-Wan and Anakin always struggled with their dynamic, and this comic issue paints that picture well. The tragedy of their intertwined stories will be a focal point of the sure-to-be epic show, and some of that relationship illustrated makes for essential viewing before their colossal reunion.
Star Wars Adventures: The Clone Wars - Battle Tales (2021)
Watching The Clone Wars is a must for Sar Wars fans, not just in anticipation of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, but just because it is outstanding. For those well-versed in the show and seeking more from the era, this comic will help quench that thirst.
Again, the show seems destined to have flashbacks to the Clone Wars, so any knowledge of stories from that time will be a great bonus understanding to take into the series. Not every issue focuses on Obi-Wan and Anakin, but it is still worth it to read the entire series and get well versed in the Clone Wars era.
Star Wars: Darth Vader (2017)
Darth Vader may be the consistent character when it comes to the quality of content in Star Wars. All of his comics, novels, and TV show appearances, are incredible. Darth Vader (2017) is no different.
The incredible comic run focuses on Vader in between Revenge Of The Sith and A New Hope, the period of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. It also dives into the Inquisitorius, who will be a considerable part of the show. Getting more knowledgeable about Vader, his relationship to the Inquisitorius, and the overall personality and backstory of the likes of the Grand Inquisitor and Fifth Brother who will be in the show will only improve the experience of the upcoming series.
Star Wars: Obi-Wan And Anakin (2016)
Charles Soule has established himself as one of the best storytellers in Star Wars with his range of extended canon stories, including the Obi-Wan and Anakin comic, which fans of the duo will love.
The story comes before the two fight in the Clone Wars and is another fantastic story that delves into the unique personalities of the two Jedi ad how they form such a brilliant relationship with one another, despite a rocky start. On top of that, it is just a fun adventure which would make it a fantastic read even if there was not an Obi-Wan Kenobi series coming up.
Star Wars: From The Journals Of Obi-Wan Kenobi (2020)
Collected From Issues of Star Wars (2015)
If there is one comic that would be most beneficial to fans prior to the release of Obi-Wan Kenobi, it may well be the collection of Star Wars (2015) issues collated into From The Journals Of Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The individual issues and the overall story follows Obi-Wan while he is on Tatooine, just as the show will do. It sees him protect Luke Skywalker, showcases his tense relationship with Owen, has him adjusting to his new life, and battling his inner Jedi as he attempts to stay in hiding.