By George & Josh Bate
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Jar Jar #1
Everyone knows Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Grogu, and countless other Star Wars characters. But one of the beautiful aspects of being a fan of a galaxy far, far away is seeping oneself into the stories of lesser known characters – characters who may pop up in the background of a film for a split second, only to have an extensive backstory and fervent fan following. In today’s new Jar Jar comic, one of these deep cut characters returns to the fold for the first time in 27 years.
Rum Sleg appears in Jar Jar #1 as a bounty hunter, alongside Aurra Sing, tasked with hunting down Mira Bridger (mother of Star Wars Rebels protagonist Ezra Bridger).
Who is Rum Sleg, you may ask? Rum Sleg first appeared as a background character in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace walking the streets of Mos Espa. He was played by ILM artist Alex Lindsay, who wore a scuba suit with helmet and accessories.
Rum Sleg has not appeared in any canon or Legends/EU story since Episode I, meaning Jar Jar #1 marks his first appearance in nearly 30 years.
Rum Sleg now joins the ranks of Sabé and Quinlan Vos as background characters from The Phantom Menace, who have seen their stories/backgrounds expanded in subsequent stories.
Here’s hoping Star Wars will always hold onto its tendency to repurpose background players in new stories years later.