By George & Josh Bate
WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Jar Jar #1
Jar Jar Binks himself Ahmed Best makes his comic writing debut today with the publication of the Jar Jar one-shot comic. The Marvel Comics release, co-written by Marc Guggenheim, features Jar Jar team up with Best’s other notable on-screen character Kelleran Beq for a mission during the Clone Wars. In addition to featuring cool moments between Best’s duo, the comic also features an unexpected connection to Star Wars Rebels that has broader implications for a galaxy far, far away…..
The basic premise of Jar Jar #1 is that Senator Jar Jar Binks is dispatched to Urubai for a meeting with the planet’s ambadassor during the Clone Wars. Shortly after his arrival, Jar Jar finds himself in deep poodoo but is thankfully rescued by Kelleran Beq. Together, Jar Jar and Beq launch an investigation into the lanet’s locals, termed the “Unseen,” being forced to mine coaxium for the Republic.
Eventually, Jar Jar and Kelleran Beq are assisted by a local named Mira, who has used her technological proficiency to create a radio frequency that she needs to keep out of Republic hands. Long story short, Mira is hunted down by bounty hunter Aurra Sing but eventually is defeated by Kelleran Beq.
The big tie-in to Star Wars Rebels occurs near the end of the comic, when it is revealed that Mira is actually Mira Bridger. If that last name sounds familiar, that’s because Mira Bridger is actually Ezra Bridger’s mother. In the grander context of Star Wars chronology, Jar Jar and Kelleran Beq inadvertenly play a key role in the defeat of Grand Admiral Thrawn here. If Jar Jar and Kelleran didn’t save Mira’s life, Ezra may have never been born and, in turn, Thrawn may have never been defeated.
Indeed, everything is connected in a galaxy far, far away.
Marking an interesting development for Jar Jar, the comic also reveals that the Gungan is not as unintelligent as he initially seams. Palpatine eventually gives Jar Jar oversight of Urubai. However, Jar Jar recognizes that Palpatine’s decision is merely performative as he does not believe Jar Jar will be able to effectively look over the planet’s people. It seems as if Jar Jar’s intuition clued him into the insidious motives of Palpatine before the secret Sith lord transformed the Republic into his own personal Empire.
Jar Jar #1 is now available wherever comics are sold
