In Defense of Jaxxon the Space Rabbit (and Hoojibs too)

 In Defense of Jaxxon the Space Rabbit

Gatekeepers beware, Jaxxon is here. If you’ve never heard of Jaxxon, the giant green rabbit, you may be confused how such a cartoonish character managed to sneak into the sacred garden of Star Wars canon. But the reality is that Jaxxon has always been a part of Star Wars (at least as long as 1978). Jaxxon kicked his way through some of the earliest issues of the 1970’s Marvel Star Wars comics. It is true that Jaxxon was initially not very popular with fans- but over the years the jade space bunny has gained more of a following.

The truth, that many fans refuse to admit, is that anthropomorphic rabbits do have a place in the Star Wars universe. Maybe not in the theatrical films or within the episodes of the Mandalorian. But stuck between the pages of the comics aimed at younger readers is a perfect venue for Bugs-Bunny-like heroes. For the last four years Jaxxon has appeared in the annual edition of “Star Wars Adventures” published by IDW comics. This Halloween, he was also featured in the “Ghosts of Vader’s Castle” line (again from IDW). 

Even though Jaxxon has mostly been regulated to kids titles, it’s easy to see how he could appeal to adults. Jaxxon is not some fluffy, cute critter. The character knows how to sling insults and fight his way out of dire situations. He constantly lands himself in trouble (mostly by taking up dangerous smuggling missions) but he always manages to get out of it using his luck and his wits. Jaxxon, in fact, is almost an amalgamation of Han Solo combined with Chewbacca. Jaxxon has recently found his way into titles aimed towards older readers including Star Wars #108 (2019), “From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back” (2020), and a Black Series Hasbro action figure (2021).

And if imitation is really the best form of flattery, then there is no greater testament to Jaxxon’s lasting appeal than the introduction of a new anthropomorphic rabbit to the Star Wars universe. "Star Wars: Visions", which premiered in September 2021 featured an animated short titled “Lop and Ocho”. The eponymous “Lop” being a Lepi (the same bunny-like species of Jaxxon). Though Lop is brown instead of green, the inspiration is clear and the implication is that Star Wars rabbits are here to stay.

Now, plenty of Star Wars “fans” continue to rail against any part of the universe that they find distasteful, and it is true that there isn’t much tasteful about Jaxxon. Although it is notable that some of the same fans that disparage Jaxxon, have no problem with Jar Jar Binks or Ziro the Hutt.

Adventures Annual 2021

Despite his appearance on the cover of Adventures Annual this year (which is becoming something of a tradition for the IDW line) Jaxxon is nowhere to be found within the pages of the double-sized comic. Instead Cavan Scott and crew have decided to bring back another rodent from the vintage Marvel comics of the 1970s. Hoojibs are a species of rabbit-like creatures which are less anthropomorphic and more… basically just rabbits. The creatures were first introduced in Star Wars #55 “Plif” (1981). The titular, Plif, was a representative of the Hoojib back in the 70s comics and is the main Hoojib featured in the 2021 Adventure’s Annual. Hoojibs lack mouths, but feed off of electricity and communicate telepathically. Though they look fairly defenless, having the ability to consume energy is actually pretty useful when fending off droids and blasters. In this way the Hoojibs may be perfectly evolved to fend off the dangers of the Star Wars universe.

Hoojibs are cute and some fans might think that cute little creatures have no place in their toy collections. You know, apart from R2-D2, Ewoks, BB-8, Porgs, and Grogu. Ok… so Grogu kind of cements the point that tiny cute creatures with telepathic powers kind of actually have a comfy home in Star Wars. It doesn’t mean that every Star Wars fan has to dress up in furry outfits like a bunch of bronies, but it does mean that Star Wars is massive enough that it can be a buffet of personal preference and options. Don’t like the rabbits? Fine, skip the rabbits and move onto the robots and space wizards. But please know that some people like the rabbits. And they are getting more popular every day.

War of the Bounty Hunters Part 6

Issue #29 - War of the Bounty Hunters #5 - “Attack at Dawn”

Did you know that the Hutt Armada once launched an attack on the Galactic Empire over the frozen body of Han Solo? I didn’t. It certainly seems like something that a rich 10-year-old with too many action figures would dream up in his basement. But, why not throw the kitchen sink into this giant Marvel crossover series? That is the entire point of crossovers, is it not?

The War of the Bounty Hunters ends where it began. Boba Fett is delivering the frozen Han Solo to Jabba’s Palace. And yet according to the final page, The War of the Bounty Hunters mini-series is only the first installment of a trilogy which (apparently) will continue with “Crimson Reign” and conclude with “The Hidden Empire”. Keep those wallets handy, fans.

Issue #30 - Doctor Aphra #15 - “Party Favors”

Aphra is being pursued by agents of the Crimson Dawn which included the Bounty Hunter, Deathstick. Fortunately Aphra is being pursued in a space museum and she is, afterall, an archeologist. Aphra is able to ID a deadly weapon cherished by The Ascendant, which was apparently a group of dark force users even darker than the Sith. She uses the weapon and manages to escape. Yet what she discovers about Crimson Dawn foreshadows the future of the Marvel Star Wars line. And the future is Crimson. 

Issue #31 - Darth Vader #17 - “Just Rewards”

Ochi of Bestoon was sort of a throwaway character from “The Rise of Skywalker”. Marvel, however, seems to really like the character and has made him a big part of the “Darth Vader” line as well as the Marvel Star Wars lines as a whole.

From the beginning of this crossover I was skeptical that the story would have no lasting impact on Star Wars lore. And yet as “War of the Bounty Hunters” wraps up it becomes clear that the story is not a one-off, it is a set-up for things to come. So on one hand, the crossover is not just a gimmick and on the other hand… I guess I have to keep reading. I can’t just put down the comics just yet.

Issue #32 - IG-88 #1 - “Born to Kill”

And as much fun as a huge interconnective crossover event is, sometimes small one-off stories are the real heart and soul of the comics industry. Stories like this one. IG-88 lies dead, sliced to pieces by Lord Vader. IG-88 is resurrected and programmed with a mission. IG-88 is defeated by Boba Fett and again left for dead. IG-88 ponders his place in the universe.

Comics can do many things that other mediums can’t. A giant sprawling crossover is one. A small examination of characters that wouldn’t otherwise have a voice is another. 

Issue #33 - Star Wars #18 - “Collision Course”

Han Solo had one great love in his life: The princess that turned the scoundrel into a hero. This is what we all used to believe. But Han Solo had two great loves, many of us do. The princess he ended up with and his first great love- the love he met when he was still a scrumrat.

In “Collision Course” both of these women come face to face. Each with vastly more power and galactic influence than Han will ever have. Qi’ra boards the Millenium Falcon without weapons- only wanting a conversation and for 20 pages that’s what this issue delivers, a simple conversation between two women… about a man. Technically it does not pass the Bectdel test, but as I mentioned earlier the two women in question are no damsels in distress. They are two of the most influential people in the galaxy, they just happen to love the same man.

Issue #34 - Bounty Hunters #17 - “Escape From the Executor”

Beilert Valance lies in pieces, defeated, betrayed by Boba Fett. 

Valance is not the most popular Star Wars character. He’s not as recognizable as Boba Fett or Bossk. And yet he’s been around longer than any of them. A Bounty Hunter. Once lost to obscurity and now with his own comic line.

Or does he?

Valance the Hunter is now… Valance: Servant of Lord Vader? Interesting if true... 

This blogpost was meant to be a conclusion but after those six issues there is only one way to conclude: To Be Continued…