Tales of the Jedi

Series: Tales of the Jedi

Writers:  Tom Veitch 

& Kevin J Anderson

Publication Date: 1993 - 1998

# of Issues: 34

Era: Old Republic Era

Galaxy Date: 4,000 years BBY* 

*Before Battle of Yavin

In the early 90s, writer Tom Vietch pitched an idea to Lucas about the history of the Jedi, the result of which is “Tales of the Jedi”. This was the first material to explore the history of the Star Wars galaxy (and what a rich history it is). Vietch tells the story of The Great Sith War and eventually Kevin J. Anderson took over to finish the story. It is a story rich in history and characters, far too many to be named here. Therefore I shall focus on some of my favorite characters and storylines.

Naomi Sunrider: If Luke Skywalker has a female counterpart hidden within the expanded universe, Naomi Sunrider fits the bill. Like Skywalker, she didn't choose her destiny, but her destiny chose her. Naomi married a Jedi Knight (for in those days Jedi were allowed to marry) but she also witnessed her husband’s death as he was gunned down by gangsters. With her baby daughter, Vima, in her arms, her husband’s force ghost instructed her to pick up his lightsaber and slay the gangsters.

Jedi-Master Thon

Sundrider is further instructed to travel to Ambria and seeks training from Jedi Master Thon. Sound familiar? Never has the story of Luke Skywalker been so well emulated. I have to say that Jedi Master Thon is no ordinary Jedi. He is probably the most unique Jedi in the expanded universe. First of all he is a quadruped (walks on four legs). Can you think of one other sentient being in the galaxy that is a quadruped? I can’t. He’s pretty much a big dinosaur, but with force powers.

So Thon trains Sunrider to be one of the coolest Jedi in the galaxy, and eventually, her daughter Vima Sunrider gets trained as well. Now, I’d argue that the Sunrider’s are probably the main characters of these comics, but if not they are definitely the best. By all rights they should have continued to rule the Expanded Universe for generations. Vima Sunrider would have gone off to star in "The Knights of the Old Republic" video games and could have been one of the most well known EU characters. That’s when tragedy struck.

Vima Sunrider

Someone (Maybe the Jeep Cooperation) threatened to sue Lucasfilm over the name Sunrider. Because of these issues Naomi and Vima can now only be mentioned by first names. There is hope that the Sunrider’s may rise again someday, but until then the characters exist only in the pages of these comics.

 

Exar Kun: In interest of keeping things short, I will only have time to focus on one more character (though by reading these comics you could find dozens of fascinating faces). If Naomi Sunrider emulates Luke Skywalker, Exar Kun emulates Anakin (Although Exar Kun is far cooler).

Kun is a Jedi apprentice who is curious about the forbidden teachings of the dark side. He abandons his master, Vodo-Siosk Baas, and seeks out knowledge of the Sith.

It isn’t long before Kun is seduced by the ghost of Freedon Nad (an ancient Sith) and he eventually reunites with his former master and kills him (sound familiar?)

 

Exar Kun's saber came four years before Phantom Menace

Exar Kun is not only important for this comic series. His ghost returns in Kevin J. Anderson’s Jedi Academy Trilogy and has some long term effects on the future of the galaxy. It is also worth noting that Exar Kun wields a double-bladed lightsaber. This was the first double-bladed saber of the Star Wars universe and it predated Darth Maul’s saber by four years.

Exar Kun’s lightsaber would resurface as an important plot device in the comic series “Knights of the Old Republic” which happens to be the series that I will be reviewing next week. Until then, keep reading!

Final Verdict: 

An epic mythology of heroes and villains. 

Four out of Five Sabers!

Dark Horse Comics (Link)

Dawn of the Jedi  Dawn of the Jedi

Tales of the Jedi Tales of the Jedi

Knights of the Old Republic Knights of the Old Republic

Star Wars: Republic Star Wars: Republic
Dark Times Dark Times
Empire & Rebellion Star Wars: Empire & Star Wars: Rebellion
Brian Wood's Star Wars Brian Wood's Star Wars
Dark Empire Dark Empire
Crimson Empire Crimson Empire
Invasion Invasion
Legacy Vol. 1 Star Wars: Legacy
Vector Star Wars: Vector
Legacy Vol. 2 Legacy Volume 2
Infinities Infinities
The Star Wars The Star Wars

Star Wars Tales Star Wars Tales

Marvel Comics

Original Marvel Comics Original Marvel Comics
Star Wars #108 Star Wars #108
Alan Moore's Star Wars Comics Alan Moore's Star Wars Comics

Han Solos Vs. Space Crocodile Han Solo vs. Crocodile in Space

Marvel's New Star Wars Line Catching Up With Comics

Age of Republic Age of Republic
Age of Rebellion Age of Rebellion
Age of Resistance Age of Resistance

Star Wars #1... Again Star Wars #1... Again
Ewoks in Comics Ewoks in Comis
Who is Doctor Aphra Who Is Doctor Aphra

The Last Jedi Expanded Universe The Last Jedi Expanded Universe
Who is Jaxxon Who Is Jaxxon

IDW Comics
Tales from Vader's Castle Tales from Vader's Castle

Return to Vader's Caslte Return to Vader's Castle