Star Wars: Jar Jar #1 – The Unseen

Follow Senator Jar Jar Binks as he works to fix an injustice that he helped create in this NEW stand-alone comic book series!

Creative Team

Ahmed Best & Marc Guggenheim (Writers), Kieran McKeown & Laura Braga (Artists), Mike Atiyeh (Colorist), VC’s Joe Caramagna (Letterer), Taurin Clarke (Cover Artist)

Carlos Lao (Designer), Mark Paniccia & Mikey J. Basso (Editors), C.B. Cebulski (Editor-in-Chief)

Publisher: Marvel Comics

The Unseen

Star Wars: Jar Jar #1 is a new stand-alone comic book series featuring a loved and hated Star Wars character. This new series is written by Ahmed Best & Marc Guggenheim. For those who may not be aware, Ahmed is the actor who brought Jar Jar Binks to life on the big screen. I can think of no one better suited to also bring this character to life within comic books as well.

Issue one of this new series deals with the short comings of galactic politics. Senator Binks lobbied to grant “expanded emergency powers” to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Not fully understanding that doing so would ultimately bring one planet to its potential demise. Readers will follow Jar Jar as he goes on a mission to investigate what is really taking place.

Within this issue Jar Jar is reacquainted with an old Jedi ally, Master Kelleran Beq. Who I might add is also brought to life on the big screen by Ahmed! Master Beq takes Jar Jar to a mining outpost where he is witness to the harsh work environment that Palpatine is enforcing. This mine is producing a certain mineral that is needed to build a fleet of military ships.

Jar Jar is then introduced to two individuals who are responsible for the miners as well as conducting vital research that pertains to the planet. Because of the endless mining, the planet is unstable. And the research being conducted has ruffled some very powerful feathers, causing a bounty to be placed on one of the individuals.

Senator Binks returns to Coruscant and schedules an immediate meeting with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. Jar Jar expresses the injustice that he has witnessed in regard to the harsh mining practices and encourages Palpatine to take action. Thus, Jar Jar becomes the new liaison for the mining planet, vowing to take protective measures to stabilize the planet.

Writing

Ahmed Best & Marc Guggenheim wrote an outstanding first issue for this series. I credit this to Ahmed portraying both of the main characters on film. Who knows these two characters better than their creator, the actor who portrayed them! The dialogue coming from Jar Jar as you read makes you hear his voice from the films. The plot was simple and easy to follow making this an absolute joy to read!

Artwork

Kieran McKeown & Laura Braga did an amazing job bringing Jar Jar back to life on these panels! The art has this rough and faded texture to it that adds to the dynamic of the story. The amazing line work, shading and coloration bring forth the serious tone of this issue. The focus on the blasters and lightsaber within the battle panels is excellent! Absolutely beautiful work!

Final Thoughts

Back when Star Wars Episode I was released, I was a big fan of one particular character, Jar Jar Binks. Now seeing him get his first stand-alone comic book brings a warm smile to my face. This is a Star Wars story. By that I mean that it has all the factors that play into the mold of Star Wars. You have the galaxy, politics, jedi, bounty hunters, and lightspeed! Mesa thinks this is a great first issue, and mesa look forward to seeing where Jar Jar ends up going and doing next! Go pick up a copy of this thrilling story from your local comic shop today!

Grade: 9/10

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