Charles Soule’s 100th ‘Star Wars’ Comic Revisits Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, and Poe Dameron

With Marvel’s Star Wars (Issue #25), Charles Soule has officially penned 100 Star Wars comics, which is an impressive feat, and one that has consistently yielded unforgettable storytelling and jaw-dropping action. With this special issue, Soule has penned four short stories that are linked with some of his greatest works within the comic book universe: Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker in “The Lesson,” Darth Vader in “The Lesson,” Kylo Ren in “See You Around Kid,” and Poe Dameron in “A Eulogy for Snap.” 

This special issue of Star Wars opens with a foreword by Soule, paying respect to the artists and creatives he has worked with along the way since his first entry into the Star Wars comic book universe. 

“The Lesson”

Soule teamed up with artist Ramon Rosanas to revisit Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker during the early days of Anakin’s training within the Jedi Order. On the heels of Obi-Wan Kenobi, the story that unfolds in “The Lesson” feels apt, especially paired with the recent releases of Star Wars: Brotherhood and Star Wars: Padawan. Anakin questions Obi-Wan Kenobi about why the Jedi have chosen the lightsaber as their weapon of choice—when they could wield a more dangerous weapon, or one not similarly brandished by the Sith. Naturally, Obi-Wan divulges details about his own time as a padawan under Qui-Gon Jinn and reveals that he had similar questions, which were met with a wise answer. Lightsabers, though deadly, are not a symbol of destruction when handled by Jedi: they’re symbols of protection. 

The focus of “The Lesson” shifts to Darth Vader with artist Giuseppe Camuncoli delivering a terrifying look at Darth Sidious’ more forceful approach to tutelage. Sidious belittles Vader, mocking him for fighting like a Jedi–like the padawan that Obi-Wan Kenobi trained. A similar lesson is echoed in the inverse from Sidious as he boasts the purpose of the lightsaber as the Sith’s weapon of choice. The framing shows Darth Vader in a defeated pose, somehow appearing small and weak under Sidious’ cruel gaze. 

“See You Around Kid”

It wouldn’t be a story about Kylo Ren, without Soule reuniting with Will Sliney to explore his troubled history. Set sometime between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, Kylo Ren makes a trip to the former Jedi outpost on Elphrona in search of his uncle Luke Skywalker. Following the events on Crait, it would seem that Lyke got under his nephew’s skin when he vanished with the words, “See you around kid.”

Sliney and Soule draw a sharp parallel between The Rise of Kylo Ren, as Kylo Ren and the Knights of Ren enter the outpost, visually contrasting the moment with the first time a young Ben Solo met the Knights of Ren. Of course, now as the Supreme Leader, things have shifted for Kylo Ren. His frustration with Luke’s disappearance in the face of battle prompts him to ask Hux to blow up what remains of the outpost—though we all know it won’t help him escape the ghosts of his past. 

“A Eulogy for Snap”

Soule reteamed with artist Phil Noto to check in with Poe Dameron after the death of Snap Wexley during the events of The Rise of Skywalker. In the story, the Black Squadron crew comes together to pay their respects to the fallen pilot in a very modest memorial service. Given the celebratory nature of the final moments of The Rise of Skywalker is among the Resistance, it is nice to see Poe Dameron and his peers acknowledge the somber side of victory and reflect on what was lost. Snap’s widow Karé is among the mourners who is grappling with the pain of his loss. The pilots trade stories about their time with Snap, but it doesn’t exactly lessen her pain. 

“A Eulogy for Snap” is intriguing because it also features a sense of uncertainty. These pilots, and Poe Dameron in particular, have spent their entire lives caught up in a war, and now, as the dust settles and respect is paid, they’re facing a new beginning where their entire personalities aren’t wrapped up in war or being a hotshot pilot. Even still, the bond that the Black Squadron has forged in the strife of war against the First Order remains.