by Tom Veitch
In issues 1 and 2, three young Jedi, brothers Ulic and Cay Qel-Droma and Twi’lek, Tott Doneeta, are given their first mission by their Jedi Master Arca: to bring peace to the war-torn world of Onderon. For centuries, the planet has been divided into two factions: the citizens of the walled city of Iziz and the Beast Riders of Onderon, descendants of criminals cast out of the city fifty years prior. Shortly after the Jedi’s arrival, Princess Galia, the heir of Onderon and daughter of reigning Queen Amanoa, is abducted by Beast Riders. The Qel-Dromas and Doneeta chase after the Outcasts and meet with surprise.
Ulic is described as “headstrong and overconfident,” qualities that may doom the mission. In addition, he’s naive but his intentions are good. Cay and Doneeta are also likeable.
Issues 3 and 5 comprise the story of Nomi Sunrider, the Jedi best known for her skill in Battle Meditation. Though Sunrider has long been sensitive to the Force, she has always shied away from its power, allowing her husband Andur to train as a Jedi and, when old enough, their daughter Vima. However, tragic circumstances transpire that force Sunrider to take up her role as a Jedi, albeit reluctantly. Nomi Sunrider’s story is more suspenseful and less predictable than that of the Qel-Dromas and Doneeta.
In both of these tales, family is involved: the Qel-Droma brothers train together and Andur and Nomi Sunrider are married and have a child. These events take place circa 4000 BBY (before the Battle of Yavin), so when did the Jedi stop allowing familial attachments, and what situation(s) brought about that decision? Perhaps that’ll be answered in one of the later comics in the Tales of the Jedi series. Stay tuned!
