The Star Wars: Kanan Modern Era Epic Collection – The Last Padawan is a trade paperback from Marvel Comics, part of their «Modern Era Epic Collections» line dedicated to Star Wars stories set in the current canon continuity. This volume collects the complete 12-issue Star Wars: Kanan maxi-series (2015), which explores the backstory of Kanan Jarrus, a key character from the animated series Star Wars Rebels. It delves into his early life as Jedi Padawan Caleb Dume during the final days of the Clone Wars and the immediate aftermath of Order 66, bridging the gap between Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Rebels. The collection highlights themes of survival, loss, and resilience in the face of the Empire’s rise.
Story Summary
The collection is divided into two main arcs:
- The Last Padawan (Issues 1-5): Set during the waning days of the Clone Wars, young Caleb Dume (age 14) witnesses the execution of Order 66, which wipes out most of the Jedi Order. On the run from clone troopers and Imperial Inquisitors, Caleb must suppress his Force abilities and adapt to life as a fugitive. He takes on the alias «Kanan Jarrus» and learns to survive in a galaxy that now hunts his kind. This arc captures the raw emotion of loss and the birth of a reluctant hero.
- First Blood (Issues 6-12): Flash back even further to Caleb’s earliest days as a Padawan under his master, Depa Billaba. Assigned to guard the Jedi Temple, they embark on a mission that leads to the brutal Battle of Mygeeto, where they clash with the cybernetic menace General Grievous. This prequel arc showcases Caleb’s innocence, training, and first brushes with the horrors of war, setting the stage for his later traumas.
The stories emphasize Kanan’s transformation from a wide-eyed apprentice to the wise, lightsaber-wielding rebel leader seen in Rebels, blending high-stakes action with poignant character development. It’s praised for its emotional depth and ties to broader Star Wars lore, including nods to The Clone Wars episodes like those featuring Depa Billaba and Grievous.
