The bond between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker played a crucial role in the final two Star Wars prequels. Their connection was already deeply established, with Obi-Wan serving as Anakin’s mentor. However, an existing comic series that explores their early master-apprentice days could be the perfect inspiration for a live-action adaptation.
The 2001 comic miniseries, Jedi Quest—written by Ryder Windham and illustrated by Pop Mhan—dives into the time shortly after Episode I: The Phantom Menace. At this point, Obi-Wan is still figuring out how to be a successful teacher, and Anakin is adjusting to life away from Tatooine. His emotions remain raw, and he struggles to make sense of his new reality.
A live-action Anakin & Obi-Wan Series set in this period would offer a deeper look into their evolving relationship, revealing how they grew into the Jedi seen in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.
The Missing Chapter Between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones
Jedi Quest—A Story Waiting for Live-Action
The Jedi Quest comics, published by Dark Horse Comics in 2001, belong to Star Wars Legends rather than the official canon. However, the story aligns well with the established lore, making it an easy choice for adaptation. It captures Anakin’s early struggles under Obi-Wan’s guidance and highlights his ongoing difficulty in following the Jedi Code.
Right from the start, the series portrays Anakin’s inner battle with the dark side—something Yoda had foreseen. One of the earliest missions sees Obi-Wan taking Anakin to Ilum, a planet abundant with kyber crystals, where young Padawans create their first lightsabers. This rite of passage is meant to be a meditative journey, but for Anakin, it becomes something darker. He experiences haunting visions of Darth Maul, who mocks him and fuels his craving for power.
As their mission unfolds, Obi-Wan and Anakin are summoned back to Coruscant to take on a task assigned by none other than Chancellor Palpatine. Their objective? Escort a ship through dangerous space lanes notorious for pirate attacks. The leader of these pirates, Krayn, is known for capturing humans and forcing them into slavery. Given Anakin’s history as a former slave, Obi-Wan is understandably wary of how this mission might affect his young apprentice.
Despite Obi-Wan’s reservations, Anakin is determined to accept the mission. His personal feelings soon cloud his judgment, leading him to act recklessly. Against Obi-Wan’s explicit orders, Anakin confronts Krayn, ultimately taking his life. His decision—though seemingly justified—sets a dangerous precedent, foreshadowing his eventual fall.
Obi-Wan’s Grief and His Struggle as a New Master
A Young Jedi Still Healing from Loss
A Jedi Quest adaptation wouldn’t just focus on Anakin’s struggles. It would also explore Obi-Wan’s emotional turmoil.
At this point, Obi-Wan is still mourning the loss of Qui-Gon Jinn. He never expected to take on a Padawan so soon, let alone one as unique and complex as Anakin. His promise to train the boy was made out of duty, not personal belief in Qui-Gon’s prophecy about the Chosen One. This dynamic makes Obi-Wan’s journey just as compelling as Anakin’s.
By the time Attack of the Clones begins, Obi-Wan and Anakin function as a well-coordinated team. But how did they get there? A live-action Anakin & Obi-Wan Series would explore their early struggles, showing how Obi-Wan grew into his role as a mentor while still grappling with grief and self-doubt.
Obi-Wan’s conflict is subtle yet powerful. He must balance strict Jedi teachings with the need to support an apprentice who is unlike any other. The tension between his duty and his emotions makes for an engaging character arc, adding depth to an already beloved figure.
Anakin’s Vulnerability and Palpatine’s Manipulation
A Master Manipulator’s Influence Begins Early
One of the most fascinating aspects of Jedi Quest is its depiction of Palpatine’s early influence on Anakin. While the prequel films show Palpatine as a looming presence, the comics detail how deeply involved he was in shaping Anakin’s mindset from a young age.
If Jedi Quest were adapted into a live-action Anakin & Obi-Wan Series, it would mark the first time audiences witness Palpatine’s manipulation so early in the Star Wars timeline. His subtle yet intentional moves set Anakin on a dangerous path long before the Clone Wars.
Palpatine’s interference becomes clear during the mission against Krayn. He personally ensures that Anakin is involved, knowing full well that the boy’s traumatic past will lead to rash decisions. When Anakin ultimately kills Krayn, Palpatine praises him rather than reprimanding him, reinforcing dangerous ideas that will later justify his turn to the dark side.
The series would also highlight the growing friction between Anakin and Obi-Wan. Anakin’s impatience, impulsiveness, and emotional instability frequently put him at odds with his mentor. This tension is something Palpatine expertly exploits, slowly driving a wedge between them.
A live-action series based on Jedi Quest wouldn’t just fill gaps in Star Wars history—it would provide crucial context for Anakin’s descent into darkness. His transformation into Darth Vader would become even more tragic, as viewers would witness just how long the seeds of doubt and fear were planted.
Why an Anakin & Obi-Wan Series Would Be a Perfect Addition to Star Wars
Expanding the Saga in Meaningful Ways
A live-action Anakin & Obi-Wan Series would offer something truly unique—an opportunity to explore the Jedi Order’s training process, Obi-Wan’s struggles as a young mentor, and Palpatine’s early manipulations, all within a compelling narrative.
This period between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones remains largely unexplored in live-action. While animated series like The Clone Wars have added depth to Anakin’s story, his formative years with Obi-Wan are still an untapped well of storytelling potential.
The relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan is one of the most tragic and layered dynamics in Star Wars history. Their bond, built on trust, duty, and mutual respect, is ultimately shattered by Anakin’s betrayal. Seeing the early days of their partnership would add even more weight to their eventual conflict in Revenge of the Sith.
Additionally, a Jedi Quest-inspired series could dive deeper into Jedi philosophy, showing the contrast between what the Order teaches and how its rules often fail its members. Anakin’s internal struggles—his desire for attachment versus the Jedi’s strict code against it—could be explored in ways that the films only hint at.
With the success of Obi-Wan Kenobi, there’s already an audience eager for more stories featuring these iconic characters. A series like this would satisfy longtime fans while also bringing fresh perspectives to one of the most important relationships in the Star Wars universe.
Final Thoughts
The Star Wars universe is vast, but certain stories deserve to be told in greater detail. The early master-apprentice years of Obi-Wan and Anakin present a rich, character-driven narrative that could thrive in live-action.
A Jedi Quest-based Anakin & Obi-Wan Series would fill in missing pieces, showcasing Obi-Wan’s struggles, Anakin’s emotional turmoil, and Palpatine’s quiet manipulations. The events of Revenge of the Sith would carry even more emotional weight if fans were able to see the years leading up to that fateful moment.
With Star Wars continuing to expand on Disney+, now is the perfect time to bring this chapter of the saga to life. A well-crafted series could offer action, emotional depth, and a fresh perspective on two of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
