Exploring the Ancient Jedi: 10 Oldest Characters in Star Wars Comics

The Jedi Order has played a crucial role in shaping the Star Wars franchise. It comes as no surprise that its history is extensively explored in the comic books published by Marvel and Dark Horse Comics. Although the Star Wars movies take center stage, it is the comics that have deepened our understanding of the Jedi lore.

Both in the Legends and the mainline canon, numerous champions of the Light-Side have devoted themselves to upholding the Jedi Order's ideals of peacekeeping. The comics shine a spotlight on some of the most notable figures within the Jedi Order, forming an impressive lineup. From the esteemed Prime Jedi, who laid the foundation, to beloved characters like Yoda, the Star Wars comics introduce us to a rich collection of experienced Jedi.

10. Yaddle Lived To Be Several Hundred Years Old

Yaddle, a member of Yoda's species, made a brief appearance in The Phantom Menace and served on the Jedi Council. Although her involvement in Star Wars narratives is limited, she is featured in Legends comics like Yaddle: The One Below and her backstory is further developed in the mainline canon during the High Republic era.

9. Yoda Was Born Before The High Republic Era

Yaddle assisted in the instruction of Jedi Initiates throughout the latter era that spanned several centuries. Despite not attaining the same longevity as her Grand Master equivalent, she achieved an impressive age of over 400 years. Yaddle held the position of a Jedi Master on the Council until the Clone Wars, at which point Shaak Ti took over her role.

Yoda, an iconic figure of the Jedi Order and the Star Wars franchise, holds immense power and influence, regardless of being a Jedi or Sith in both Legends and canon. His presence is felt strongly in both storylines and he has made appearances in numerous comic books.

Yoda is renowned for his significant role in the Clone Wars and for his assistance in guiding a young Luke Skywalker to fulfill his destiny of restoring the balance to the Force during the Original Trilogy. Remarkably, the Jedi Grand Master's lifespan extended to around 900 years, until his passing in Return of the Jedi. This places him alive well before the High Republic era in the mainline continuity. Surprisingly, the mystery surrounding Yoda's origins and the nature of his species remains unresolved in both Legends and canon.

8. Revan Was A Force To Be Reckoned With, As Jedi And Sith

The Knights of the Old Republic games and Revan have contributed some of the most captivating elements to the Star Wars lore. Although Revan was acknowledged in The Rise of Skywalker, the majority of his background is still part of the Legends continuity. According to Legends, Revan played a pivotal role in leading the Jedi during the Mandalorian Wars, which took place almost 4,000 years prior to the events of A New Hope. However, this leadership role was met with disapproval from the Council.

The events leading up to

7. Alek Overthrew Revan And Became Dark Lord Of The Sith

are depicted in the prequel comic of Knights of the Old Republic by John Jackson Miller and Brian Ching. Although Revan ultimately emerged victorious in the war, he and his close companion were enticed by the Dark Side due to the influence of the enigmatic puppet master behind the conflict. Revan later resurfaced as the leader of a reenergized Sith Empire, taking charge of the Jedi Civil War against the Republic.

While Revan's character is considered non-canon to the mainline Star Wars story, Alek, who later becomes Darth Revan, plays a significant role in the Legends. Alek is prominently featured as the antagonist in BioWare's Knights of the Old Republic game and is also portrayed as a Jedi Knight in Miller's prequel comic.

In the comic book series, Alek develops a friendship with Padawan Zayne Carrick and assists him in clearing his name after being falsely accused of murder. Eventually, Alek joins forces with Revan to fight in the Mandalorian Wars. However, he succumbs to the Dark Side and becomes a Sith Lord named Darth Malak. In the game, Darth Malak defeats Revan and takes over as the powerful leader of the Sith in their war against the fragile Republic.

6. Bastila Shan Helped Battle Against Darth Malek

Bastila Shan, a vital figure in the events of Knights of the Old Republic, played a pivotal role in the Legends timeline as one of the Jedi. She served as a significant supporting character in the player's party and made a special appearance in a standalone prequel story from the Star Wars Tales comic.

5. Exar Kun's Pursuit Of Knowledge Led To His Downfall

Bastila, a prominent Jedi Master, played a significant role in the Civil War. Unlike Revan, who chose to engage in war with the Mandalorians, Bastila aligned herself with the Council. Throughout BioWare's RPG, she became invaluable in aiding both the player and the Republic in foiling Darth Malak's scheme to seize control of a perilous and ancient space station with intentions of intergalactic domination.

5. Exar Kun's Pursuit Of Knowledge Led To His Downfall

Similar to Ajunta Pall, Exar Kun is a significant character in the Star Wars universe who transitioned from being a Jedi to becoming a Sith. While he was briefly mentioned in the canon film Solo: A Star Wars Story, his major appearances occurred in the Tales of the Jedi comic book series.

Exar Kun, depicted more extensively in the Legends comics, was a confident Jedi with a well-known short temper. He succumbed to temptation and began exploring the ancient Sith history, ultimately turning to the Dark Side and becoming the Sith Empire's primary Sith Lord.

4. Ulic Qel-Droma Helped Hi Master Build A Revived Sith Empire

Ulic Qel-Droma, a significant figure in the Star Wars narrative, played a crucial role during Exar Kun's ascent as a Sith Lord. The tale of his life is chronicled in the Qel-Droma Epics, which spans both timelines and is part of the revered Tales of the Jedi comic book series.

3. Ajunta Pall Conquered The Original Sith

Ulic Qel-Droma originated from Alderaan, the same planet that would eventually become Princess Leia's home thousands of years later. For a considerable period of time, he served as a Jedi, engaging in lightsaber duels with Exar Kun. However, Qel-Droma's path took a dark turn as he succumbed to the influence of the Dark Side and ultimately became Kun's Sith Lord Apprentice in his resurrected Sith Empire. The narratives of Qel-Droma in the Tales of the Jedi series draw upon the timeless essence of the Star Wars universe, comprising grand space operas and the ensuing tragedies they bring forth.

Ajunta Pall was a notable figure in the Star Wars universe, known for being both a Jedi and a Sith. The canonical understanding of his story is somewhat uncertain, with speculation that he was the "rogue Jedi" who was banished from the Order due to his affiliation with the Dark Side. However, in Kevin Anderson and Dario Carrasco Jr.'s well-regarded Star Wars Legends comic Tales of the Jedi, Pall is explicitly identified.

Expanding on the Legends storyline, it is revealed that over 7,000 years prior to the events of A New Hope, Ajunta Pall and his followers arrived on the planet Korriban. This planet was inhabited by the original Sith, a red humanoid species naturally connected to the Dark Side of the Force. After subduing these people, Pall and the other Dark Jedi proceeded to establish the well-known Sith ideology that fans are familiar with.

2. Rajivari Fought In The Despot War Before The Dawn Of The Jedi

On the other hand, in the Legends continuity, there are more detailed narratives about the individuals who were instrumental in establishing the Jedi Order. One of them was Rajivari, a Jedi Master who hailed from Tython, a planet that held significant importance in the origins of the Order in both Legends and canon.

Master Rajivari emerged as a formidable leader during the Despot War, a monumental event that transpired nearly 26,000 years prior to the events of A New Hope. It was during this period that a tyrannical queen endeavored to consolidate the criminal factions of her homeworld in preparation for a hostile incursion on Tython. Additionally, the revered Jedi Master played a vital role in rallying a united front against the formidable forces of the Rakatan Infinite Empire during the Force War. Notably, his illustrious contributions were prominently showcased in the esteemed Dawn of the Jedi comic series.

1. The Prime Jedi Started It All

In the mainline Star Wars continuity, there exists the enigmatic "Prime Jedi" who is considered the founder of the Order. This character was first mentioned in The Last Jedi, where Luke Skywalker is shown to have collected sacred texts on Ahch-To. Not only was the Prime Jedi the first to utilize the Force, but they also constructed the very first temple on Ahch-To. While James Mangold's upcoming Dawn of the Jedi-inspired film may provide further insight, the most significant reference to this figure can be found in Cavan Scott's The High Republic comic book series within the main canon.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of the Star Wars franchise, I am thrilled to delve into the captivating tales of the ancient Jedi explored in the comics. The rich history of the Jedi Order, with its intriguing cast of characters and pivotal events, has always fascinated me, and the comics provide an unparalleled opportunity to expand my knowledge and deepen my connection to the Star Wars universe.

Among the ancient Jedi featured in the comics, Yaddle and Yoda hold a special place in my heart. Yaddle's enigmatic presence and her role in training Jedi Initiates during the High Republic era add depth to her character, making her more than just a brief appearance in The Phantom Menace. Yoda, on the other hand, needs no introduction. His profound wisdom, immense power, and longevity make him an iconic figure in the Star Wars universe. The comics shed more light on his mysterious origins and his pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the Jedi Order.