Star Wars Doesn’t Quite Redeem Its Most Divisive Character In Jar Jar #1 (Review)

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Jar Jar Binks is one of the most controversial characters in Star Wars history. Introduced in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, he was meant to provide comic relief, but he sharply divided fans. The negative reaction was so strong it even affected actor Ahmed Best, who played Jar Jar. Things got worse when Jar Jar unknowingly helped Chancellor Palpatine gain emergency powers in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, a move that ultimately led to Palpatine’s rise to power.

Jar Jar Binks is experiencing a surprising comeback. Over time, opinions about the character have changed, particularly among original Star Wars fans who are now adults. This shift is now official within the Star Wars universe, thanks to the new comic Star Wars: Jar Jar #1. The comic reveals Jar Jar played a vital role in starting the Rebel Alliance. Featuring Jedi Kelleran Beq (played by Ahmed Best in The Mandalorian) and co-written by Best, this one-time issue explains what happened to Jar Jar after the prequel films and is a delightful addition to the Star Wars saga. However, it feels like just a glimpse of a potentially larger and more compelling story for the Gungan character.

Rating 3 out of 5

PROS CONS
Very true to Jar Jar as a character Story feels superficial and “added on”
Fan service (in a good way) Overall feels like there’s more to be told

Star Wars: Jar Jar #1 Is Very True to Who the Character Is (And Reminds Us He’s More Adept Than He Seems)

The first issue of Star Wars: Jar Jar begins shortly after Chancellor Palpatine gains more power. Senator Binks travels to Quarrant City on the planet Urubai to meet with an ambassador. But the meeting isn’t what Jar Jar expects. When Jedi Knight Kelleran Beq arrives and rescues him from a robbery, he reveals the meeting was a setup – he needs Jar Jar’s help to uncover a hidden truth.

Beq informs Jar Jar that Chancellor Palpatine’s increased authority has led to labor law violations across the galaxy. Specifically, the people of Urubai are being exploited, which is causing instability on their planet. Beq asks Jar Jar to speak up for them, but things become dangerous when they uncover a technology that could create a secure communication network, forcing them to make a daring escape. Though Jar Jar isn’t known for being brilliant, his innocent perspective often proves surprisingly effective, and that’s exactly what happens in this situation.

Jar Jar Is Positioned As Being Instrumental In the Survival of a Critical Star Wars Hero But Feels Like The Story Doesn’t Go Far Enough

The first issue of Star Wars: Jar Jar mainly focuses on Jar Jar being his typically well-intentioned, though somewhat annoying, self. However, the story connects Jar Jar to Mira Bridger, a character important to the Rebel Alliance. We learn Mira is on Urubai and is already in trouble because her work is a threat to the Chancellor. Protecting her becomes crucial, and Jar Jar inadvertently plays a key role. Fans know Mira will later broadcast anti-Imperial messages and become the mother of Ezra Bridger, so it’s interesting to see how Jar Jar’s involvement with exploited workers on Urubai saves her life and allows her to continue on her path. However, the story feels somewhat incomplete. While it’s a good addition to potentially show Jar Jar’s importance to the Rebellion, it doesn’t fully develop that idea.

Similar to his portrayal in the films, Jar Jar Binks mostly stumbles into being helpful in this issue, and even then, he’s hesitant. He only ends up piloting the ship to escape bounty hunters because the original pilot is hurt, and he still needs a lot of direction. The story becomes more intriguing when Jar Jar interacts with the Chancellor and starts connecting the dots himself. By the end, Jar Jar takes a significant step towards forming the Rebellion, hinting at his potential. However, the issue largely feels like a way to please fans and set up future events. It’s essentially a retcon—a revision of past events—that doesn’t completely redeem Jar Jar for his role in Palpatine’s rise to power. It simply shows he recognized his mistake and tried to correct it as best he could.

The first issue of Star Wars: Jar Jar doesn’t offer any major new revelations about the Star Wars universe or the origins of the Empire and Rebellion. Instead, it adds some minor details and nuances that might slightly alter how you view the often-criticized character Jar Jar Binks. It’s good to see the creator, Best, giving Jar Jar a chance to be portrayed positively, showing him as a well-intentioned character capable of growth and offering quiet resistance. This comic likely won’t change anyone’s strong feelings about Jar Jar – if you dislike him, you probably still will – but it might offer a fresh perspective to those who are undecided. It’s a pleasant read, and hopefully, we’ll see more of Jar Jar’s subtle acts of rebellion in future issues.

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2026-02-11 18:42