Star Wars Redeems Prequels’ Most-Hated Character

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Many Star Wars characters have frustrated fans over the years, but Jar Jar Binks from the prequel movies is particularly disliked. While he was intended as a funny character for kids, many fans blame him for inadvertently helping Palpatine gain power. Now, a new Marvel comic is sharing a previously unknown story that shows Jar Jar in a more positive light, potentially changing how fans view him.

The first issue of the Star Wars: Jar Jar comic is special because it was co-written by Ahmed Best, the actor who played Jar Jar Binks. Best is also known for playing Jedi Master Kelleran Beq, who famously rescued Grogu in The Mandalorian. Both Jar Jar and Kelleran Beq are central characters in this single-issue comic, which was also co-written by Marc Guggenheim, and features artwork by Laura Braga and Kieran McKeown.

The Star Wars comic, Jar Jar #1, takes place between Episodes II and III. It begins with Senator Jar Jar Binks receiving a summons to the faraway planet of Urubai. He believes the request came from an ambassador named Upsina, but it was actually Kelleran Beq who contacted him. Beq used the name Upsina to keep his communication discreet and avoid unwanted attention.

Beq discovers that Urubai isn’t the peaceful paradise it pretends to be. Most of the planet is actually dedicated to mining, and the workers – known as the Unseen because they’re kept hidden – are treated like slaves. Jar Jar is stunned by the terrible working conditions, but he’s even more horrified to realize these conditions are a direct result of the emergency powers he previously helped Chancellor Palpatine obtain.

How Star Wars: Jar Jar #1 redeems Senator Binks

Things take a turn for the worse when Jar Jar discovers what the mines are actually for: extracting coaxium. This rare and volatile substance powers hyperdrives, hinting that Palpatine intends to significantly increase the size of the Republic’s fleet.

The mines have also yielded a new type of crystal, nicknamed ‘cyphristal’ by the miners. Initially thought to be useless, they discovered cyphristal could power radios that allow for secure, long-distance communication across space. Fans of Star Wars might recognize these as the ‘code-crystals’ featured in the series Andor.

Jar Jar doesn’t understand the details of the new technology, but he knows it could be a game-changer in the upcoming war. He and Beq narrowly escape Urubai with their lives, and upon returning to Coruscant, Jar Jar informs Palpatine about the mistreatment of workers on Urubai. Palpatine doesn’t seem concerned, and Jar Jar discovers Palpatine has been watching him and is aware of his conversation with Beq.

This discovery makes one thing clear to Jar Jar: simply planning for a future communication network using cyphristals isn’t enough. Palpatine is clearly up to something, and they need to act immediately. Beq understands, and together they decide to create a people-powered network, similar to the Unseen, using the new radios. In essence, the spy network that would become the foundation of the Rebel Alliance in Star Wars all started with Jar Jar Binks.

Star Wars: Jar Jar #1 is now available at comic shops everywhere.

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2026-02-11 17:27