Qui-Gon's Vision and the True Meaning of Balance in the Force - Age of Republic: Qui-Gon Jinn Review

[@RoderickR07]

*_"A true Knight, Qui-Gon is. Forever on his own quest."_* *_- Yoda_*

[@dineshkumarmarodiya5336]

"A great jedi master you have became, always a great jedi master you are" Yoda to Qui gon in revenge of the sith novelisation.

[@reececowell6642]

He was right about one thing, the negotiations were short

[@Wastydest]

Great issue and great analysis! I really appreciate how the writers interpreted and explained the Balance, cause I feel like many people (both in and out of universe) are getting it wrong.

[@SwiftGundam]

Qui-Gon learned that the Dark Side has to be. Respect its existence but you don't have to join it. In fact, he is the first Jedi, and person in the entire SW galaxy, to ever suggest a compromise. Everyone always picks two extremes and never try to find a middle ground.

[@pepperedpeanuts6128]

cough-cough*KOTOR 2*cough-cough

[@shreddersaurusrex323]

“Only a Sith deals in absolutes.” How Ironic Obi Wan.

[@Stephhhhyyy]

This is one of my favorite things about Star Wars: Force Mythos and how this all connects to each and every one of our lives. The lessons that are taught in Star Wars are all relatable and so useful in daily lives.

[@jeffmiller6025]

Awesome! Qui-Gon rules! And this goes right along with something I’ve been thinking about recently: It occurred to me that the “Lightside” and the “Darkside” in SW are actually two different philosophies of Balance, not ontological or metaphysical descriptors of the Force itself. Sure, in the Mortis arc of the Clone Wars we meet avatars of the Light, the Dark, and the Balance, but the Sister (Light) and Brother (Dark) are not avatars of the Lightside and the Darkside, philosophically speaking. Indeed, the Father (Balance) specifically refers to the Son as “falling to the Darkside.” Thinking about this, and looking around in the SW canon, I started to see how the Lightside and Darkside were actually about different approaches to Balance. In the case of the Lightside, as seen in this comic, it is a dynamic approach to Balance. For example, Lightside folks try to stay in dynamic balance between outer action-aggressiveness, even-which is “Dark” and inner peace and openness, which is “Light.” They try to keep themselves in a middle position, enabling themselves to both “control” the Force and “obey” its commands. Indeed, they seek to remain in this “tension,” as Luke calls it in The Last Jedi. Socio-politically this generally takes the shape of a support for democracy. Darkside folks, on the other hand, attempt to force a static balance. We see this explicitly in the general Darkside support for authoritarian governance. And it plays out more subtly in the stoking of inner aggressiveness, expressions of outer aggressiveness, and where calm is only a tool to be used. And where they try to take a stand where the Force obeys their commands, full stop, and thereby avoid the tension. Of course, SW is gorgeously more complicated than this, as it attempts to show actual sentient beings working with all of this. Hence, the fall of the Jedi Order in the Prequel Trilogy is almost entirely predicated on becoming hidebound, static owing to their hubris. Hence, they end up in a bizarrely static balance of outer aggressiveness as soldiers and inner passivity to the point of avoiding responsibility. The fall of the Sith Order in the Original Trilogy is almost entirely predicated on stasis eating itself and becoming chaotic, and the hubris of thinking one can control everything when one is actually completely controlled by one’s emotions (as seen and discussed in the recent Vader comics). But it’s interesting. Going back to the Mortis arc, just after the Father refers to the Son falling to the Darkside, the Daughter refers to this being his nature. And thinking through the East Asian yin-yang theory’s demonology, there is a way this makes sense. In this demonology, “evil” is synonymous with imbalance; demons exist because of the effects of extreme imbalance. “Good” is maintaining dynamic balance. So, while the “Dark” is not inherently evil, and the “Light” is not inherently good, we can see in the Dark a will or tendency toward the imbalance of stasis while the Light would have a will or tendency toward balance of dynamism.

[@MatthewPalanca]

As much as I think Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan should have been one character in TPM, I still enjoy what Qui-Gon has brought to the table in terms of the overall saga. A wise maverick who would have certainly impacted the galaxy significantly had he lived to see the Clone Wars.

[@kylesmith8383]

This is why I love star wars! Great insight and review

[@ATATChat]

This comic was awesome. I love seeing the PT style art in this. His LSD force trip was nuts.

[@Bryan-dr5qy]

This gives more weight to why Luke left the fight, he realised he was only feeding into the cycle of violence between the Light and Dark, he lost faith in his legend and didn't want others to go down the same path. Vader was too focused on destroying his past. Seeing Obi-Wan or Ahsoka only brings back the horrors of betrayal he went through, to face it would be to acknowledge his mistake, and he couldn't do that. Anakin Skywalker was all but gone and Vader remained. Luke was an opportunity for him to grow out of his past, Luke represented his future and that was what ultimately brought Anakin Skywalker back. Luke on the other hand was too focused on preventing himself from making a mistake in the future. When he sees Rey he is reminded of himself and Ben, an all too headstrong and reckless Jedi in training, when he sees his lightsaber he was reminded of everything he stood against at the time. And in an attack similar to in Return of The Jedi, he throws his lightsaber away, renouncing violence. But R2, Leia and Yoda slowly brought him back. They represented the parts of his past that were worth keeping, the stuff you should keep while also learning from the bad, represented best when Yoda destroyed the tree. Luke thought he was learning from his mistake in Empire by running off, but he was repeating the same mistake all over again, letting visions of the future cloud what he should do in the present. With that the Luke who folded his robes meticulously, the Luke who called the Jedi island and texts sacred, the Luke who wasn't satisfied with his purpose, the Luke who hesitated to burn down the tree, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker returned. Luke finally learned from his mistake, he realised he could still stick to non-violence and still contribute to the fight, he found faith in his legend again. At the beginning of the film he wondered what a guy going out with a laser sword while facing down the whole First Order could do other than spread violence, the answer is he could stand for hope in the darkest times, be the spark that lights the fire of hope in the galaxy. Luke dying represents him no longer being a man, he has become larger than himself, and as he steps into a larger world all over again he is reminded of the sunset that started it all.

[@Bryan-dr5qy]

@@tylerwilliams3368 I feel the same, the Jedi were trying to fight off the Dark Side, becoming too rigid in their ways of thinking and opening up the path that was oblivious to them that allowed the Dark Side to sneak in and destroy them.

[@luckysix1015]

Bryan Leong it just doesn’t feel right to me, that mister Optimist Luke Skywalker would give up, or at least try to clean up his mess before trying to wither away.

[@Bryan-dr5qy]

@@luckysix1015 Luke never got over his impulsiveness in the Original Trilogy, in Empire he immediately abandons his training to save Han and Leia, in Jedi he immediately lashes out at Vader and the Emperor at the thought of Leia turning and his friends dying. Luke is easily swayed by his instincts. His visions of the future always keep him from doing what needs to be done in the present, that hasn't changed. Luke thinks taking himself out of the question is the way to solve the problem and save everyone, it is his way of cleaning up his mess, he thought if he continues the violence it would continue the cycle, he is too caught up in his mistake and preventing a repeat that he overlooks other solutions. It's what R2, Leia and Yoda serve to do later. The past isn't something to be destroyed, you learn from the bad, and move on with the good.

[@erin_3569]

@@luckysix1015 there's been thirty years for Luke between ROTJ and TLJ. A Man can change a lot in this amount of time. I'm not as old as he is, but i used to be way more hopeful for the future. Now, i wonder. Besides, most of Luke's previous personality traits are still there. He is still rash, impulsive, clouded by his fears... As Yoda said "Skywalker, always looking at the horizon, never here at what he were doing"

[@luckysix1015]

Erin _ I know people can change but Optimism is one of Luke’s main traits and as you mentioned his other core traits are still there so where did it go

[@orinanime]

Qui-Gon Jinn is my favorite Star Wars character. Any stories involving him make me happy. I'm always eager to get a new Qui-Gon story.

[@KamoseMills]

Anybody else introduced to Star Wars through The Phantom Menace? How about hoping the rumors of Liam Neeson and other prequel Jedi returning for episode 9 as force ghosts with Luke are true?

[@columbuspope4764]

Barsenthor Battlemaster No, I did grow up with the Prequels but I had seen the original first.

[@StuartLugsden]

He should return in his ball of fireflies form.

[@KamoseMills]

Columbus Pope what about the second question?

[@Makocat]

I grew up on vhs tapes of the originals while going to TPM in theatres as a child. I have nostalgia for it mostly cause of Quigon and Naboo as a location for stories. Idk.

[@isharkyshark3974]

Hell yeah! First saw it on DVD when I was five.

[@06paull]

I genuinely feel like this is one of your best videos, ever.

[@MargoGuryanFan1]

Qui-Gon is easily one of the best characters/Jedi in the entire story that is Star Wars.

[@YoniBinstock]

First time commenting in over a year of watching your videos. Qui-Gon is my favorite jedi and I think there is so much more to say about the philosophy of the light and dark side. I think there are a lot of ways you could do videos on the light and dark side and their respective philosophies and how different jedi and sith manifested those ideals. Keep it up.

[@2mig34]

Holy shiznit this comic is deep. btw Bryan Young said he wrote something in the back, did you manage to see what it was?

[@cadbanesbounty]

Bryan's essay will be in the Obi-Wan issue.

[@sam.e.a6422]

What's this about?

[@Vandicoup]

4:48 - And that's why I love Qui-Gon too! No worries @StarWarsExplained, that's why your channel is named that. Explain away! ;)

[@jeffmclean5160]

Really good interpretation and philosophical view on the Jedi. That could be a thesis essay topic

[@CitizenInGame]

Hi Alex. Qui-Gon will always be in my top 5 favorite Jedi. He has, like you said, given us something real to think about. Great video, keep up the good work. May the force be with you!

[@Daniel-Strain]

In Ep 1 Jinn says, "We are only peacekeepers, we cannot fight a war for you". This was the original vision for the Jedi. Taking charge as generals in the Clone War was a bad mistake. They should have bowed out of the whole thing and remained neutral. While they are peacekeepers, if the whole galaxy wants to war then they should not be a part of it. Then they would have the respect and moral high ground to act as diplomats and be a voice for peace and pushing for a settlement. That would be the Jedi way and Qui-Gon would have seen it. It was the threat of the Sith taking over and the Republic falling that made the Jedi feel like they had no choice, but their lack of choice only seemed so because of attachment.

[@roguetwo5903]

Great point made there.

[@esteluznante360]

About balance, that’s what Yoda learns at that Force Planet in TCW. At first he denies the possibility of him having a dark side and he loses badly to his shadow. It’s only when he acknowledges the dark side within him that he can control his shadow or, in other words, once he acknowledges those emotions his actions and decisions can free of that fear and hatred.

[@bazuka420]

i loved that as soon as i started to read this comic liam neeson's voice was in my head and stayed there

[@AlexYBITW]

Bazuka420 He will look for you, he WILL find you ...

[@RaiseTheApple]

I believe that balance of the force is giving into the will of the force. Jedi must listen to the will of the force. Sith bend the force to their will

[@badenhowell3312]

Wow, that WAS a surprisingly deep episode, I feel like I've learned something else today.

[@Steven_Andreyechen]

Great video! Nice to see this kind of material covered.

[@fixation9281]

Can't wait for Master and Apprentice!

[@llynch8056]

Qui Gon Jinn has always been my Favorite character

[@jacksonw453]

Didn’t expect a philosophical discussion, great job would love to see more videos like this

[@ubzSS]

nice! hope we get to see him the movies again. some how..

[@chadski90]

Plagueis himself said "if only there were more Jedi like him". Sith Lord giving props to a Jedi!?!?

[@ianwhitford5754]

Episode one contains both of my favorite characters in Star Wars, Quigon and Maul.

[@ianwhitford5754]

Btw great video Alex

[@aliastheabnormal]

Qui-Gon being bonded with the Carnage symbiote. What a lovely sight.

[@LiveForFuntasy]

It's interesting how this concept of balance in the EU and the sequels is so heavily contradictory to George Lucas' idea of what balance is. George sees balance as all light, with no dark. In fact, I believe he never used the term "light side", he only views it as The Force and The Dark Side (a corruption of The Force). Which is weird, because the Force is inspired by eastern concepts, but George took a more western view of good vs evil during the era of the prequels. But going back to the EU even back when there was just the OT, many EU writers did interpret the Force as an eastern Yin/Yang, Light/Dark concept of balance. And TFA and TLJ have also directly stated this concept as well, and a bunch of the new EU too). It's also why the Anakin prophecy was such a weird plot point, with the whole bringing balance being about destroying the Sith (even though the Jedi thought the Sith were already extinct), and the Light Side being so overwhelmingly dominant in the prequels. Back then I thought the prophecy was secretly foretelling the fall of the Jedi to balance Light and Dark, before George directly said the prophecy was just Vader killing the Emperor. I dunno, it's just interesting to see how differently the creator saw his own work against how everyone else interpreted it.

[@ElusiveMirror]

Hm, I agree that it is important to remember that bringing balance to the force in Return of the jedi refers to the eradicition of a large vessel of the dark side (the emperor). However, I feel like there is a distinction between the necessity of the dark side to exist and wether force users should utilise the dark side or not? "If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny." But when Yoda refers to the dark side cave on Dagobah he doesn't say that it would be best if it could be eradicated, instead he incorporates it in Luke's traning and this to me is one of the indications that Lucas did consider the dark side present in some way while there is balance in the force.

[@Xerxes2005]

The mistake is that people think the Jedi serve only the Light Side because they fight against Dark Side users. The Jedi serve the Force, which is both Light and Dark. But they refuse to use the Dark Side because it breaks the natural order of things and the balance in the Force.

[@Xerxes2005]

@@thatblondboy007 I don't believe it is nonsense at all. Throughout the movies, destiny is a strong theme. The Force is treated as if it has a will, and things happen for a reason. It is not a coincidence if the droids find Luke before Obi Wan, if the escape pod lands precisely in their vicinity on a vast desert planet. Or if Luke crashes precisely where Yoda lives on Dagobah. Therefore it wouldn't be surprising if the Force produced a champion to restore its balance when a powerful darksider appears: a Chosen One. Anakin was the Chosen One of the first trilogy, Luke was the Chosen One of the second and Rey could be the Chosen One of the third. We'll only know when it's over.

[@Xerxes2005]

@@thatblondboy007 According to Obi Wan in Rebels, Luke is the Chosen One. And it is logical. If Anakin, the Force's Chosen One, falls to the Dark Side, the Force will produce a new Chosen One to fight the new threat, now the Emperor and Darth Vader. Luke succeeded. He redeemed his father, so that Anakin could fulfill his destiny. As for Rey, we do not know yet who are her parents. Do you really believe that Kylo Ren knew more about Rey's parents than us? He was just bullshitting her, so that she joins him. Also, even if Rey's parents were drunkards, it does not precludes Rey from being chosen by the Force. Rey's lineage is of no importance. The concept of the Light rising to meet the Dark is ingrained in the prophecy of the Chosen One. The sole purpose of the Chosen One is to restore balance in the Force. So why is it so hard to believe that the Force would produce another champion to oppose a master of the Dark Side, especially when the Jedi are gone? I believe on the contrary that Johnson understands more Star Wars than you think.

[@roguetwo5903]

It's all the same. Balance of the force is acknowledging that there is dark in everyone, even the Jedi. Knowing that fact, keeps you in control of those dark forces. Ignoring the dark will consume you. Of coures this does NOT mean that the balance of the force is a equal parts dark and light. That is just stupid video game nonsense.

[@marypoppins4514]

Nice video mate! 👍 keep them coming

[@goldenmoonvideos9937]

Good job man that was really DEEP but in a good way. 😉

[@ariesstorm9577]

On my next day off I’m going on an adventure to acquire this issue, from what I’ve heard and seen it looks amazing. I would normally wait for the trade paperback to come out but I don’t think I can wait that long. EDIT: I couldn’t wait that long for the trade paperback, picked it up today from Forbidden Planet. So glad I did, I absolutely love it. I feel like it’s a great way to begin Qui-Gon’s spiritual test that will lead him to the Force Priestesses, maybe even the Ones? The artwork was fantastic I just wish the story was longer (who doesn’t want more Qui-Gon?)

[@DCUniverse816]

I think a lot of stuff about the Jedi and the Sith at 4:02 can also be said about the Vulcans and Romulans in Star Trek

[@trogdorrules]

Qui-Gon is probably my favorite Jedi. He's the most realistic and intelligent.

[@zachattack77777]

Love this video! Qui Gon's death has always been one of the saddest moments in Star Wars for me. Love the whole putting 100% faith in the force. Reminds me a lot of Biblical principles and putting our faith into action. I would be interested in hearing your take on how the infamous midichlorians scene fits into this aspect of Qui-Gon's force philosophy? Seems very different from his view of the force in this issue.

[@chadf6813]

I love Qui Gon so much

[@StuartLugsden]

Qui Gon was the last true Jedi until Luke.

[@preciousgemsthesecond676]

Yoda and Obi-Wan, I would say, were true Jedi. Both also came to realise the mistake in becoming a warrior, and attempted to make amends for, essentially, forgetting what a Jedi truly is.

[@DoctorLightning66]

I'd say Kanan was a true Jedi

[@Beatness121]

I'd say Ahsoka was a "true Jedi", which is why she left the order.

[@aamj0050]

Kanan would probably be there too I think.

[@hughjuass1858]

Revan and Bastila too, they were like the original Ja'Daii(I think that's how it's spelled) order

[@jakem4795]

Long time fan if your videos. Just subbed

[@ThreeandAHalfMenBand]

Hi Star Wars explained, since watching Revenge of the Sith again I've been wondering about the history of the Species that live on Utapau. Could you possibly do a video of their cannon and legends material. This would be really interesting. Thanks

[@elliotkouame3849]

All Jedi felt fear and anger. What made them balanced was that they strives to overcome those negative emotions. THAT is the balance and the modern Jedi strives for it just as much as we assume the ancient Jedi did. I don’t believe that the Jedi lost their way. They did the only thing that the Code would allow.

[@elliotkouame3849]

thatblondboy 00 and that is exactly what the Clone Wars era Jedi did. Windu: “Master Yoda, you are older and wiser than any living Jedi, but this does not mean you are beyond the corruption of the dark side” Kenobi: “You’ve met Satine, you know that I once harboured feelings for her. It’s not that we’re not allowed to have these feelings, it’s natural” They were balanced. Dooku, Offee, Katell and Anakin lost their way.

[@IronElephantProductions]

Great Job on this

[@AlexYBITW]

Obi-Wan Kenobi is my favorite Star Wars character, but Qui-Gon Jinn will always be my favorite Jedi

[@grandpaladin1701]

Spot on! Thanks Alex!

[@barrymcg3632]

Seeing those pictures of Plo Koon make me sad, he’s my favourite Jedi, betrayed by his clones :(

[@ariesstorm9577]

Anyone else hoping this new planet Qui-Gon discovers is Dagobah, and this is how it looked before the dark side rose and overshadowed the light side? The dark side of the Force is murky and full of hidden dangers and this is represented by the dense fog that enveloped Dagobah during the Clone Wars and the original trilogy.

[@bluestormpony]

it occurs to me. thanks to qui-gons view of the force if he hadnt died, and had trained anakin. i doubt anakin would have fallen to the darkside, as qui gon would have guided him through his emotions and supported him better.

[@thezendu4550]

Jody Houser appears to be an excellent writer.

[@Evergreenoutsider10]

Just throwing this out there, I loved the Jedi Apprentice series by Jude Watson. That's the one series I wish was still canon.

[@poslednisoud]

"Remember… Trust only… In the Force." - Jaro Tapal

[@st.jupiter5871]

Hands down my favorite character in all of star wars...KOTOR2's Kreia is equally as interesting

[@Vandicoup]

2:05 - *SNAP BACK TO REALITY. OH! THERE GOES GRAVITY...* ;P

[@darthtroller]

Mom's spaghetti will make a fine addition to my collection

[@Vandicoup]

Darth Troller You better lose yourself...better never let it go (go), you only got 1 shot do not...

[@_cameroncarey_]

my thoughts exactly

[@AlfonsoSRT]

Never expected MCU Carnage to turn out to be Qui Gon...

[@lukekersten3421]

Almost 500k!!!!!

[@darthbong800]

Is Kud'ar Mub'at from the bounty hunter wars novels canon. Love the show.

[@MarkHardKnox]

Qui-Gon Gin was The Last Jedi. He was the only 1 that truly served the force. That's why he became Yoda's Master after death.

[@juanmanuelmonasterios2088]

You need to make a video about balance in the force

[@CommanderPlayz]

Hey you are almost to 500k subscribers

[@JumpingJiraffe]

I love that Qui Gon says “a tree that refuses to bend will snap” and Yoda is just so stubborn that he ignores the metaphor and says “we must not bend to the dark side”. Shows how overrated Yoda’s intellect is.

[@ianscultgaming3601]

Balance in the force is not about evening the scales between Light and Dark. It's about eliminating evil to find balance and harmony between the Light and all aspects of the force.

[@Paerigos]

Well... Funny when characters like Darth Marr and Revan and were more in general balance then most. Emotions are tool to serve. One should not be dominated by them. I gues the message Gavar Khai gave to Vestara and her master Olaris Rhea told her was quite good. Luke figured it out too with his New Jedi order in Legends. Funny it was Actually book that almost never was - Crucible. Last of Legends.

[@UraiFen44444444]

Nice Video :)

[@susanmatthews7976]

Ok we need a Qui Gon movie

[@slyfer60]

I offer a different view of balance. Perpetual conflict, the light and dark are naturally in opposition so let them fight.

[@theblackmandalorian]

What people don’t get is that Qui Gon was a foul for what was wrong with the Jedi. It’s so FUNNY that he was considered a maverick but he was the only one staying true to the Force! I hope you guys will join me as I start my KZbin journey and consider this subject!

[@MIGeoMous]

So good!! Thx

[@justinselgrad1382]

I curious what you think about the contrast of Qui-Gon's view of balance and Kyle Katarns eventual views.

[@jaredt2590]

Jedi allow the force to flow through them but don’t affect it in any way. The Darkside is a result of one trying to control the force and by doing so throws it out of balance. The prophecy in the prequels means one will come and destroy the dark side users of that time.

*"It's not that they can't see the Dark Side coming, it's just that the Dark Side begins to envelop everything. It's like walking into a fog. The Jedi's ability to see lessens as the Dark Side grows."* --George Lucas

[@Nortic111]

At time of typing, 1,194 like to 0 dislikes. I don't think I've ever seen that before. Well done!

[@jeditalez]

Soo true!

[@FrankCirillo94]

Wow no dislikes, the Force is strong with this one.

[@AtlasFlynn]

2:04 Ope, there goes gravity

[@honowihongi2522]

Top 10 motivational speeches of 2018

[@AaronPharaoh]

Great vid

[@Burning-Twilight]

I strongly believe that Qui-Gon may have very well best understood the force better than any Jedi of his era even Yoda himself. Had he lived I think he would have been able to prevent Anakin from falling to the dark side as he had a more neutral view on the force vs Kenobi s more pure light sided view.

[@Cibohos]

hands down the best written jedi character in the SW universe

[@ggt47]

3:27-3:30 I thought what of after Episode 1 but they I remembered he died.

[@21stcenturydead96]

That's pretty far out man, great video!

[@Daniel-Strain]

I think 'balance' refers more to the balance between those who collect up and harness power (dark or light) and the existing Force power in the universe. Maybe that's kind of related to a balance between the Cosmic Force and the Living Force. Anakin brought balance by releasing the collective Force of the galaxy back out into the universe. He did this by bringing about the end of the Jedi order, and then killing off the remaining Sith (himself and Palpatine). This allowed the Force to dissipate out into all life again, restoring balance. And this... eventually allowed for a new Awakening of the Force. This Awakening would allow many more people in the galaxy to harness the Force more easily, so they needn't be part of a special lineage - kind of a 'power to the people' thing, as opposed to being in the hands of a few elites. I think that's what the ending of Ep 8 refers to, and why Rey and Kylo can do so much so easily. Luke was the important bridge between the Balancing and the Awakening - and that's why he said the Jedi needed to end.

[@Arander92]

Interesting interpretation, but an incorrect one. Balance is the light dominant and the dark side contained and put in its place. It’s pretty simple actually

[@Daniel-Strain]

@@Arander92 George Lucas said it wasn't about dark/light.

[@MCLegoboy]

So what were the Jedi's stances on the Clone War then? Would Qui-Gon have still become a general had he lived to see the war, or is there a Get Out of Jail Free card for those that didn't want to fight? Yoda is active in the war, so it's clearly not a question of age although I imagine the elderly did have that option as Tera Sinbe seems to be retired for the most part, and granted, Yoda was more in the temple than on the front lines, but he was at the battle(s) of Kashyyyk and clearly could take care of himself if he needed to fight. And what about those with prior responsibilities like Jocasta Nu being the librarian? As a duty to protect and serve, would all of the Jedi have been given the rank of General and then commanding troops was up to them? With Shaak Ti being on Kamino, although she was most likely stationed there, I also can't help but think maybe she was not willing to be on the battle lines, but was willing to train the troops. So if Qui-Gon didn't have much of a choice but requested to not be on the front lines, would he have been stationed somewhere where war was less prominent to occur?

[@preciousgemsthesecond676]

Jedi were rather torn about the Clone Wars. Not all supported it. Those who were against it were allowed to take up more peaceful roles.

[@cthulhuwayne7022]

From my point of view the jedi are evil.

[@mayeastrise]

Then you are lost

[@GabbiMochi]

Well, then you are lost!

[@AbrahamArthemius]

@@GabbiMochi CUE THE MUSIC!

[@vincentt2309]

Well, from a certain point of view...

[@kingnamor777]

The Jedi is anti-life and that in it self is evil. But their selflessness as peacekeepers is good.

[@justafaniv1097]

I still dont see what big revelation Qui-Gon had. Anakin says it himself in the Clone Wars (or AotC, I cant quite remember), Jedi are encouraged to love, just more in a platonic sense and not form attachments. Granted, there is the whole "Fear is the path to the Dark Side", but would Qui-Gon have let the Force take the wheel had he not banished all fear from himself? Additionally, the role of the Jedi has always been peacekeepers, not shock troops or generals. Palpatine's greatest triumph was forcing the Jedi to see them as one in the same by orchestrating the Clone Army. I myself maintain that the Jedi, on the whole, had things pretty close to right. After all, they were successful for 10,000+ years in their PT form, with 1000 years of peace before TCW. Their only sin was becoming complacent, and assuming preserving peace meant serving the Republic.

[@TYRANTARES]

It's interesting comparing new canon's ideas about the force and legends'. New is suggesting far more that both can be good in some regard and can work together towards a better path, with something of a moderation message to be found in there, whereas legends seemed to have far more a bias towards the light side, with the dark being more often represented as a point of no return no matter how you used it. Is there any specific creative head steering new canon's bible for how the force is? Or is this just a product of writers using the new continuity to present ideas that were harder to justify in legends?

[@roguetwo5903]

New canon or even old George Lucas canon has never said that both can be good. Murder is murder. Raping someone is wrong. In what just world are those things ever right? Even in a galaxy far far away.

[@Arander92]

New canon has NEVER suggested that the light and dark are both good with pros and cons. You’re just seeing what you want to see. This is an inevitable consequence of Star Wars lore becoming more mainstream. As more people delve into the lore, The more it’s going to attract people that have a poor grasp morals, and as such we have to suffer through all this “the light is just as bad as the dark, you guys. They just need to learn to work together like Rey and Kylo! 😃” SMH

[@BX-2R]

didn't realise this was out!! woohoo

The Jedi didn't have a choice to become Generals or fight in the Clone Wars. They were drafted into service as Republic citizens. They had no choice. That was Palpatine who did that. They didn't have a choice. They were drafted.

[@theWitch-KingofAngmar]

I have always liked Qui-Gon

[@luckysix1015]

See the problem with balance in the force is that the dark side is drug that most people can’t shake. Sure for us non-force sensitive people a balance in emotions is best but for Jedi getting full of rage just sends you into a downward spiral. You want that power again, so you use your anger, you want that power again so you use your anger, the power doesn’t feel as good as before so you use more anger. Even the likes of the of the most determined Jedi like Luke back when he his main character trait was optimism wouldn’t be able to hold “balance” in the force.

[@preciousgemsthesecond676]

The Dark-side is an addictive, indeed. However, "balance" does not require one to give into negative emotions. It merely requires the acknowledgement and control of such feelings. An individual who often gives into rage, especially without any interference from logic and reason, is not balanced. Indeed, to balance emotions is far more difficult for a Force-sensitive than it is for a regular person. However, 'tis not impossible. Balance simply means to calm the raging storm present in all beings. Some choose to give into their negative feelings as it feels "good", however, something I remember reading once, just because it feels "good" does not mean it actually is. A balanced individual is one who is wise enough to know that.

[@pfcravt]

Yoda at the end of season 6 of Clone Wars

[@namesnotrick3196]

Anyone know the dating of this comic? like was it a year or two before the phantom menace?

[@gavinsmith9871]

Perfectly balanced. As all things should be.

[@alphawolf1786]

Sometimes the hardest choices requires the strongest will

[@nuancedhistory]

Reminds me of KOTOR where the council was so inflexible in their teachings that it led to the fall of Kae/Kreia/Traya, Revan, Malak, etc. Also this comic series looks awesome.

[@lololol924]

Except Kreia would completely stand against any form of "Grey Jedi" philosophy, as its flawed. In her own words "apathy is death". Grey Jedi either become completely reclusive and dissapear from the galaxy, letting billions die (Luke in episode 8 and Jolee Bindo), or their allowance to form emotional attachment gives them a hook to fall to the dark side provided there is enough of a "push" to do it. So many dark-siders started out with "good intentions", but as we have seen explained, its a addictive tool for more power. The force has a will of its own, and seeks to balance itself by using force sensitives as puppets in endless wars. Kreia saw this and knew the ONLY way to stop it was to destroy the force itself. I firmly think she has the right idea.

[@nuancedhistory]

@@lololol924 I wasn't talking about that. I was just talking about the council's apathy.

[@lololol924]

@@nuancedhistory I know, I'm just saying qui gons way is also flawed and not an alternative, and Kreia would point that out

[@lololol924]

@Kgd fvgxfh That is a wrong interpretation. Kreia hated the force and wished to see it gone completely. She idolized the exile because she was a walking void in the force which in theory should have killed her. Her idea of pure strength is YOUR OWN, not the forces. She uses the force as a tool or a poison....because she has to, as there is no other alternative in this universe without hitting a brick wall. Nothing more. I strongly recommend a youtube video titled "the failure of the grey jedi". It's 40 mins long so its big to digest, but the guy delves deep into the philosophy of Grey Jedi AND Kreia.

[@lukestarkiller1470]

So Qui Gon DOES have a Jedi starfighter!

[@pebui]

So why is it only Force Users who are succumb to the Dark side or light when it's presented to them yet non-Force Users get along fine without it?

[@elementaljedi9335]

This can out today?! 😱😭🤦🏻‍♂️

[@dylanlewis3038]

I’m not going to say this makes me like Luke’s portrayal in TLJ, but it does offer an insight into what “Balance of The Force” mean in the new canon. So, I can see what they were trying to do with Luke (Ending the cycle of violence), but I still disagree with how they did it. They should have made him a little more like Qui-Gon, placing his faith in the Force, but willing to take action when necessary (such a defending his sister, or in Qui-Gon’s case helping to liberate Naboo).

[@roguetwo5903]

Balance of the force has not changed in the new canon.

[@dylanlewis3038]

What I mean is, in the EU, Lucas had a different view of Balance than many of the writers. In new canon, everyone seems to be pushing the “equal parts light and dark” thing.

[@preciousgemsthesecond676]

@@dylanlewis3038 It still is similar to Lucas' view. In Lucas' view, balance can only be found in the Light-side. Actually, the light is the Force (though it is the dark, as well). This is still suggested in current canon. Qui-Gon did state that balance cannot be found within the Dark-side (George often mentioned this), yet it has to coexist with light peacefully. Essentially, it has to be acknowledged and controlled, not rejected (the rejection of the Dark-side is what fuels the seemingly eternal fight between both the light and dark). It's similar to how many individuals strive to seek to control their negative emotions; These emotions are apart of us all, we must acknowledge this, yet we must control them if we wish to live peacefully. To ignore, or to give into them is a mistake that will have consequences. Anyways, George never spoke of the Dark-side as something that needed to be destroyed. Only the Sith had to be destroyed (and they have), not the opposing side to the Force.

[@roguetwo5903]

@@dylanlewis3038 The equal parts light and dark is what fans are pushing because they are getting it confused with the meaning of the word balance. Lucas and new canon has not changed the meaning of balance in the force. Think of it this way, the Jedi harness the force and are guardians and teachers of it. They are not warriors of the force. The dark side of the force abuses it and corrupts it. The force tries to balance itself through "vessels" like the Jedi or other powerful force users of the light like Rey. The old man in The Force Awakens tells Kylo Ren that there cannot be true balance without the Jedi. Luke cutting himself off the force created a void (a corruption) in the force and in turn created Rey to counter it. Snoke tells us in the Last Jedi, that "Darkness rises and light to meet it." He thought it was Luke, but he was wrong because it was Rey. In order for the dark side to keep the force at an imbalance they need to keep killing off the light. Here is a real life example. Police are the peacekeepers of a given town. They keep law and order to prevent chaos. Without the police (ie The Jedi) there would be total chaos (ie The Sith or dark side force user). Think of balance in the real world as Order and the dark side of the force as chaos. You think there can be "balance (peace)" in any given town in America with equal parts order and chaos?

[@HarakiriHakebeil]

Can we say that there are now Draenei in Star Wars?