WARNING! This article contains spoilers for Jedi Knights #2TheStar Warsuniverse is ever-evolving, introducing new species, planets, and characters with each piece of media. In a brand-new MarvelStar Warscomic, readers are introduced to a Jedi who was in the Order before the prequel era, and who has the potential to become a fan favorite.
Star Wars: Jedi Knights#2, written by Marc Guggenheim with art by Madibek Musabekov, features anever-before-seen Jedi named Venta Mooncrest.On the first page of the issue, Mooncrest’s design is reminiscent of Princess Leia. However, after that panel, the similarity ends when Mooncrest is shown front and center.
Guggenheim has previously stated that theJedi Knightsis intended to act as “mini movies”, with issues focusing on different Jedi, both old and new.IfJedi Knights#2 is any indication of the type of new Jedi Guggenheim has in store for fans, the series is sure to be an instant classic.
Venta Mooncrest Shows Her Skills In The Latest Issue Of Jedi Knights
Jedi Knights, Written by Marc Guggenheim With Art By Madibek Musabekov
Though Venta Mooncrest is seen only in passing in the first issue of the series, the extent of her skills as a Jedi are put on full display inJedi Knights#2.Mooncrest accompanies Yoda on a mission to investigate rumors ofdark activity on Veeros.Though they initially do not find any signs of truth to the rumors, Yoda suggests the pair look deeper. His intuition, as always, is proven to be correct, and Yoda and Mooncrest find themselves engaged in a battle for their lives with creatures straight out ofAlien.
The monsters, called Xerxi, are as numerous as they are deadly, and soon have the two Jedi surrounded. Yoda, however, has other business to attend to and leaves Mooncrest to handle the swarm of Xerxi on her own, telling her to focus on their weak spot on their underbelly.Mooncrest seems overwhelmed at Yoda’s instructions,especially as the monsters continue their seemingly endless onslaught.As Mooncrest is a brand-new character, there is no point of comparison for her strength, making the outcome of her battle with the Xerxi impossible to predict.
But instead of meeting [a terrible] fate, Mooncrest proves to be strong, skilled, and frankly badass.
However, not long after Yoda leaves Mooncrest, she returns to the Jedi master, having slain all the Xerxi singlehandedly.The sheer extent of the feat is stunning, especially from an unknown Jedi.Were Mooncrest someone already establishedinStar Warscanon,such as Mace Windu or Qui-Gon Jinn, her success would be guaranteed due to her continued existence into the prequel era. The unknown factor is nerve-wracking, as she easily could have been a character created simply to kill off in the same issue. But instead of meeting that fate, Mooncrest proves to be strong, skilled, and frankly badass.
Mooncrest’s Congenital Condition Is Not Used As A Means To Lessen Her Strength
The Representation of Mooncrest’s Disability Is An Important Moment
SinceJedi Knights#2 is the first time experiencing Venta Mooncrest and her abilities, we simply do not know what else she is capable of, what her backstory may be, or what the future holds for her.However, something that makes Mooncrest stand out fromany other JediStar Warsfans have seenup until this point is that she has a disability that she openly discusses and has assistive devices to manage.When Mooncrest and Yoda are looking further into the reports of nefarious activities on Veeros, Mooncrest suddenly doubles over in pain, struggling to move.
When Yoda asks if she’s okay, Mooncrest explains that she has a congenital condition that the implants seen running down her arms to her fingers and on her face are meant to compensate for, but have one weakness: radiation. The radiation emanating from the lab where the Xerxi are being artificially grown interferes with her implants, causing an adverse reaction. There is nothing else mentioned about the subject,and Mooncrest recovers quickly,showing no signs of implant malfunction throughout the rest of the issue,even going on to slaughter the horde of Xerxi.
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The way Mooncrest’s disability was mentioned in regular conversation instead of being used as a plot point and seamlessly integrated into her character without making her any less powerful or capable is a standout part of the issue.Though disabilities clearly exist in theStar Warsuniverse, seeing a formidable Jedi depicted with an outwardly acknowledged congenital condition is a first.In fact, disabilities are often overlooked inStar Warssimply due to the fact that they are part ofclassic character designs, like Darth Vader.
Mooncrest is more than her disability, a fact that Guggenheim expertly highlights.Though he depicts the symptoms of her condition and explains her implants, that is not what defines Mooncrest as a standout inJedi Knights#2.She exhibits a very strong connection to the Force, an adaptability when it comes to learning on the fly, and intelligence. From her bravery to her dedication, Venta Mooncrest has the potential to become ahighly popular and long-lived Jedi inStar Warslore.
