From the Friday, May 27, edition of The Oklahoman

By MATTHEW PRICE 

Key characters from the “Star Wars” saga return again in the new series “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” which debuted this week on Disney+. Kenobi also takes the spotlight in a new comic-book series from Marvel Comics, which continues to expand the “Star Wars” universe beyond the screen.  

In the streaming series, the story begins 10 years after “Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.” Ewan McGregor reprises his role as Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, who lost his best friend, Anakin Skywalker, to the dark side of the Force. 

McGregor first played the Kenobi role in 1999 with the first “Star Wars” prequel, “Episode I: The Phantom Menace.” 

The character originated as an older mentor to Luke Skywalker in the first “Star Wars” film in 1977, where he was played by Alec Guinness.  

The character first appeared in Marvel Comics that same year, when Marvel adapted the film into comics. The “Star Wars” series continued for 107 issues in its initial run. 

Also this month, Marvel launched a new “Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi” comic-book miniseries from the creative team of writer Christopher Cantwell (“Halt and Catch Fire,” “Iron Man”) and artist Ario Anindito. 

In the comic, an older Obi-Wan Kenobi reflects on and records key moments from his life. 

“He carries the flame of hope within him,” Cantwell told StarWars.com. “Obi-Wan never gave up in all his years of living. He didn’t even give up afterwards. Now that’s dedication to the light side.”

In the first comic-book tale, Obi-Wan remembers the beginning of his Jedi journey as an 8-year-old on Coruscant. 

In the second issue, Obi-Wan as a young man travels with his mentor Qui-Gon Jinn to answer a distress call on the edge of the galaxy. Cantwell is joined by artist Luke Ross on issue #2, which goes on sale June 22. 

Matthew Price, matthew@matthewlprice.com, has written about the comics industry for more than two decades. He is the co-owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman.