In Review: Star Wars: Jedi Knights (2025-) #8 – Meet SOONA TAJ

Synopsis: Meet SOONA TAJ, a young girl who is strong with the Force, who’s in great danger, kidnapped by a group of pirates! This unique story is told through Soona’s own eyes, allowing YOU to experience the Force through the eyes of a youngling. Guest-starring fan-favorite Jedi KELLERAN BEQ!

The Story

This issue tells the story from the perspective of a young Jedi named Soona Taj, who is recruited by two Jedi and travels with them to Coruscant. Along the way, the two Jedi respond to a distress signal, only to discover that it was a trap set by pirates. With her two Jedi companions killed, Soona is forced to hide, but she is eventually found by the pirates. Fortunately, before their deaths, the Jedi were able to send a call for help, which is answered by the renowned Jedi Knight Kelleran Beq. Beq frees Soona from her bonds, allowing her to assist him in defeating the pirates. Amid the chaos and trauma, Soona struggles to stay centered, but witnessing the deaths of Seera and Berem, along with other harrowing events, sharpens her focus enough for her to accomplish feats usually reserved for adult Jedi. Later, back on Coruscant and finally safe, Soona receives a special gift from Master Yoda and Kelleran Beq: a lightsaber crafted from the hilts of Seera and Berem’s lightsabers, symbolizing their memory and the strength she has gained.

Artwork

Madibek Musabekov delivers some excellent artwork in this issue. The panels depicting Soona’s decision to go with Berem and Seera, where she asks her father for advice, are particularly heartbreaking. The artist does a remarkable job of capturing the subtle expressions of Soona’s parents as they tell her to follow her own instincts. There is also a stunning double splash page showing the Jedi’s ship entering hyperspace from Soona’s perspective, capturing her awe at seeing it for the first time and hinting at the many wonders she will encounter on her journey to becoming a Jedi. The climactic fight with the pirates is well-executed, with Musabekov effectively using Soona’s first-person perspective in several panels to heighten the tension and immerse the reader in her experience. Overall, the artwork complements the story beautifully, balancing emotional depth with dynamic action.

Overall

This was an unusual story that offered a glimpse into what it is like for a child to be recruited and leave home to train as a Jedi. Soona is very well written, and I enjoyed the brief time we got to spend with her, following her early adventures and seeing her navigate fear, loss, and discovery. Her perspective adds a unique emotional depth to the story, giving readers insight into the challenges and growth that come with beginning the path of a Jedi.