Star Wars: Ten Best Volume I

Although the Prequels often give us fans a lot to complain about, you have to admit they’ve also provided a plethora of unique, awesome, and sometimes downright weird Jedi. The Clone Wars Series really gave personality to a lot of these figures, and made some of their deaths much more painful during Order 66. So without further ado, from the masters to the padawans, here are my Ten Best Jedi to appear before A New Hope:

10) Kit Fisto

Now if you haven’t watched the Clone Wars, this looks like an odd pick. After all, he did get impaled by Sidious in about 10 seconds. However, in the Clone Wars series, Master Fisto really shines. He first appears in “Lair of Grievous” (S1 E10), in which he, along with his padawan Nahdar Vebb, infiltrate General Grievous’ lair and engage in a duel with him. He also is prominent in the season 4 Mon Cala arc. Since the entire arc takes place underwater, Fisto really is able to show his skill. It’s enough to get this tentacled titan into my Ten Best.

9) Pong Krell

An exclusive The Clone Wars (2008) Character, the four-armed Pong Krell was awesome for all the wrong reasons. His ruthlessness and tenacity were nearly unmatched. He is the infamous antagonist of the season 5 Umbara arc. Krell is also the only Jedi to ever wield 2 double-bladed lightsabers, which he handles with terrifying efficiency. Watching him rip through clones is brutal, albeit very captivating. Even with only a few appearances, this Besalisk comes in at the 9 spot.

8) Ki-Adi-Mundi

Mundi's famous concern for the wookies may have propelled him to meme fame, but his true character is revealed in the Geonosis arc of the Clone Wars, leading his uniquely colored clone squadron through the caves of the Geonosians. His death during Order 66 was one of the most heart-wrenching, as you can see the pained confusion in his eyes as his men turn on him, moments before he is gunned down.

7) Even Piell

What he lacks in size Piell makes up for with his gung-ho fearlessness and humor. During his rescue from the Citadel in season 5 of The Clone Wars, nothing fazes Piell, even to the bitter end. He also has Yoda’s iconic ears, which only makes him more awesome.

6) Plo Koon

Without a doubt one of the most compassionate and wise Jedi, Plo Koon comes in at 6 on this list. No one shows as much care for his troops as Plo does in episode 2 of the Clone Wars. That only makes his death that much more painful in ROTS. In addition, his relationship to Ahsoka Tano provides quite a few additional heartwarming moments throughout The Clone Wars.

5) Mace Windu

I don’t think any Jedi could be more of a bad ass than Mace Windu. “This party’s over.” Iconic. Not to mention his effortless decapitation of Jango Fett. He also is probably the only Jedi that could have beaten Sidious in a duel, which he did. His duel with Sidious in RoTS is one of the best lightsaber duels in the entire franchise, in my opinion. Samuel L. Jackson ensures he's one bad.. you know the rest.

4) Obi-Wan Kenobi

Full of sass, class, and sometimes a bit of an ass, Obi-wan never fails to disappoint. In both the Prequels and the animated series, Obi-Wan’s character is executed nearly flawlessly. In addition, his heart is laid out on his sleeve when it really matters. His more emotional side is revealed through his love for Satine, and her death rips all our hearts out alongside Obi-Wan's. Obi-Wan’s duel with Anakin on Mustafar is also easily the best duel in all of Star Wars. The prequel dialogue may often get ripped, rightfully so, but their exchange before and after their duel is truly perfect.

3) Qui-Gon Jinn

Although he only appears in one movie, Qui-Gon still earns a top spot on this list. His mentorship to both Obi-Wan and young Anakin is vital to their development. He stays true to his character through it all, always being the wise, level-headed leader Obi-Wan and Anakin need. His death at Maul’s blade is devastating. Also, he’s played by Liam Neeson, so what more is there to say.

2) Yoda

Could anyone ever top Yoda? Well yes, but only Ahsoka Tano. Yoda plays such a vital role in teaching so many young Jedi the ways of the Force, as well as tearing up Droids and Sith in his own battles every once in a while. Also, when he and Obi-Wan are fighting the clones on Coruscant during Order 66, that move where he throws his lightsaber through a clone’s chest like a tomahawk, then jumps on him and rips it out is badass.

1) Ahsoka Tano

Where do I even start. From a slightly annoying, immature character in season 1, to a full-fledged, fearless warrior by season 5, Ahsoka is an integral part of The Clone Wars. Her ability to go rogue and do what must be done is second only to her master, Anakin. Clone Wars Season 7 cemented her status as a legend. Not only did she defeat Darth Maul in a duel, she then used him to help fight back against the clones when Order 66 commences. She saves herself and Rex against immeasurable odds. Iconic.