George Lucas and the Origins of the Sith: Behind the Scenes of “Tales of the Jedi”

The Sith and the Jedi—two polar opposites locked in an eternal struggle. Their ancient history forms the foundation of the Star Wars universe’s rich lore, but have you ever stopped to wonder how this history was crafted? The development of these iconic elements in Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi wasn’t just George Lucas scribbling notes in a notebook. It was the result of meticulous planning, detailed questionnaires, countless sketches, and a team of talented creators.

Let’s delve into how the ancient history of the Sith and Jedi was built, shedding light on the creative minds that collaborated with Lucas to make it happen.

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The Creation of Exar Kun: Defining a Dark Lord of the Sith

Where exactly did the Sith come from? The seeds of their story were planted when Tom Veitch, one of the creators of Tales of the Jedi, pitched a character named Exar Kun to George Lucas. The proposal suggested that Exar Kun could be the spirit of a Dark Jedi or a Dark Lord of the Sith, depending on Lucas’s preference.

Lucas’s answer? Make him a Dark Lord of the Sith.

This seemingly simple instruction raised a much more complex question: What defines a Dark Lord of the Sith? Veitch and his co-writer Kevin J. Anderson had to address this challenge head-on. Together, they created a two-page questionnaire outlining everything a Sith Lord could or couldn’t do, from their philosophy to their abilities. Lucas reviewed their questionnaire, offering detailed feedback that ultimately shaped the Sith as we know them today.

Lucas’s involvement wasn’t about micromanagement but about ensuring consistency in the broader Star Wars universe. His input gave the creators a structured framework to explore the Sith’s dark, twisted history without losing sight of what made Star Wars special.

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Tom Veitch’s Vision: Expanding Star Wars Lore

Tom Veitch described how creating Exar Kun altered the trajectory of the Tales of the Jedi storyline. For Veitch, the inclusion of Exar Kun provided an opportunity to delve into the ancient history of the Sith, a subject that hadn’t been deeply explored before. Alongside Anderson, Veitch proposed to Lucas that the series should explore the roots of the Sith’s power and their conflict with the Jedi.

Lucas loved the idea. However, there was a catch: every idea had to be pitched to Lucas for approval. This wasn’t as simple as a quick chat or email. Veitch had to submit meticulously detailed outlines for Lucas to review. Each storyline, character, and event had to align with Lucas’s vision for the Star Wars universe.

Despite the stringent review process, Veitch found the collaboration rewarding. He recalled that Lucas gave thoughtful feedback and often encouraged the team to push the boundaries of creativity. It’s a testament to how Star Wars thrives not as a single person’s vision but as a collaborative masterpiece.

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Visual Storytelling: Dario Carrasco, Jr.’s Artistic Journey

The visual aspect of Star Wars is just as critical as its storytelling. Dario Carrasco, Jr., one of the artists behind Tales of the Jedi, played a key role in bringing the ancient galaxy to life. He sketched designs for characters, objects, and locations, all of which had to pass Lucas’s approval.

One memorable example was the sarcophagus of Marka Ragnos, a Sith Lord featured in Tales of the Jedi. Carrasco’s original design drew inspiration from Egyptian sarcophagi. However, Lucas thought the design was too closely tied to Earth’s history and requested revisions. Carrasco reworked the design to be more otherworldly, ultimately crafting an iconic piece of Star Wars history.

This back-and-forth process wasn’t unique to Carrasco. Every artist involved in the series worked under the same rigorous guidelines. Their sketches and designs had to be submitted to Lucas, who would evaluate whether they aligned with the Star Wars aesthetic. It was a painstaking process, but the results speak for themselves: Tales of the Jedi remains one of the most visually stunning entries in Star Wars lore.

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Christian Gossett’s Innovative Lightsaber Designs

When you think of lightsabers, you probably imagine the sleek, single-bladed weapons wielded by Luke Skywalker or Obi-Wan Kenobi. But Tales of the Jedi challenged these conventions, thanks to the contributions of Christian Gossett. Gossett questioned why lightsabers had to adhere to a single design. Why not a curved handle? Why not dual blades?

These ideas, radical at the time, became defining features of the series. Gossett’s designs introduced an element of elegance and craftsmanship to the Jedi’s iconic weaponry. The dual-bladed lightsaber, in particular, became a fan favorite and later influenced characters like Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace.

For Gossett, designing lightsabers wasn’t just about aesthetics. He believed the weapons should reflect the culture and history of the Jedi who wielded them. His innovative designs added depth to the series, making the ancient Jedi era feel both familiar and distinct from the Star Wars films.

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The Questionnaire: Pitching Ideas to George Lucas

One of the most fascinating aspects of the creative process behind Tales of the Jedi was the use of questionnaires. These weren’t casual surveys; they were detailed documents outlining every aspect of the series, from character arcs to philosophical themes.

Why the need for questionnaires? According to Kevin J. Anderson, Lucas wanted to ensure that every idea fit seamlessly into the larger Star Wars narrative. The creative team had to explain their concepts in painstaking detail, leaving no room for ambiguity.

These questionnaires served as a roadmap for the series, providing structure while allowing for creative freedom within Lucas’s guidelines. They also highlight the collaborative nature of Star Wars storytelling. Lucas didn’t just dictate what the creators could and couldn’t do; he engaged with their ideas, offering feedback and suggestions to improve the story.

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The Legacy of Tales of the Jedi

Tales of the Jedi wasn’t just a comic series; it was a groundbreaking exploration of Star Wars lore. It introduced concepts and characters that would influence the franchise for years to come. From the dual-bladed lightsaber to the rich backstory of the Sith, the series laid the foundation for some of Star Wars’ most iconic elements.

Lucas’s involvement added a layer of authenticity to the project. His approval process ensured that every detail aligned with the broader Star Wars narrative. At the same time, the creativity of Veitch, Anderson, Carrasco, and Gossett expanded the boundaries of what Star Wars could be.

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Why the Creative Process Matters

The story behind Tales of the Jedi offers valuable insights into the world of collaborative storytelling. It’s a reminder that great stories aren’t created in isolation. They’re the result of teamwork, meticulous planning, and a willingness to challenge conventions.

For Star Wars fans, the series is a treasure trove of ancient history, packed with rich characters and groundbreaking concepts. For storytellers, it’s an example of how collaboration can elevate a narrative, turning good ideas into unforgettable ones.

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Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Collaboration

The creation of Tales of the Jedi wasn’t just about telling a story; it was about building a universe. George Lucas didn’t micromanage the project, but he provided the framework that allowed the creative team to thrive. From detailed questionnaires to revised sketches, every element of the series was carefully crafted to fit into the grand tapestry of Star Wars.

The result? A series that continues to inspire new generations of creators. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting it years later, Tales of the Jedi is a testament to the power of collaboration in storytelling. It’s proof that when creative minds come together with a shared vision, they can create something truly timeless.

So next time you pick up a Tales of the Jedi comic or see a double-bladed lightsaber on screen, remember the countless hours of work, revisions, and approvals that went into making that moment possible. It’s not just a story—it’s history.

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