Star Wars Almost Overlooked Captain Rex Due to a Little-Known Character

Long before the current Star Wars canon took shape, one clone trooper established himself as a standout: Alpha-17. This Advanced Recon Commando, handpicked by Jango Fett for specialized training, emerged as one of the Republic’s most formidable assets. Unfortunately for fans, Alpha-17 never transitioned into the modern narrative largely due to creative decisions involving Captain Rex and influential figures like George Lucas.

Alpha-17 was first introduced in “Jango’s Legacy,”a tale crafted by Haden Blackman, Stephen Thompson, and Ray Kryssing in Dark Horse Comics’ Star Wars: Republic #50. His character was not just another trooper; he was envisioned as a battle-ready warrior embodying the combat tactics reminiscent of the galaxy’s most feared bounty hunter, Jango Fett.

Comic book art: Alpha-17 and ARC Troopers fly into action

For Alpha, vulnerability was not an option; strength and mission focus were paramount. It is interesting to note that Alpha-17 was originally set to be one of the lead clones in the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. However, his character was ultimately excluded due to the show’s intent to maintain a kid-friendly atmosphere.

Alpha-17 Was Once the Coolest Clone Trooper in Star Wars

Alpha and Anakin: Battle Buddies

Examining Alpha-17’s design highlights the roots of Captain Rex’s character. They both don the iconic ARC Trooper armor, complete with similar shoulder pads and utility pouches. As first-generation clones, both Alpha-17 and Rex were raised with expectations of exceptional strength and leadership. They are not just soldiers; they are astute tacticians molded into weapons of war.

According to DVD commentary for
Star Wars: The Clone Wars, George Lucas opted to omit Alpha-17 to reduce the amount of alliterative names, as the cast already featured Anakin, Ahsoka, and Artoo.

In the broader conflicts of the Clone Wars, Alpha-17 was selected by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to accompany them on critical missions. Although he often exhibited a brash attitude and was prone to undermining others, Alpha shared a unique camaraderie with Anakin, appreciating their common battlefield prowess. Unlike Captain Rex, who operated in a superior-subordinate dynamic with Anakin, Alpha encountered the Jedi during his time as a padawan, allowing them to forge a relationship built on mutual respect and recognition of skills. In terms of individual capability, Alpha-17 significantly surpassed Captain Rex.

Captain Rex: The Superior Choice for a Leading Trooper

Alpha-17: A Lasting Legacy from the Legends Era

Though Alpha-17 is a compelling character, especially in his interactions with Anakin, his serious demeanor and mission-first mindset often created barriers to meaningful relationships with other characters. He was known to speak out, even to Jedi, with an unwavering focus solely on the success of his objectives. In contrast, Captain Rex’s strength lies in his ability to connect, earning respect and forming bonds with his comrades.

This intrinsic quality made Captain Rex a better candidate for the leading role in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. However, it doesn’t diminish Alpha-17’s poignant legacy. He finds his rightful place amidst the darker and more mature narratives presented in the Star Wars: Republic comics. While modern Star Wars may not reintroduce Alpha-17 to contemporary audiences, his spirit persists, influencing the character of Captain Rex.

Star Wars: Republic #50 is currently available from Dark Horse Comics.

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