1. Extraordinary powers or abilities, exceptional skills and/or advanced equipment. Some superheroes possess no superhuman powers but have mastered skills such as martial arts and forensic sciences to a highly remarkable degree. Others have special weapons or technology. Many characters supplement their natural powers with a special weapon or device.
If the Jedi fall into any of these categories, they excel in extraordinary powers. From our first introduction to Star Wars we understand this. We see Obi-Wan Kenobi using his special powers to influence the mind of others and the Force gives Luke Skywalker almost extrasensory perception that allows him to make that iconic shot into the exhaust port without the use of a targeting computer. Later on, we see Jedi use the Force for everything from telekinesis, to shooting lightning bolts, to wielding their own “special weapon or device” the lightsaber. All of these things, even down to the lightsaber, are so iconic to use as a feature of what makes a Jedi into a Jedi that even in universe characters like Watto and Anakin Skywalker are able to recognize them upon meeting a stranger. Additionally, we also see that the Jedi (although possessing superhuman powers) are also often masters of martial arts as displayed most prominently in Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. I do not think that anyone would dispute that the Jedi definitely meet the first criteria.
Ruling: Strong Match
2. A strong moral code, including a willingness to risk one’s own safety in the service of good without expectation of reward. Such a code often includes a refusal or strong reluctance to kill or wield lethal weapons.
Although this is not as readily apparent as their extraordinary powers, another defining feature of the Jedi is their strong moral code. Best articulated in the video game series Knights of the Old Republic the Jedi live and die by their moral beliefs. Additionally, the Jedi judge morality not just by action but also by motivation. A Jedi must will himself to act out of a place of kindness and compassion and never anger or fear. While the reluctance to kill is not a strong rule for the Jedi (they have been mighty warriors throughout in-universe galactic history despite Yoda’s protestation), we are told that they are keepers of the peace first and only become soldiers out of necessity. Indeed, the Jedi have such a strong moral code that many fans often cite their adherence to that code as their tragic flaw. More may be said about this moral code in a later piece as we examine the importance of morality to superhero narratives.
Ruling: Strong Match
3. A motivation, such as a sense of responsibility, a formal calling, a personal vendetta against criminals, or a strong belief in justice and humanitarian service.
This criterion is a little more difficult for me to examine, mostly because the definition of “motivation” given here is so broad. So many different things can count as this kind of driving force (see what I did there… force?) that it almost become meaningless because of its encompassing nature. Additionally, such motivations are almost necessarily personal, which makes it hard to evaluate whether the Jedi as a whole have a motivation rather than that collective motivation being merely some sort of amalgamation of the motivations of individual Jedi. However, I think the few examples we have of prominent Jedi show the presence of such motivations, even using just the examples in the description (responsibility and formal calling – Luke Skywalker, personal vendetta – Anakin Skywalker, strong belief in justice – Obi-Wan Kenobi). Yet, even with those examples, we must admit that despite the common training of the Jedi, there does not appear to be a singular driving force and motivation apart from their moral code itself.
Ruling: Weak Match
4. A secret identity that protects the superhero’s friends and family from becoming targets of his or her enemies, or to protect themselves from getting arrested by the police. Most superheroes use a descriptive or metaphoric code name for their public deeds. However, some superheroes eschew secret identities and are publicly known or even celebrities. There are also rare ones whose true identities are common public knowledge, even with a costumed identity.
I do not believe that the Jedi can be said to have secret identities or even special identities. In fact, the evidence of which I am aware suggests that the vast majority of Jedi (although, I am certain one of you will point out an exception) keep the identity given to them by their parents and the culture from which they come. Interestingly enough, it is only the Sith, the enemy of the Jedi, whose practices include changing of one’s name upon entering the order and assigning new names based on metaphor (Darth Vader, Darth Sidious, Darth Maul all being excellent examples both of new names and of metaphor). While the Jedi do often enjoy a special status by virtue of the fact that they are Jedi, they do not have separate identities for their heroic aspects or natures.
Ruling: No Match
5. A distinctive costume, often used to conceal the secret identity
Although the Jedi do not need a costume for the purpose of concealing their identity, they do have a very distinctive costume. In addition, while it does not match other common superhero costume traits (capes, symbols on the chest, form-fitting outfits) the robes of Jedi set them apart and show they are Jedi both to fans in our world and to people in their world. The costume even has ties to the strong moral code (as it is reminiscent of the robes of a monk) and to their powers (as robes allow for graceful and free-flowing movement). Just as many a kid has held a towel around their neck to mimic Superman’s cape, so too has many a child worn a bathrobe to pretend to be a Jedi.
Ruling: Strong Match
6. An underlying motif or theme that affects the hero’s name, costume, personal effects, and other aspects of his or her character.
This is another place where I am not sure that the Jedi meet the superhero criteria. If they have any kind of theme, it is a “Jedi theme” and that kind of circularity does not mesh will with the examination I am undertaking. To be more explicit, the best example of such a motif is Batman who dresses like a bat, has a bat symbol on his chest, and operates nocturnally. Many things can be said to have the motif of a Jedi, but I do not think it is enough to define the Jedi using their own motif.
Ruling: No Match
7. A supporting cast of recurring characters, including the hero’s friends, co-workers and/or love interests, who may or may not know of the superhero’s secret identity.
While the Jedi have no need to have confidants to keep their identities secret, they do have somewhat of a supporting cast. You can see a padawan almost as a sidekick and infrastructure like droids or other support personnel. I do not think it is exactly the same kind of supporting cast that many comic book heroes have, but that have one nonetheless.
Ruling: Weak Match
8. A rogues gallery consisting of enemies that he/she fights repeatedly. In many cases, the hero is in part responsible for the appearance of these often accuse him of creating the villains he fights. Often superheroes have an archenemy who is especially threatening. Often a nemesis is a superhero’s doppelganger or foil.
Two words: The Sith.
Ruling: Strong Match
9. Independent wealth
While the Jedi take vows of poverty individually, the Order as a whole is usually a part of a government-related body that probably does have financial constraints but which we do not see. Unless they are stranded on an Outer Rim planet and need a new hyperdrive, the Jedi do not seem to be hurting for money. Yet, even then, it does not seem to be as straightforward as Bruce Wayne or Tony Stark having independent wealth.
Ruling: Weak Match
10. A headquarters or base of operations, usually kept hidden from the general public.
Not only do the Jedi have a huge Temple, they have many outlying bases of operation as well. Some of these are public and some of them are secret. Either way, they have always had a headquarters.
Ruling: Strong Match
11. A backstory that explains the circumstances by which the character acquired his or her abilities as well as his or her motivation for becoming a superhero. Many origin stories involve tragic elements and/or freak accidents that result in the development of the hero’s abilities.
Backstory is another complicated criterion to evaluate just like with motivations before. This is probably because backstory and motivation are so closely tied together. In addition to these individual stories, we also now have a growing backstory behind the Jedi as an Order and the Force that the Jedi utilize, but it is just not as simple as Uncle Ben’s death or the Waynes lying murdered in the street.
Ruling: Weak Match
