Before the fan-favorite computer-animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars established the definitive, official canon account of the titular galactic conflict, the era was first explored in animated form in Genndy Tartakovsky’s Star Wars: Clone Wars. The 2D micro-series began in 2003, and aired three seasons between the releases of Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith. Now that the complete series is now available to stream on Disney+ (compiled into two volumes under the “Star Wars Vintage” category), fans are now able to look back on the dynamically stylized, Emmy-winning original interpretation of the Clone Wars.
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Though the series is no longer considered canon, Tartakovsky’s version introduced key characters who later became officially recognized. Along with Asajj Ventress, Clone Wars debuted droid commander General Grievous, who went on to be a central antagonist in both Revenge of the Sith and the 2008 3D series. However, another droid commander was also introduced during the micro-series’ first season, and he was one of the most unique, dangerous and above all terrifying bounty hunters in the Star Wars universe: Durge.
Durge was introduced during “Chapter 4” of Clone Wars. Much of Volume I concerns the Battle of Muunilinst, following Obi-Wan Kenobi as he led the ground offensive while Anakin Skywalker commanded the space battle. When cowering Banking Clan chairman San Hill criticized Durge for not attacking the advancing forces, he was choked by Durge, who then assembled a legion of speeder-riding IG droids. Armed with lances akin to those used in jousting, Durge and his droids attacked, decimating Republic artillery.
Obi-Wan later engaged him in a duel, though Durge proved a formidable foe, utilizing darts, a flamethrower, and even heaving a speeder bike at the Jedi Knight. Obi-Wan managed to stab Durge through the chest, but this only made the bounty hunter laugh. Kenobi finally managed to bisect the massive enemy, but the Gen’Dai’s unique physiology allowed his tendons to reattach themselves to heal him. He later attacked just as Obi-Wan and his Clones were about to secure a surrender from Hill, revealing his true amorphous form. His body swallowed Obi-Wan whole, who was then able to explode Durge from the inside-out. Though Kenobi and his Clones were victorious as they secured the surrender, it was implied that Durge began to reassemble himself once more.
Durge later appeared in other Expanded Universe material, including various comic books which explored his far-reaching backstory and eventual fate. He was going to be reimagined as a human character for the 2008 Clone Wars animated series and become part of official canon, much like fellow Clone Wars alum Asajj Ventress. However, those plans were scrapped, and bounty hunter Cad Bane replaced Durge instead. Despite his long absence from the Star Wars universe, Durge will finally join the new Star Wars canon this June with the release of Star Wars: Doctor Aphra #11.
Star Wars: Clone Wars – Volume I and Star Wars: Clone Wars – Volume II are now available to stream on Disney+.