Before the emergence of modern Star Wars canon, there was one clone trooper who surpassed the rest. An Advanced Reconnaissance Commando personally chosen by Jango Fett to train, this clone was the toughest ever created and a highly valuable asset to the Republic. However, the clone would never see the modern canon thanks to Captain Rex and George Lucas.
Introduced in the story “Jango's Legacy” by Haden Blackman, Stephen Thompson and Ray Kryssing from Dark Horse Comics' Star Wars: Republic #50, Alpha-17 is a battle-hardened warriortrained to become one of the Clone Army's greatest assets. Chosen and trained by Jango Fett, Alpha's battle tactics mirror those of the galaxy's greatest bounty hunter.
For Alpha there is no room for weakness, only strength to accomplish the mission. Unsurprisingly, Alpha-17 would be the original main clone node Star Wars: The Clone Wars lively show. However, despite how cool the worn-out clone was, it was inevitably cut because of the show's kid-friendly nature.
Alpha-17 used to be the coolest clone trooper in Star Wars
Alpha and Anakin considered themselves relatively equal
Just by looking at Alpha-17's design, it's easy to tell where Captain Rex got his inspiration from. Not only sharing the traditional ARC Trooper armor, both clone warriors carry the same shoulder padding and extra pockets. Like Captain Rex, Alpha is from the first generation of clonesprepared with the highest expectations of strength and leadership. Both clones, like their brothers, are war dogs, trained to become killing machines. More than that, both clones are masters of military tactics.
Like Rex, Alpha-17 was personally chosen by Obi-Wan and Anakin to accompany the Jedi on their military excursions. Although Alpha is a particularly rude and critically condescending soldier, he shows no ill will toward those as dedicated to the fight as he is. Alpha and Anakin quickly grew closer, recognizing their mutual artistry in war. While Anakin and Captain Rex knew each other as superiors and subordinates, Alpha met the Jedi when he was just a padawan. However, despite Anakin's age, Alpha-17 and Skywalker fought as equals. As an isolated character, Alpha completely surpasses Rex.
Captain Rex was ultimately the best choice for lead soldier
Alpha-17 will always be a legend from the age of legends
While Alpha-17 was a great character alone or when paired with Anakin Skywalker, his hardened ways and dedication to the mission limited his ability to interact with other characters. Alpha doesn't care about answering to the Jedi or her superiors. Your aspirations do not go beyond your mission. Admittedly, Alpha-17 isn't as well-liked – at least not as Rex. Captain Rex's power is this he is a personal leader. He stands out for the status and respect that other characters give him. He is dedicated to his team as much as his mission.
In that aspect, Captain Rex was the best choice for Star Wars: The Clone Wars' leader soldier. That said, nothing can rob Alpha-17 of its legendary, albeit poorly remembered, status. In nature's darker tones Star Wars: Republic comics, Alpha fits in perfectly. Before the television show, the Clone Wars and its characters were defined by the visibly mature and dynamic nature of Episode II and the existing comics. While Star Wars may never bring Alpha-17 into the modern canon, its essence will live on as inspiration for Captain Rex.
Star Wars: Republic #50 is now available from Dark Horse Comics.