Star Wars Been There – Jakku
Been There Jakku is the mug from the 2023 trio released on May 4th. Jakku was a desert planet located in the Western Reaches of the galaxy’s Inner Rim. Known for its vast expanses of barren sand dunes and harsh, unforgiving environment, Jakku holds great importance in the Star Wars universe for several reasons. One of them is that it was the place of the Battle of Jakku. It was a decisive clash between the New Republic and the remnants of the Galactic Empire. The battle resulted in the Empire’s defeat and solidified the New Republic’s dominance. The battle’s aftermath left Jakku strewn with wreckage, shaping its desolate landscape and serving as a reminder of the conflict.
Another mention the planet gets as the starting point of Rey’s journey, the central protagonist of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. She starts as a scavenger on the Jakku, but her quest leads her to discover her Force sensitivity and embrace her role as a Jedi. Rey plays a crucial role in the conflict between the Resistance and the First Order, ultimately becoming a symbol of hope and a key figure in the battle against the dark side. We can see her depicted on the mug in four different ways.
The central part of the front of the mug is occupied by the Niima Outpost, a bustling trading hub. It served as a gathering point for scavengers and merchants, offering a variety of goods and services amidst the barren desert landscape. The outpost’s vibrant atmosphere and diverse clientele make it a central hub of activity and commerce on Jakku.
Another character from the mug is BB-8 droid. It was first introduced in the Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. BB-8 quickly became a beloved character, captivating audiences with its unique design and endearing personality.
Further on the side of the mug we can see the wreckage of the Star Destroyer Inflictor, an Imperial II-class warship that was shot down during the Battle of Jakku.
“Why does everyone want to go back to Jakku?”, this question is asked by Finn. He was a former stormtrooper who, upon witnessing the destruction caused by the First Order, deserts his post and encounters Rey on Jakku. He questions the fascination some characters have with returning to the desert planet, emphasizing the harsh and desolate nature of Jakku and the desire to escape its dangers. We can see Finn running next to Rey on the back of the mug.
Rey’s Speeder is a distinct and iconic vehicle, which was a repurposed salvaged speeder bike, showcasing Rey’s resourcefulness on Jakku. The speeder’s design is characterized by its sleek and streamlined appearance, with a combination of scavenged parts and makeshift modifications, reflecting Rey’s ingenuity and survival skills in the harsh desert environment. Rey is seen riding said speeder at the very back of the mug.
And last but not least, the design of the mug includes Unkar Plutt, a notable character from Jakku. Unkar Plutt is a portly and unsavory junk dealer who runs a business in Niima Outpost. He often clashes with Rey over salvaged goods and plays a small but memorable role in the events of “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens.”
