The next era of Star Wars The High Republic is finally here and one of its greatest architects Cavan Scott brings us a whole new group of characters on a very familiar world. This new book is bursting with fresh characters, concepts and conflicts that tie in well with themes surrounding the Jedi and the Force. Phase 2 of The High Republic is a prequel to the original books. It’s a fascinating jumping on point for new readers as well as an interesting new perspective for loyal ones.
The Jedi in this era have sent out teams to the edges of the outer rim. Vildar Mac travels to Jedha, a planet so vital to the story of Rogue One. Hundreds of years before Jyn had her adventures, Vildar lands onto the planet after having nightmares of memories watching his family being killed when he was four. Having a middle aged Jedi is a different perspective and a welcome one after so many older Jedi died in the prior stories. He lands onto the planet who’s people are a bit wary of the Jedi who used to govern them.
Padawan Matthea Cathley or Matty greets him. They plan to to go to the Convocation Chambers to meet Jedi Master Leebon, but are sidetracked to investigate the theft of a holy relic. In the marketplace they witness Ran Yaltan promising to reveal the secrets of the Force and Bpfasshi like a carnival act. A Truthsayer of the Bpfasshi calls her out but her friend argues with him while stealing from him.
Vildar and Matty try to calm the crowd but then Tarna Miak a representative from the Tund crashes the melee. Vildar reacts badly as he remembers the Tund as being those who killed his people. Matty points out that Tarna is here for the Unity Convocation. Matty and Vildar go to the temple to investigate the missing relic and find the thief from the market. The thief claims he can stop hearts using The Force and demonstrates this power killing our hero Vildar. The story closes promising death is only the beginning for Vildar.
There is also a short tale tying into the recently released High Republic novel with another Jedi hero Oliviah Zeveron who is also at the convocation. The Yacombe representative is the center of conflict as other tribes discuss if the Yacombe are dark siders. Oliviah stops them from attacking the Yacombe representative before the Yacombe quit the convocation in disgust. Radicaz Dobbs, the character known as Sunshine, arrives as a representative of the Path of the Open Hand.
There are an incredible number of interesting characters brought together in this single issue. The Art by Ario Anindito is exciting with great new character designs and constant movement and action. This book promises to dive a bit more into the mythology behind the Whills and Force and the mysteries of how the Force can be manipulated. It will be incredible to see how all of this unfolds over the months to come as phase 2 attempts to declare itself as an expansive new era of Jedi storytelling.
Writing: 4.3 of 5 stars
Art: 4.2 of 5 stars
Colors:4.0 of 5 stars
Overall: 4.2 of 5 stars
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Ario Anindito
Inker: Mark Morales
Colors: Frank William
Publisher: Marvel Comics