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“Star Wars: The High Republic” #3

By | March 4th, 2021
Posted in Reviews | % Comments

There is no fear. Mild Spoilers Ahead

Cover by Phil Noto

Written by Cavan Scott
Illustrated by Ario Anindito
Inked by Mark Morales
Colored by Annalisa Leoni
Lettered by VC’s Ariana Maher

Picking up from the cliffhanger of issue 2, the Jedi find themselves on a backwater planet, Sedri Minor. After the attack of the Nihir, Ceret has vanish, Master Sskeer’s behavior is becoming increasingly darker and harder to predict. As the rest of the Jedi attempt to make the best of their situation aboard the Atraxia, and contact Starlight Station for assistance, Padawan Keeve makes contact with the locals, initially being greeted by two of the children offering food.

As Keeve makes the acquaintances of the local residents, a mixture of humans, Rodians, Grans, and more, she learns that a handful of townspeople have gone missing recently. Keeve believes it could be the Nihil that had attacked them, but it looks like it could be an entirely different problem.

As the story progresses we get a nicely done plot that moves back and forth between Keeve investigating on her own, and the situation with the rest of the Jedi back on the ship. Writer Cavan Scott, is no stranger to “Star Wars” and he gives us a nice spin on a story we have gotten more than a few times in this universe. Jedi land on an unfamiliar planet with pleasant, but wary citizens in need of help, that are cautious of asking outsiders for assistance, and something more nefarious could be looming in the dark. It has been done before, but we have yet to see it in this era of the galaxy far, far away. Scott knows how to write Jedi, and in this time of the High Republic, he gives us an interesting sense of who these characters are. They feel more like the Jedi Knights fans dreamt of for so many years prior to the release of the prequel trilogy.

While the religious-like teachings and lifestyle are abundant, they do feel more like higher beings, setting out to do good and keep the peace as best they can. They aren’t bogged down by the government or the hubris that would lead to their disconnection with the Force. Characters like Marshal Kriss feel like they see themselves above the little people, but in a way that doesn’t belittle others, but a sense of power is there throughout.

As the story takes its first steps into a larger world, Keeve goes searching for the missing villagers, and a child by the name of Bartol follows her, ultimately assisting her about as well as any little kid could. Scott thankfully avoids the tropes of him getting in the way or causing the mission to fail or become tiresome. Bartol is curious and over-zealous, but is a good kid and ends up a bit over his head, but Keeve is right there to protect him.

There are some interesting parallels between how Bartol thinks of and approaches and Jedi and how a young Anakin Skywalker will a few hundred years from now. It’s fun to see, but it also makes total sense. There are few reasons why a kid wouldn’t be absolutely fascinated by meeting a Jedi Knight. Scott pivots the issue into more of a horror story which works quite well as a stand-alone adventure and tying the previous issues into what is to come. It also never feels unlike “Star Wars.” Those accustomed to the films and the expanded canon, ‘Legends’ or otherwise have seen stories like this told countless times. Scott just happens to tell it in an exciting and interesting fashion straight through so it never feels stale.

Ario Anindito’s illustrations are also something that feels true to the saga. His style takes on the feel of both a look that would feel right at home in either live action or animated stories. Which is the best blending for the comics. As great as The Clone Wars and Rebels are, seeing an animated style like that on the page would cause the loss of the comic’s purpose as its own medium. I applaud Anindito’s work for standing on its own while standing firmly in the franchise’s stylistic sensibilities.

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Every character feels real and fully brought to life with his artwork. Without true individuality, like weak facial details, these new characters could easily fall out of favor with fans looking to latch onto new heroes and villains. By keeping each one distinct and looking like they could be cast in a film tomorrow, many of these new characters are sure to become as beloved as many who have come before.

The details brought to life by Annalisa Leoni’s color work is quite beautiful and in certain moments, truly exceptional. The way she lights character’s faces depending on their surroundings or detailing the clothing, or ship, or the farmland and forestry of Sedri Minor really shows the care and dedication to making this a living, breathing extension of the “Star Wars” universe. Her work is truly beautiful without diverging into territory that may feel experimental as opposed to the tried and true look of “Star Wars.”

Maher’s lettering is fairly standard, but the way she differentiates spoken dialogue and inner narration is nicely done and gives the series a more formal literary style when it comes to that detail.

I am really falling in love with Padawan Keeve. The way she is written really shows her devotion to the Jedi Order, but she never feels enslaved by it. She is allowed to question things, make her own decisions within reason, and feels like a whole person, with or without being a Jedi. The only Jedi close to her that seems to have a problem with any of her choices is Sskeer, but we already know something is going on with him. Is it a form of PTSD, some Force-related problem invading his mind, or is he questioning his life as a Jedi, or is he just a jerk? We aren’t sure yet, but something bad is going to come of this.

A familiar set up and execution for some Jedi in peril and investigating some bizarre circumstances, but this team is putting in the work to keep things interesting. Each genre that is taken and blended into the mix is used to full effect: fantasy, adventure, and horror all come into play. It all works and will keep fans begging for the next issue.

Final Verdict: 8.0, Trust in the Jedi, for the Force is strong with this one.


Christopher Egan

Chris lives in New Jersey with his wife, daughter, two cats, and ever-growing comic book and film collection. He is an occasional guest on various podcasts, writes movie reviews on his own time, and enjoys trying new foods. He can be found on Instagram. if you want to see pictures of all that and more!

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