Over at StarWars.com James Floyd and Kristin Baver take a look at Phase One of The High Republic and chew over which was the best moment of the first wave of stories.
The destruction of the Republic Fair and Stellan’s compassion seen around the galaxy, says James.
Star Wars: The High Republic is a roller coaster of a story between the forces of light and darkness. One of the major flashpoints of the series is when the Nihil and Drengir attack the Republic Fair on Valo. What was to be the showcase of Lina Soh’s Great Works program turns into a demonstration of the Nihil’s might. And amid this destruction, the greatest moment in the initiative takes place in Cavan Scott’s The Rising Storm: when Jedi Master Stellan Gios holds the line, protecting the Chancellor, the Togruta queen Elarec Yovet, and several others.
Chancellor Lina Soh demonstrates her own selfless nature, putting the welfare of an injured civilian and her young son first, by letting them climb to the safety of a walker before her. Cut off from the other Jedi, Stellan fends off war cloud gas attacks and wave after wave of stimmed-up Nihil fighters. Getting weaker and weaker after each attack, he is nearly defeated by the Nihil Tempest Runner Lourna Dee. Aboard the walker, Lina gets her own hero moment, bringing the vehicle to life and driving to safety. Then a bomb hits the walker. In the aftermath, Stellan sobs over the body of nearly-dead Lina Soh — a moment caught on holocamera for the galaxy to witness.
Keeve and Sskeer’s last lesson before the destruction of Starlight Beacon, says Kristin.
The High Republic is a gift. The stories in Phase I: Light of the Jedi showcased the Jedi Order as we’ve never seen them before, true guardians of peace. And yet, the series of books and comics did not shy away from shining a light on the struggles inherent in finding balance in the Force. There are plenty of spectacular moments to choose from, and James’s pick is a good one. But for me, the best moment in Phase I is a quiet exchange between a master and an apprentice before a battle that changes everything.
When we first meet Keeve Trennis, she’s preparing to become a Jedi Knight. Her anxiety over her readiness is completely relatable, as is her contrition when she fears she has failed Master Sskeer and brought down trouble from the Jedi High Council after she ditches the prescribed trial to save the Ximpi village and redirect the ridadi. Even after Keeve is no longer a Padawan, her connection to Sskeer remains strong, an emotional bond that tethers the two Jedi despite their doctrine to avoid attachments. When Sskeer is quarantined, struggling to remain whole under the influence of the Drengir, Keeve willingly joins him. She knows that they are stronger together, and while her act of compassion has long-lasting consequences that will haunt her, they are ultimately successful in finding the location of the Great Progenitor. Without this act of self-sacrifice, the galaxy would have been overrun by the hungry hoard.
Agree, disagree? Let us know your favourite moment on Fantha Tracks social media.
- Hardcover Book
- Kristin Baver (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 344 Pages - 04/25/2023 (Publication Date) - DK (Publisher)
