Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #8
BACK TOGETHER AND AWAY AGAIN
Back together and safe on the Starlight, Lula, Zeen, Farzala, and Qort recover from their adventures on the Junk Moon and Nal Hutta, but a new challenge awaits them in the form of an old friend.
Meanwhile, Marchion Ro encourages Krix’s violent obsessions, leading to an attack on Takodana!
Writer: Daniel José Older
Artist: Toni Bruno
Letterer: Jake M. Wood
Colorist: Rebecca Nalty
Cover artist: Harvey Tolibao
Publication date: September 1, 2021
Pages: 32
For a title so closely associated with its brisk, colourful storytelling from Daniel José Older and intricate art by Harvey Tolibau, an issue where another artist steps in is always a risk. Moving away from the established winning formula due to deadlines, the artist moving on to other endeavours or simply needing a break is common, but often that can be a speedbump in the road for an ongoing title. Thankfully, with Tolibau on stunning cover duties alone this issue, artist Toni Bruno steps into the breach for this and issues 9, 10 and the forthcoming The High Republic Adventures: Galactic Bake-Off Spectacular with a totally different style and feel (Tolibau returns for issues 11 and 12), but one that instantly feels on-point in this ever-enjoyable title.
Together again on Starlight Beacon after months apart, Qort, Farzala, Lula and Zeen reunite after their galaxy-spanning adventures, sharing stories as they unwind after their numerous escapades, introducing new friends Ram Jomaram (from The Rising Storm and Race To Crashpoint Tower) and the Nikto Ishnar Ti-Kharatal (From The High Republic Adventures #6). Despite the upbeat atmosphere, Zeen Mrala can’t shake the feeling there’s unfinished business that needs tending to, and we cut to the Nihil and Marchion Ro as he talks with Kriz Kamarat, Zeen’s young friend who has ambitions of his own, to wipe out the entire Jedi Order. Clearly stung by his friend Zeen hiding her Force powers from him, Krix has truly stepped into the shadows; if you didn’t know better, you’d swear he’d joined the dark side.
There’s a very clear and quite charming obesession with food and drink in The High Republic, hence the upcoming Galactic Bake-Off Spectacular, but beyond being a vehicle for jockularity it’s a bonding device that brings these characters together. Who doesn’t love a great meal, and that warmth radiates through the characters, here and in other The High Republic stories. However, there’s no time for food in the world of the Nihil as we rejoin Krix and his Storm Riders flying above the mountains of Takodana aiming for the castle of Maz Kanata, determined to make an example of her. Defending Takodana at the Temple Outpost is a lone Jedi, making a rich brew and stepping outside as the Nihil sweep over the lake we saw so clearly in The Force Awakens between Kanata’s castle and the Jedi Temple. On Starlight Beacon, Masters Buck and Kantam field questions from the younglings as the Nihil attack the Jedi, but much to their dismay the Force user easily takes out most of their attack wing. Buck and Kantam continue, explaining how all Jedi – padawans, younglings, kinghts – need to come together to take down a Nihil faction that is wreaking havoc, led by Krix Kamarat. Zeen is shook, but pulls herself together to join the team as they prepare to head to Takodana and help the lone Jedi, a female Kyuzo called Sav Malagán.
We end as Malagán and her Toydarian companion find an injured Nihil in the wreckage of its ship and back on Dol’Har Hyde Krix rouses his warriors to destroy the temple on Takodana, finsihing yet another impressive issue that balances the vigour and optimism of youth with the dark ambitions of revenge and the heartless action of the Nihil. Bruno really does shine here, crafting a sweeping, kinetic tale complimented by Older’s words that keep us moving, moving, moving through the story. We’re beyond The Rising Storm, we know the Jedi have tough times ahead and as Phase One nears its end – and IDW prepare to sail off into the sunset as another new era for Star Wars comics beckons – it will certainly be remembered for storylines and titles like The High Republic Adventures. Enjoy it while it’s here folks, we’re 8 for 8 on the enjoyment meter with just 4 issues to go.
Star Wars: High Republic: Adventures #8 (Cover B Kyr) @ ForbiddenPlanet.com
