Star Wars The High Republic #1
THERE IS NO FEAR
PART 1: Trial by Ordeal
The galaxy is at peace, ruled by the glorious REPUBLIC and protected by the noble and wise JEDI KNIGHTS.As a symbol of all that is good, the Republic is about to launch STARLIGHT BEACON into the far reaches of the Outer Rim. This new space station will serve as a ray of hope for all to see.
But just as a magnificent renaissance spreads throughout the Republic, so does a frightening new adversary. Now the guardians of peace and justice must face a threat to themselves, the galaxy, and the Force itself….
Writer: Cavan Scott
Penciller: Ario Anindito
Inker: Mark Morales
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Colorist: Annalisa Leoni
Cover artist: Phil Noto
Editor: Mark Paniccia
Publication date: January 6, 2021
What is it about?
Welcome to The High Republic! The 5th of January brings us two novels in Charles Soule’s Light of the Jedi and Justina Ireland’s A Test of Courage. Now it’s Marvel’s turn with Cavan Scott’s new six-part series.
The High Republic is set centuries before The Phantom Menace and is set during the height of the Jedi’s power, within this comic we are introduced to Keeve, a foul mouthed Padawan as she prepares for her trials to become a Jedi Knight.
Should I read this comic?
Yes. This is a wonderful introduction. Cavan Scott is able to bring humour and a lot of fun to an introductory issue where you immediately feel connected and excited to see what is happening and very much intrigued to see what will happen next!
Keeve and her master Sskeer immediately feel known and I’m intrigued to see how their relationship develops as it’s written so skillfully that you immediately care for them like they’ve been part of Star Wars for years.
On the flip side Scott is able to balance the large scale side of The High Republic expertly as the two stories intertwine with finesse as they are brought together with a very exciting cliff-hanger.
What did you like?
It’s new, fresh and exciting. The High Republic is ambitious in scale and has started very well. We do not know where things will end up and these characters have obviously been created with care. Cavan has spoken openly of his love for Keeve and if the rest of the characters are written as well then this should be an absolute highlight of a series.
I also like how well it sits alongside Light of the Jedi and how the characters that were introduced there are consistent across the comic format.
The art is also gorgeous. Simply stunning.
What did you not like?
That the second issue isn’t out yet? Seriously…nothing to criticise.
What’s next?
The second issue comes out on the 3rd February which feels like a very long way away.
Anything else to add?
Not all that much, but I cannot express my excitement for the stories that will be coming our way. After the sequel trilogy I was feeling a bit down (only an opinion!) but these novels and this comic have made my Star Wars loving heart soar again.
We will be discussing all things The High Republic on forthcoming episodes of Canon Fodder and reviewing all books, comics and audio books here on the site.
Star Wars: High Republic #1 (2nd Printing Variant) @ ForbiddenPlanet.com