The High Republic: The Blade #2
THE HIGH REPUBLIC
THE BLADE
Part 2
Jedi Porter Engle, master of the lightsaber, earning him the label of THE BLADE OF BARDOTTA, and his sister, Barash, are tasked with breaking a siege between factions and ending a conflict in the Tammuz Sector.
But not all is as seems on Gansevor, the planet of knives….
Writer: Charles Soule
Artists: Marco Castiello, Jethro Morales
Letterer: Travis Lanham
Colorist: Jim Campbell
Cover artist: Giuseppe Camuncoli
Editor: Danny Khazem
Publication date: January 25, 2023
We kick off on the Outer Rim, the planet of Gansevor and the city of Horatio as we rejoin Porter Engle and Barash Silvain as they converse with Envoy Seleen and learn of the major issue at hand. A walled city called Firevale is under siege from a rival country, and given each state is expected to look after themselves rather than rely on the capital, Envoy Seleen reached out to the Jedi. Unsure what they are expected to do, Barash and Engle insist on knowing more about what they’re being asked to do, keen to avoid any entanglements and an escalation of hostilities.
They arrive at Firevale and quickly learn that any hopes of a peaceful resolution are in vain as shots are fired and the Jedi head to the ground, walking towards the Bethune and deflecting their blaster fire, disarming them skillfully by deflecting their shots back towards them. The firefight over, they move into the camp to meet the Bethune leader as we swing back in time and location to Coruscant 17 years ago as young Barash and Porter discuss the plans to split them up and resolve to prove that given their complimentary skills they are far better together.
Back in the now, a very interesting exchange begins as Engle and Barash meet with the Bethune leader who counters Engle’s rather confrontational tone by reminding them that not only do the Republic take taxes for being a member world but give it no discernible benefits, Engle and Barash approached a military encampment without identifying themselves. The Bethune explain that Firevale captured their princess, and Barash asks that they be allowed to go into the city to learn more and distribute the food. The Field Marshall agrees.
As the Jedi leave, the Field Marshall calls an unknown third party who are parked behind the nearby moon and ready to come in as supplies are flown into Firevale, much to the relief of the populace. There they meet with Firevale’s Prince Colden, who wonders why the Jedi are here and once he is filled in with the details explains that his wife – the princess – wasn’t taken but instead came to Firevale seeking asylum. It appears the Bethune are less than truthful, and that’s bourne out as a meercenary army arrives as klaxons blare and we wrap up the issue as an unnamed hooded warrior stands at the top of her starships ramp and another intriguing issue ends with the city on the precipise of conflict and another tile in the mosaic of the galaxy is placed down. Charles Soule sets up the pieces perfectly here, complimented by crisp art from Marco Castiello and Jethro Morales, and as a means of explaining just why Porter Engle is so admired – and bear in mind, he hasn’t really got going yet – this is doing a fine job.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Soule, Charles (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 23 Pages - 03/01/2023 (Publication Date) - Marvel (Publisher)
