Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge Of Balance Volume 1
The galaxy celebrates. With the dark days of the hyperspace disaster behind them,
Chancellor Lina Soh pushes ahead with the latest of her GREAT WORKS. The Republic
Fair will be her finest hour, a celebration of peace, unity, and hope on the frontier world of Valo.But an insatiable horror appears on the horizon. One by one, planets fall as the carnivorous DRENGIR consume all life in their path. As Jedi Master AVAR KRISS leads the battle against this terror, Nihil forces gather in secret for the next stage of MARCHION RO’s diabolical plan.
Only the noble JEDI KNIGHTS stand in Ro’s way, but even the protectors of light and life
are not prepared for the terrible darkness that lies ahead….
Writers: Shima Shinya, Justina Ireland
Penciller: Mizuki Sakakibara
Publisher: Viz Media
Publication date: September 7, 2021
Pages: 168
ISBN: 9781974725885
Set in the aftermath of the Great Hyperspace Disaster it follows Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi as she comes to terms with her role within the Jedi and the intentions and limitations of the Jedi as a whole in the wake of such a displacing event. To really shake things up and grant Lily the necessary perspective; enter unruly and inquisitive younglings, suspicious refugees and a certain demonic and carnivorous breed of plant life….
It’s worth noting that this is a Manga. A longform comic in the Japanese style. Having not read many before I was immediately bowled over by the art. It is stunning. Not only that but it conveys such a sense of place and life that I’d strongly recommend you check it out. It may not be essential narratively but you get a feel for what it’s like to live as a Jedi during the High Republic era. Fans that were compelled by the portrayal of living under Imperial rule in Greg Rucka‘s Guardians of the Whills will have a sense of what I mean.
The characters stand out with defined and unique personalities, something that’s absolutely necessary in a publishing initiative chock-full of so many strong players. Lily’s turmoil is refreshingly open and earnest which is in keeping with the traditions of the format. I’d also like to point out how genuinely creepy it is at times, tapping into that same Children of the Corn and Invasion of the Body Snatchers influence that I pointed out in my review of Cavan Scott’s Marvel High Republic series. The book also invokes Japan’s fear and reverence for forests, which I found highly effective.
Roll on volume 2!
Star Wars: The High Republic: Edge Of Balance: Volume 2 @ ForbiddenPlanet.com