The High Republic Adventures: Interview with Daniel José Older. Photo collage by Fabio Fiori. Left & Right: Artwork by Harvey Tolibao. IDW Publishing/Lucasfilm Ltd. Center: Photo courtesy of Daniel José Older
Books & Comics

The High Republic Adventures: Interview with Daniel José Older

Daniel José Older discusses The High Republic Adventures, from Lula Talisola and Zeen Mrala to the inclusion of Master Yoda.

The High Republic cross-publishing initiative has already given the readers plenty of wonderful storytelling from all-time favorite authors while introducing veteran artists into our beloved galaxy far, far away. As part of this epic new era of Star Wars, this month IDW Publishing released their all-new ongoing comic book series with the first issue of The High Republic Adventures. For New York Times bestselling author Daniel José Older (Star Wars: Last Shot), seeing his story come to life through the incredible artwork of Harvey Tolibao and the colors of Rebecca Nalty has been a dream come true.

“These brilliant artists give so much liveliness and excitement to these stories and characters. I’m constantly in awe of both Harvey and Rebecca, and it’s changed how I write, knowing my words are in such great hands,” Older shared in an interview with TatooineTimes.com.

The High Republic Adventures features two young protagonists—Lula Talisola and Zeen Mrala, whose destiny has brought them together by the will of the Force. Older reflected on the character development of the two, thinking about the ways people embrace and are afraid of their own power and how that can manifest differently depending on circumstance.

“Lula has been raised around Force-users and has always excelled in the classroom, but the idea of confronting real world disasters is a whole other challenge. She’s not sure she’s ready—classroom learning is very different from real world experience, but she has her classmates and Yoda to lean on for support,” Older said.

“Zeen is the opposite—she was raised by people who don’t think anyone should use the Force, so her Force sensitivity is something she’s actively suppressed and felt shame about. Now their stories come crashing together, quite literally, and amidst that chaos so much will be revealed and so much will change. At the end of the day, though, they’re both young people in a dangerous situation trying to stay alive and do the right thing.”

The High Republic Adventures may feel completely new to Star Wars fans, but the inclusion of Master Yoda gives a grounding familiarity to the story. However, being in the new era set 200 years before The Phantom Menace, the comic features the fan favorite character at a much younger age.

“Here we get to see Yoda out in the world, hanging with a crew of teenagers, and in the midst of adventures. While he’s already a Master at this point, he also embodies the noble Jedi Knight of old archetype that we always imagined, and it’s so much fun to write him,” Older said.

The High Republic Adventures has just begun, and there is a lot to look forward to in the next issues of this all-new ongoing series.

“This is a truly epic saga. We go deep into the heart and upper echelons of the Nihil, and we see the inner workings of Starlight Beacon. There are so many cool planets and creatures and battles ahead, more new characters to meet, and while it’s a story that stands on its own just fine, there are also really cool connections to the other High Republic storytelling throughout.”

Are you ready to jump into a new Star Wars adventure? Then make sure you grab your own copy of The High Republic Adventures #1 today and don’t forget to follow Daniel José Older on Instagram, Twitter, and last but not least TikTok (he’s so much fun) for latest updates on his upcoming Star Wars projects and beyond.

Fabio Fiori

Fabio Fiori

Fabio Fiori is the Founder and Creative Director of Tatooine Times. He grew up watching the Prequels and is obsessed with Star Wars behind-the-scenes.