The High Republic (2022) #1 - Comic Review

In a time where the Republic is exploring the vast reaches of space, The High Republic (2022) #1 finds two Jedi coming together on the holy planet of Jedha. The serious and slightly intense Jedi Vildar Mac finds himself transported to his new post on the planet and is greeted by fast talking and fun Padawan Matthea “Matty” Cathley. Matty informs Vildar that while he was supposed to meet with her master, Leebon, there is a more important matter at hand: investigating a stolen relic from a nearby holy place. As they make their way to the Convocation Chambers, Matty teaches the Jedi about the various people that reside on the planet, including a few who bring a bit more trouble than our newly arrived Jedi had hoped for! And then, the backup story follows Jedi Oliviah who is asked to take the place of Master Leebon at a meeting of leaders of the assorted religious groups that reside on Jedha. Unfortunately, it’s a lot more intense and complicated than she expected!

The High Republic (2022) #1 brings Cavan Scott back from the first series to continue writing duties on the new High Republic run, and boy he does not disappoint! Scott starts this issue off with a bang and never fully lets up. While there are moments of reprieve from action scattered throughout the issue, he never really stops giving you more and more information and details to devour page after page. It’s a phenomenal, deep, and fascinating start to this new series. Not only that, but this issue fully and completely sinks its claws into you—dragging the readers into its wonder and epicness with every turn, down to the very last massive cliffhanger twist. In the end, the best thing about this issue is that Scott proves once again just how well he understands how fascinating the Jedi Order can be.

The artistic crew for The High Republic (2022) #1 consists of returning artists Ario Anindito, inker Mark Morales, colorist Frank William, letterer VC’s Ariana Maher, and backup story artist Andrea Broccardo. The entire team does a phenomenal job, as I fully expected, but my favorite aspect has to be Morales’ inks. There’s an aspect to his work that blows me away which is how he makes his linework just slightly thicker than most comics adding such a fun and bold vibe to the artwork. William’s colors are also awesome, and of course Anindito does a phenomenal job with the character designs as always!

The main cover art for The High Republic (2022) #1 comes from interior artist Ario Anindito who brings us a wonderful and classic feeling piece of art showing off our two main characters, back to back with their lightsabers drawn, and a dark figure from Vildar’s past looming over them. The first variant cover is done by Phil Noto and also features our two main heroes set to the backdrop of a massive Jedi statue as seen in the backup story. Mike McKone and Morry Hollowell are up next with a variant featuring Vildar wandering through a crowd of the various inhabitants of Jedha. And last, but not least, is the variant cover from Jan Duursema and Brad Anderson boasting a stunning piece depicting our two main characters once again, this time with an epic background of two electric and intense planets.

The High Republic comics are back and better than ever! The team of Cavan Scott and Ario Anindito return with The High Republic (2022) #1 along with various other incredible artists to kick off a brand new story set 150 years in the past. For fans of The High Republic era, fans of Star Wars overall, or new fans looking to see what’s so cool about this epic series, this issue is a beautiful and exciting place to start. So fire up those Jedi Vectors and fly down to your local comic shop to pick up an issue today!