The High Republic Adventures #1 - Comic Review

It struck me today that, while there have been many new Star Wars projects since 1977, they’ve all been able to rely on the familiarity built by the original three films. Sure, there are plenty of differences, but it’s easy to get your bearings and realize where you are and who you’re talking to. Set hundreds of years before the events of the Skywalker Saga, the stories of The High Republic introduced thus far are as close to the alien newness of A New Hope as I think we’re going to get, and that’s kind of exhilarating. Sure, Yoda shows up in IDW’s Star Wars The High Republic Adventures #1, but he’s not the main focus. If you feel panicked at all of the new names and characters, remember: it’s not like you’re trying to memorize your in-laws’ names. It’s Star Wars. Be patient. Enjoy it.

A gaggle of Padawans accompany Masters Yoda and Torban Buck aka Buckets of Blood (just be cool and don’t stare at it him) as they rush to save the inhabitants of Trymant IV from a debris field coming out of hyperspace set to devastate the planet, with the young Lula Talisola taking center stage. Strong with the Force she is and, though her skills are unparalleled at such a young age, she can’t shake an unplaceable dread about the mission.

Meanwhile, on the planet’s surface, Zeen Mrala and her friend Krix scurry through Bralanak city to find answers and, more importantly, safety. Zeen’s got a secret that puts her at odds with the rest of Trymant’s society, and she too is overcome by an ominous, foreboding feeling. As precursor debris fragments begin to shower down, her intuition seems to be initially accurate as a party of strange aliens have landed, their intention clearly malevolent. Enter the Jedi, and you have the makings of a conflict set amongst a planetary apocalypse. Choices are made and actions are taken that will change the course of Zeen’s life, bringing an end to the issue, but not the drama playing out in Bralanak.

I can imagine the weight the creative team, particularly Daniel José Older, must’ve felt bringing an almost completely new set of characters and locales to life. Sure, it must be freeing, but there’s been a lot of time and energy invested in The High Republic’s coordinated roll out and the stakes are high. Older, joined by artist Harvey Tolibao, and Rebecca Nalty and Jake Wood on colors and letters respectively, serve up an excellent first course as IDW’s first entry into the saga of The High Republic. Their work is solid throughout, and striking, in particular, were the scenes of chaos at play in front of the pristine blue skies of Trymant; a reminder that the idyllic peace of the High Republic is about to be broken by an unknown and unexpected threat.

Star Wars The High Republic Adventures #1 is one to grab early, and you’ll want to remember to put issue #2 in your pull list too.