The High Republic Adventures #13 - Comic Review

Daniel José Older has arguably created some of the most engaging characters and story arcs in the entirety of The High Republic initiative thus far. The group of Padawans introduced in The High Republic Adventures have made their way into various other publishing formats (middle grade, YA and adult novels) and fans worldwide have grown to love them. Issue #13 is the last we’ll see of them in this iteration, but the storylines of Lula, Zeen, Qort, Farzala, and others have cemented their way into the hearts of readers everywhere and the close of this chapter will leave everyone eager to catch up with them in the future.

Intersecting with the events of Older’s YA novel Midnight Horizon, The High Republic Adventures #13 focuses on Lula’s internal struggle between the Jedi way and love. Her head is telling her one thing and her heart is telling her another—an appropriate struggle for a young reader audience, but definitely relatable to everyone. Lula, Farzala, and Qort have proven themselves worthy of the Jedi Knight title, but Lula’s not sure she’s quite ready to take that next step.

Meanwhile, former BFFs Zeen and Krix have their own issues to deal with after Krix’s capture by the Jedi. Zeen’s confidence has grown in her time with the Jedi as evidenced by her interaction with Krix. She has seen firsthand what true friendship and acceptance looks like, and she makes that point crystal clear as she says goodbye to her childhood friend. And she closes the door on her past, another opens for her future as she decides to join the crew heading to Corellia to ward off an attack from the Nihil but not before she and Lula express their true feelings for each other. There is a great mix of teenage hesitation and confidence in this interaction, with just as much being expressed with words as without. Artist Harvey Tolibao shines in this whole issue but his work between Lula and Zeen goes such a long way in showing the emotions they’re going through, a true testament to the power of the medium of comic books.

Interspersed throughout The High Republic Adventures #13 is a C plot involving Qort’s bond with a fellow Aloxian youngling who’s part of a new group of Padawan recruits. Here’s hoping we get to see more of this next generation in the future, but for now seeing Qort’s heartwarming bond with the youngling will undoubtedly warm readers’ hearts.

The Star Hopper becomes a de facto knighting ceremony venue as the issue closes with some Padawans having their braids severed while everyone else (including a very familiar looking beret-sporting gentleman) cheers them on. The phrase “for light and life” is an immensely appropriate way to bid farewell to The High Republic Adventures. It’s been a beacon of light showing how relationships can grow and strengthen over time while not shying away from issues that make life hard but still worth the struggle.

The High Republic Adventures #13 is out now, you definitely don’t want to miss your chance to say goodbye.