The High Republic Adventures #2 - Comic Review

The High Republic Adventures #2 picks up immediately from issue #1 with Masters Yoda and Torban Buck aka Buckets of Blood directing the mission to evacuate the inhabitants of Trymant IV from a debris field traveling at ungodly speed toward the planet. Surrounded by the marauding Nihil, who seem to have no fear of the Jedi, the venerable Masters are joined by Padawan Lula Talisola in the “Bralanak City Smackdown”. Additionally, Trymant native Zeen Mrala, already shown to be gifted with Force abilities by her heroics at the end of issue #1, takes up arms for light and life against the Nihil.

Her friend Krix, feeling betrayed by what they see as a lie, huddles close to Elder Tromak, one of Bralanak’s city fathers, despite the fact that Tromak seems to be in league with the leader of the nefarious Nihil. The three watch as the battle rages on in the streets with Yoda, at Zeen’s request, attempting an end around to find Krix and bring him back to whatever safety the Jedi offer. Debris continues to shower down on the doomed planet as we finally learn the origin of Master Buck’s ominous nickname. Do yourself a favor and put whatever beverage you’re drinking down, because every panel with Buckets of Blood is going to make you laugh. Not to say that he’s clownish at all, but he is extremely funny even as he reluctantly slices and dices all galactic pirates within the reach of his lightsaber. Lula continues to show her leadership, rallying her fellow Padawans when things feel most desperate. Not just a cheerleader, she is as deadly and cunning as any of the Jedi we’ve seen in the book and, joined by Zeen’s raw power, they give the others hope that they can turn the tide.

When the dust settles, Krix comes to a heartbreaking realization and Zeen finds a new hope (no pun intended), but the growing power of the Nihil looms large over the Jedi. Where will they strike next? Will they be ready for the next challenge?

The artists on this book, Harvey Tolibao and Pow Rodrix, and Rebecca Nalty and Jake Wood on colors and letters respectively, once again serve the story well with excellent battle scenes and a noticeable shift in tone between the Jedi fighting to preserve life on idyllic Trymant IV and the menacing Nihil whose motives remain mysterious. Speaking of action, Daniel José Older is showing himself to be an expert in not only writing those battle scenes but also injecting those hallmark comedic moments into those naturally tense moments and doing it in a seamless fashion.

I will not ruin those moments for you, but you should pick up Star Wars The High Republic Adventures #2 before someone else spoils it for you!