The High Republic Adventures #3 - Comic Review

When young Trymant IV natives Zeen Mrala and Krix Kamerat go their separate ways, they really don’t mess around. While still communicating via HoloNet, Krix’s new companions, the Nihil, couldn’t be any more different than the Jedi who’ve taken in Zeen as we begin The High Republic Adventures #3. Simultaneously burdened with feelings of guilt that she may have hid her nature from Krix and invigorated by the joy, fun, laughter and love she feels with the Jedi, Zeen feels overwhelmed and looks to Padawan Lula Talisola for comfort.

Krix puts up a good front, but it’s clear the Nihil aren’t treating him and his fellow Trymant refugees like friends. On the contrary, the Nihil are after something powerful from the survivors, and they seem to be willing to use whatever means to get the information they seek. Krix realizes that this knowledge might be the only way to save himself, and sets out to obtain it. The Nihil’s ultimate motives remain clouded, but it’s clear that they are no mere band of marauders. They have an agenda.

The two holoprojectors these strained friends have been using to communicate becomes the focal point of the story and, ultimately, could decide the fate of the Jedi on Starlight Beacon, the Nihil and, just as important, the friendship of Zeen and Krix. Decisions will be made. Decisions that could alter the course of their friendship and theirs lives.

Writer Daniel José Older once again weaves a wonderful yarn, with both the characteristic dialogue of the baddies and the rather uncharacteristic fun of the Jedi complementing the narrative. The sight of a Jedi smiling is most welcome, actually. It can’t all be dour and staid and, after watching Grogu woof down snacks during The Mandalorian, it’s nice to see Yoda showing up to a party with some treats. Buried under the mirth and happiness, Zeen feels an undeserved guilt thanks to Krix’s biting messages, and Older shows how painful and difficult it is to shake that kind of manipulation.

Once again, artist Harvey Tolibao, and Rebecca Nalty and Jake Wood on colors and letters respectively, deftly shift tones, bringing out the warm, inviting nature of the Padawan’s quarters on Starlight Beacon but also the foul, choking grittiness of the Nihil’s Battle Rink with equal ease. The chaos of the Battle Rink, in particular, was beautiful in its brutality. One piece of advice: best to stay on top of the Bogaranth than find yourself in front of its mouth.

The High Republic Adventures #3 continues to lay out an engaging story, and something tells me you’ll want to be up to speed before issue #4 drops. Grab a copy today!