The High Republic Adventures Annual 2021 - Comic Review

2021 was a gift to Star Wars readers to say the very least. The High Republic has injected creativity and artistic freedom into the universe like never before, and it’s been enjoyable from top to bottom. So what better way to wrap up the year than have each High Republic author contribute their own short story via IDW’s The High Republic Adventures Annual 2021?

Before we dive in, special mention must be made of the covers. Covers A & B by Stefano Simeone and Jason Loo are cinematic and stunningly poster-worthy. Derek Charm (a favorite of mine) lends his skills to IDW’s Online Exclusive Cover (sadly already sold out) and the two retailer incentive covers by Jon Lam and Ben Harvey featuring Loden Greatstorm, Bell Zettifar and Ember must be seen to be believed … literally works of art!

First up is Set for Life written by Charles Soule with art by Sam Beck and letters by Johanna Nattalie. Set on Elphrona some time before the events of the novel Light of the Jedi, the Jedi assigned to the planet’s outpost investigate a cave-in at a local mine. Loden Greatstorm leads his Padawan Bell Zettifar, teaching him a valuable lesson about choices and consequences. Greatstorm’s addition here is a welcome one, especially given his short-lived time in universe and his rendering by artist Sam Beck is simply perfection.

Claudia Gray’s story No Stone Unturned has Vessel crew members Leox, Affie and Geode on the run at a treasure hunting gig gone sideways. Putting violence aside, the crew find a peaceful resolution with the residents of the planet, with Geode playing a particularly key role. Artists Jason Loo and Megan Huang are at the helm, making great use of colors and panels in the telling of this quick and humorous story.

Next we’re whisked off to Hynestia some time ago (and before A Test of Courage) where Vernestra Rwoh meets her master Stellan Gios for the first time in First Mission written by Justina Ireland. Vernestra meets Master Lynela Kabe-Oye, a Kel Dor stationed on the planet and joins him and her new master at Hynestia’s royal palace for a diplomatic banquet with the Hutts. Quickly proving herself, Vernestra points out that a beverage served could prove dangerous and a series of events unfolds that reveal the Hutts weren’t planning on things staying diplomatic. Ireland’s story is drawn by Yael Nathan who proves himself more than a worthy artist, rendering humans, Hutts, and a variety of other alien species with cartoonishly fun results.

No stranger to The High Republic Adventures, Daniel José Older’s entry, titled Crash and Crew Do What They Do, is the only story included featuring brand new characters. Alys “Crash” Ongwa (the character dedicated to Doctor Aphra writer Alyssa Wong) and her crew are charged with protecting Chancellor Lina Soh but have their work cut out for them thanks to a pesky Nihil droid. Featuring arguably the most creative panelwork of the entire issue, artist Jesse Lonergan’s style is equal parts unique and enjoyable. The story is laid out in a way that emphasizes the chaos of the plot. There’s hardly a straight-lined panel to be seen with curves and circles being used to thrilling effect. Lonergan’s hand-drawn style is a standout, his use of washed out colors is also particularly striking. Let’s hope Older and Longergan team up again in the near future, I for one would love an entire graphic novel by this duo.

Last but not least is The Haul by Star Wars MVP Cavan Scott (I’m not keeping track but he has to have the most writing credits out of any author this year). Cover artist Stefano Simeone joins Scott on the planet Quilken in the Outer Rim where two groups of Nihil, lead by new character Slombo and badass Lourna Dee, are battling it out for precious treasure (and favor of The Eye). All isn’t as it seems however, as The Blade of Bardotta himself, Porter Engle, reveals himself and dashes the Nihil’s plans. Simeone’s style is perfect for this story and whether it’s the desert setting or the characters involved, there are strong Mad Max vibes going on here. I for one hope he returns to the character of Porter Engle, both for the fact that his take on him is just so cool and also that Engle deserves more High Republic page time.

The High Republic Adventures Annual 2021 is out today and contains some of the most unique and entertaining comic content we’ve seen all year. This issue is most likely one of the final Star Wars publications by IDW so don’t let the year end without getting your hands on a copy of your own!