The High Republic Adventures: Starlight Coda - Comic Review

First announced at 2022’s Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim, The High Republic Adventures: Starlight Coda transports readers back to Phase I of The High Republic in Starlight Beacon’s final moments. Claudia Gray’s adult novel, The Fallen Star, focused on a number of storylines during this same time, however, the fates of the numerous characters from The High Republic Adventures have still been up in the air, until now. A cohort of survivors, lead by Lula Talisola and Master Torban Buck are navigating the chaos, with both creatures and the Nihil on the loose. With getting the younglings to safety as their number one priority Lula, joined by her friends Farzala and Qort, bravely set their plan into motion. It doesn’t take long for their mission to hit a few snags, as the Nameless and the Nihil both appear, with deadly consequences. Who will survive the destruction of Starlight Beacon?

Appropriately, Daniel José Older is at the helm of The High Republic Adventures: Starlight Coda, as he was responsible for creating and bringing to life the characters that fill the pages back in Phase I of The High Republic Adventures. Having stepped in Phase II since Fall 2022, seeing characters like Lula and Qort again warmed my heart, even under such dire circumstances. Older does a great job of picking right back up where we left off with these characters, and reminds readers just how much they’ve grown (Qort’s bravery and take-charge attitude is an issue highlight). Older also shows just how far Krix has fallen; he’s firmly and maniacally a member of the Nihil and it was actually really great seeing him so unhinged. Older’s penchant for pulling at heartstrings is ever present and if you’re anything like me, Starlight Coda will make you even more eager for The High Republic Phase III later this year.

Harvey Tolibao handles pencils and inks, Michelle Madsen colors, and Jimmy Betancourt and Tyler Smith lettering, a team who are more than familiar with this title and characters. Tolibao’s been providing the cover art only for the current run of The High Republic Adventures (2022) and it’s nice seeing his distinct style covering multiple pages again. Madsen’s color story is to be commended, providing the dramatic juxtaposition of the story in a bold and unique way only a comic book can deliver. Kevin Tolibao joins his brother Harvey for the cover art which in one image alone conveys the bravery, action and danger that’s inside the pages; Lula’s never looked more stunning.

Starlight Coda fills in a small gap of story that will cause readers to concurrently breathe sighs of relief while holding their breath. The High Republic Adventures: Starlight Coda is available at participating comic book retailers on Free Comic Book Day 2023 taking place May 6.