By: Kyle Scully
STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC #1
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Ario Anindito
Inker: Mark Morales
Colorist: Annalisa Leoni
Letterer: VC’S Ariana Maher
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
The High Republic is here! The exciting new Star Wars storytelling initiative arrives with several new books (including Light of the Jedi) as well as a terrific new comic book written by Cavan Scott.
All the stories tie together but what’s nice is that it’s immediately clear you don’t need to read everything to enjoy some things. The comic references events I’m unfamiliar with but keeps a pace that makes those gaps feel irrelevant. The crux of the story focuses on Keeve Trennis, a young padawan, facing her trials on the way to becoming a full-fledged Jedi Knight. She’s guided by her Jedi Master, Sskeer, but ultimately deviates from the planned trial to take on one of her own. The story is constructed in a way that centers on Keeve’s personal journey but still manages to incorporate a larger threat to the Starlight Beacon, a High Republic cornerstone.
Keeve herself is a great character in all facets of storytelling including action, dialogue and design. It’s no wonder she was chosen to lead this book. In addition, I love that she is a person of color. Star Wars needs more representation and this is a very small step but one I still appreciate.
To be fair, this is not a fresh story. Many padawans have faced their own trials in many different incarnations but its familiarity is the perfect way to be introduced into this new world. Keeve’s journey brings her to the Starlight Beacon where she meets other Jedi including Avar Kriss (also featured in Light of the Jedi). This book presents her as a bit of an enigma. There just isn’t enough time to truly meet her but she’s a strong presence. Yoda makes an appearance and while he doesn’t have a lot to do he definitely feels like Yoda. If you’re talking Yoda his voice is the most important part. The scenes on the Starlight Beacon feel a bit like Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, which is the highest compliment I can give. If Kriss is anything like Kira then this book is going to be something truly special.
The art is another wonderfully strong element in this book. Star Wars is for everyone and the art always has to reflect that. A book like this can’t be too dark or too cartoony and it finds a smart balance. The colors are bright and vibrant, the characters are expressive but the threats always feel real and compelling.
I love the little details found within the artwork. Keeve’s saber is so delicately drawn it feels like you could almost reach out and touch it. There are also some great splash pages including a ripping action beat featuring Keeve and Sskeer. Keeve herself goes through a lot of emotions and the art highlights each one without falling into any repetitive traps.
The final pages leave you with some lingering questions. Sskeer seems upset about something despite Keeve becoming a Jedi Knight. It’s not a strong finish. The book almost feels like a one-shot but it’s enough to leave you curious. This book does enough to hook me and I’ll be using all my Jedi powers to pick up the next issue.