By: Kyle Scully
Written by: Daniel Jose Older
Art by: Harvey Tolibao
Colors by: Rebecca Nalty
Letters by: Jake M. Wood
The stories of the High Republic are strong with the Force and the first issue of Daniel Jose Older’s Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #1 aptly continues this trend. The book opens with the Great Disaster already in full swing. Padawan Lula Talisola is on her way to save Bralanak City on Trymant IV from falling debris caused by the disaster. Master Yoda and Torban Buck join her but are mostly relegated to cameos.
The book splits focus between Talisola and a Bralanak citizen, Zeen Mrala. Mrala is afraid of her potential force abilities, a power she’s kept hidden her whole life. This effort is challenged during the course of the story and reaches a tipping point before the final page. The pace is quick and the artwork is detailed without ever feeling cluttered. Older’s attention to character is the book’s greatest strength.
Talisola and Mrala are introduced to the audience through intimate confessions about what they’re hiding from everyone else. It’s a nice way for the reader to really feel like they’re getting to know their lead characters almost immediately. It’s like reading a diary or overhearing a private conversation. These are people who are afraid and it’s those fears that they’ll be forced to confront sooner than later. Great heroines like the two in this book are only great because they have things to overcome and this duo are no different.
Despite some great character work the book wasn’t quite perfect. Part way through there was an odd page featuring a map that described the various locations of the Great Disaster in relation to the events on Trymant IV. It felt like it belonged at the front of the book rather than in middle.
Additionally, I believe the Nihil make an appearance in this book but it was never clear. Maybe I needed to read other material to better understand this but I don’t think that should be the case especially with a first issue. The Jedi also tried to force the Nihil to give up their ship for their own evacuation. It wasn’t really clear up to that point that they were evil or that the Jedi knew who they were so it felt like a bit of misfire that they would be so confrontational so quickly. I wish they had made some sort of diplomatic effort to start.
The artwork featured fine details and great color. Mrala was a standout with her vibrant pink and purple hues. I appreciated that Talisola was a young woman of color. I love representation and it needs to be much more prevalent in Star Wars. Splash pages, something I’m a big fan of, make some truly spectacular appearances. I did find a few pages difficult to follow. The action seemed to jump ahead a little too much and it got slightly complicated.
While not a perfect first issue, there was a lot to love from Older’s initial offering. I’ll definitely be picking up the second issue to see where this story goes and more importantly to see the continued evolution of these new and exciting characters.