Published: January 12, 2022
Rating: Rated T
Writer: Charles Soule
Penciler: Marco Castiello
Colourist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Letterer: VC’s Clayton Cowles
Cover Artist: Carlo Pagulayan, Jason Paz and Rain Beredo
The synopsis;
DANGEROUS LESSONS!
LUKE SKYWALKER has found a key piece of instruction in his journey along the JEDI path – the voice of his teacher, JEDI MASTER YODA. But the lesson Luke must learn will not be taught by Yoda, and it will take – and give – more than the young Skywalker could ever have imagined.
The review;
The start of a new year and back to this incredible series. The year ended on quite a revelation, a holocron containing Yoda. To say I’ve been eager to see the direction Soule is going to take this series would be an understatement. Soule has consistently been able to tap into that Original Trilogy feeling that really make me nostalgic for those days gone by. Not only that, but the series is making me look at the trilogy anew, of what we thought we knew. With fantastic artwork by Castiello and you have an issue that promises more revelations of our favourite characters.
To say I’ve been waiting for this issue is an understatement. Soule has been part of the team to write The High Republic. Little bits of information have seeped through, lauding to the history of the galaxy in this (and other) series. However, this issue is the true crossover, the payoff for fans who have been keeping up with everything High Republic. It is a payoff that has been well worth the wait.
The issue begins with Luke listening to Yoda’s lessons about visions in the force, setting the context for the entire issue. Seeing these lessons allows us to see how Luke might carry on his training without Yoda physically there, he uses the holocron. It doesn’t take long for Luke to show his true feelings though and how young he still is. He becomes frustrated as the lesson been taught is one Yoda has already given him, in Luke’s words, almost word for word. Luke dismisses the lesson. In The Empire Strikes Back, when Luke has the lesson, Yoda teaches it, but Luke ignores it, he goes to Bespin anyway to help his friends. For Luke to complain now that he’s already has had the lesson, shows that although Luke is hearing the words, he’s not learning the message behind them. He has grown so much since the start of this series, but Soule is making it clear that he still has a long way to go before he is a knight. He still has important lessons to learn.
Almost sensing this, the holocron guides Luke to the planet Gazian, where Luke meets a different Jedi. This is like the holocron itself, a memory of someone rather than the person itself, but the joy of seeing Elzar Mann with Luke is difficult to write down. It is the perfect link between the Original Trilogy and The High Republic. Mann seems the perfect choice to come to Luke. If you have been keeping up with the High Republic series, including the recently released The Fallen Star, you will know that Mann struggles with the dark side of the force and has had to isolate himself from everyone to try and gain control. This is much like Luke, who he himself is struggling with the dark side of the force. He is also alone, though for Luke this isn’t through choice as it is with Mann. This is such an important relationship for Luke to form. Yoda and Obi-Wan, although also alone are more aloof from Luke, showing less understanding of what Luke is going through. Mann has had to go through the same trials Luke is, there is an understanding that Luke is able to vocalise to Mann that he can’t to the two other Jedi who don’t see to understand the dilemmas that Skywalker faces. Of course, this could simply be down to the notion that they are his teachers, who present their best selves to Luke in order to direct him correctly. Elzar allows Luke to open up, to lower his walls and truthfully explain to him how he feels. Unlike Yoda and Ben, who show little sympathy when his friends are in trouble, Elzar is able to relate to Luke’s pain.
This by itself is fantastic as we can see Luke starting to deal with the emotional trauma of the last few months. But Having Mann here also allows Soule to tease readers of the High Republic. When Luke starts talking about Anakin, Elzar shows his understanding, “happens sometimes.” Oh, it happens does it Mr Soule!? Even the artwork by Castiello puts his face into shadow, showing that there is more to this. It is infuriating as clearly this is referring to some event(s) that will happen in the series, but to who? I won’t say too much for those who are yet to read the next parts in the series, but one name sprang to my mind. All I shall say is, well played Soule, well played!
Mann leaves Luke with two important messages. One, that the Jedi Order is one that is always evolving to deal with the situations they face. Not only does this explain why the Order looks so different in different ears, but also helps to further explain why the Jedi fell to the Sith. They become stale, too rigid, to evolve with the times. The Second, and most important lesson, is that Luke has a choice. Yoda and Obi-Wan tell Luke that his destiny is set, that he has to face Vader, yet Elzar is clear that Luke always has a choice of whether he does something or not. We know what Luke picks, but it is so important that Luke chooses this path, rather than be forced on it.
The artwork by Castiello is stunning. Seeing images of The High Republic, of Jedi throughout the galactic history, Castiello handles them all with ease. For me, his illustration of Elzar was by far the most impressive. Even before he introduces himself to Luke, Castiello makes sure you know it is him. For someone who hasn’t been sen in this era, who hasn’t been seen on film, this is an impressive feat.
Last issue felt nostalgic, a look back and a real feeling of the original movies. This issue feels like a look ahead to the new Star Wars… which is actually the past but still unravelling. It bridges the gap beautifully and allows two characters who share similar journeys to interact. I’m glad this isn’t some huge crossover event but a smaller single issue that allows these characters to share their pains. We get to see Luke relate to a Jedi that he wouldn’t be able to during this part of the timeline. Not only that, but Soule is able to tease (a little too much!) fans who have followed the High Republic series. It is a great issue for fans of either. I can’t wait to see where the book will take Luke next. And Mr Soule, is the person who falls?
Availability;
Star Wars is an ongoing series available from Marvel. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available via the Marvel App and all good comic bookstores.
