Published: March 2nd, 2022
Rating: T
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Ario Anindito
Inker: Mark Morales & Victor Olazaba
Colourist: Carlos Lopez
Letterer: VC’s Ariana Maher
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
The synopsis;
JEDI’S END, CHAPTER 5: THE FALL
EVERYTHING CHANGES! Phase one of Star Wars: The High Republic reaches its galaxy-shaking conclusion. Only one person can save the Jedi from the mysterious monsters that stalk Starlight Beacon. Who will live and who will die?
The review;
So, it ends as it began with Noto creating a fabulous retrospective direct cover that uses the same composition of The High Republic #1, but now the Jedi are battle weary and Starlight Beacon burns in the background. Ferry’s variant is a beautiful composition of Keeve, Avar, and Sskeer, who all appear so expressive, and are paired with a stunning ethereal background. Finally, Anindito is finishing this arc in style, Lourna Dee style, with the Twi’lek hideously grinning at a ferocious Avar Kriss.
Starlight Beacon is lost. After the Nihil’s ruthless attack, the space station is split in two, and being pulled down by the gravity well of the planet Eiram. There is no saving Chancellor Lina Soh’s greatest work, and the Jedi are focused on evacuating everyone aboard. Young Jedi Knight Keeve Trennis joins Avar Kriss in the relief effort, trying to save citizens and Jedi alike. But with time running out, sacrifices have to be made.
This is it. Fifteen issues. Nearly 360 pages. All leading to this moment. Cavan Scott’s culmination of The High Republic series, and phase one of this incredible storyline. For fans who have already read The Fallen Star by Claudia Gray, then expect to relive all the heartbreak with this issue, and cry over these favourite heroes. Scott’s ending is the very definition of bittersweet, with triumphant moments, tender farewells, and heroes are forged in the flames of Starlight’s destruction.
Keeve Trennis began her journey as a Padawan who looked up to the Jedi Masters and wanted to prove herself at every opportunity. Now she’s become a Jedi Knight who realises that she needs to look up to herself, because her own strength is just as powerful. Keeve puts everybody before herself in this issue, not fearing or flinching from the danger, and she has transformed into one of the best Jedi of the High Republic. Even the mighty Avar Kriss can see Keeve’s silent strength, and she leans on the younger woman. Keeve understands diplomacy, empathy, and the need for action when it is right, but also when some actions are wrong. She’s one of the finest role-models in Star Wars, and her journey has truly been an honour to follow during The High Republic.
Meanwhile Keeve’s former Master, Sskeer, also gets his moment to shine in a tender farewell. For a hulking, dangerous Trandoshan, Scott knows how to write the soft side of Sskeer, only enhanced by the beautiful artwork of Anindito. His fond goodbye to Keeve is heart wrenching, followed by his sacrifices to protect his former Padawan. Their bond has been one of the core tenets of this series, proving that attachment is important for any Jedi.
Completing the trio of this series is Avar Kriss, and she truly loses everything in The High Republic #15. Even though she’s been stripped of her title of Marshal, she still fights with everything she has in an attempt to save Starlight Beacon. Anindito draws one absolutely awe-inspiring panel where Avar uses her song of the Force to connect all the remaining Jedi, and even with all the destruction occurring, she’s practically angelic. Her pain though, as she loses Starlight and fellow friends, is unimaginable and how Avar will come back from that is hard to see.
Making all of these emotions palpable is Anindito and his artwork for this issue is the best that he’s done for the series. Every emotion can be felt. Every character has their key moment. Every heartbreak is the reader’s heartbreak. This story ends in tragedy and Anindito doesn’t shy away from that, embracing the pain and destruction, and creating something that is raw and beautiful. Any fan reading this issue will find themselves pausing on scenes just to reflect on everything that these characters are having to endure. This is artwork to savour.
The High Republic #15 is the finale for this series and the first phase of The High Republic. This arc has introduced new characters who easily sit beside the likes of Yoda and Rey, and they will be missed even though it’s not the end of their story. Phase II is going back even further into the past of the High Republic, and it will be exciting to see what that will bring in the fall. Until then, a MASSIVE thank you needs to go to Cavan Scott, Ario Anindito, Phil Noto, Carlos Lopez, Mark Morales, Viktor Olazaba, VC’s Ariana Maher, and everyone at Marvel who worked on The High Republic. They are the light and life behind this masterpiece!
Availability;
Star Wars: The High Republic #15 was published March 2nd 2022 by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic book stores.
