Published: November 9, 2022
Rating: T
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Ario Anindito
Inker: Mark Morales
Colourist: Frank William
Letterer: VC’s Ariana Maher
Cover Artist: Ario Anindito
The synopsis;
Balance of the Force Chapter II: Tey Sirrek
Death Strikes On Jedha! A Jedi lies dead in an ancient shrine, another on the trail of the murderer. Who is using ancient Force powers on the streets of the holy city, and why are sacred relics going missing? And why do all roads lead to the Temple of the Whills?
The reivew;
The main cast are ready to fight in Anindito’s direct cover, which is gorgeously vibrant and has a true movie poster feel to it. It’s very kinetic and the use of shadows only plays up the lightsabers even more. Reis’ variant is a character study of recently introduced Jedi Knight, Vildar Mac, which has quite a Western tone with its warm, dusty browns. Finally, Matty takes centre stage in Stott’s variant, filled with action lines and a really cool reverse-grip lightsaber pose.
On the Pilgrim Moon of Jedha, a Jedi Knight lies dead in an ancient shrine, while the perpetrator is on the run amidst the crowds of the faithful. It’s up to Padawan, Matthea Cathley, to aid the Knight and hope that the power of the Force does not so easily succumb to the mysterious arts of the Dark Side. But who is this mysterious rogue who can take down a Jedi Knight?
Even under Imperial rule in Rogue One, Jedha appeared to be a tumultuous place as different cultures tried to coexist in the same space. Scott expertly weaves this into The High Republic #2, highlighting how it is not only Force users or believers on the planet, and that the Jedi hold very little sway on this world. It’s one of the few places where Jedi robes are only an identifier, with the Order given very little respect from the other sects. It’s such an interesting juxtaposition to see the Jedi rendered almost ordinary, and not seen much outside a few episodes of The Clone Wars.
It also makes Matty a real native of Jedha. She knows how to deal with the different cultures, and isn’t bothered by how her Jedi status doesn’t truly mean anything. It could help that she’s still a Padawan, so isn’t quite as entitled as some older Jedi become, and can respectfully handle even the insults thrown at the members of the Jedi Order. She’s like an easygoing tour-guide who’s not only taking fans through the story, but pointing out the things that are sure to be relevant going forward in the plot.
Last issue saw Vildar Mac downed by a purple assailant in a true Cavan Scott cliffhanger. However, the Jedi rises like a freshly bitten vampire, practically scaring the life out of Matty. Rather than rest up, Vildar brushes off his heart stopping like it’s no big deal, and goes straight in pursuit of his attacker. This is where the differences between Matty and Vildar become clear. While the Padawan can calmly walk the streets, Vildar tries to use his Jedi rank to barge through everything. Vildar may be the Knight, yet Matty holds far more patience and knowledge. It will be really exciting to see how their friendship develops, because there’s so much potential for the two to learn off each other.
As for the purple villain (who we fondly nicknamed pointy-eared Thanos), he’s more morally grey than The High Republic #1 implied. Rather than being a terrible Dark Sider, Tey Sirrek is more of a mischievous vigilante. His intentions are revealed to be good, even if his methods are a little questionable, and his allegiances are still a bit murky. He’s got lots of potential to be a fun scoundrel – something every Star Wars story needs.
With so much story in one issue, there’s so much fantastic art by Anindito to appreciate. There’s a psychedelic Force vision scene as Vildar uses a new power to try and find Tey, which is loose and ambiguous, meant to be as confusing to the reader as it is to Vildar. There’s also plenty of expression on Matty that speaks so much alongside her lines, while Tey’s body language is full of elfin grace. The action sequences are just as amazing, and the finale is a brilliant callback (or should that be call forward) to a certain Rogue One character.
Availability;
Star Wars: The High Republic (2022) is an ongoing series published by Marvel Comics. This issue is available via The Marvel App, ComiXology and from all good comic book stores and retails at $3.99.
