Published: October 20, 2021
Rating: T
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Georges Jeanty
Colourist: Carlos Lopez
Inkers: Karl Story & Victor Olazaba
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
The synopsis;
A NEW STORY BEGINS THIS ISSUE – THE SHADOW OF THE NIHIL! Following the terrible events of The Rising Storm, the villainous NIHIL are in retreat, hunted by THE JEDI. WAYSEEKER KNIGHT ORLA JARENI is attacked by a lone Nihil Stormship in deep space, a Stormship commanded by one of the Jedi’s own. Which of STARLIGHT BEACON’S number have joined the Nihil Horde? And how far will they turn from the light?
The review;
Standing back-to-back, ringed by the Nihil, Keeve and Terec are ready for action in Noto’s direct cover which summarises the whole comic pretty nicely. Their mirrored looks of determination make sense as the ruse is up. Meanwhile Avar Kriss takes centre stage in Wijngaard’s variant, along with a stunning photo-realistic portrait in Turini’s exclusive. Jeanty’s cover is a bit of a spoiler for the story, but it still looks creepily amazing.
In an attempt to uncover the Nihil’s plot, Marshal Avar Kriss has sent Keeve Trennis undercover to try and infiltrate the murderous marauders. However, there’s a big difference between being a Jedi and posing as a Nihil, so Keeve is walking a fine line of deception. Especially when one of the Nihil’s prisoners happens to be a former, if reluctant, ally of the Jedi. With the risk of blowing her cover so high, but the information she’s gathering so vital, Keeve’s beliefs will be pushed to the limit.
It’s like Scott knew The High Republic #10 was being released relatively close to Halloween. There are so many creepy moments in this issue, that border between being really cool and gross at the same time. Want to see the skeleton of a Trandoshan? How about the insides of a Hutt? Oh, and let’s not forget the shadowy, tentacled thing at the end? Fans are in for a treat of weird goodness, and that’s not even mentioning the plot.
Keeve’s so calm about being in the midst of a Nihil stronghold, surrounded by hostiles on all sides. Scott keeps writing her as a very dependable and calm character, and it’s easy to forget on times that she’s still a teenager. It’s fantastic writing that really ditches the typical teen stereotype. Keeve plays her part as a rough-around-the-edges Nihil so well, yet once Myarga enters the picture, her plans get derailed. Some callous Jedi may have sacrificed the Hutt to her fate, but Keeve is a good person even to those who perhaps don’t deserve it, and some subterfuge with the Force appears to save the day. Until the Nihil remove Myarga’s muzzle. Once the Hutt starts talking, things go sour very quickly.
This is where Jeanty has fun with the artwork. Firstly, Myarga’s muzzle. It looks exactly like the type used on Loki in The Avengers, plus she even has chained manacles. Then there’s the Hutt’s interrogation which involves some electrocution, lighting up Myarga’s bones like an X-ray. It’s all complemented with bright, noxious green and blue colours by Lopez, giving the whole thing a proper horror-style flair. However, it is the ending panel that is the creepiest of all and leaves the whole comic on a massive cliff-hanger. Again. Scott should really think about doing a Masterclass course or TED Talk on them because he’s becoming an expert at cliffhangers throughout The High Republic.
Scott appears to be tying in The High Republic #10 with the finale of The Rising Storm, which is not good news for the Jedi, although it will be exciting to see if that means it will also cross-over with DJ Older’s Trail of Shadows mini-series. The unknown threat to the Jedi is being handled so mysteriously and there’s so many questions that fans want answered.
Keeve has been found out but what secret weapon do the Nihil possess to overcome a Jedi? Meanwhile, aboard the Republic starship Ataraxia, Avar Kriss is catching up to Keeve, but will she arrive in time? There is more at play than either side truly understands, and some may be revealed in The High Republic #11!
Availability;
Star Wars: The High Republic #10 was published October 20, 2021 by Marvel Comics. This issue is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic book stores and retails at $3.99.
