Published: November 1, 2021
Rating: T
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Georges Jeanty
Colourist: Carlos Lopez & Jesus Aburtov
Inkers: Karl Story, Victor Olazaba, Mark Morales
Letterer: VC’s Travis Lanham
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
The synopsis;
THE HUNT FOR LOURNA DEE CONTINUES!
The NIHIL have unleashed a unknown terror against the Jedi. MARSHAL AVAR KRISS is more determined than ever to bring LOURNA DEE to justice, but does STELLAN GIOS and the JEDI COUNCIL agree? As KEEVE TRENNIS struggles with what she experienced on the Nihil base, the Jedi prepare for war. PLUS, the truth about SSKEER is finally revealed—but what does it mean for his future?
The review;
Melting away in a beam of cold, red light, Jedi twin Terec is suspended in a painful embrace. His eyes are glowing but empty, mouth frozen in pain. Noto has outdone himself with this direct cover, which looks like something straight off a horror movie poster. On the complete opposite end of the scale is a beautiful anime rendition of Avar Kriss by Momoko, complete with a softly swirling galaxy background. Turini’s variant is also a lot gentler, as a white robed Orla Jareni is poised with her double-bladed lightsaber.
Last issue young Jedi Knight, Keeve Trennis, was sent to infiltrate the murderous Nihil, but her cover was blown by a treacherous Hutt. After her discovery the marauders unleashed a terrible weapon that strikes fear even into the heart of a Jedi. Now Keeve is left to watch her comrade, Terec, fall victim to its power while her mind is being broken by the monster. On course to rescue her is Marshal Avar Kriss, who’s plagued by guilt for sending the Jedi on this mission. Even as she desperately plunges through hyperspace, it may be too late for them both.
Ever since the finale of The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott, there has been a sense of foreboding over the High Republic timeline. Something was coming that would test the mettle of the Jedi. Something fans had never seen, or even thought of before. For The High Republic #11 this comes to fruition, as Scott teases what this monster is really. It’s just a hint. A glimpse through smoke. And the destruction left in its path. It is a perfect piece of storytelling because it only adds to the morbid curiosity about this monster. Fans have no idea when it will truly be revealed and that only adds to the power of this creature.
A power that turns its attention onto Keeve and Terec. Already Keeve has endured so much, yet now she has to face the Nihil’s monster all alone. Her fear is palpable, and it is heartbreaking see. Here is a skilled young Jedi brought to despair and hopelessness, the very antithesis of the Jedi code. Scott is not reining in how much he’s willing to put these characters through, and it’s an adage that the worst can happen to the best of people. There’s no sense to it and somehow, we have to work through it.
Adding to all this heartbreak and pain is Jeanty’s artwork. The switch in artists feels very natural and he brings some incredible panels to this issue. Every scene of Keeve is so tragic it is like watching an actor portray it on screen. All this comic needed was a soundtrack – it is that cinematic. The looks of horror combined with the tears rooted in fear are so realistically drawn. There are beautifully drawn action sequences and detailed panels throughout, yet it is when Jeanty focusses on the characters that will likely have readers stopping and just absorbing.
While this is Keeve’s story, Avar gets her moment later in the issue and it’s fantastic to see the Marshal being such a natural leader. Scott gives her a moment in the finale that is straight from Episode IX, as she attempts to drag a Nihil ship out of the sky, calling on the Force as her witness. Hopefully there will be even more of her prowess in The High Republic #12, as she’s one of the least explored of the main High Republic Jedi at the moment.
Her superhero final stand is exactly where The High Republic #11 finishes, so only time will tell if Avar actually succeeds or if the Nihil have reinforcements to overpower her. Even if the Nihil escape, what has their monster done to Terec and Keeve? Why can’t the Marshal hear their song in the Force? Something is still very wrong and unfortunately the Jedi are no closer to finding out how to save themselves.
Availability;
Star Wars: The High Republic #11 was published on November 10, 2021 by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic book stores.
