Published: February 2, 2022
Rating: T
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Ario Anindito
Inker: Mark Morales
Colourist: Carlos Lopez
Letterer: VC’s Ariana Maher
Book Design: Carlos Lao
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
The synopsis;
THE EDGE OF DESTRUCTION!
From Hero of Hetzal to…murderer? Can Keeve Trennis stop Marshal Avar Kriss from making a fatal mistake? Death and danger await the Starlight Jedi as they finally close in on their enemy. Tying directly into Claudia Gray’s Star Wars: The Fallen Star, phase one of Star Wars: The High Republic enters its cataclysmic final wave of stories. Everything is about to change.
The review;
Ominously gazing at a tiny holographic schematic of Starlight Beacon, the Nihil marauders look chillingly cunning on Noto’s direct cover. It’s also the first time Marchion Ro has appeared on a High Republic cover, and his cyclops style helmet is wonderfully alien. McKone’s variant is an incredible composition of Avar Kriss, with the dark bokeh background perfect for her current state of mind, while Wijngaard focusses on a lightsaber stealing Lourna Dee.
Led by Marshal Avar Kriss, the Jedi lead an attack on the Nihil’s hideout in No-Space. Avar is determined to capture Lourna Dee once and for all, wishing to make the Nihil pay for their atrocities against the High Republic. However, her battle tactics take the Marshal ever closer to the Dark Side. Only young Jedi Knight, Keeve Trennis, has a chance to stop Avar from making a fatal mistake. However, it may be out of her hands once Stellan Gios comes after the rogue Marshal.
After the cliffhanger of The High Republic #13, a lot needed to be addressed about Avar Kriss in this issue. It’s beautifully written by Cavan Scott as the Marshal is indeed stopped from making a killing blow by the much younger Keeve Trennis. Even amidst the raging battle, Scott pauses the story to really focus on the feelings of the two women, especially as Avar reflects on her actions. It’s not just brushed away. She did try to kill Lourna. However, Avar can see through the eyes of Keeve, that her actions would have made her no better than the Nihil. It’s not a quick fix either, as even after Avar seems to still be in a darker headspace.
Avar not submitting to the Dark Side though is all because of the brave actions of Keeve. The young Jedi Knight began as a snarky teenager who was perhaps a little too confident in her abilities, but war and loss have now moulded her into wisdom well beyond Keeve’s years. Being able to stand up to the Marshal, having the courage to tell the adult that she’s wrong, shows how far Keeve’s character has come. All along Scott has made this series Keeve’s story and the Jedi he’s created is a role-model just as amazing in the Force as Rey, but with the gravitas of Princess Leia. Her story is one fans will want to see continued – and not just in the comics.
While Keeve was right and that Avar’s actions were wrong, it still doesn’t make Lourna any less annoying. Her continuous escapes from the jaws of doom are starting to get quite frustrating! It’s certainly deliberate writing, so her character still needs to play a part, but considering the terrible things the Tempest has done, then her reckoning will have to arrive at some point.
With all the emotional turmoil and battle rage in The High Republic #14 then there’s plenty of kinetic artwork to enjoy. Anindito outdoes himself with the incredible panels focusing on Avar and Lourna’s duel, from the desperation in the Marshal’s eyes to the bloodlust on Lourna’s face. Even after the fight Anindito makes Avar look weary, her shoulders slumped, and face scratched. It only adds to the deep emotions running through this whole story. However, possibly the best panel of all is the tender moment between Sskeer and Keeve. Somehow Anindito actually makes the Trandoshan look tender, as he gently cups his former Padawan’s face with his claws.
That’s not the end of the emotions either, as The High Republic #14 ties in with The Fallen Star by Claudia Gray. So, Keeve must face the Nihil’s deadly weapon again, Stellan Gios names himself Marshal after Avar having defied the Council, and Sskeer may be forced to leave the Order.
With all of this and one last issue to go to conclude this arc, Cavan Scott’s finale for the High Republic is sure to be heart-wrenching, especially for fans who have already read The Fallen Star. The fate of Starlight Beacon and the characters fans have grown to love all hangs in the balance.
Availability;
Star Wars: The High Republic #14 is published by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic book stores.
