Published: May 24, 2023
Rating: T
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Ario Anindito
Inker: Mark Morales
Colourist: Frank William
Letterer: VC’s Ariana Maher
Cover Artist: Rafael de Latorre & Marcelo Maiolo
The synopsis;
BALANCE FOR THE FORCE, CHAPTER V: LURE OF THE DARK SIDE
STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC PHASE TWO FINALE!
The LEVELER has been unleashed in a secret Jedi vault on JEDHA. Jedi Knight VILDAR MAC has risked everything to defeat the PATH OF THE OPEN HAND, but in the face of tragedy, can he resist the lure of the dark side? Jedha’s Battle for the Force reaches its epic conclusion!
The review;
Standing back-to-back while surrounded by shadowy foes, smoke rising from the ruins of Jedha, Vildar and Matty are the only hope for the balance of the Force. As the final cover for this series, it really encapsulates the bond these Jedi have formed. Meanwhile López’s variant features a ferocious portrait of Matty as the different Force sects go head-to-head in a busy composition that works so well. The spunky Padawan is also the focus for Suayan’s variant, which has almost an oil-painting feel that gives Matty a sense of historic heroism. Finally, Yu’s variant is an incredibly dynamic duel between Vildar and the Herald as the two face off in the secret chamber under the Final Protector.
Tey Sirrek lies dead. After saving Vildar Mac from the Path of the Open Hand, the Sephi was cut down by none other than Yana Ro herself. Consumed by guilt and falling into anger, Vildar seizes the Dark Side relic of the Hand of Siberus, losing himself to its power as he faces off against the Path. Channeling its energy, Vildar risks losing himself to the Dark Side forever. Across the dunes, Padawan Matty Cathley desperately stands against the rioting hordes, the streets of Jedha in chaos, and fire running rampant. All seems lost. Yet in the darkest of times, unexpected heroes can rise.
Cavan Scott is known for ripping our hearts out when it comes to The High Republic, whether that’s the books or comics. In The High Republic (2022) #9 it appeared that fan favourite, Tey Sirrek, had been killed by Yana. Yet we all owe Cavan an apology… or maybe he needs to apologise to us for putting us through it, because rising up in this issue is none other than the Sephi himself! Tey lives! Not only can the Sephi species stop hearts momentarily – but they can also survive their own hearts stopping for longer than a human. There’s no rest for the wicked though, because Tey is thrown right back into the thick of the action.
Vildar is so consumed by the power from the Hand of Siberus that he’s unaware of Tey’s return, duelling the Herald with all his anger. The statue of the Final Protector truly lives up to its name, a final resting place for hiding these dangerous Sith artefacts. Considering the danger they pose to Force users, it does beg the question of why the Jedi didn’t just destroy these items? Can Sith artefacts and objects imbued with the Dark Side simply not be destroyed? Unless it’s a Sith wayfinder that’s smashed under a boot. Slight mystery aside, it allows for a powerful and emotionally charged duel.
Blinded by his anger and seeking revenge for Tey, along with Master Leebon’s death at the maw of the Leveller, Vildar doesn’t hold back. This isn’t a Jedi fighting, which can be seen by the aggressive style of combat Vildar is using. Standing poised to strike the Herald down, it seems that Vildar will give into the dark. Yet it’s Tey who manages to get through to him and past the power of the gauntlet. It’s a very moving scene, the two having long since moved from reluctant allies, and now into a realm of true friendship. Tey sees Vildar as a person and not just as a Jedi, much like how Vildar saw beyond the Sephi’s sarcastic façade.
When the two stroll back into Jedha city with the Herald as a prisoner, Matty isn’t surprised to see them working together finally. That’s probably because Matty didn’t have her heart stopped by Tey, so the two have less to work through, and she’s always believed in the goodness that Tey tries to hide. However, because of the influence of the Leveller, she didn’t feel the passing of Master Leebon and the Padawan finds herself masterless. Now, considering how much Matty’s been through, almost singlehandedly protecting the city and staying more level-headed than the adults, she is definitely ready for Knighthood. Yet Vildar steps up to be her Master, suggesting that Matty is humble enough to realise that she needs to learn more. One day she will make a terrific Jedi Knight.
And then comes the best scene of the entire High Republic (2022) series. Jedha finally coming together to celebrate the Festival of Balance. Every different sect and the citizens work to clear away the rubble, repairing buildings, and cleaning up the streets. After all the city has been through, it is finally time to heal. It’s a beautifully uplifting message – that even when we may be divided, if we can come together for a cause, then we start to see how connected we all are.
It’s during this healing montage that Ario Anindito delivers a panel which fans have all been hoping for (especially the Viltey shippers). Tey reels Vildar in for a hug! The Sephi has been joking about it for so many issues, with Vildar awkwardly avoiding them at every turn, but he finally accepts Tey’s embrace. Anindito zooms in on this moment, making it all the more intimate. It’s as if the reader is getting a hug from Tey too. Throughout The High Republic (2022) #10, each character has had their key moment. From Vildar’s fight to Matty’s almost last stand, and to end it on such a warm note truly makes this issue something really special. All the artwork throughout this series has been absolutely stunning, ranging from cinematic pans across the Jedha landscape to these softer character moments. Each panel in this final issue is one to savour.
The High Republic (2022) #10 is the finale for this series and the second phase of the High Republic, which seems to have flown by. This arc has introduced new characters who easily sit beside the likes of Keeve Trennis and Avar Kriss. They will be missed, which makes this (unusually) happy ending so poignant. Phase III is returning to the timeline of Marchion Ro’s war against the 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, Mark Morales, Frank William, VC’s Ariana Maher, Rafael de Latorre, Marcelo Maiolo, and everyone at Marvel who worked on The High Republic (2022). They are the light and life behind this masterpiece! And always remember to accept a hug from a Sephi!
Availability;
Star Wars: The High Republic (2022) is a 10 part series published by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available from ComiXology and all good comic book stores.
