Published: December 28, 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;
GUARDIAN NO MORE!
• Vildar and Matty at the mercy of the GUARDIANS OF THE WHILLS!
• The truth about Tey Sirrek revealed.
• Terror is about to strike at the Temple of Kyber!
The reivew;
Racing through the night with a monstrous figure giving chase, Tey Sirrek’s determination is clear on Anindito’s direct cover. It’s a much more heroic theme for a character whose motivations have previously been quite murky. Meanwhile Tey is more of a shadowy presence on Laming’s variant, his face scowling in the shadows, with a greater focus on Matty and Vildar who are in grand Jedi poses. Finally, a gorgeous portrait of Matty adorns Lupacchino’s variant, which makes beautiful use of purple to complement the Padawan’s reddish skin tone.
Cavan Scott isn’t afraid to add dark and horror elements into his Star Wars stories, and fans have come to expect all kinds of gruesome within his writing. However, The High Republic (2022) #3 is the most horrifying he’s written yet, not because of any type of monster, but because of the monstrousness of human action. It’s a raw and brutal glimpse at deliberate actions that lead to the suffering of others, all for the sake of profit and power. It’s physically hard to put into words the profound effect that this comic has, and which Scott has sensitively written without shying away from the darkness.
Please be aware that this review delves into the plot of The High Republic (2022) #3 with references to subjects that some readers may find uncomfortable to read.
After teaming up with Padawan Matty and local vigilante Tey Sirrek, Jedi Knight Vildar Mac is investigating the mystery of a valuable missing artefact. The Firebird of Colassa is a statue protected by the Guardians of the Whills, yet none of the trained warriors have noticed its disappearance from their sacred temple. Without proof, the Guardians immediately point the blame on Tey, casting him under the suspicion of the Jedi and breaking their fragile truce. What has Tey’s past have to do with the Guardians and why do the Whills hate the young Sephi so much?
Having gained access to the temple of the Guardians of the Whills, Vildar leads them to discover that somehow an artefact has gone missing under their watch. After seeing some of the few remaining Guardians in Rogue One being so devoted to their work, it’s quite surprising to see how complacent these warriors are in the time of The High Republic. Not only are they sure that nothing could have been stolen, but they also consider the statue an insignificant part of their collection.
It’s this complacency that then leads into a flashback about Tey’s past. He’s only appeared in two issues so far and by all accounts seemed a bit of a scoundrel. However, it seems that bravado is a front hiding a character who is deeply wounded and conflicted about his past. The High Republic (2022) #3 paints Tey in a completely new and unexpected light, one that is tragically heartbreaking but is sure to endear him to so many fans.
Tey Sirrek used to be a Guardian of the Whills, training every day to protect the Temple of Kyber. Yet he’s dissatisfied with the obvious inaction of the warriors and how they do not try to protect the everyday citizens of Jedha. Indeed, it’s something he directly confronts his captain about, only for his concerns to be dismissed. The citizens are not the responsibility of the Guardians. Having seen some children looking for coin and food near the temple, rather than just accept this, as many of the other recruits have done, Tey decides to rebel to try and help these kids living on the streets.
In his quest to give them aid Tey uncovers that the children are forced into the service of a local mob boss – Anst Wozo. Most of the money they earn he pockets. And then Tey uncovers something even worse. When a deal goes wrong for Wozo, he attempts to silence the children, so they won’t give away his secrets. And the Guardians knew all along, yet did nothing, claiming duty only to the temple. Heartbroken and angry, Tey discovers the children, beaten, broken, or worse, within the sewers they called home. It is at this point that Ario Anindito needs to be commended for his artwork. These panels are shocking, and rightfully so, filled with Tey’s pain and the children’s suffering. It’s visceral artwork that makes you want to look away, but you cannot.
The monstrousness of Wozo is perhaps the darkest Star Wars has ever gone. Not only does he take advantage of these children through fear, but to take such violent action on innocents is completely incomprehensible. Yet are the Guardians any better? They decided to turn a blind eye to Wozo’s actions when they could have helped to protect these children. When Tey decides to walk away from the Whills, it is completely understandable. He doesn’t want to be associated with any of these people who are bystanders to evil.
Although The High Republic (2022) #3 is a continuation of the overall plot, this is Tey’s story. And it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any easier for the Sephi. He carries the guilt and pain of not being able to save those children. He returns to the temple to false accusations and his name reduced to shreds by the Whills, even though he tried to actually do something. After all this tragedy, hopefully next issue will see Tey recognised as the hero in hiding he is, and not questioned by the Jedi even further.
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.
