Published: March 29, 2023
Rating: T
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Andrea Broccardo, Marika Caresta
Inker: Mark Morales
Colourist: Frank William
Letterer: VC’s Ariana Maher
Cover Artist: Yanick Paquette, Alejandro Sánchez
The synopsis;
THE SIEGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT!
• Vildar, Tey and Matty are forced into a corner, with enemies closing in all around.
• But what is the secret of the hidden Jedi vault?
• And who will die in the freezing Jedha desert?
The reivew;
Standing bravely together, fists or weapons raised against an unseen enemy, Vildar and Matty protect the doors to Enlightenment in Paquette & Sánchez’s direct cover. It really carries a sense of hope. In complete contrast is Villanelli’s variant which uses an extremely dark colour palette, a mass of writhing limbs coming for the Jedi as the riots consume Jedha. Finally, Zircher’s variant features a courageous Oliviah as she makes a last stand at the statue of the Final Protector, hinting at the ominous tone this issue takes.
After leading injured citizens and even members of the Path of the Open Hand to the doors of Enlightenment, Vildar Mac desperately pleads with its proprietor for sanctuary. As the riots spread throughout the city, and enforcer droids exchange fire, the Jedi Knights are overwhelmed. Jedha has become chaos, yet are these seemingly unrelated attacks actually part of a larger plan? If the riots are a distraction, then what are the perpetrators really doing?
It is not often that we see Jedi retreating. Throughout this series so far, we have seen Vildar and Matty being quite optimistic about facing the restless mobs of Jedha. Yet after the attack that blocked their connection to the Force, the pair are rattled and trying not to show it. Vildar knows that fighting the people will only confirm their suspicions and rile the crowds even more – so retreat is the best option. While the sacred mandate of the Jedi might be to protect people, there is no helping those who do not want to be protected.
Last issue Scott showed us the people of Jedha coming together in order to help one another and save lives. It was a beautiful scene, inspiring the Jedi view of harmony and how people are stronger together than they are alone. The High Republic (2022) #7 has none of that! The proprietor of the Enlightenment (that seedy bar from the first issue) begrudgingly lets Vildar bring the injured inside for sanctuary, and that’s mainly to avoid the mobs crashing the place instead. And once inside everyone begins arguing about the best course of action. Tey wants to go out and protect the people. Vildar wants to stay put. And Matty is trying to stop the two from starting a bar fight!
Tey’s got a point though. He might try to hide his noble side, but you can’t take the Guardian of the Whills out of the Guardian of the Whills. He wants to take anyone who’s fit enough to fight to go back out and help, arguing with Vildar and throwing in some jokes that are so terrible they’re funny. However, Tey is using humour to deliberately lighten this situation. The survivors from the Path of the Open Hand, not to mention the people who were just having a drink at the bar, are all scared at being trapped while the rioters roam the streets. It is a stressful, intense situation, so Tey is putting on a calm front punctuated with jokes. It’s a clever plan, even if Vildar still wants to punch the purple Sephi in the face.
Meanwhile out on the desert sands comes the clue to how this story is starting to tie together. Scott is working a lot of threads throughout this plot, and well over a dozen characters, so it’s a little tricky keeping pace with it all. However, as Jedi Zeveron and Master Leebon stand in the remains of the Final Protector, one of the fallen statue’s fans see in Rogue One, a reason is revealed for all this chaos. The riots are a distraction. With eyes turned to the chaos on the streets, it is allowing someone to pillage the Temple of Kyber and now this statue to try and find something. The Rod of Daybreak. Apparently, this item is meant to be a myth – but someone has found its hiding place.
Accompanying all this ferocious action is the amazing artwork by Andrea Broccardo and Marika Cresta. Both of their styles combine perfectly throughout this issue. What is particularly striking are the action sequences, which really play with angles, making Matty and Vildar stand out in fighting poses. There’s a sense of movement to it, highlighting the feet and hands of the characters in dynamic ways that only add to the realism. There are also some funnier ones, especially when Tey jokes he’s “all ears” and he’s posed in profile, so his big, pointed ears are on full display.
Trapped within Enlightenment and on the dunes of the Jedha desert, the Jedi are losing in The High Republic (2022) #7. With mysterious forces closing in on the hiding space for the Rod of Daybreak, while Vildar is trapped behind the doors of Enlightenment, it’s a bleak outlook only made worse by the cliffhanger. What can the Rod of Daybreak do that makes it worth destroying a city for? Hopefully we’ll find out in The High Republic (2022) #8.
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.
