Published: March 3, 2021
Rating: T
Writer: Cavan Scott
Penciler: Ario Anindito
Inker: Mark Morales
Colourist: Annalisa Leoni
Letterer: VC’s Ariana Maher
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
The synopsis;
ALL-NEW SERIES CONTINUES! A DARK MYSTERY ONLY THE JEDI CAN UNRAVEL…BUT AT WHAT COST? A planet stricken by a mysterious blight. One JEDI missing and another driven insane. What horror lurks in the darkness beneath the rotting crops? Death is averted, but a terrible union is formed. Can KEEVE TRENNIS protect an innocent life while facing betrayal from within her own order?
The review;
Well, collectors have their pick of a whopping seventeen variants (that we know of, so far!) for The High Republic #3, so Force help the wallets of completists! Noto’s direct cover almost has a horror-movie vibe, with the screaming face of Ceret in red, while hero Keeve Trennis is poised over a deep, dark hole. Keeve is also the focal point of Ross’s variant, which is a beautiful portrait, while Camuncoli’s is an intimidating close-up of Master Sskeer. Each variant is so amazing in its own right and there’s certainly a cover for everyones tastes.
With Jedi-twin Ceret lost on the agricultural planet of Sedri Minor, and his twin Teret half-mad, it is up to young Jedi Knight Keeve Trennis to strike out on her own and see if she can find not only the Jedi, but also the other local children who have been going missing. However, the Dark Side is potent, causing the crops to rot, and calling out to the troubled Trandoshan Master Sskeer. Can she find the missing children before it’s too late?
This storyline is quite unique in the Star Wars canon. Agricultural planets haven’t been seen much before, and crops failing hasn’t really been mentioned outside of the Senate. If you’re a Stranger Things fan though, this comic reads like some of the episodes from Season 2 of the show, although the similarities are probably totally coincidental. As Keeve explores the fields of blackened grain, it feels reminiscent of Sheriff Hopper exploring the farms surrounding Hawkins, whilst the monster lurking beneath the soil truly has Demogorgon vibes. The High Republic #3 is the perfect comic for fans of both universes.
While Keeve is on a serious mission, Scott balances the darkness of this story by introducing kids. So, sixteen-year-old Keeve ends up having to not only search for Ceret, but also keep an eye on little Bartol, who latches onto her. Their bantering is like a long-suffering sister having to babysit her troublesome brother, and it is so fun to read. Scott writes it perfectly, from Bartol’s complete lack of concern about danger to Keeve’s frustration at having to constantly watch his back and her tongue. It’s one of the few times Keeve isn’t cursing throughout these comics. It’s rare to see youngsters working together in a Star Wars story, so this part of the plot is really refreshing.
As for the Dark Side and the monster at the heart of the disappearances, the hydra inspiration is really exciting, and it is just the right combination between gross and scary. Anindito’s artwork is fabulous, expressing the writhing, probing tentacles that are trying to work their way into any creature that stumbles across its lair.
There’s quite the range of art within The High Republic #3, and somehow Anindito even manages to make the monotonous fields on Sedri Minor visually interesting. There’s also a great interlude on Starlight Beacon that has a levitating coffee cup. Who wouldn’t want one of those? It’s a great example of a little, everyday detail that the artist twists to make it look Star Wars. Alongside the art, Leoni’s colours really come into play in this issue. So much of the story takes place underground, so the glow of Keeve’s lightsaber becomes a literal shining beacon, and the lighting of the comic panels makes everything look more realistic.
The ending of The High Republic #3 has definitely been foreshadowed in the previous two issues, so although not a complete surprise, it still leaves the question of how Keeve will escape. Sskeer has succumbed to the darkness of Sedri Minor, Ceret and Teret are possessed, and Keeve only has her lightsaber and the Light to rely upon. The High Republic #4 is certainly promising an epic showdown between former master and apprentice!
Availability;
Star Wars: The High Republic #3 was published March 3, 2021 by Marvel Comics. This issue is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic bookstores and retails at $3.99.
