Published: June 30th, 2021
Rating: T
Writer: Cavan Scott
Penciler: Georges Jeanty
Inker: Karl Story
Colourist: Annalisa Leoni
Letterer: VC’s Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
The synopsis;
ATTACK OF THE HUTTS! The HIGH REPUBLIC JEDI clash with HUTT forces. GAMORREANS! NIKTO! BATTLE RANCORS! STARLIGHT BEACON over-run by a creeping alien horror! Can VERNESTRA RWOH and her Padawan IMRI CANTAROS find a way to save Starlight’s infected masses? Plus, KEEVE TRENNIS learns the terrible secret MASTER SSKEER has been carrying for so long. Can she ever trust him again?
The review;
Action, action and more action is the theme for all of the cover variants for The High Republic #6, as the storyline enters its second arc. Riding atop a rancor, lightsaber raised in salute, Avar Kriss looks like a true sci-fi knight in Noto’s direct cover, whilst Pham’s variant is a startling depiction of a possessed Master Sskeer, his eyes inhumanly glowing. Garron’s Pride variant is a beautifully drawn study of the Jedi twins, whilst Turini’s mixes a galaxy background with a poised-to-strike Vernestra Rwoh. And poised to strike the Jedi need to be in this new arc.
After securing a shaky alliance with the Hutts to try and curb the drengir invasion of the Outer Rim, Jedi Master Avar Kriss leads an unlikely battalion of rancors and Jedi Knights to protect the citizens under threat from being consumed by the vicious plants. Meanwhile, within the safety of Starlight Beacon, young Jedi Knight Keeve Trennis is desperately attempting to save her former master, Sskeer, from being totally consumed by the drengir’s dark influence – and losing his connection to the Force forever…
Starting The High Republic #6 with Keeve’s narration is a brilliant piece of story design by Scott, as Keeve’s thoughts not only explain what’s been happening to the galaxy (which is helpful in catching up readers) but also her change in mindset. Gone is the young, unworried Padawan and now Keeve is beginning to feel the touches of hopelessness. It’s a stark contrast to how the glorious golden age of the High Republic began, further emphasising the very real threat the drengir pose to the Jedi.
One of the most famous parts of the Jedi code is to not form attachment, but it is Keeve’s friendship with her former Master that makes her practically relentless to try and set him free from the drengir’s clutches. Whilst the action sequences take up a good half of the plot, it is Keeve’s heart that makes The High Republic #6, her determination to find the Light that she knows is still within Sskeer. Their interaction through an almost telepathic mental connection is so beautifully written by Scott, with a suspense that will keep readers turning the pages and desperately rooting for Keeve’s compassion. It is one of the key principles of Star Wars storytelling, that there is still good within a person, and Keeve is unafraid to do anything to find that good.
This issue hits all the emotional beats so masterfully yet the action is just as good. Seeing Jedi Knights battling on rancor mounts is something fans did not know they needed! This is only enhanced by Jeanty’s artwork. The panels are amazing to look at and somehow, even with all the action and details, Jeanty always seems to draw a reader’s attention to the character’s eyes. From the slitted pupils of Myarga the Hutt, to Keeve’s pleading face, the eyes are the window into each character’s soul and emotions. One of the standout panels is also very unusual in style, as Jeanty distorts the figures to make it appear as if they’re moving very quickly, which is particularly effective against a swirling abstract background.
By the looks of it, Scott is planting the seeds (excuse the pun) for more The High Republic lore to be developed further in coming issues, with mentions of ancient records, Wild Space and an unknown planet. It will be very interesting to see where this will expand, what Force secrets may be revealed and what other parts of this publishing programme it will tie-in with.
The High Republic #6 has a finale that ends with the Jedi having a not-quite-a-plan. With secrets of the drengir uncovered, they have a real shot at ending their advance on the galaxy. However, reaching the drengir home world will be no easy task. Who amongst the Jedi will take up the challenge in The High Republic #7?
Availability;
Star Wars: The High Republic #6 was published June 30, 2021 by Marvel Comics. This issue is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic bookstores and retails at $3.99.
