Published: September 1, 2021
Rating: T
Writer: Cavan Scott
Penciler: Ario Anindito
Inker: Mark Morales, Vistor Olazaba, Sean Parsons, Marc Deering
Letterer: VC’s Ariana Maher
Colourist: Rachelle Rosenberg
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
The synopsis;
THE SHADOW OF THE NIHIL, CHAPTER I: JEDI NO MORE
A NEW STORY BEGINS THIS ISSUE—THE SHADOW OF THE NIHIL! Following the terrible events of The Rising Storm, the villainous NIHIL are in retreat, hunted by THE JEDI. WAYSEEKER KNIGHT ORLA JARENI is attacked by a lone Nihil Stormship in deep space, a Stormship commanded by one of the Jedi’s own. Which of STARLIGHT BEACON’S number have joined the Nihil Horde? And how far will they turn from the Light?
The review;
Dressed in a motley assortment of Nihil armour, helmet raised to complete her transformation, Keeve is far from being a Jedi on Noto’s direct cover. It’s a brilliant tease to what’s within this issue and sure to make fans pick up the comic. Turini’s variant is a stunning full-length portrait of Keeve standing proud with her lightsaber drawn, whilst Yu’s variant is a beautifully ethereal depiction of Orla Jareni.
After their attack on the Republic Fair, the Nihil are on the run. Devastated by the terrible events on Valo, the Jedi are determined to bring the murderous Nihil to justice – if only they could agree on a plan of action. The Jedi Council are sure that their controlled response is the correct course, yet there are fractures amidst the councillors, and disagreement is rife. Marshal Avar Kriss entrusts Keeve Trennis with a secret mission to infiltrate the Nihil, yet the risks are high, especially if the young Jedi is caught…
Scott is starting an exciting new arc with The High Republic #9, set several months after the events of The Rising Storm. What’s immediately striking is the sense that the Jedi are beginning to become less than golden. There’s part of a Jedi Council meeting where everyone is in disagreement, with Stellan in particular wanting to play bureaucrat, and it is so reminiscent of a scene from the Prequels. The Jedi are meant to be peacekeepers, for light and life, yet now they’re irrevocably intertwined with the Galactic Republic.
So, it comes as no surprise really that Keeve Trennis goes AWOL, although with the secret blessing of Avar Kriss. Keeve always wants to do what is right, no matter the risk, and the fact that she would rather risk herself than her fellow Jedi is true testament to the strength of her character. Yes, Keeve is not a typical Jedi, but her raw honesty and courage makes her character all the more relatable. This isn’t just a Jedi going into battle, this is a person going into battle. A standout moment from this issue is when Keeve stands up to Stellan’s rigidity, showing the spunky teenager isn’t afraid to call the adults out for being wrong.
With her undercover mission comes a change in costume and the way Anindito has drawn Keeve is so clever. She’s still recognisable but a change in hairstyle mixed with some really neat face-paint, lets Keeve blend in yet still stand out. Her love of colourful Star Wars language has also finally come in useful around the Nihil! During the Council meeting Anindito puts so much emphasis on the character’s expressions, with the Jedi twins’ shared looks of concern being particularly funny. It will be exciting to see how Anindito will tackle the Nihil in further issues, as there’s so much variety within the marauders.
What Scott is setting up in The High Republic #9 is how far will Keeve go for the truth. There is a massive difference between being a Jedi and being a Nihil. To become one is to give up the beliefs of the other. Will Keeve be able to have that on her conscience, even if the information she finds could be vital to stopping the marauders? It’s going to make for some fantastic character-driven plot from Scott in upcoming issues.
Already Keeve is being tested by the Nihil, the pirates suspicious of her claims, and will the young Jedi fail before her mission truly begins? Meanwhile how are the Council going to react when they realise Marshal Kriss is taking matters into her own hands? Jedi going rogue. Nihil taking prisoners. It’s all going to heat up in The High Republic #10!
Availability;
Star Wars: The High Republic #9 was published on September 1, 2021 by Marvel Comics. This issue retails at $3.99 and is available via The Marvel App and from all good comic book stores.
